Mini

(30-05-2011 07:45pm)DynamicRRV Wrote:  I deal in them mate.

Is that the first time you've been called mate Charlie?

Behave

(30-05-2011 10:51pm)Charlie Wrote:  Behave

Yes ma'am

Sorry....is Chaz a woman!?

It's cool Dynamic, am happy to be your mate

(30-05-2011 03:36pm)Charlie Wrote:  Noticed a few people here have or have had a Mini and just wondered what they'd thought of them etc etc.

Grew up in a house that had several original '60s models; my first car was also a '60s model. My mum is currently on her second New Mini. It's an '06 JCW; her first was just a Cooper. It had crap suspension but the JCW is a great pocket rocket - a part from the bland grey interior. The supercharged version is way better than the turbo version IMO. Sure it uses more fuel but a car like a JCW is all about fun. The turbo doesn't have the same level of enjoyment, again IMO. Plus the latest version's fatter body looks crap.

Hi Charlie,
First new Mini was a One which the ex wife had as her main car. It was a 52 plate and we had it for 7 years. Enjoyed immensly. The One was a "detuned" version of the Cooper, but we never noticed any difference in performance between our One and any other Cooper of the same age. Perhaps they forgot to "detune" it??
My youngest son has a 53 plate Cooper S which is a great pocket rocket. My eldest son has a 55 plate JCW (John Cooper Works) Cooper S which is even more fun. Both are the Supercharged versions and not the newer Turbocharged ones. I too prefer those and the older body and trim shape to the newer ones. I feel the newer shape has lost it's edge.
I'd have another one in an instant though!
Ant

Thanks guys for all your input. The plan wasn't to buy two new cars this year but think I need to go and do some test drives. Unfortunately I already seemed to have rattled the local Mini dealer when I asked about a discount! Wanted to drive the Fiat 500 twin air too but car might be a bit to on the small side.

I seriously recommend you don't limit yourself to the current model. Also try the previous model, especially the supercharged engine. You might end up saving some money by purchasing a secondhand one.

(01-06-2011 11:28pm)Charlie Wrote:  Wanted to drive the Fiat 500 twin air too but car might be a bit to on the small side.

I'm on my 3rd Fiat 500! - I absolutely love them. OK not the most spacious car in the world but in the real world not much less room than the MKII BMW Mini - that’s because it’s much taller so it’s easier to in and out of and you sit more upright – the boot is surprisingly big. Like the MKI BMW Mini the Fiat 500 puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. Unfortunately mine will probably be a victim of the Evoques arrival as I can't have 2 two cars that are there just for me to look at and enjoy the design. I think I concur with what’s been said here re MKI & MKII Mini's the current ones are refined but have somehow lost their soul. Also it has sort of become a caricature of itself – doesn’t seem to have the purity of design of the original (IMO). Let’s put it this way the MKII has never been a car I thought of buying just to look at...... so if you’re in the market for a Cute White 500 Sport with Panoramic Roof & Chrome Pack .... you know who to call