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Original poster

Anyone drive a mini and do you like it?

24 replies

MsAlbertine · 31/01/2016 16:33

Considering down sizing to a mini cooper diesel as DS learning to drive.

Currently drive a VW Golf - .

It would be a new one.

OP posts:
UmbongoUnchained · 31/01/2016 16:33

I've driven my mums a few times and I love it. I would get one myself if I didn't need a pram.

gonegrey56 · 31/01/2016 16:40

Yes, I love mine. Easy to drive and even easier to park!

Tagetes · 31/01/2016 16:56

Yes - we are on our third and love them. Bit difficult to get in and out of the back but as I'm always driving or in the front passenger seat that's not my problem! Grin If you get a new one from a Mini dealer the service (in every way) is excellent. In fact it's about time we paid them another visit...

TiggeryBear · 02/02/2016 20:49

I absolutely adore my Mini Smile the only criticism I have is that the steering is a bit heavy; although I have only really noticed it after I've driven my partners Alfa Romeo GT which has really light steering.

janethegirl2 · 02/02/2016 20:51

My dh loves his mini, I absolutely hate it.

ThenBellaDidSomethingVeryKind · 02/02/2016 20:52

Omg, hated mine. Fun to drive, but had endless mechanical problems, some of which were serious, in a car that had only done 37k miles. Sold it as soon as I could.

ThenBellaDidSomethingVeryKind · 02/02/2016 20:52

Meant to add, my df had one - also riddled with issues

MajesticWhine · 02/02/2016 20:54

I have a Mini Countryman. Plenty of space, easy to park. I love it to bits.

Finallyonboard · 02/02/2016 20:56

I loved mine but now drive a Golf, which is much much safer than a Mini.

www.euroncap.com/en/results/mini/cooper/7879

LuisSuarezTeeth · 02/02/2016 20:57

I have driven one, I hated it. Too small, too bumpy, too basic.

WhimsicalWinnifred · 02/02/2016 21:02

Does ds know you are looking at minis? They're on the feminine side.

Also a golf is 4.3m long and a mini 3.7. According to a quick google. I mention it because o didn't think there was that much difference in size

Finallyonboard · 02/02/2016 21:03

www.euroncap.com/en/results/vw/golf/10955

Bunbaker · 02/02/2016 21:11

I have never driven one, but have been a passenger in one. I hated it - too small and too close to the ground. I would never want to own one.

Hissy · 02/02/2016 21:18

I had a cooper s convertible for a few weeks in the summer last year.

Too bumpy, bloody hard ride, heavy steering and (personally) all instruments at precisely the distance I need glasses to comfortably read. Not something I have encountered anywhere else. I only need glasses for reading books and phones, I don't even need glasses for computer screen.

Ridiculously small tank, thirsty car.

I am only glad I hadn't got rid of my old car. I sold the mini and went back to my Renault convertible. It's great to be back.

LittleFishBigOcean · 02/02/2016 21:25

I did love my minis (had 3 in total. Not at the same time. One after the mother) but I've just had a new golf and I prefer that.

Horses for courses I think. Go for a test drive and see what you think.

LadyMercy · 02/02/2016 21:32

Mine did over 130,000 miles before I traded it in. I had 3 breakdowns in 11 years, which I don't think is unreasonable. I miss my mini

WMittens · 02/02/2016 22:04

Considering down sizing to a mini cooper diesel as DS learning to drive.

It would be a new one.

Am I the only one that thinks a learner driver in a brand new car is a bad idea?

cathyandclaire · 02/02/2016 22:08

I LOVE mine. Had to say though that the DDs have a Citroen C1 and a new model Renault Twingo and I think they are better for new drivers, cheaper, 4 doors, low/no road tax and low insurance groups, also surprisingly good drives even on motorways.

squicketysquack · 02/02/2016 22:11

I love my little Mini!

Bunbaker · 02/02/2016 23:04

I just don't get the love for minis. To me a car is a something useful and functional to get from A to B. Some are nicer to drive than others.

AmyBecker · 03/02/2016 11:37

They're fun to drive like but practicality wise and comfort inside isn't as good as others.

They're easy to drive due to their size, but if things break it can be an expensive fix. Probably not the best if you're learning to drive in one.

You're probably better going for one these to be honest: www.carkeys.co.uk/guides/best-first-cars-for-a-newly-qualified-driver?76542rH

Tasha99 · 19/02/2016 17:45

I'm considering downsizing from a crv to a Mini Countryman or Clubman. I love my mod cons so I'll be getting a high spec one if I do get one. I have a test drive coming up but I guess my main concern is the change in size and driving position. I have 2 kids in their early teens. I no longer have a rota but sometimes give lifts etc Has anyone downsized? I'd appreciate your views. Pros/cons and anything I need to bear in mind. Thanks

Sedona123 · 19/02/2016 18:09

I used to have a Mini Cooper Sport.

Pros - very very fast, and really easy to park.

Cons - very bumpy, and seats really really uncomfortable on journeys over 2 hours.

Tasha99 · 19/02/2016 19:06

Thanks Sedona123. That's helpful.

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