I have been browsing these forums. I have seen several people mention not wanting their MINI in the snow or having a winter car. Living near Denver I get snow. So can a MINI MC handle the snow? I ordered mine with all season tires because thats what I used on all my cars. My last car was a 07 Hyuindai Accent GS and it did fine in the snow. In fact my daughter has that now (Which is why I need a new car) and it drives fine.

So can Comet play in the snow?

Thanks

 

I've had an MCS since November 2008 (on my second now), and I have never had a problem with rolling in the snow. I would think your MC would do just fine. Don't take on any huge drifts, though! Our little cars turn into plows, and they're not all that great sometimes.

 

Comet (L@VE the name BTW) can absolutely play in the Snow!! In fact I would highly recomend it. Molly has been playing in the Snow every year since she came home!! Even the day we picked her up it was Icy/Snowy and yes, I was nervous about taking her out, but it was my driving I was more nervous about than her ability!!

When we went on our test drove our MA took us to a "hilly" part of PDX, it had about 6-9" on the ground, when our test drive was over he came over to me shook my hand and said "Thank You for being such a skilled Driver!!"!! (N/S)

All of those lessons you've learned driving any car in the snow still apply, only this time your car, once learned will know exactly what you expect of it!! Auto or otherwise the Hill Assist is a great asset in these cars, also the Traction Control IMHO is second to none...though Molly and my Husband's Soul are the only two cars I've driven with HA, thankfully I have not had to use Husband's yet!! In Icy/Slippery conditions turn the TC off, I know it sounds odd, but this really helps in getting the MINI going on hard packed snow and ice. BTW, I turn Molly's off just to see what she'll do on a "Spirited" Corner Turn...she handles flawlessly every time...mind you I don't over do it 'cause I know what my limitations are, but it is a Kick in the Pants when I do!!

Good Luck, you've chosen a fabulous car to adopt and I hope you enjoy many years of MOTORING BLISS!!

Cheers,

Julie
PDX MINI President - 2012

 

Why not? It's front wheel drive. I have even driven mine in the snow with the top down. You should see the looks I get.

 

I haven't driven the Mini in the snow yet, but I anticipate it'll be good. I'm not a fan of all season tires. I got the summer RFs coming on mine. I always use a designated set of actual snow tires for winter driving, and I've never been stuck or lost control in any car (FWD or AWD, I never drove RWD in snow.) To make my life easier, I have 2 sets of wheels: 1 summer set with tires, and a winter set with Hankook snows.

 

Mini's do great in the snow. I drove my 09 MCS in the snow several times. Piece of cake. I would recommend all season tires at the very least but snow tires are preferred. You will have no trouble in the snow.

The Mini's are a hoot to drive in the snow. As previous posters stated using the MINi as a snow plow is not recommended.

Pat

 

If you could handle an Accent in the snow, the Mini will feel like a 4x4.

 

We had one big storm so far here in Maine and with the 8/10 inches on the ground and a decent set of snow tires (firestone winter tires) it went like a freaking tank. Even backing into my driveway coming from work when it had not been plowed out was no issue. This is the first can in four that I have once again enjoyed driving in the snow.

 

My 07 MCS works like a champ in the snow, especially with snow tires (Dunlop Graspic DS-3s to be exact). One word of caution: compared to other vehicles I have driven, the ABS on the Mini seems to be a bit tame when it comes to emergency stops on the snow. Take it slow and brake early.

 

Good news. Thanks for the replies. I can't have a summer car and winter car. No place to park it and the cost. Also, I am getting the MINI to drive it. I will try the MC out with the all-seasons. If that doesn't work then I will get snow tires and wheels. Cheaper then a winter car.

Thanks again.

 

Tires make all the difference in the world. I've had an RWD that was unstoppable in snow (535i with dedicated snows) and a four wheel drive that got stuck (Ram 2500 with worn all seasons). I'm not saying you NEED snow tires, but definately good rubber for the conditions. Brand new ultra hi-po tires will be no good in winter weather even on an AWD (my friends 325ix). And yes, traction control / DSC will work against you in extreme slip takeoffs. Shut it off to get moving, the turn back on once underway.

 

Oddly, it's better than just about any other FWD car I've ever driven. Even being so low.

 

Not in my case. My wife had a 2005 Toyota Corolla before her MCS and that car was a tank. Automatic with the FWD of course but that car would go through any amount of snow with ease. It had the MCS beat by a decent margin. Part of the reason I think is because the Corolla had better ground clearance than the MCS.

 

The last front wheel drive car I drove before my MINI was my 1982 VW diesel Rabbit. It handled pretty okay, too, though it could pretty easily get stuck if the snow (or mud) was too deep. The MINI has never been an issue for me. DSC is a beautiful thing sometimes, too.

 

Last winter was my first experience driving in snow period. The car did great, it felt very sure footed with snow tires and I was out-driving plenty of wagons and SUVs who were slipping and sliding all over the place on a serious shut-down-everything snow day. I can't wait for snow this year! As you can see from the front of the car, the "snow plow" comments above are right on. However, I did make it through the deep stuff just fine to my summit destination.

 

That right there is pretty awesome!