The Mini Cooper: My first look and test drive
Written: May 28 '02
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Pros: Cool, new and different...inexpensive, peppy, fun, nice for cities, good gas mileage.
Cons: Too small for some, small back seat, how much can you get for under $20k?
The Bottom Line: Only for young professionals, urban dwellers, British enthusiasts, or people who want to get noticed. Not for families, or for people who have to tote folks around.
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| pearcewg's Full Review: 2002 MINI Cooper |
I recently had the pleasure to test drive a new blue Mini Cooper, which was brought to an auto club I belong to.
The car is a hot product right now, and is one which will allow the driver to get noticed. For those who like different, this seems to be the next new thing (aka PT Cruiser, etc). I'm all for cars which are a little different. Also, a lot of people have some nostalgia for a car like this, because it is a British classic, remade for a modern America.
The good: The car is 'cute', peppy, fun to drive, and will get you noticed. It isn't very expensive, and seems to be a good value for the price (under $20,000). It has modern safety features, as required: all the air bags, etc. It also comes with Leather. It is similar to the upgrade given to the new Beatle when it first arrived.
Gas mileage is also good, and I would consider this a good vehicle for the urbanized Northeast. It would work well in my current home of Washington, DC (both on the roads, and for the type of people who live here).
It has a full backseat, which folds down for hauling, storage...which works, although you can only fit SO much in a car of this size, but it makes do nicely with the space it has. The backseat wouldn't be very comfortable to sit in (I saw it, and I'm glad I didn't have to sit back there!)
Also, while the car is nice, I'm getting used for more luxury and creature comforts...and let's be honest...how many can you get for under $20k? If you want total luxury, look elsewhere. This car is for a certain type of person :)
Overall, I like the car, and I think it is nice to add more variety (I'm sick and tired of blandness). It isn't for me, or for families, but it is excellent for young professionals, urban dwellers without alot of space, people with British car nostalgia, or people who just want something fun that other drivers will notice.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 19800
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002
Model and Options: S 2 Door Hatchback
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Epinions.com ID:
pearcewg
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Location: Fairfax, VA
Reviews written: 74
Trusted by: 8 members
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