Drove the Mini
 

I don't know how many people have driven these yet. They are awesome. I went down to our local Mini dealer (Momentum) and took a Cooper for a test drive (they didn't have a Cooper S tester available). $16,750 for almost all of the equipment that is even optional on the Protege:

6 Airbags
15" Alloys (upgradable to 16 or 17's available on the S)
BMW sound system
Power everything
Full ABS (EBD and CBC)
Flat tire monitor
Full Service for 3 years 36,000 miles.

Even with the 15 inch tires it was sweet. Almost no body roll (even with the normal suspension), great transmission (no slop like ours has), and a drive by wire accelerator. The steering is a little stiff, the brakes a little fast, and the clutch is the exact opposite of ours (clutch engages in the last inch or so of travel) but what a ride.

For $1,250 you can get a Sport Package (16" or 17" wheels, fog lights, DSC, spoiler, etc) or a Premium Package (Sunroof, automatic AC, onboard computer). They have a 6 step CVT available in the Cooper and an onboard navigation system. Xenon headlights are available in the Cooper S with the sport package. Take a look www.miniusa.com. Unless Mazda, or some other car company, pulls one hell of a rabbit out of their hats I think I've found my next car.

Haven't driven it yet. I think I'd better not, if I'm going to be satisfied with my Protege :D

I sat in a Cooper S at the Detroit Auto Show and couldn't have been more impressed. They're sooo nice inside.

Kinda wanna drive one, but I've only had my car seven months. Need to keep it at least 3 years ;)

lol i heard those cars got some nasty hp for there size, they are a hot car i still luv my proto!

i drove 1 for quite a test drive..

likes....handles very flat (not as flat as my lowered miata) but flatter then any other car ive driven. drove the cooper S, good acceleration, seemed to spin the belt at/over redline.

dislikes....car only had 3000mi and the trunk squeaked already. seemed very cheap inside.

back seat pretty useless, very little space behind the rear seat. engine comp very very cramped.

i evan went as fas as to join a mini webiste, alot of problems w/ reliaibilty and alot of lemons, car's bought back. but owner's are so happy to have a mini that they overlook the faults. not me....reliability first and foremest,

thats why the miata....

i might have bought it if, the back seat would've fit a forward facing infant seat.... decent value....$23k for the S model.

lol, you said "trunk" when talking about a mini

I did not find it that bad. I didn't think it was up to VW quality but definitely on par with my Pro. The test mule I drove was already over 5k and still going strong. I wish they would have let me take it on the track (Momentum has their own) but I guess that is for more expensive brands. It is noisy, about as loud as my Pro.

Reliability always makes me nervous but I have been hearing horror stories from most of the lines. I'm guessing they are all having one stupid problem or another. I've had enough problems with my Protege that I'm getting sick of it. At least the Mini dealer said they would give me a loaner Mini (or if they were out BMW or other brand they carry loaner) when my car was in for FREE maintenance or warranty service. Thats a lot better in my book than having to drive a 2.0L SOHC Focus or Escort around while my dealership tries to fix the problem I have (so far they are possibly 1 for 3 in actually eventually fixing what I bitched about to begin with, the third is something they broke when it was in the shop for 2).

I'm going to kick your boot.