Hi! I am considering a cooper for the first time. I work at a publishing company so I will need to use the car for loading my sample books. Does the car have a good amount of space for my work things? Also, is it easy to load and unload from the mini?
I live in New England so I am wondering about how the mini drives in the snow. I am guessing I will need some snow tires, but beyond that, how is the handling? And is the low clearance a problem when there is a lot of snow? Right now I am driving a Mini Van for my job, so I am used to being higher up and visible to all drivers. Has anyone had a problem with being visible to everyone else on the road?
So if anyone could help me with a little advice, that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Sandra Dee

 

Yes!

 

No doubt buy a MINI its a great ride and its bigger than people think
Peace Mexi

 

We put all of our camping gear in our MINI, with the back seats folded down.

Of course you should get a MINI! Your clients will always remember you!

 

Have you seen one? It's a big change from a Minivan!

 

I, too, went from a minivan to a MINI and I just love my MINI. The minivan sits idle and I just use it for utility purposes (moving kids back and forth from college). I'm not sure how much you tote around, but if you put the back seats down, there's a surprising amount of space. I work as a school nurse and go to seven schools, so I take a rolling catalog case, a laptop and another shoulder bag. I have no problem fitting those items in the boot (that's the trunk in MINI-talk). I find it easy to unload from the back since I'm short and don't have to bend down or lift anything. It's just the right height for me. I live in Michigan and we didn't have any really deep snow last year, so I can't answer your question about deep snow (just got my 06 last November). We had plenty of smaller snowstorms and my MINI handled just fine. I don't have snow tires, but our snowfalls are usually 4 inches or less, with the occasional deep snowfall. There have been just a few times when I worried about visibility and that was when a big SUV was making a left turn and I was in the adjacent lane. I thought that the person making the left turn in the opposing direction might not be able to see me coming straight throught the intersection. Just had to slow down and proceed with caution and no problems.

One thing that makes up for any of the negatives is the fun factor! I've never been a car person, but this car just grabbed me. I had to have one, once I realized my minivan days were finally over. I didn't get any packages, just the options I wanted and don't have the S because I like the classic look of the MC. I am absolutely obsessed with this car. You'll have so much fun, it makes driving for work something to look forward to instead of dread.

Good luck making your decision and hope that a MINI becomes part of your life and we can wave at you as you motor by in your car.

laurel

06 CR/W MC, chrome line ext, rear spoiler, MFSW, center arm rest, fog lamps, 16" five spoke wheels with run-flat tires, anthracite interior

 

Every person here will tell you to get a mini, I still havent seen a post of someone who bought one and regrets it. Mini's are awesome.. because they dont just look like every other car, they are unique. Not to mention they are fast, handle great, and are for some strange reason, amazingly fun to drive.

 

Of course you should by a MINI!!! And yes - some good snow tires...if the snow gets TOO deep, you might consider an alternate source for a day or so.

The MINI holds a lot....so I wouldn't worry about how much stuff you can get in it... The hard top that is....

Donna

 

First thing...CUTE name SandraDee!! Now...Of course I'm going to tell you I LOVE my Mini. It suits most of my needs. Although, It's a tight fit with the baby seat and fitting my grandson in the back. Have you test drove one yet? I strongly urge you to do so. They are so much fun to drive and in a city, they're terrific to park. I'm an antique dealer and have managed to stuff a LOT of stuff in the boot with the rear seats down. I haven't had my Mini long enough to know how well they do in the winter though. I'll admit also to missing sitting high up in the suv that my husband took over...but I think you're doing the right thing by asking. The more answers you get...the more informed you are. But test drive one...I drove my Mini once and HAD to buy it right then!! Get back with us and let us know your decision!

 

Welcome to NAM

We have several threads going abotu how much you can fit in a MINI, most include photos.

The MINI is a wonderful snow car, if you get an MCS opt for the LSD, more fun in the turns and more predicable driving in deep snow. It's great up to 4" then there is a bit of a snow plow effect. I find it netter to do winter and summer tires but my all-season worked great last year.

Visibility, well I've seen people miss squad cars and semi tralers; but with all the color options I'm sure you can find something bright, I drive an all Jet Black MINI; I'll kick on the head lights a little sooner in the evening but thats it.

 

Order the MINI and get a second set of 15" wheels with Blizzak snow tires from our friends at Tirerack.com... The MINI is GREAT in the snow with the appropriate tires. Just wait until the roads have been plowed if it accumulates over 6 inches. Last winter I was passing SUVs on the Palisades Interstate Parkway here in NY.
As for space, depending on how many books you want to carry... with the seats down, you could probably pile 100 or more in the back and they're easy to get to with the hatch.
Good luck!

 

Hey Sandradee, check out this thread to see what others have been cramming in their minis

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=78275

 

The MINI can fit a lot into it, but depends on what your needs are. Everytime I see a question like this I'll offer the same advice: go to a dealer, bring along what you'll need to carry, and ask the salesperson if you can try fitting it into a MINI to get an idea of the cargo space. The salesperson should be helpful, especially if he know a sale depends on it. I have a friend who everytime he goes to buy a new car he brings along his set of golf clubs. If the clubs don't fit he won't buy it. There's no substitute to trying it out in real life sometimes.

 

I tried that with some plywood sheets but they wouldn't let me load them on the roof

 

why would you want any thing else