Why We Love the MINI (a MINI Manifesto)

Sections: Opinion May 13th, 2010 92 Comments

Ok we’ve had it. We need a break from our regular programing to say a few things. We all critique MINI and wish it had this and that but the truth is we are MotoringFile and we love this damn car. There’s nothing else like it and frankly we’d be really pissed if it ever went away. It’s fast, it’s stylish and it’s (relatively) affordable for how incredibly good it is.

Because of all of this we’re creating a top ten reasons that the MINI is simply the best car in the world. Yeah we’re not pulling punches here, we said in the world. (drum roll please)…

It will eat E46 M3s alive at track days if driven properly.
It’s fun at low speeds in a way that almost no car (other than something vintage) can be.
There is no pretense of having an aggressive face that’s meant to scare pedestrians. It’s a happy, fun yet fast car when hustled.
It can be a personal expression of how awesome you are.
You can make friends with it by simply driving (try doing that with a Mazda)
It doesn’t look like anything else on the road. In fact it’s weird (and that’s good).
It exudes style in a British way that is totally unique in the current automotive market.
…
…
…

But here’s the thing, we’re only going to give you seven reasons. The last three we need you to give us in the comment section.

…So let’s hear it. Why do you love the MINI? R53, R57, it doesn’t matter what you own. We want to hear why you smile every time you turn the key.

Written By: Gabe

http://www.unitedmini.com PepeCooper

Porque siempre los pequeÃ±os detalles,sÃ³n los mÃ¡s importantantes. Porque lo MINI,suele ser lo mÃ¡s excitante. Porque es un juguete pequeÃ±o para jugar a lo grande. Porque que serÃa la vida,sÃn MINI,nada. Saludos! SÃ‰ MINI! BE MINI!
beken

8)Owning a MINI is a great way to lose weight. It was such a nice day I went out for a drive at lunchtime. I had so much fun, I forgot to stop for lunch.

9)Just because there are other MINI drivers out there far more skilled than I at making their MINIs go super fast, everybody thinks my car is super fast :) No need to race.

10)The MINI is one very practical car that doesn’t have to be.
http://www.unitedmini.com PepeCooper

Se me olvidaba..

MINI,es el Ãºnico coche del mundo con el que sonrien los niÃ±os al verlo pasar!!!!! QuÃ© puede ser mÃ¡s importante entonces? MINI,claro… SÃ‰ MINI! BE MINI!
Aurel

So Gabe, when are you coming back to the MINI family? ;)
Adam

I am sitting in the waiting area of Sandia BMW in Albuquerque waiting for my 535i. We also have a 2010 MCSC.

1) Not one person waiting around me is below 60 and they sure don’t look like they would be “driving enthusiasts”-it is depressing 2) The MINI is so much more visceral than any car besides my dad’s old 72 2002 3) I just sat in an X6 and almost threw up a little, I can sit in ANY MINI model and it still makes me smile

Lease on 535i ends May 2011-hello Countryman!!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1610114987 Shawn Dillon

Xll. MINI has great resale value(in case you have to sell your baby to start a successful venture,wink,wink).

Xl. MINIs are sooo unique and rare that most car-jackers won’t take it(especially if it’s a stick).

X. MINI is the ONLY car to remind me that a car is to be ENJOYED;as well as,DRIVEN!
Melissa

OK.. I only have one…

. Because we can Park almost any where!
http://motoringfile.com ronmar

The MINI is where fun and ecological responsibility intersect.
Zero

-MPG/speed ratio is unbeatable -Fastest car that I can fit my bicycle in that isn’t a wagon -you can customize the mini(with quality parts) like no other car and since that last one is close to #4 here’s one more: -It makes watching the Italian Job even more enjoyable, especially when you’re watching it with non Mini owners.

I would also like to say I love this post! No complainers allowed is what the title should be.
SFRedMCc

The #1 Best Feature for me are the sport seats in leather/cloth with the lumbar support. I had chronic low back pain for years, and it completely disappeared after I got my MINI.
taffy2

1.Because people tell me I look good behind the wheel. 2.Because I get a lot of “I like what you did with your car!It’s lookin’ good” 3.Because I know if I get in a tight spot,it has the pickup and speed to get me out of it.
Evan

-Always makes me smile. Always. -Still have random strangers ask me how I like it after six years. Plus my friends ask me how MINI Cooper is just like a member if my family. -It goes like stink, turns in a dime, and can carry a suprising volume of stuff including 6’3″ me.

I will say that I also have an e90 and it is an extremely competant and enjoyable drive. It reveals itself after days of driving and gentle pushing while the MINI is instantly ready to play!

Great post Motoringfile!
phÃ¦drus
@Tim

I understand the difference in weight but I canâ€™t see this being enough around a track against a MINI, especially one without a tuned suspension.

