My parents have become strongly against the MINI on the grounds of it's safety. No amount of IIHS data is enough to convince them. I'm somewhat dependent on them to help me with the financing. If the MINI is out, we'll likely get an Impreza 2.5RS, Mazda 3 or *shiver* a Civic.

I figure the most I can manage out of them is a test drive with a base MCA. My father isn't exactly an excitment seeker (he drove a '88 Buick Century, 92 Accord, and now (after much convincing) a 2004 TSX).

What are the chance of the test drive making him change his mind 180 degrees? Did it change YOUR mind?

 

Test drives can make a BIG difference, but I'd say overall it's a chemistry thing. Some people just don't "get" MINIs and perhaps never will. All they see is a small car, and that equals danger, and that's it. This may be especially true w/ parents because your safety is paramount to them.

Sounds like you've tried the information approach...good job! A test drive couldn't hurt....something magic may yet happen. It'd be great if your folks "happened" to meet other adult owners or (better) other parents who look favorably on MINIs safety stats.

If you do wind up getting something else, try to enjoy it.....and don't let go of your MINI dream...your day will come.

 

Ah...the joy of parents and their say in your car choice...had many years of that. Needless to say, my mom still doesn't know about my MINI purchase (only 3 weeks ago). Selling my previous car after little under two years of ownership probably will make me seem foolish in her eyes, but oh well! I plan on using the MINIs unique look and feel to win her over when she rolls her eyes at me in November.

Good luck!

 

I test drove the Impreza before deciding to buy my wife a Cooper to go along with my MCS.

The biggest reason that I did not get the Subaru was the fact that it only had 2 airbags standard compared to the MINI which has 6!

Your parents are nuts

 

Convince them that what you really want is a motorcycle. Talk about it constantly. Bring home information on Harleys. Get a tatoo.....watch Easy Rider over and over. Then, when they believe nothing but a motorcycle will satisfy you, tell them you have reconsidered and you will settle for a MINI. They'll buy it for you....get the JCW package.

 

On the safety issue - if you haven't already - call your insurance company, and see if they have ratings for the different vehicles. I have State Farm (USA), and if I recall correctly, they listed the MINI as an A for low medical expenses in accidents. Not too sure this is all that convincing.

ALSO... as far as test drives go: I can't say they'll help. Give it a shot, though. It sounds like this is the only other way of convincing them.

Also, if you haven't already, do a comparison on:

> center of gravity
> storage capacity
> insurance cost
> repair costs (Honda's can be expensive, especially parts.)

 

I traded in an '03 Cobra that was a mild bolt-on car, making something like 380 at the rear wheels for my '02 Cooper S.

I dunno, you tell me.

 

Do this. Have the MA roll the windows down in the MINI before you get to it but shut the doors. You and your parents walk up to it but make sure they don't open the door. While discussing the car, sort of bend over and look inside and comment on something to make your parents lean into the open window. What will this do? It will make them put their hands on the very solid, very thick door.

While I didn't have to do this to my wife. She changed her opinion of the car once she felt the thickness of the doors. You know how some people feel that bigger is better? It's the same with how solid something feels. I don't know about the other cars but the doors feel solid on the MINI. Once they notice this, hopefully, it will open them up enough to start noticing other things impressive about the MINI that other cars its size don't have.

Ok, that's it. I'm beginning to get too passionate about my MINI. I think it's time MINIUSA trains MA's to be psychologists.

 

There's plenty of pictures around of wrecked MINIs. Show mom and dad those, along with the condition of the occupants...many walked away without injury.

 

By all means schedule a test drive that includes one or both of your parents. Check around here to find out which MA you should schedule with -- rememer that your're looking for the most professional, persuasive MA! I'm sure any good MA will be prepared to explain the MINI's many safety features, but be sure to let him/her know about your parents' concerns jsut to be sure....

May as well give it your best shot!

And if you don't succeed this time, choose the "Plan B" car based on its value retention. Before you know it, you'll be able to use that puppy as your downpayment on a new MINI!

 

i would go for impreza 2.5rs before the others, but for the cash you cant go wrong w/mini coopers "S" its a great car all around.....

 

As far as the safety concern, a picture is worth a thousand words. So print THIS PAGE and show your folks that when it comes to safety size doesn't matter, engineering does.
Follow up with a test drive and that should be a done deal.
If not, give us their phone number and let NAM members do the rest...

