Did "The Italian Job" make you want a Mini Cooper?
Jul 31st, 2006, 10:03 PM
#42
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>>>>>
I understand that it has been available in Europe as the Honda Jazz, so I'm wondering if some of you folks might like to give me some input?
>>>>>
...and also for btilke...my partner has a jazz and loves it. it is very practical in how it uses space. she considered the modus and yaris but declined the modus for reliability reasons and the yaris as it's not so nice inside...and visibility is poor for her.
i had RAC out for my car problem (not a jazz) and i happened to ask about the jazz as we were shopping for a new car. he said that he NEVER sees them with problems.
the only complaint is that it drives a bit less refined on the motorway. most reviews gave it good marks for its handling. however, compared to other small, inexpensive cars i was a bit disappointed in this aspect. could be the narrow tires...i don't know. perhaps this is solved if you get the top model (sport...i think). we have a mid range one. try to get up to motorway speeds in the test drive to judge for yourself.
overall, we love the car and would buy it again in a second. we bought ours used from a honda dealer (1.5 years old). most are driven by careful drivers (and few if any would be company cars) so chance of abuse is low.
I understand that it has been available in Europe as the Honda Jazz, so I'm wondering if some of you folks might like to give me some input?
>>>>>
...and also for btilke...my partner has a jazz and loves it. it is very practical in how it uses space. she considered the modus and yaris but declined the modus for reliability reasons and the yaris as it's not so nice inside...and visibility is poor for her.
i had RAC out for my car problem (not a jazz) and i happened to ask about the jazz as we were shopping for a new car. he said that he NEVER sees them with problems.
the only complaint is that it drives a bit less refined on the motorway. most reviews gave it good marks for its handling. however, compared to other small, inexpensive cars i was a bit disappointed in this aspect. could be the narrow tires...i don't know. perhaps this is solved if you get the top model (sport...i think). we have a mid range one. try to get up to motorway speeds in the test drive to judge for yourself.
overall, we love the car and would buy it again in a second. we bought ours used from a honda dealer (1.5 years old). most are driven by careful drivers (and few if any would be company cars) so chance of abuse is low.
Aug 1st, 2006, 03:50 AM
#44
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By the way, if you look at the Jazz picture galleries on that link, notice they slipped in an automatic transmission. I'm seeing more and more ATs in Europe. A survey of Belgian driving instructors said they're happy more people are switching to automatics because they believe it cuts down on road rage, esp. in urban areas (On more than one occasiona, I've almost been mowed down crossing the street by road ragers who didn't want to downshift).
Aug 1st, 2006, 04:58 AM
#45
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Btike, When I finally decide to spring for a new car (My 'new' Civic hatchback cost $6000 in '86), I'll have a difficult time deciding between an automatic and a five (?)speed manual. My hatchback is a manual (4 speed), but lately I've been driving a '93 accord with AT, and I think I'm becoming spoiled. I'll take note of difference in MPG.
Truth be told, if I didn't spend 4 hours a day on the road during the school year, I'd seriously be looking at the Smart Cars. You know how I feel about everything Swiss.
J.
Truth be told, if I didn't spend 4 hours a day on the road during the school year, I'd seriously be looking at the Smart Cars. You know how I feel about everything Swiss.
J.
Aug 1st, 2006, 05:54 AM
#46
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I compared MPG on auto v. manual for several of the cars we're interested in. The difference at *most* was less than 10 percent and that is only if the cars with the manual transmission are driven perfectly at all times. Which they aren't, of course. Even by professionals.
Aug 1st, 2006, 10:12 AM
#47
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Since I'm feeling guilty for detouring Melissa's thread, let me say that I'd buy a Mini Cooper in a second if it's repair record compared favorably with Hondas and its MPG was good. They really are super looking cars. J.
Aug 1st, 2006, 10:26 AM
#48
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I got a blue Mini S for my birthday in Feb. Unfortunatly my husband drives it all the time his argument is that he has the long commute into Atlanta and the Mini gets good mileage while I train horses and have to drive on a lot of gravel roads not the best for a car that rides really low to the ground. My husband finds the Mini is the only thing that makes his commute bearable because he can zip in and out of the traffic.
Aug 1st, 2006, 11:28 AM
#49
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Awww jmw44, don't feel bad. That's the beauty of discussion boards--to discuss!
I have to schedule my test drives this month and by fall, I hope to tell you what I finally decide. I've been a loyal Toyota driver all my life so you have to understand that's what makes my lust for a Mini Cooper all that more naughty!
I have to schedule my test drives this month and by fall, I hope to tell you what I finally decide. I've been a loyal Toyota driver all my life so you have to understand that's what makes my lust for a Mini Cooper all that more naughty!
Aug 1st, 2006, 04:06 PM
#53
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I have 2 of these. Both red. One 1969, the other 1973. When we moved to the US, they wouldn't let us bring them in because of 'emission regulations'. So they are both languishing in storage in the UK, dying for someone to get them out of mothballs and drive them.
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Aug 1st, 2006, 05:16 PM
#56
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I LOVE our MINI!!! I've had it for 3 years and wouldn't trade it for anything. Great gas mileage (but not as our diesel VW, I would trade it in if they bring a diesel model to the US), holds lots of stuff, really it does, and I never have to look long for a parking spot. I've never driven a car that is much fun to drive as this one. I only wish the roads were curvier in IL.
Gradtop, I was hit by a Durango in my Mini. It rear ended me going about 36 mph while I was stopped at a light. I walked away, there was damage to the hatch and rear panel of the car. The Durango's driver and passenger went to the emergency room and the Durango was totaled. I think the car was built to withstand an Autobahn crash.
Gradtop, I was hit by a Durango in my Mini. It rear ended me going about 36 mph while I was stopped at a light. I walked away, there was damage to the hatch and rear panel of the car. The Durango's driver and passenger went to the emergency room and the Durango was totaled. I think the car was built to withstand an Autobahn crash.
Aug 7th, 2006, 03:41 PM
#57
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Well, I test drove a Mini yesterday! While it was fun and I looked good (if I may say so myself), there was a level of comfort that was missing...not sure what it was. I told them I'd decide in a couple of weeks or less. My bosses and a couple of friends think I need to change my vanilla, Corolla image and <b>become</b> the sexy hip Charlize Theron through the Mini. My staff and a couple of friends think my lifestyle more realistically fits a 4-door Corolla. Hands down, everyone prefers the look of the Mini....so now it just comes down to my lifestyle, I guess! Will the car get me the dates? In bucketloads?
Aug 7th, 2006, 04:15 PM
#58
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Drive them all before you decide....the S, the S convertible, the standard and the automatic.....the non S in all the configurations....I found the hard top not as comfortable as the convertible.
Notice the convertible has rear windows that go down that the regular Cooper does not...huge in my opinion.
It is fun fun fun. My two boys love it....and insisted I buy it over any car - they are never squished.
Notice the convertible has rear windows that go down that the regular Cooper does not...huge in my opinion.
It is fun fun fun. My two boys love it....and insisted I buy it over any car - they are never squished.
