In the market for a new vehicle and the Mini is on the top of the list.

Living in the greater Houston area, I have some questions to those of you who live in metropolitan areas - traffic prone, concrete jungles called progress!

How does the mini handle on the freeway? How does she handle around 80 MPH?

Back Seat Room - I have 2 children. Could a 10 year old ride in the back seat without too much squirming on short rides? I don't see much leg room for an adult, but may be overlooking how far the front seat is pushed back.

It appears you all have a tight internet community and lots of knowledge. Should I take the plunge, I look forward to more communication and engagement on this fine little automobile.

Thanks for the insight and information.

Regards,

Texas Mini

 

Mine drives great at 80. I have three kids they all seem to fit. I hear no screams.

Handling is a mini strong suit...

 

I have about 950 miles on my new '09 Clubman S, most on I-95 around Washington, DC which has to replicate the absolute worst you might experience in Houston. The car is comfortable, responsive and stable yet nimble at the speed you mention. I feel more comfortable driving it than my wife's Lexus ES350 sedan.

If you have a 10 year old - soon to be growing teen, I recommend you look at the Clubman vs the coupe. Those extra 11" (?) in the Clubman's body length make a big difference in rear seat legroom and storage space behind the rear seat.

Plus the half door on the passenger side makes it much easier to get in/out of, and access, the rear seat. You can also fold the rear seats and create a large, flat area in which to haul things.

You won't notice any performance differences between Coupe and Clubman in 99% of your driving (esp. hauling kids). I personally think the longer wheelbase gives the Clubman a better ride.

I don't consider it a Clubman, I consider it a MINI SUV(sporting).

Above IMHO.
HTH,
Pete

 

Well i have a Just a Cooper Hardtop with automatic and it runs very well in any condition ! I have a teen and a 10 year old and we took a 8 hour trip this summer and all fit fine . I let my teen drive and i sat in back seat no problems and im a big guy ! The Clubman has more room if you need it ! I love my Cooper ! Its getting about 36 mpg in city driving now and just hit little over 5000 miles on my 09 Cooper hard top . Drive to work everyday is a blast !

 

With children I would look at the Clubman. Much easier to load-em in thru the 3rd door.

Check out the Houston Mini Motoring Society -- A fun place to meet fellow Mini Owners--

http://www.hmms.org/

 

LOVE my Clubman! I have the 4-legged variety of "kids". HAHA!

 

Found a mini that was too good to pass up.

How do I go to 2nd gear........

Texas Cooper

 

Beautiful!

Keep posting, and you'll get to second gear soon enough!

 

Good "lookin" Whats her name?

 

I know.......it's the personality that goes with the car. My kids will have to assist with the name - they named my previously owned Bimmer "Gracie". It's fun to get them involved.

More when the naming is completed.

Texas Cooper
2008 MCS
LBM (Lightning Blue Metallic)
6 Spd.
JCW Additions - bhp 186

 

Welcome to the Family TC...Nice L@@IN' MINI!!

 

Congrats on a beautiful new MINI. I have a MCS Convertible in Atlanta and I am amazed how stable it drives on the interstate with semis all around. The wide stance and low center of gravity makes a huge difference.

I think you hit second gear at 50 posts.

Happy Motoring

 

I'm 99% sure, but solid top, no?

Looks nice in that one picture. Gotten a chance to pile the kids into it yet?


I'm waiting on a new one myself, so I'm a little jealous you jumped and already have one of your own.

 

Yes, solid top. Wouldn't believe how darn hard it is to find one without. The dealerships want to load you up with the premium package. I didn't see any value other than the roof - then, to keep the cabin temperature controlled, I'd have to get limo tint for the top glass. Didn't see it of necessity or value.

Kids haven't piled in yet......son gets to see it tomorrow - he's already excited as he thinks it a race car with the racing stripes! LOL.

Had this one not been on the surface, I'd have gone with a 2009 - great buys right now with great finance incentives - low rates, etc.

Good luck. Thanks for the post.

Texas Cooper

 

Congratulations Texas Cooper! Very sharp! The stripes make them go faster!

 

Greetings Texas Cooper from a Houstonian. I've got 26K miles on my MINI, mostly from daily commuting (though not at 80MPH - at least not on the way TO work).
Though most of our roads are straight lines with few curves or hills, it's still fun to encounter one...because (as you know by now) you can just zoom right through it.
Wave if you see me on the road!

 

Oh, yes I would! That's why I'm STILL waiting on mine, sitting in a parking lot in the south of England for another few days...



How was your first week????!??

 

First week awesome - I've found the mini more fun to drive then the previously owned M3 (E46). Lots of similiarities though....duh...BMW, ya?

Das Auto is sehr gut!!!

I'm still trying to adjust to the front end pull when the turbo hits stride. Now, it's deciding on what wheels to replace the oe anchors with....black of course, but Konig vs. others.

Thanks for all the support to this point....

Texas Cooper

 

I just read your initial post and remembered my thought when I "tested" my MCSm at 130 mph: this car is more stable and confidence-inspiring than any other car I have driven at 55 mph. CONGRATULATIONS on your new ride!