I've found this wealth of info while searching for my next new to me car. I currently drive a Jeep Liberty 4x4. Feeding it has gotten old, especially since I no longer get reimbursed for gas. I also have no need for the 5000# tow capacity or space as I'm solo 99% of the time. I do tow an ATV (~1000 pounds) a few times a year at most. I will likely be towing a lightweight kayak trailer quite frequently. But the GVR on that is about 350# and it'll be less that 200# on most occasions.

At this point I'm torn between a Mini or a VW Beetle TDI. Averaging 25k miles a year, the lure of a 40 - 50 mpg TDI is really tempting at this point. Actually, mileage is a large factor with this purchase. I've been using fueleconomy.gov for basic reference, but I question the accuracy of the numbers.

Whatever I get, it will be a stick shift. I've grown weary of autos. I always seem to catch them between shifts

I test drove a 2009 justacooper stick a few days ago and liked it. I felt right at home behind the wheel. I'm not sure about the control layout though. Power was ok. I kept the revs on the low side so I'm not sure how much more oomph it has. More than likely, I would lean towards an S The extra power would be nice for merging but a bigger plus for towing.

I also took out an 06 TDI bug (5 speed). It was comfortable and handled reasonably well, with and edge toward smoother ride. It was a big yawn fest getting on the highway. Unfortunately, there was a short distance from on ramp to off and a sanding truck in the way limiting how hard I could accelerate....I think. Control layout was decent, but I really felt like I was in a bubble. That dash was huge!

Part of my dilemma in both instances is not being familiar with power delivery. I'm not sure where either engine should be run to stay in the power bands.

With either choice, I do have concerns of ground clearance. I find myself on maintained dirt roads and paved roads that would be better as maintained dirt quite often.

For some background, I'm not a speed junky. Speed limit +5ish is my current norm on the highway unless it's hilly. The Jeep downshifts less a couple mph faster. I strongly prefer a twisty road that parallels the highway and allows a sprited drive Vehicles in the past 15 years includes light trucks, a mini van and a full sized boat, I mean station wagon. I guess the sportiest car I've owned was a 5 speed Dodge Omni

So, what kind of real world mileage do you Mini drivers see when your taking it easy on the happy pedal?

How is the maintenance and upkeep?

Anyone driving on crappy roads have any words of wisdom?

Well, the search engine awaits. Thanks for reading

 

That '06 Beetle is the older TDI motor. The new one that came out last year is a HUGE improvement - 140 hp, 236 lb/ft of torque (both WAY up from the earlier motor) and better mileage to boot. My GF has an '09 Jetta TDI, and that thing is fantastic. She averages about 38 mpg in mixed driving, a lot of which is city, and on long trips, we get anywhere from 40 on the low end (pulling a grade up to 6,000 ft no less!) to 50+ (slight downhill). Level ground freeway cruising, about 45 mpg. Fantastic. And plenty of power and TONS of torque.

As for the Cooper route.. no slouch economy-wise either. In my MCS, I'm averaging 32-33 mpg in mixed driving, which is fantastic. If you're driving light-footed you should do at least as well, if not better. As for stuff like the control layout, that's something you just have to figure out if you can live with. Perhaps take several test drives to try to adjust.

Good luck!

 

I'm not wild about buying a MINI to tow with, I'm sure there are people out there who feel diffently. A MINI has to do with having fun, "speed limit +5" is not MINI thinking, and 40+ mpg, there other cars that can do that and are maybe cheaper to buy. How are Prius's or Fit's for towing, and there is no reason to hit the gas as very little happens. Give it some more thought, maybe the TDI would be the best choice.

 

MCS is not really great for crappy or dirt roads. You'll need some 15 or 16's and some all season type tires for dirt roads. Clearance should be good as long as you don't have lowering springs or aero kit. Other option is Toyota Matrix XRS. Suzuki makes a nice small SX4 4x4. MINI is planining their own all wheel drive too.

 

I chose a Clubman S over the new golf tdi. My decision was based on wanting something a little more fun than the golf but with your conditions I'd look more strongly at the 4door golf tdi. If you're looking to tow I think the non-turbo mini might be lacking a bit too much in power but some owners may be able to help you with better insight, I'm just guessing. The diesel, however, would do a great job towing as it has more torque than a good number of SUVs.

 

Thanks for the feedback. Towing the ATV does make me hesitate, but I have a backup plan to handle the trips that are on the long side. I'm thinking 10-20 mile ventures with the mini. Unless I was mis informed about the capacity at the dealership it should be fine. The kayak trailer would be a piece of cake.

My big hesitation are the roads I'll be traveling on from time to time. As I drive around now, I try to picture doing it with a lower riding car. using caution, it should be ok most of the time as far as bottoming out. Washboards are the likey problem.

I view the Mini as a car that can be fun to drive but still get good mileage on a relaxed cruise yet has some utility built in. Am I off base here?

 

I've only had my 2005 Mini Cooper S for 5 or 6 weeks, but I've never gotten more than 24 mpg on any tank of gas. I know there are people who do better than that, but I can't keep my foot out of it.

No matter what you get, it will beat the snot out of the mileage you were getting with that Liberty!

So get the Mini S. You know you want to, and it will be more fun.