Lol since when is "moneyandbusiness" an authority on cars?

 

I have been driving my S Coupe for almost five months.....and consider it to be a full notch better than the R53's and R56 I have owned. Or for that matter, better than any other car I have had. It's terrific!

 

My personal "jury" is still out on the coupe. I think it looks pretty good, but it does stray from the Mini heritage. I think it will sell better with folks who are not "Mini people" moreso than those who are. I haven't seen the roadster in person yet but the pics look good. I thought the BMW 3 coupe was a great looking car, kind of an updated MGBGT look to it. I like the 3's better than the 5's. The 5's got too angular. If given one, though...

 

Honestly, I just drove the coupe S a few weeks ago (Actually I rode in it while my wife was screaming around in it!) and we both loved the car. It is ultra cool to be in, it looks nice with the wing deployed and it handled great. She almost wanted to trade in her R53 to get it which says a lot because she said she would NEVER give it up. Anyhow, that's why they make all different cars in different shapes and sizes. It works for us and may not for others, but that will be our next car in JCW form no doubt.

 

I love Minis but the Coupe does not look like it belongs in the line up of models.
I also agree with the article regarding the Coupe.

 

I love the Coupe. Yes, it's tiny inside (so was the original Mini) but I don't have any kids, I have no dogs, nothing to haul and very few friends so why do I need a back seat? Ugly? Nah. Ugly is an Impreza WRX or an Aztec IMO. FWIW, I love the Z3-style M Coupe. You will hardly ever see anyone on the road driving such a uniquely styled sports car. I'm replacing my 2004 MCS this year most likely with a JCW Coupe or GP Mini. I've considered the TTS but jeez, it just lacks the character of the Mini or my 2000 M Roadster, which is my summer car. To me the TTS has all the stuff I'd like in a year-round, all-weather sports car but it's boring to look at. I'd be willing to sacrifice 0-60 times gladly for something that makes me smile every time I walk up to it and open the door like the Mini does.

As for the Mini brand being perceived poorly in America, I think this writer is smoking crack. The Mini sells very well in the US. Maybe it isn't a hit in Texas, where nearly everyone owns giant-sized vehicles, but I think a lot of people like the car. I also meet a fair amount of people who like the *idea* of the Mini, but think it isn't safe because it's small, but the Countryman is here to change that.

 

" Besides the lacking interior space and eye sore of an exterior, the Mini Coupe has severe visibility limitations, which can potentially make it unsafe to drive".

That is not only some of the worst information I've ever read but totally incorrect!

I love the R56 and it's older bretheren but to me it's just tired and they are a dime a dozen. The Coupe is a different story and I get nothing but stoplight compliments constantly from folks of all walks of life. People walking across parking lots, etc. going out of their way to talk about and compliment the car. This type of thing happens almost everyday. I find it really interesting that the core MINI fans seem to almost exclusively hate the Coupe just like those who own/owned a classic "real" MINI seem to hate anything R50 on. The reviews I've read almost seem plagerized they are so alike in the way they read but then I never listen to an automobile journo's opinion. They're no different than movie reviewers as far as I care. Everyone KNOWS it's a MINI they've just never seen the model and you don't have to be a MINI fan to look at the front end and know right away who makes the car.

I went to the dealer to get a hatch and left with an order for a JCW Coupe. I could care less if people think I drive a "girls car" or and ugly one. I'ts a blast to drive and it's unique as hell looking. Just what I was looking for. There isn't a MINI model I don't like and it was my mother in laws R56 that got me truly hooked. I just find it funny that people who drive an odd looking little car are bemoaning a company for making another odd looking little car.

Rant off!

 

I like my car a lot and don't really give a rip what others say. I bought it cause it's an awesome car. Fast, comfortable and most of all fun.

I think that is all that matters. Yea!

 

I agree, I think it's one of ugliest cars ever made; right up there with the Pontiac Aztec.

 

It's the whole stupid baseball hat roof... It just dont look like it belongs.

 

Opinions are like a***oles, everyone's got one!!! Live and let live. I like the diversity of people and thier choices!!

 

I agree, Pat. It is very strange that people find the Coupe ugly. I think it is one of the coolest looking vehicles out there. Have fun and forget about the lunatic fringe who can't recognize a sporty car when they see one.

 

5 worst is a bit much. There are plenty of other cars that fit this category more but personally, the coupe does nothing for me. It's a neat car but I'm not feeling it.

 

Coupe does very little for me too - just don't see the point of it and the 'form' / shape of the R53 and R56 is much nicer, in my opinion. If I'm being totally honest, and not trying to avoid getting bashed on here, I'd say it looks stupid . . and ugly. Again, its the baseball hat thing. I'll stick with my R53, and while I could see myself possibly going for a Clubman in the future (for the extra space), I couldn't see myself in a coupe. As for the Countryman . . talk about trying to stretch a brand out!!

 

Guess I'll join the voice of discontent...I really really really don't like the Coupe. Both its exterior look, and all its interior shortcomings.

Now the Roadster, on the other hand, is positively badass. Really I could have lived with them skipping the Coupe and jumping straight to the Roadster. That style of body just screams for a convertible form factor. The Coupe just feels too much like a convertible trying to be a hardtop.

 

I am mnot in to the coupe. Ugly? No just doesn't suit me. To each his own.

Happy with the Justa.

 

I totaly agree with this guy.

 

You do realize the interior of the Roadster is the same as the Coupe right? I mean unless your counting the roll bars. Have you seen the roadster with the roof up? Like all convertibles it's boring as hell. I agree though, with the roof down it's as cute as the hatch.

 

Most of the shortcomings I was referring to were blind spots. Which of course is a non-issue when your top is almost always down (as it should be! ).

 

+5,000,000

 

Well if you don't like the coupe good for you. That will make it that much more of a rare car if I pick one up. Not much top down driving to do when it typically snows 4 months out of the year where I live.

 

What are these blind spots you speak of? With the top up the Roadster has only slightly more field of view than the convertible hatch (which ain't good) and far less than the Coupe which only seems to be an issue with those who've spent little to no time in.

I prefer the extra torsional rigidity over driving with a top down anyday. Personal preference of course, but to me, other than the raked roof not enough separate's the Roadster from the convertible hatch....well except it has less seats.

 

ouch!

 

https://carbuzz.com/features/minis-f...s-car-bargains


Now they are some of the hardest to find and have a cult like following.

Everyday i drive mine someone stops and asks me if its new or the New MINI.

Those other cars on the list dont even get a look today.