Agreed. On nothing other than a tight and twisty track, a tuned suspension on an otherwise factory-stock R56 (or even R53) JCW makes out-lapping a stock e46 M3 very possible; coilovers, camber plates, rear control arms and an aggressive setup. And that’s exactly what allowed me to, lap after lap, reel-in a trained driver in a 997 GT3 in my otherwise stock R53 JCW before he would blow me away on the next straightaway. We were even more surprised when we switched cars and got the same result!
1. It transcends socio-economic levels.
2. It compensates for the, uh…well-endowed.
3. Anti-douchebags come equipped as standard.
http://www.blimeycabrio.com Blimey
1. It brings out the latent non-conformist tendencies in every demographic group.
2. It’s a great tool for scaring the poop out of your father-in-law on drives to the Home Depot.
3. Because Camry’s on the Dragon just isn’t the same.
Jan
1. Timeless design. My JCW MCS is now 6 years old, almmost without fail I will still look back at it after parking and walking away. Sometimes especially after hand washing it myself (only me washes and polishes it)I take time out to walk around it an admire it from all angles. If I look at other manufacturers of 2004 vintage, the cars look old, in themselves and especially against newer models, Mini will allways look fresh!
2. Nice to add new things and everytime end up with a ‘new’ car. Works engine conversion done after 2 years ownership, Sprintbooster added recently, JCW sport brake kit going in next
3. Emotional attachment factor. Many times after a drive I will sit for a while with a grin on my face and comment aloud to the interior – ‘What a great car!!’ How many cars can you say that – ever – and especially still after 6 years.
http://att Tallman
1. Similar to 6’4″ Kevin Stephenson, I am 6’7″ and have plenty of room (My plate even reads: 6FEET7).
2. MINI draws you to it, invites you in, motors you about, and leaves you with a SMILE (wanting more).
3. Refreshes our personal joy/attentiveness in simple driving.
IY
1. It allows the car and the driver to transcend time – what other car has looked relevant for this long and has a variety of drivers spanning 5 generations
2. It brought the coolness and the fun factor back into small engines
3. My 2 yr old daughter prefers to ride in my Clubman S over my wife’s CRV! And she can’t even say MINI yet.
Callahan
1. It is the great equalizer. Go to MINI on the Dragon some year. All genders, walks of life, ages, polictical views, ecomomic levels. All there to celebrate owning a MINI.
2. Owning and driving a MINI is really almost a life experience. To half the owners it is ‘just a car’ to the rest it is almost a way of life.
3. After two years of ownership I still ALWAYS look back and get a little smile o my face after I park it and I am walking away. Theat never happened with any of my other cars including my Isuzu Impulse, Ford Ranger Splash, Audi TT convertible, and especially my ’94 Honda Accord. The only time I looked back and smiled at the Accord is when I was leaving it at the towing company yard after I totalled it. and that was because I had an R56 on order because of the wreck!
http://www.facebook.com/VioletDC Audrey Abernathy

Makes my commute more than tolerable (couldn’t claim that when I drove a Honder); it’s eye-catching like no other car on the road (have had little old ladies tell me how much they like my ‘little car’ … :o)); and it’s the 1st car I’ve ever owned that I’ve EVER really giveen so much ‘attention’!
http://www.facebook.com/VioletDC Audrey Abernathy

Argghhh … I meant ‘given’!
Banj
1. It provides a high level of driving fun while having a low impact on the environment.
2. It’s iconic. With it’s signature contrasting roof, and center mounted speedo.
3. It will expand your vocabulary. Bonnet and boot, motoring and twisties…
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1063381589 George Hsu

Reasons 8-10: MINI is like the Apple of cars. Without the Steve Jobs, natch.
Juan Saavedra

It’s original & irreverent! It does not matter what others think.
Jeff

You guys need to not drink so much of your own Kool-aid ;)

The whole notion of a Mini eating ‘E46 M3s alive at track days’ is silly and unbeliveable. The same backwards argument could be made for MANY, MANY other cars which can lap an M3 solely because the BMW driver isn’t capable of getting it around the track to it’s full potential.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1437589843 Roger de la Rosa

No other car looks as good (and cool) with Bonnet Stripes!
fms
1. No other car makes me glad every time I get behind the wheel, whether it’s a run to the store or a multi-state road trip.
2. TWISTY BITS!!
3. Most other MINI drivers wave back.
4. Don’t have envy for other’s rides.
valvashon
1. Because there is a heated discussion going on right now about how it will or won’t eat a E43 M6 or something like that at the track, and that those people who care and those of us who don’t can still get along at regional MINI club events, car shows and big national events like AMVIV or MTTS.
2. It really is a lifestyle. I have a very stock 2002 Just-A-Cooper, no sunroof or stripes or any modifications really, outside of an Aux input jack and a K&N filter. I am also very active in our local club, participating in lots of events and organizing a very popular drive to a private road with lots of twisties, that becomes MINI’s only for three hours! Most of the other members have an “S” but there’s never any friction between the owners of the two types of cars. Take your stock Civic and go hang out with the Boy Racers and their fart can cars. Then tell me how that went.
3. I find the spouse of the MINI owner usually wants to get one too after they drive it for a bit. What other car causes that to happen?
Timmsy

valvashon you are a complete tool, what you go and do with your mini’s is exactly what other kids do with their cars! but they love all cars not just favouritism one type and discriminate again all other makes, you are what makes all this hostility, you and your up tight holier then though attitude. You are the total opposite to what a community needs.

if i had a ferrari i sure my spouse would want one if i let her drive it, your a complete idiot!
http://blog.rickaustin.net Rick Austin

It makes me smile!

