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So Gentlemen, the wife (yes, I got married several weeks ago) is looking for a new daily driver. Since I am the bread winner of the family, it is understood that I will inherit most of the payments for said car. I already have an exciting car (Galant VR4) so I'm not looking to put her in something to fast. With this in mind, if I'm making payments I'd liek to for it to be something enjoyable. We were considering looking at the Mini Cooper, but I know very little about these cars. I figure I'd ping you guys, and see if any of you can comment on their reliability and durability as well as build quality.

Thanks
-Lex

Dan (PGT) had a Mini for a long time, did a bunch of work to it and autox'd it on a regular basis - had alot of fun with it. He lurks on the boards, will probably see your post.

I haven't, so unfortunately I can't answer any of your questions.

I love the exterior and they get great reviews, but I can't get past the horrible interior design.

My gf almost got one, but couldn't get past the interior.

What do you think of the miata or solstice?

-scheherazade

i for one love the interior and the exterior design.

the one thing i don't like about them is that dealers charge msrp and generally don't budge since they sell well. it's stupidly easy to build a $texas cooper if you're not careful.

chicken n waffles wrote: it's stupidly easy to build a $texas cooper if you're not careful.

IIRC, Dan's 240whp Mini ended up being north of 40k.

It almost seems like a crime not to get the S package... but it seems like a horrid tease (in regards to potential) as well. Spend wisely.

have had fun with them via zipcar. haven't really researched them much, tho.

congrats on the nuptials!

I don't know what it is like to drive a Mini, or to be married.

Good luck on both though.

Congrats on the marriage. I had considered buying one in the past. IMHO, it is best deal to grab a John Cooper Works Mini from the factory. You get the most for the money. If she doesn't care about all the hoopla, then just grab a stock Cooper S. I still want to get one

Congrats Alex!!!! So where are the pictures?

Dan's Mini was pretty damn fast. I had several rides in it. Modding them can be fairly expensive. I did a headerback exhaust on Dan's and it was fairly easy to work on. A little cramped, but nothing worse than a Subi. They are pretty reliable, although I did find them to be a little heavy for the size. Definitely go test drive one!

Thanks for all congrats. This marriage was long overdue (12 years dating).

This Mini is for her, I have the galant for spirited driving. I just wnat to make sure she has something reliable that she can enjoy. It's BMW influence scares my wallet, but if I can work on it (without paying an arm and a leg for parts), then I can enjoy.

I decided to pick up a 04 Cooper S.
this thing scoots for a 1.6ltr.

Need better lighting!...but congrats!

sirwilliam wrote:Need better lighting!...but congrats!

!!!!!

Sabre wrote:

sirwilliam wrote:Need better lighting!...but congrats!

!!!!!

nice color. I bet it's a lot of fun. my 1.6l Honda Si would scoot at it didn't have a supercharger.

very nice!