Hi All,
I am currently the owner of a 2008 mazdaspeed3 and a 1995 honda accord wagon.
The honda is nearing 200k mi, and has had some issues. I've test driven a '06 cooper, and have been passively looking for a cooper S to test, as the base was a bit slow, but livable.
I would be looking to replace the honda with a mini, despite the huge size difference. The honda is driven about 3/4 of the time, if not more. I surf, windsurf, bike, snowboard, etc. I also have a sunfish (small, light sailboat) that I trailer with the honda.
I have seen minis with roof racks, so that takes care of most of the issues, but is traliering feasible? The entire trailer/boat combination is probably around 300 lbs. When it is attached to the car, I can lift it, though I am fairly strong and it is not easy.
For what it's worth, I live in RI, and my dailiy commute is ~50 miles.


Short version:

I have heard reccomendations for an 05/06, is this mainly for the cooper, or the cooper S? What year/model would you reccomend, given a ~$12k budget? How's the real-world mileage?

How many miles are these cars reliable for?

Is towing with the mini feasible on a very light trailer/boat package?

 

Hm, doesn't seem you guys are quite as chatty as expected.

 

I can't tell you much about 2006 MINIs. I have a 2007, which was the first year of a major change -- new engine, reworked body, etc. FWIW, the 2007+ get better mileage, especially in the S model. However, I doubt you would find one for $12K. $18k, maybe.

For trailering, see: MINI Do More.

 

Thanks.
Seems there's a big difference in price between the 05 & 07 models, I guess because of the re-design.
I'm in no huge rush, so maybe the prices will continue to fall before I'm seriously looking to buy one.

Looks like I can tow enough with it, so that's good news for me.

 

yes, you can tow that with the MINI. There are a couple of hitches available that you can install, and they are almost hidden when you are not towing.

 

Yes, you can tow a small trailer. My 06 MCS has the Mini Do More hidden hitch, installed by previous owner (friend of mine). He routinely used it to tow his motorcycle to track days. I'd estimate his tow weight around 800-1000 lbs (based on the trailer and bike).


Check out MotoringFile's R50-R53 Buyer's Guide for things to watch out for.

Based on my experiences with RI traffic, your mileage in an MCS is likely to suck even with some highway mixed in -- probably around 25-26mpg. just FYI. An MCS will do up to 31-33 mpg highway if you keep the speed reasonable; some have done even better (but i can't bring myself to). Around town, more like 21-22.

On my usual commute, which is half fast-flowing highway and half local roads, I average 24.5mpg. (But I have a 15% reduction supercharger pulley, so my milage should be a bit less than stock.)

Give it more than two hours for a response ... sometimes it takes a while before people start to log on and see your post!

 

Thanks for the responses!
I'm surprised the MCS has that low fuel economy.. Not much savings over my mazdaspeed 3 even, nevermind the Honda. Does the base get that much higher mileage?
Most of my driving in RI is @ ~60 mph on RT 1, if you're that familiar with the area.
Glad that the mini can tow, though.

 

Yes, the non-S model (sometimes called "JustaCooper") gets significantly better mileage. The S-model is capable of decent mileage ... if you have far more restraint with your right foot than I do. It really starts pouring the fuel on hard as you cross 4000 RPM, so if you drive hard and fast you'll kill your mileage. (A fun game: how LOW can you make the trip computer's "current consumption" figure go? )

There was a thread here somewhere about mileage, and one guy reported his personal experiment. He ran a tank of gas where he never revved over about 3k and was gentle with acceleration (not slow, just not running hard), and kept his highway speed to 65, and his mileage climbed into the mid-30's.

here's some reading:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-mini-get.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...6743-mpgs.html
http://www.gbmini.net/wp/2005/09/33mpg/

To summarize: if you shift by 3000 RPM and keep it under 65, you may get up to 33mpg.

but me? i enjoy driving a bit too much to be so restrained

 

haha, my speed3's instant mileage often dips to around 4 mpg.
I'll read those links now.

 

What do you mean by a "small boat"?

 

These are great cars. I've got a 08S and I tow a Fireball sail boat with it around Colorado. My gas mileage without the trailer varies from 36-41 mpg. With an average of around 38.5 +. Better gas mileage in the summer as the fuel doesn't have ethanol added to it. I'm pondering trailering my Fireball to Reno and then to Cascade Locks in Oregon. My gas mileage drops to 28-30 towing the trailer at 78 mph, pulling around 3200 rpms. I've got a Mini Fini hitch which was expensive and I had a body shop install it as they are good with bumpers, etc. I know that I am towing something, but I know it too when I tow with my Grand Cherokee. Good luck!

Peter

 

We have a 2009 Mazdaspeed 3 and used to own a 2005 MCS and the gas mileage between them was very similar: ~25 mpg combined (which is what I did in my day to day driving). Now I have a 2006 MC convertible and the difference compared to the other two cars is, to me, significant. I am getting about 31 mpg and it just seems like I can go forever on a tank.

The base MC is slower, but I'm am middle aged lady (with a few $$$ speeding tickets ) who is content to go the speed limit these days , and I don't mind if mini vans pass me.

I've never towed so I can't help you there.

 

http://www.laserperformance.com/main...id=4&Itemid=91

How are you managing 38mpg on a MCS? I've been seeing averages 10+ mpg worse, from others on here.
Glad for the extra assurance that towing is OK

speed3s are fun, huh?
I'm not exactly middle aged or female, but I'm thinking that I might be able to live with a "Justa" cooper also. Cheaper, probably a bit cheaper to insure, better gas mileage
..and I still have the speed3 for fun

 

The speed3 is a blast! Fast and cushy (compared to a MINI, anyway). To be honest, though, I'm glad my daily driver is the Cooper (my SO drives the Mazda). I seem to be missing the 'slow down' gene. I do drive it quite a bit, though.

 

I think I'm missing that gene too. Luckily I have the Valentine 1 sixth sense

Here's a couple of the mazda.

 

I'm biased - and fully admit it - that i just can't drive a justacooper. They have some great attributes, but ...Just can't keep that impulse under control!

Anyway, I have an '07 MCS and currently get about 35mpg without the trailer. I also have the MINIdoMore hitch and am quite pleased. The tongue weight is about 900lbs, and the towing capacity is approximately 1,400lbs. I did have some snafus with the hitch wiring, but eventually got it resolved. My MPG with the trailer is still about 30mpg, and I DO have to say I tend to go a little over the posted speed limit more often than not.

If you're looking for something around the $12k mark, you may have to wait a bit. These cars tend to hold their value, (and even high milage cars are still worth it), and often don't depreciate because of the added mods. The 1st gen cars (pre- '07 models) tend to be easier to mod, so there are more "adds" to those (keeping the prices up.) bratling did a good job with the info given, and I'd have to suggest that if you're serious about the MINI (and it seems to be a very good fit for your requirements, barring money) I would consider biting the bullet, going a little higher on the money, and getting a good 1st gen model.

But whichever way you go, good luck!

 

Okay, you should be fine. That is a small boat.