Anyone have a Mini Cooper car?

[cprcheetah]

So we have to get a new car, and we can take one they have on the lot and they have a 2004 Mini Cooper S available, everything else is like SUV's and trucks which we don't want for the gas mileage. It would get killer gas mileage, but I've heard they aren't super hot in the snow, and since Utah is notorious for horrible snow storms, we want to make sure before/if we get it. Anyone have one and know how they handle in the snow?

[kennyk]

if i remember it correctly... 2004 mini had a lot of engine problems. if the engine was rebuilt, give it a goooo :)

edit: plus! mini doesnt take 87grade gas.

[NewYorkDogue]

I have a Mini Cooper S, John Cooper Works Edition, 2006. I wasn't looking for the extra bells and whistles (JCW is supposed to be the highest performance Mini out there)-- but just a used Mini Cooper. One of my students happened to mention that she was selling their Mini, and since they took really good care of their car (it was their baby, really!), with really low mileage (26,700), we negotiated a super price for it. So, I've had it since August, and I love it! Very fun, and good on mileage.

I haven't had a chance to try it in the snow, but in the rain, it's handles like a dream. It has a "bulldog" stance, so is very stable in sloppy weather.

And, oh yeah, I have a growing Mastiff puppy--- but right now he rides shotgun in the front seat. But there is enough room in the back for him (and only him) when full grown.

I hope. :)

[xellil]

I had a Mustang GT - I just put Blizzaks on it. It did great in the snow. Without them, not so much.

[eternalstudent]

The are basically a BMW then engine, suspension, brakes is all the same as the BMW 100 series. As for handling in the snow the tyers are spaced out on the 4 corners so it handles pretty well, you will want a decent set of winter tyers but otherwise it really is not all that bad ( I will say we don't have snow like you guys do maybe one week a year ).

Overall they are decent cars, very good mileage, and to be fair I would not run a car or bike on RON 87 petrol ( I assume thats what 87 gas is) without adding an octane booster.