Seriously, talk me out of buy a Cooper Works Mini Cooper

[YALE]

From my research, the 135i is not much quicker and doesn't handle as well.

Ok.

[crapstang]

My mom drives a "s" model cooper. It's a great car (she drives 700-800 miles per week in it). The only thing that went wrong was the SC oil got low and ate up the drive sprocket. Wasn't too expensive to repair, thanks to David!
Get it

[idrivea4banger]

Genesis coupe or the Voelster

[Slowhand]

Why not buy a classic Mini? 20k will buy you a really nice example.

Why not? A/C, safety, and highway driveability.

Classic Minis are fun as shit, but the ergonomics are horrific (seriously, the steering wheel is...I can't even describe it) and A/C and 1.3L don't really go together.

[Darren M]

Great responses. If I'm going to have to notch part of my "Man card" I'd really rather do it on a turbo'd mini over a n/a Miata, ANY day.
There's also a few criteria I have to consider. In order of my priority.

1. MUST get much better gas mileage than my mod'd 2000gt Mustang (18mpg +/-)
2. Must be enjoyable to drive and comfortable. I have a 60 mile round trip commute/day.
3. Must have modern conveniences,e.g. a/c, heat, iDevice compatible
4. Must have 4 useable seats. Wife + 2 kids younger than 10.
5. Needs nominal storage

I just don't see the Focus being all that AND as fun to drive. Granted I have yet to test drive one but I would if someone could convince me it's just as fun.

As far as the reliability is concerned, I'm torn. I have a friend in Austin who semi-professionally raced a 2006 S model all over the country. With normal up keep she says she never had a problem.

I've gotten to the point in life where I'm quite comfortable in my own skin and don't really give 2 shits about what others think of the car I drive. I'll miss the torque of my Mustang, but not the weekly filling of the tank.

Lastly, I will want to autocross the car with the BMWCCA of North Texas. Hell, I may even join the BMWCCA again if I AX the thing enough. This is ALMOST a requirement. With a possible occasion to hit an HPDE or open track session or two.

And, just for giggles, here's a pic.

[KBScobravert]

Mazdaspeed 3

[butt86]

If kids are a concern you may want to rethink the mini. I'm fairly short 5' 10" and with the seat in my driving position there was only a good 2-3 inches between the front and rear seats.

[Darren M]

Yeah, we will need to ferry the kiddos around once in a while. However, my wife sat behind me while we took it out on a test drive and in my preferred driving position she had plenty of room. I'm not concerned about that, just yet. When they hit their teens it will be a problem. However, by then I'll be in the market for another vehicle as this one would have +50k more miles on it.

[BLAKE]

And, just for giggles, here's a pic.

That looks fun as hell. If I wasn't already so in love with my G35 sedan, I'd definitely consider something like that for a daily.

I don't know how real-world it is to expect 4 people to fit comfortably, but it'd be worth testing it.

[BMCSean]

I've known three people with mini coopers- one was a woman, another was gay, and the last one was probably a little gay and had a mullet that was dyed blonde. So if you are any of those I say go ahead and get it, if not, stay away from those cars.

[quikag]

I'd recommend a Focus ST especially if you're going to autocross. More power, better handling, and new with warranty. They've gotten great reviews and I've read that it's one of the best handling fwd cars ever. Talk to Skip and the gang at Grapevine Ford.

[SEB]

I couldnt fit in a Mini, They just arnt made for guys who are 6.2 & 230+, I like room to move around

[ceyko]

Lastly, I will want to autocross the car with the BMWCCA of North Texas. Hell, I may even join the BMWCCA again if I AX the thing enough. This is ALMOST a requirement. With a possible occasion to hit an HPDE or open track session or two.

So, a few times a year I did the autocross thing with my '03 Mustang and a buddy of mine decided he wanted to try it. (after lots of me yapping about it) I showed to help him the first time with the BMW club. His damned mini was 100% stock at the time and it was like being on rails compared to a Mustang. It made me think about buying one, but at the end of the day I can't afford to race - even autocross events.

However, him and his wife are DINK - so he put a ton of money into that Mini, then proceeded to do spec Miata racing, has a F-250 primarily for that with a 20 or 24' enclosed trailer for it all. He was addicted day 1 just from autocross racing.

Point being, those Minis can get you sucked into racing pretty quick. What I did not realize, is he said his Miata handles a lot better than his decked out Mini too! Also, this dude is well into the 6' range as far as being tall and has no problems with either car.

[ceyko]

I couldnt fit in a Mini, They just arnt made for guys who are 6.2 & 230+, I like room to move around

You'd be surprised how well you can fit into one.

[Captain Crawfish]

wait a week if you still think its a good idea in a week go get it. sometimes people buy dumb shit when they are bored. i think you may be bored