[trackbird]

My wife has been looking at Mini Cooper's lately. Unfortunately, the Mini dealer didn't want her VW very badly (50% depreciation in 1.5 years and 25k miles?).

It was wet out and I kept the test drive short, but I really liked it (Cooper S). Actually, I liked it more than I thought I really would. It could use a bit more power, but it wasn't a pig (it's not a Camaro either). The handling was reasonably crisp and it was a bit go cart like. I found myself thinking that I could possibly live with one of those as a daily driver. And, tires and such for autocross will be considerably cheaper than my current ride. I'm really thinking that I should take another look at these. It's small, and really rather fun to drive.

She won't be buying one for a while, but....I could probably sell the Z at this point..... :leaving:

[Cal]

My wife bought a Mini Cooper last year, and I have driven it quite a bit. She decided to keep her '93 TA, but it has been parked with a toasted clutch since she got the Cooper.

I think the car is fun to drive, but if I start beating on it, my wife beats on me! It is quite nimble on tight, twisty streets. The biggest disappointment is she got one with an auto tranny, since she communtes in stop & go traffic. You can manually shift it, but it's still no where near the same as having a real manual. Every other time I get in the car, I stomp the floor with my left foot trying to find the clutch! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) A car like this really needs a stick.

I think it's a little heavy for it's size; it's loaded with "creature comforts." Her's is not an "S" either, so it's a little lacking in power IMO.

Getting one wouldn't be a bad idea, but don't sell your Camaro unless you're going to replace that with a Z06! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

This post has been edited by Cal: Jan 3 2006, 04:42 PM