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

[jakesford]

I'm 6'3" so I didn't buy the car with the intention of having a backseat haha.

[Darren M]

We test drove the Clubman as well. Nice car and it did offer quite a bit more leg room in the back and the "boot" was much bigger too. However, I have to admit, I preferred the 2 door, as far as cornering is concerned. While the Clubman did seam to have a better ride I would HAVE to have the JCW turbo in it too!

[mustangguy289]

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.

Except for the 4 useable seats... it sounds like you have described a 2011-2014 Mustang GT! Considering the rear seat useable would depend on the size of your kids and how much you value their comfort.

[BMCSean]

No rage here, just messing with you. The guy with the mullet had the S and I have to admit it was a fun car, but I would say that the Focus ST would be my choice. I drove a regular focus hatchback for a couple weeks and it was pretty fun, so the ST must be more fun.

[Ratt]

We test drove the Clubman as well. Nice car and it did offer quite a bit more leg room in the back and the "boot" was much bigger too. However, I have to admit, I preferred the 2 door, as far as cornering is concerned. While the Clubman did seam to have a better ride I would HAVE to have the JCW turbo in it too!

Sounds like you want it enough to justify it. Go buy one.

[DON SVO]

F...

[BERNIE MOSFET]

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[Mike]

S...

[DON SVO]

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[BERNIE MOSFET]

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[DON SVO]

F...

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FESTY. Goddamn right.

[BERNIE MOSFET]

FESTY. Goddamn right.

It's really the bestiva option here.

[DON SVO]

It's really the bestiva option here.

You'd have to be festarded not to go with it.

[DON SVO]

It's really the bestiva option here.

[Rick Modena]

Festielago FTMFW!