After we get relocated in NH, the wife and I are interested in buying a mini cooper wagon. Ive read several reviews that the turbo motor has such bad torque steer that the guy feared for the safety of pedestrians on the sidewalk, so we are opting for the n/a version. Its not about speed, this car will be for the fun factor and unility and will be the replacement for our 07 caliber.

Anyone out there own a mini wagon? the basic cooper is to small for our needs so the wagon is a must.

OPINIONS GUYS???

 

I like the wagon design, especially the novel tailgate. Thanks to the longer wheelbase, it probably won't handle quit as good as the standard Mini, but unless you plan on entering any sporting events, it shouldn't make any difference. I bet it will still be a blast to drive.

 

I have a regular Mini Cooper S. It's a 2005, so mine is supercharged rather than turbo'd. There is some torque steer, but it is not by any stretch unmanageable. I think the review you read was vastly exaggerated. That same reviewer would probably complain about the Crossfire smoking tire too easily. I would go for the S. The added power will really make the car so much more fun to drive. As is, mine is a little under powered in the low RPMs - off the line. But it is quite a lot of fun over 3,000 rpm.

But the best advice I can give is: go drive a base model and an S model. See for yourself. You'll love either one.

 

I don't car much for the longer look of the Club Wagon, but if you need the space go for it.

I have a 2005 Mini NA (but modded to look like the "S"), and it's a blast to drive.

 

Why FP I'm SHOCKED!! You installed a "Scooped" hood on a NA car? I don't know if I should call you a poseur or an imposter. Or be flattered.

(or did you do it first)?

 

No, I copied from you Mike....

 

No, he just wants to be like me.

 

If you know the gal in your avatar, hell...... I wanna be like you too.

 

IMHO, the Mini Clubman makes very little sense. It doesn't have the cool looks or mini styling of the Cooper. It has one tiny rear passenger door. And in 2011, there's a much, much nicer 4-door SUV coming out called the Countryman. I'd hate to be the poor guy driving the Clubman when the Countryman comes out.

My recommendation: If the Cooper is too small for you, then SERIOUSLY consider buying a Prius. For the money it's hard to beat the room, quietness or the gas mileage.

 

I hear ya, Sonoros, but the Clubman fills one significant marketing niche: the young couple with a baby or prospective babies. That single suicide door adds big value to the parent trying to get junior in and out of a car seat. Also it's great for people with pets.

Since I have neither (babies or pets) I don't have to worry about it. But I do see the point of the Clubman.

Now the Countryman, I just don't get. WTF? Like anyone who WANTS an SUV is gonna buy a Mini?!?

My prediction for the Countryman is that it will be a compromise on so many levels that it will no longer be a 'fun to drive Mini' and it will be too small to be a 'comfy SUV'. So where does that leave it? No man's land. It will be a big dud.

 

Drove a friend of mines mini and let me tell you.. Its an amazing little car that would definetly be that perfect car for doing everything its enough room for light packing and a baby seat and the handling is spot on! I loved it... and even before being modded they look pretty nice