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Any Mini Owners? Would you recommend?

76 replies

Cheeseandolivesplease · 25/07/2026 19:19

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.

OP posts:
Indaloo · 26/07/2026 08:25

Cheeseandolivesplease · 25/07/2026 19:42

@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!!! 😆

The joy of a mini is you can just drive into the space. Rarely need a reverse sensor.

Gosh I miss mine. Loved it.

WicketWoo · 26/07/2026 08:28

i’m on my third mini too. Love them. This one is electric but 3 doors. I’m hoping they have a 5 door electric for when this one goes back.

SamphiretheTervosaur · 26/07/2026 08:32

I am 60, on my 2nd Cooper S 3 door and wouldn't swap it for anything

I drive a lot for work, round town, distances and all around Stroud/Slad valleys without a problem

Back seats fold down well if you need the space for hauling stuff

We have to decide which car we will retire with and we both think it likely to be a mini

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Girlintheframe · 26/07/2026 08:36

I had a Mini Cooper for years. Remains my favourite car ever! I absolutely loved it, love parking it, loved the look of it, just loved, loved, loved.

Wonderknicks · 26/07/2026 08:40

I have the new model (18 months old) Cooper S. I love it! Nippy although a bit sluggish setting off in green mode.

charlieandjenna · 26/07/2026 08:48

My daughter has one as her first car which I am a named driver. I do enjoy driving it but I wouldn’t swap my van for it

QueenKong101 · 26/07/2026 08:49

Absolutely adore my 22 plate Clubman - as a PP said, it makes me smile every time I drive it! Loads of space in the back for two teens, the split barn doors and split rear seats make for small van-sized loading space when needed, and it's a really lovely drive. This is my first automatic (a big compromise for me as DH wanted one) and I was all prepared to hate it, but I wouldn't go back to a manual after this. Bought new and paid extra for parking sensors and heated seats, which was totally worth it. The centre console, door handle recess, and footwell lights can be pink if you like, though I keep them on scrolling rainbow, which is immensely cheering!

My only complaint is that they've now discontinued the Clubman for some mad reason. Even the Mini dealership couldn't explain why as it's such a popular model and holds its value. I guess it just means I'll have to drive mine until it turns to dust as I can't bear the idea of ever driving another car!

TLDR: Do it, you won't regret it!

Cheeseandolivesplease · 26/07/2026 21:19

Update! I've only gone and done it and chosen a car I actually love!!! 21 plate Mini Cooper SE automatic (3 dr). Plenty of space for my 6 yo.
Thank you to you all for your wise words and advice.
Is it normal to be this excited at 45 about a car?!!! 😆 😂 😆

OP posts:
Ilikewinter · 26/07/2026 22:09

Ah brilliant news OP, Welcome to the mini family!! .... well ex mini for me cause I've got a BMW now, but I look at that as his big brother! - next step is to go on Amazon and see what accessories you can buy 🤣

NewDogOwner · 26/07/2026 22:11

Made me happy every single day. Only ever had one problem with it: the computer inside it ( I don't really know how cars work) thought that there was a problem with the engine even though there wasn't so we had to get it reset which cost £800 and this was 10 years ago.

They are beautiful, well made and hold their value much better than most other makes.

NewDogOwner · 26/07/2026 22:11

So sad to hear this.

Yetanothernewname101 · 26/07/2026 22:49

Completely normal to be excited and buzzing about your new mini @Cheeseandolivesplease
I still get a bubbly feeling thinking about mine and it's 3 years since I traded it in. Enjoy every moment, it's a great wee car!

Ps edited to confirm I'm not on commission!!!

Plumcorkyduff · Yesterday 07:15

Cheeseandolivesplease · 26/07/2026 21:19

Update! I've only gone and done it and chosen a car I actually love!!! 21 plate Mini Cooper SE automatic (3 dr). Plenty of space for my 6 yo.
Thank you to you all for your wise words and advice.
Is it normal to be this excited at 45 about a car?!!! 😆 😂 😆

Edited

Hurrah!! You’ll love it! Agree with @Ilikewinter. Now it’s time to go accessory shopping! I got bonnet stripes first… 😁

averythinline · Yesterday 13:54

@tealandteal...what model do you have??? I have a springer spaniel and wasn't dure he would fit....but he's not as big as a golden so you've given my hope Grin Excellent thread..

