Hello NAM forum! I've always loved Mini Coopers and I'm getting more interested as time goes on. I'm not in a rush to get a new vehicle but Minis are on very high on my short list. Looking forward to learning more about there here.

Cheers,
Paul

 

Welcome, you can learn a lot about Mini's here, there are a lot of knowledgeable people that are willing to help. What kind of mini are you interested in?

 

Hi all. I'm Mini-curious also. I thought this would be a good place to learn more about the Mini's before I make my decision. The two cars I'm looking at are the Mini and the new Fiat 500L that is supposed to be here in July or August according the my local dealer. My closest Mini dealer is 2 hours away. That would make service a real pain but I really like the looks of the Mini's.

 

There are large differences between the justa, S and JCW and now the Countryman platforms. It would be helpful to learn about the details of each and research that way. Also, driving each will help alot with learning as well.

 

Thanks for the welcome notes!

That's a great question. All I know for sure at this point is "one with a manual transmission!"

The S is intriguing of course, but I do like the lower cost/maintenance aspect of a Justa. Also, my wife and I have both had job changes - my wife does a pretty long drive 2-3x/week, so mini fuel consumption would be nice, and my new job has freed me from needing a vehicle with any sort of hauling capacity (I'm in marketing and used to do some hands-on stuff with events) so a convertible is tempting...

I know, long answer to a short question. They all have their pluses, don't they?! I think a Countryman is more vehicle than we want right now. Any of the others could be a possibility.

 

Agreed - I'm definitely going to do plenty of web research, and I'm trying to figure out the best way to get behind the wheel of various minis without becoming "That Guy" at the dealer. We also do a lot of cycling, so I really want to include a fit test of my road bike and mountain bike in any test drives.

 

Welcome to NAM. There is a great deal of information on the forum. Much to take in but all good tools to help in the decision making process.

 

Sounds almost KINKY?! Think I once saw a movie of a similar title in the back room back in the VHS days....
Guess i"m just a pervert!! Interesting title!!
Welcome!!

 

The justa will give you better gas mileage and does have enough power to get you around. My first mini was a used '07 hardtop S that I wanted to give mini a try to see how I like it and I was in love after the first test drive, but I soon out grew it after 2 yrs. So I needed to upgrade to something larger and everything out in the market just seemed boring for me. The next best thing was the countryman, at first you think it is too large to be a mini but it really isn't. It's a larger mini but its shorter than a BMW 3 series and a Mercedes C-class coupe with more interior room.

I'm not trying to sway you but just giving you some info to think about. Whatever mini you decide on, you will enjoy it every time you drive.

 

"... I'm trying to figure out the best way to get behind the wheel of various minis without becoming "That Guy" at the dealer...."


Mini of Madison is a great dealer. I have had my '04 MCS serviced there since they opened and I was in-and-out over the last year test driving cars. So go drive each of the ones you are interested in and do not feel guilty about it :-)
I finally ordered 4 weeks ago and my 2013 fully specified JCW should be in early next week!!!!
If you end up in one please get in contact with Mad City Mini. We do several Motoring outings throughout the year and all are welcome.