I realize there are probably a lot of people who are going to bristle at this question, so (deep breath) here goes: for those of you lucky people who already have your MINIs, how practical are you finding them for daily use? The reason I'm asking is because I currently drive an extremely practical Subaru Legacy sedan, and reallyreallyreally want a black Cooper S with white roof and Luxury/Sport packages (sigh). We had one in England when I was a kid, and it served very well for two adults and a baby, but I do a lot of commuting, sometimes 80 miles each way, hemmed in by semis, and I'm a bit nervous about driving something so little. On the other hand, nothing I've ever driven, including the 325i and the 2003 Maxima 6-speed, come close. I also usually get to do taxi duty, and several of my friends are over 6'. Not sure how they would feel being stuffed into the backseat, although the sunroof might distract them.... Any advice/anecdotes will be hugely appreciated.

 

I've driven the car with four adults inside and no problem. My wife drives a 3 series BMW and I think the Cooper has more passenger room. Certainly more head room and I think the car is a little wider than the BMW "3".

 

I have also had 3 other adults with me no problem at all. They were even suprised when they got out how small the car actually is, because it doesn't feel like it at all from the inside. I have found though that folding down a seat or two is very convienent if you need to transport lots of stuff.

 

I guess a MINI can never be called "practical" when compared to an SUV, sedan or minivan. But, I think for its size it is rather practical. Certainly more practical than other small cars. For example, I think it has more cargo space and back seat room than a VW Beetle. I was really shocked at how useable the back seats really are! I had a 1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse that had a back seat that would only seat a gnome.

 

We use this car solely on the weekends! While I wouldn't put 4 6-ft. people in it, one or two for a 2 hour drive was fine. He even feel asleep in the backseat on the way back.
We've taken it to Home Depot, Target then Safeway and fit it all in the boot (except for the 24-pack of toilet paper which went in the back seat.
I'm always forgetting I'm in a small car until I get out and see Maxine against other cars. She doesn't ride like a roller skate nor feel cramped inside.

 

Depends on what you consider practical. I am 6' and my wife is 5'11. We've had two other adults in the car and we had to move the seat up for them, I was happy that we were not driving far. There is no center console so things such as a cell phone, change, sunglasses etc have to go into the glove box. I didn't get the MINI rack system because I do not believe in drilling into the top. So we do not use this car to haul the Kayak and will not use it during ski season unless someone comes up with a better rack system for it. I grew up in S. California traffic and now live in the Bay area. I wouldn't recommend a manual transmission for the commute if you have traffic like California, Houston, New York City or Atlanta. Been in all of them and it is not fun. Automatic transmission and the luxury of a BMW for that kind of traffic. I do use the MINI for all of my long distance travel with my wife, daughter (5) and I with all our various bits of luggage. I have the Premium & Sports package. Be prepared for a bumpy ride with the sports package. Moving to the Denver area. I'll see how it goes, but will most likely not take the MINI for the daily commute.

 

Sometimes it takes scaling back our lifestyle a bit to figure out what we really need. Sometimes not getting all loaded down with "stuff" gives us the chance to realise what we really enjoy. Think about it a bit, maybe make a list of "why" the MINI may not be "practical" (the list maybe shorter that you think) take a test drive and if you feel that little smile creep up on you whenever you think about getting one, go for it.

 

I can't really comment on the practicality, because I drive around in a Chevy Astro, and a big ole' Oldsmobile when I need to get something done, or have to go on a really long trip! The mini is my TOY!

 

>>I had a 1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse that had a back seat that would only seat a gnome.

I actually test drove an Eclipse before I test drove a MINI (my wife was not sold on the whole mini idea untill she actually saw one in person...) and forget the back seat, there' s no room in the front seat either... My head was almost bumping the roof, and i'm only an average hight guy...

Rocketboy_X

 

Thanks, all. I do definately feel that little smile, although it's more like an ear-to-ear grin...one of my friends who was in the passenger seat when I test drove yelled wheee when we shot onto the highway, and since I was so busy grinning, she was the one who noticed that the car didn't even twitch when an Expedition blew past. The color combination I want doesn't get here till January, so I'll have plenty of time to think about it, but thanks to your comments I already know which way I'm leaning! :smile:

 

I traded in a 93 Acura Integra hatchback for my Mini. In the Mini I am higher off the ground and the car actually feels bigger and heavier especially on the highway with the big trucks than in the Integra. I had test driven the VW Beetle and noticed the same difference in height. It is also easier to reach my ATM. :smile:
I feel very secure in my Mini. Go for it.

 

Smurf is right....I definitely feel higher in the Mini than I did even in my old Accord.....(of course I sat with the seat all knocked back like I was a gangsta or something)....
My favorite part about it so far is how well it corners....I am just amazed....there is like NO body roll at all, something that I am totally not used to. I live in Maryland and motored through Loch Raven on Sunday....those S curves were a piece of cake! Really solid ride! I LOVE MY MINI!!!!