I bought a Mini because I'm a sucker for classic Englishness. I pictured myself on the white cliffs of Dover eating crumpets with a top hat on in my Mini or something and thought - yes. That has to be done. What I neglected to consider was that a car is a massive purchase and I should consider more than just marketing when deciding which one to buy.
It's not that the Mini Cooper is bad, it's just hideously impractical, and I'm annoyed with myself for not noticing this before I bought it. In fact I did notice it, of course - it's called a 'Mini' and it's about the size of a matchbox; I just chose to ignore it. I can barely fit a week's shopping in the boot, and I've got a big family. It's just not big enough.
If you're on your own, though, and don't mind putting a bit of shopping on the back seat, the Mini Cooper is a great car. Oodles of fun, it actually drives like it's presented as driving in 'The Italian Job', and it's well-built and reliable, too. But don't buy it if you want a sensible, practical car.
I run a Mini Cooper 1.6D. The car is quick and corners very well as well as averaging around 55mpg. The engine feels strong and pulls well through the gears. I have had some electrical niggles with the windows, but a software upgrade sorted this. The main problem is with a rattle on the dashboard when at 2000rpm. The dealer said that it wasnt allowed to investigate. I contacted Mini customer service who stated that there was no recall and so no problem. Very poor response from a premium manufacturer. I use the car for training learner drivers, they love it. I love the style, power and handling. Dont love the customer service
I get around from places to places in style and fairly quickly. Very smooth drive and handling.
Can find parking spaces easier than most cars.
Saves a lot on petrol as it can give me 60 mpg at times.
Absolutely love my Mini... A very good girly car! No fuss!