Why don't more men drive Minis?

[roadrash]

I think that time is already here for some drivers , judging by what i sometimes see.

 

[Booyaa]

I won't drive one as I think they are ugly looking things, just like the old style mini. Both incredibly ugly cars, I don't see the attraction at all.

 

[swee'pea99]

Would it have been any more fun than say an Anglia van, it might have been more to do with the destination or the mates than the vehicle. I drove an old style mini last year and it was nothing like I remembered them to be in the seventies.

Probably not...Fords of that era were great fun too. Brilliant gearboxes and tight, eager little engines, in vehicles made out of tin can before the elf & safety mob got involved. The Mini only had a 1 litre engine, but it took off from the lights like a scalded cat. When the handles came off the rear doors I replaced them with a couple of brass wardrobe handles from Woolworths. Touch of class, nowotimean? Every drive in the rain was a dice with death mind...

 

[earlestownflya]

[QUOTE 3958511, member: 9609"]I wonder if there will ever come a time when one of the most important criteria considered in a car is how fast it is. As a cyclist this attitude amongst most drivers disturbs me.[/QUOTE]
certainly..the place for break neck speed is not on the public highway..best to have a road legal track day car if you want to have some fun with like minded people....a cooper set up right will give you this option..something to consider

 

[midlife]

[QUOTE 3958511, member: 9609"]I wonder if there will ever come a time when one of the most important criteria considered in a car is not how fast it is. As a cyclist this attitude amongst most drivers disturbs me.[/QUOTE]

Best not show you my 400 BHP methanol injected Impreza then

Shaun

 

[screenman]

Probably not...Fords of that era were great fun too. Brilliant gearboxes and tight, eager little engines, in vehicles made out of tin can before the elf & safety mob got involved. The Mini only had a 1 litre engine, but it took off from the lights like a scalded cat. When the handles came off the rear doors I replaced them with a couple of brass wardrobe handles from Woolworths. Touch of class, nowotimean? Every drive in the rain was a dice with death mind...

With a 0 to 60 time of 25 seconds, maybe more cuddly old moggy than scalded cat.

 

[derrick]

As somebody who works on cars for a living I suggest that the build quality is not as good as most other vehicles I play with. I for one cannot stand that things for many reasons and would certainly not want to own or drive far the one I worked on yesterday.

I can relate to that awful motor, Now if you were talking about a 1275 cooper s, A proper fun car,

 

[roadrash]

I can relate to that awful motor, Now if you were talking about a 1275 cooper s, A proper fun car,

or the 1275 GT , apart from the ugly square front end

 

[earlestownflya]

I can relate to that awful motor, Now if you were talking about a 1275 cooper s, A proper fun car,

a classic car no doubt...but build quality positively shocking

 

[jefmcg]

Other people's opinions hold no value. Drive what you want.

Comparing a Mini to a Subaru Estate isn't exactly apples for apples though is it?

Red Delicious to Jonathan. Most cars are used for exactly the same purpose most of the time. Carrying 1 or 2 or 3 people and a small amount stuff with them.

 

[TVC]

I'm looking at buying one at the moment. I do less that 4k miles a year, and my current car is 10 years old and has less than 40k on it. I'm reluctant to sell because in 10 years other than the bits you expect to wear it has cost me two bulbs.
Anyway, my choice is a Mini Cooper which I am likely to keep for another 10 years, or a Cooper S which will be the last car I ever buy. Not decided yet, but the cash is sitting in my pocket burning a hole.


Edit: or do I buy a proper mini to polish and tinker with?

 

[derrick]

a classic car no doubt...but build quality positively shocking

A lot easier to fix than the new ones

 

[screenman]

[QUOTE 3958574, member: 9609"]I would ask all drivers if they aspired to an evo or scooby - and if they answered yes I would null and void their driving licences.[/QUOTE]

I would be safe then, I would not want to lower my aspirations.

 

[roadrash]

I'm looking at buying one at the moment. I do less that 4k miles a year, and my current car is 10 years old and has less than 40k on it. I'm reluctant to sell because in 10 years other than the bits you expect to wear it has cost me two bulbs.
Anyway, my choice is a Mini Cooper which I am likely to keep for another 10 years, or a Cooper S which will be the last car I ever buy. No decided get, but the cash is sitting in my pocket burning a hole.


Edit: or do I buy a proper mini to polish and tinker with?

proper mini wins hands down

 

[TVC]

proper mini wins hands down

I know, but I need a car I can use every day and I don't know if I have the time or energy required to keep a proper mini in mint condition.

I would love driving it though.