In all situations it makes me smile – driving, washing, modding, filling with gas, chatting with those that walk up to talk about it, going to the grocery store, even going to the doctor – it makes me smile. Never had so much passion or fun with any other car – frankly it is not a car, as has been mentioned earlier, it is a lifestyle.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1145665586 DUDE!

As far as the M3 debate here’s my experience..

Whilst heading up to the 1st MTTS I encountered a M3 and a Ford GT. We were all stuck behind a motorhome just past Hearst Castle on Hiway 1. I saw an opening and passed the motorhome, M3 & GT. I had open road for some 15 miles but finally saw a red dot (GT) catching me. They both finally did catch me and I moved over. The GT played with us for awhile but finally disappeared which left me following the M3.

I can say that he and I had a nice run but on any long straight away he’d pull away but I’d always catch back up, though I had to push my MSC harder than I wanted, and we’d have another round of twisties. Near Carmel he pulled over to get gas and as I drove by he gave me a thumbs up.

I love my MCS but truthfully the M3 was the better car. I have no idea of the talent of the M3 driver, mine is mid level, I’m a better off road driver. But I will say he did all the correct stuff leading into turns and exiting.
steve u

It has style, class and a soul.

Plus kick butt mileage.

Have your cake and eat it too!
http://newmini.dk Lefty

‘Life is not measured by the number of breath’s you take but by the number of moments that take your breath away…’ Buy a Mini and experience the quote !
JohnDough

Few other topics would find me reading all the comments, smiling all the while.
http://flickr.com/iguana_azul J/C

I love the MINI for it’s kick-in-rump performance and handling!

I love the MINI for it’s eye-catching design!

I love the MINI for all the friendships it’s helped bring about!
Pingback: It helps when I add a title | dbmini.us
valvashon

[quote=Timmsy]valvashon you are a complete tool, what you go and do with your miniâ€™s is exactly what other kids do with their cars! but they love all cars not just favouritism one type and discriminate again all other makes, you are what makes all this hostility, you and your up tight holier then though attitude. You are the total opposite to what a community needs.

if i had a ferrari i sure my spouse would want one if i let her drive it, your a complete idiot![/quote]

Timmsy-

What exactly do you and your numerous spelling and grammatical errors mean? I believe that all three of my reasons are inclusive in nature and not discriminatory at all.

1- Lots of people care about this discussion. Lots don’t. We all still love MINI’s and have much in common.

2- I believe I was describing how friendly and inclusive our local club is. Next Saturday I will have around 40 other MINI’s (most of them “S” models) following my Just-A-Cooper all day on a drive with twisties, photo opportunities and a group dinner and trivia quiz. Next Sunday they will enjoy the drive I set up on the private, rental only road with nothing but 3.5 miles of horseshoe curves. Group drives and group bonding are what a community needs. Ask the people participating next weekend if I have an uptight, holier than thou attitude.

3- My wife wants a MINI after helping me do the driving to AMVIV in 2009. How is that not inclusive?

My response is more than your incoherent post deserves.

Val
Brenna

I love my MINI S because I am now driving one and for as long as I have loved cars have always wanted one. I love my MINI S because it is emotive and a talking point. I love my MINI S because it makes bald rich old men in very expensive sports cars put their foot down. I love my MINI S because of the jealous, pouty looks I get from the X5 and Q7 cashed up Bella Donaâ€™s… I love my MINI S because I feel I have nothing to prove, although everyone wants to see what it can do. I love my MINI S because it loves me back, it never complains and is always ready for more fun. I love my MINI S because a couple of weeks ago when I was turning through town another funky young guy stuck his tounge out at me…there is just something about this car..
Chad

8) The kids LOVE it 9) Actually leaves a positive impression about you 10) Costs a fortune without looking like it
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000375640584 Melis Heerens

8) Because kids point at it. 9) Because adults in faster cars give you dirty looks when you drive by. 10) Because everyone smiles when you rev it at a light.
goonery

Its built in Britain…….. currently !!
http://www.clubminisbogota.com freddy p.

Yes…. MINI it`s the best invention on the world…thanks Mr. Issigonis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Banj

How could I forget to the mention the Sport Button?!

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