 

A test drive may or may not change their mind. BUT, they must see, feel, and sit in the car. If they do drive it, make sure they can get it onto a freeway and not just city streets. I'll bet they are positively shocked at how solid it feels at 75MPH. Reality is very different from preconceived notions. Do not let them make a decision for you on a car that they haven't actually experienced. ....for that matter don't decide for yourself on a car that you haven't experienced!

Good Luck!

 

When I was looking for a car that my daughter could commute back and forth to college in and use around the campus I looked at most of the small cars out there. Nothing compares to the quality and solidness of the MINI. Show them the resale value also. If the safety features built into the MINI (that the others probably won't have), the quality, the resale and your pleading don't win them over then it's on to the next car on your list.


Good luck!

 

Speaking of which, what safety features are exclusive to the MINI that cannot be found on other cars in its class? (By it's class, I mean pricewise and size-wise). 6 airbags and...?

 

Besides air bags, Traction control 2 versions.

ABS braking, corner braking.Weight sensing braking.
Those brakes will make your eyes pop out.

Very ridgid, less twisting=less flipping.

The MINI may be small, but it is not light, around 2500 lbs.
Alot of that weight is what makes the car perform well in crashes.

The car drives like it is on rails, very very stable. Being so nimble, you have a better chance of avoiding a crash, rather than walking away from one.

I've been driving 35 years, owned a long list of cars and trucks. This car is the safest I have ever felt in anything.

Let your folks read this thread.

If you do go on a test drive, be smooth about, don't show off the performance(go quick) aspects. If not used to a stick, take out an auto.

Oh and smile the whole time, and pout in anything else

 

Just to tag on in agreement with Lot's comments...it is true that although MINIs look cute and all, there's some very, very serious safety engineering going on under the nice shiny skin of the car. I've seen it at work first hand and it is extremely impressive. Best not to be fooled by it's charming exterior...this MINI is tough as nails. When it comes to safety, the engineering...not just the vehicle size is what matters.

 

For my kids, I plan on teaching...make that drilling...them on defensive driving. Not paying attention to the road is probably the number cause of accidents followed probably by driving too fast for conditions. Yes, it happens to older people, too, but insurance statistics will show that younger INEXPERIENCED drivers are at higher risk. I base this mostly on experience and it is by God's grace alone that I am still alive. I'm a good driver but took needless risks when younger in high performance cars (GTOs, Mustangs, etc.)
Driving school is a great idea no matter what car you get. The MINI makes it easier because of its responsiveness, active and passive and safety features.
But then again, it is their money. Be thankful for whatever you are given. There will always be a MINI around in the future.

 

This was posted above, but I thought I'd just include the pic here.

MINI head-on wreck at 40MPH vs Ford F150 wreck at 40 MPH:


Enough said. (link)

 

WOW! They say a picture is worth a thousand words and in the case of the F-150 vs MINI I would say that's correct. If that picture doesn't win them over then there's no hope.

 

I just got finished talking to a freind who works for the local fire department. Recently there was an accident between an SUV and a MINI (don't know which one). The SUV tried to drive over the MINI, the structure of the MINI withstood the vicious, unprovoked, attack and the young girl driving escaped with only minor scratches. My friend reported that the structure of the MINI was amazingly intact.

Once again, the structure and safety of the MINI proved itself. Protecting the occupants. 'nuff said!

 

Hell, let's play dirty. Compare the MINI's safty ratings: click here

To the ratings of a newer Accord than the one your dad had: click here

To the ratings of a newer Century than the one your dad had: click here

To the ratings of his new TSX: click here (about the same as the MINI)

After reading those reports and looking at the pictures, I don't see how he could still say safty is a problem. He made it out of all the above cars alive, surly you'll be fine with all the modern safty engineering the MINI has to offer.

 

......

 

SAFETY??!! man are they way off...if a mazda had been in some of the accidents a few people I know who are mini owners have been prevy to...they would be dead! three different people...all highway speed (eh hem or faster) rollovers...and all walked away with minor scratched...maybe a little sore at best...

You know what though...a test drive might do it...most people think, Mini, small...hmmmn....Geo...small...tin can...once they get in the car the'll see how solid it is...and have it feels....it's the # 5 safest car for a reason...

 

He'll look at the car and the size will probably just the bug the hell out
of him... and he's not a excitement seeker... therefore, he'll see the
car and think...there's nothing great about this car.. NEXT!

Well, just letting you know what could happen... goodluck. :smile: