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Hey Mini Fans - it's time for my 2,500 miles review on my Mini.
To preface, this is my daily driver for work. Each day I drive 35 miles each way for work (70 miles round trip). It is mostly highway driving around 65- 70 MPH and using Premium fuel with the A/C on - I am averaging about 32 MPG. I am very happy with that number.
The three cylinder turbo engine is full of life and a real hoot to drive. Not once did I ever think I needed more power. The automatic transmission is silky smooth too. The cup holders are exactly where I want them to hold my morning coffee. To be frank, I do not miss driving manual at all. This car is really that good in automatic.
The standard headlights work great at night and provide really good visibility. I do not see any need for the LED head light option. I even prefer the looks of the standard head lights over the LED version (not a fan of the weird shape inside the LED light). MY non-leather seats are excellent in fit, finish and comfort. In addition, they are virtually indestructible and take anything you spill on it. I do not miss not having leather seats. No need for them as far as I am concerned. My seats are also manual and I do not miss having electric seats either.
The panoramic roof (front and back) let's in plenty of light and an excellent view of the sky in front of you when fully opened. (in other cars the panoramic roof is so far back you can't see anything). In addition, it's whisper quiet when closed. No weird whistling sounds (are you listening Volkswagen)?
The air-conditioning is ice-cold and cools off the car quickly. My friends brand new Mazda3 with four cylinders has a weak a/c and can barely do the job. The 16 inch run flats are excellent. The ride is sporty but not punishing. It absorbs all the potholes and road imperfections with ease. I am definitely a fan of run flats. I do not see any need for 17 inch tires. Furthermore, they make the car look awkward (they are too big). 16's are the sweet spot in my opinion. I also bought a full spare tire and jack for long trips, so that in the even I do get a flat, I can easily change the tire and get on with my trip with minimal interruption. I never did understand why people say that they do not worry about getting a flat on a long road trip because they have Triple AAA. Well I have it too but I do not see how they are of any use when you have a flat on a Saturday night and the nearest tire shop is 100 miles away and they open Monday morning. Furthermore, they will not even carry the tire that you need. Having a full size spare on a long trip is peace of mind.
The exterior paint is holding up perfectly as is the rims, glass, and plastic & rubber bits. I have seen many new cars look tired at 2,500 miles....but the Mini still looks showroom new. The radio reception is excellent as is the quality of the USB drive playing my favorite songs. I do no have the navigation system in my car, nor do I miss it. I simply use my phone when I need Waze. I use the $15 VAVA magnetic phone holder and simply place my phone it in. Easy peasy.
Overall, I am an extremely happy camper and consider the Mini probably the best car I have ever owned (and believe me I had them all). If anybody reading this is considering a new Mini....go for it. No disappointment.
Pretty car; I'm a big fan of the BRG. For some reason, it seems like my local dealerships don't have very many exotic colors. The sales person even tried to say how "you'd want a more normal color" after a few months. I guess my area is just really boring. And I had the same mindset when it came to navigation. My phone can do it so there's no need to get the extra feature (which is probably inferior anyway). I should look into a holder too. And I am enjoying the panoramic roof also. I was iffy about it but am pretty glad that I got it.
When I test drove a "justa" MINI Cooper, I thought it felt fine. I accelerated and it didn't feel weak. But I also test drove the S and eventually went with that just because I'm a snob (I looked into JCWs but couldn't find one that I liked). I like the larger wheels too =P
Glad you're happy with your Justa. I know I'm quite happy with my '19 F57 Cooper with the 6-speed. I've owned fast cars, cars that are much faster than even a JCW, and the B36 doesn't leave too much off the table even though on paper it's down quite a bit of power. I also appreciate the lighter front end of the Cooper vs. Cooper S, which leaves the former feeling just a bit more sprightly in the handling department. Personally, I wouldn't want the car without many of the options you've foregone, but to each his or her own. Whatever makes YOU happy for YOUR money!
What a positive and sensible review. I felt the same about my 2010 BRG Cooper , which my son's fiancé is now driving in Buffalo. They made them very strong. Good to know that the 3 cylinder versions are up to the job.
By the way, that 2017 still has an original paint job that looks terrific.
I think it's a mistake that they aren't providing more colors than the usual grey, silver, black range. Good thing there is still pepper white.