RandomUsernameHere · Yesterday 14:50

I love mine (5 door Cooper), wouldn’t want any different brand of car! Used to have the JCW which I loved even more but it was only 3 door/4 seats and we do sometimes use all 5 seats.

Baddaybigcloud · Yesterday 14:58

I have a 2018 Mini Cooper sport and love it. I find the visibility great, much better than our “family car”. Fast and fun and no major problems with it but DO NOT put in non mini windscreen wash 😳

DollopOfFun · Yesterday 15:03

NewDogOwner · 26/07/2026 22:11

Made me happy every single day. Only ever had one problem with it: the computer inside it ( I don't really know how cars work) thought that there was a problem with the engine even though there wasn't so we had to get it reset which cost £800 and this was 10 years ago.

They are beautiful, well made and hold their value much better than most other makes.

@NewDogOwner just out of interest, did the error message tell you to not switch off the engine and drive straight to a Mini garage?

TheOcelot · Yesterday 15:09

I treated myself to one a few years ago. I loved it but struggled with the gear stick because they are notoriously stiff and I have rheumatoid arthritis. Gave it to DS and bought a boring car.
It was 3 doors and I'd never do that again because I like to open the back door and throw stuff in.
However I'm now looking for a new car and eyeing up an automatic clubman.
They come in such gorgeous colours as well.
I'm torn between a Toyota Scross and a mini. The Toyota has a better display than a mini and is the sensible option but....

StrawberryLipstickStateOfMind1 · Yesterday 15:10

Cheeseandolivesplease · 26/07/2026 21:19

Update! I've only gone and done it and chosen a car I actually love!!! 21 plate Mini Cooper SE automatic (3 dr). Plenty of space for my 6 yo.
Thank you to you all for your wise words and advice.
Is it normal to be this excited at 45 about a car?!!! 😆 😂 😆

Edited

You have to name it.
My current one is Harriet, she has a kitten cat ear steering wheel cover named Hazzles.

TheOcelot · Yesterday 15:12

I think if you go out to your car and it makes you smile every day it's great.
Mine was dark red with a black roof. Took ages to find one I liked as a lot have stripes on the bonnet which I hate.

Cheeseandolivesplease · Yesterday 15:17

@StrawberryLipstickStateOfMind1 Oooooooh I'm loving that!
I'm currently thinking The Beanmobile!!! 😆

OP posts:
StrawberryLipstickStateOfMind1 · Yesterday 15:55

Cheeseandolivesplease · Yesterday 15:17

@StrawberryLipstickStateOfMind1 Oooooooh I'm loving that!
I'm currently thinking The Beanmobile!!! 😆

That's fab.
Mine's named after a certain Mr Styles!!!

Wonderknicks · Yesterday 15:58

TheOcelot · Yesterday 15:09

I treated myself to one a few years ago. I loved it but struggled with the gear stick because they are notoriously stiff and I have rheumatoid arthritis. Gave it to DS and bought a boring car.
It was 3 doors and I'd never do that again because I like to open the back door and throw stuff in.
However I'm now looking for a new car and eyeing up an automatic clubman.
They come in such gorgeous colours as well.
I'm torn between a Toyota Scross and a mini. The Toyota has a better display than a mini and is the sensible option but....

They only do automatics now in the regular mini, not sure about the clubman. The problem with the clubman is that while it's very practical & quite big it doesn't have the cute headlights, which are obviously very important 😂

Chalotte · Yesterday 16:07

I don't have the legs for a mini any more sadly.

hopefulcandidate · Yesterday 16:24

I have a mini countryman and I love it. Had it for 7 years and bought second hand. Still drives well with no problems. I find it a fun drive and makes me happy. It is very safe and great in the snow and ice. The blind spots are quite big compared with previous cars I’ve owned but I don’t notice that anymore. I can’t imagine driving any car except for a mini in the future

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