Any Mini Owners? Would you recommend?

[Cheeseandolivesplease]

Just that really! I have one 6 yo and my husband's car would remain as the family car for long journeys.
I use my car for work - short distances to various locations - and basically as a run-around.

I had a soft top and loved it when the top was down but found visibility awful with the top up, such a small back window, lots of blind spots - I much prefer a taller car and better visibility

@Menohaze Good point. I definitely need to test drive one first! What sort of year was your model?

I love mine beyond all rhyme or reason! I have a Clubman, it makes me smile every time I get into it 😁. As pp said, it does take a little getting used to. The visibility to begin with was like looking through a post box. However, I came from an older car with an enormous windscreen. Took about two weeks. Also a wide turning circle. But I love it. 😍

I’m on my 3rd and I’m getting a new one in September. I really love minis and they’re perfect for me. I use my husband’s big Audi if I need it.

@Plumcorkyduff And that's the thing! I could get a more "sensible" car but don't think I'd feel like that about getting into it like I would a Mini.
My husband thinks I should go for "more bang for the buck" options but I've told him it's not his money! 😆
A part of me thinks I'm being selfish choosing something in my life for "me" that I like, but I'm 45 and then think well, why not?!! It would be second hand.

I Love mine. so much character and soul. though yes to the visibility issues. but my partner wants me to use the smart car more (cost of petrol here) but its got so much less character and fun-factor.

@ReleaseTheDucksOfWar I mean, I'm just in it for the funky light-up display tbh - soooooo cool! On that note... is it possible to change it to pink?!! The showroom lad could only find yellow or blue...

Mine is burgundy. does that count?

ive got one, love it. 5 years old now and never missed a beat. Nice to drive and lovely interior.
My only gripe is for a small car it’s really not great on fuel

The latest Minis have really good safety ratings too, which is a bonus. I love Minis, also they tend to include most things you'd want as standard so they can actually work out to be quite good value.

@ReleaseTheDucksOfWar As in the display colour? That's cool. I'm very sparkly and pink though...well, actually, given the choice I'd have a rainbow disco going on!!!! 😆

I absolutely love mine, it's my third Mini, they're so easy to drive, but hold their speed well on the motorway abd are great in city traffic, and parking's a doddle.
I definitely recommend 👌

@StrawberryLipstickStateOfMind1 That sounds like it would tick the boxes as I do a lot of town and dual-carriage way driving in particular.
Another q...do they all have reverse parking sensors? I called it a "binger bonger" to the guy in the showroom today, but he knew straight away what I meant!!! 😆

Defo recommend! I have a 71 plate Cooper Sport 1.5 & love it! In terms of reliability go for 2014 or newer, known as the F56 as they are vastly more reliable than the previous R56. Mines a 3 door & the boots very small but usable, however you might want to consider a 5 door. I would also recommend checking what level of spec you want as there are many different options. They are brilliant cars to drive, think go cart! & mine still puts a smile on my face on a daily basis.

Mine has sensors, and a camera, and a self park button.
I love it, press the button and it parks itself.
It was new last year though but my last one had sensors and would be 5 years old now

I'm single and it's once in a blue moon I have passengers in the back so I keep my back seats permanently down for more boot space, though tbf I don't need it often but I store my wellies and camping chair in there.

@StrawberryLipstickStateOfMind1 Unfortunately I do have a 6 yo I have to ferry around but loving that option as a back-up! ❤️

My 7yo fits fine in the back of mine in her car seat. I think once a child can sort their own seat belt then they have no problem hopping into the back in a 3 door.

I’m on my third Mini Cooper 1.5 3 door, I used to ferry my then teenage son and dog around in the first one no problem at all. I love them ! So easy to drive and nippy around roundabouts. Look lovely on the road and parked up. Enjoy if you get one !!

I had a Mini Cooper S and absolutely loved it, it was very powerful and I added LED headlights and heated seats thinking I would keep it for a long time. However, the suspension was very very hard which I didn't really take on board during the test drive, and as we live rurally, I used to panic about losing a filling over some of the roads. And my Dad (had a lot of hospital appointments) really struggled getting in and out of it, so very sadly I parted with it after 3 years. The local garage where we bought it is a very swish one, and they charged an absolute fortune when it came to servicing/maintenance so do bear that in mind too.

On the car I've got now, I actually said to the garage I wouldn't buy with a 30 minute test drive so we had it for 24 hours and that really helped me decide if the suspension was OK on it.

I'm on my third, best car I've ever had and I've had many over the years. Lots of gadgets too

Gosh thanks all - you are definitely all pushing me towards going for it!!! I just can't help feeling selfish for choosing something I really want though! 😞

I love mine! I have had it for 10 years and it’s getting on but I am loathe to replace it. I have a 9yo and a 4yo and it has done them both through the baby stages. I have two car seats in the back and I could fit the pram in the back when we used one as well. Now I can fit a golden retriever 😂

If it helps, I smiled every time I got into mine.

@tealandteal Yes this - was pleasantly surprised how big it was!! I'm at an age now where obviously babies are no longer a consideration (45) and I can't get a dog until retirement, so in terms of space it felt great!
The only other thing to consider is I have a a 16 yo I ferry about at times too but he would nearly always be in the front. My older lad now drives himself everywhere!