Tell me about your Mini Cooper...

[ClockworkOrange]

Tell me about your Mini Cooper...

... in the snow and how you handle bike transport. Which Mini model do you have? What do you like about it? What would you do different next time?

In 2004 I wanted to purchase a Mini Cooper when the updated model first came out but there was a year's waiting list, so not being a patient person I opted for the Mini One, which was delivered January 2005.

Absolutely no regrets, I love my little car and so does my Grandson.

The ragtop is fun, especially with the English weather. Even enough space for two passengers, providing they are not too big. Although only a basic 1598cc engine, she is nippy, brilliant around town.

BUT the downside of having a ragtop, nowhere to put a bike rack! That was why I bought a Strida bike but that was a very unhappy ending for me, broken back blah blah blah.

Generally we have very little snow, so no problem.

Note IB sticker on my car, that confuses people over here in the UK.

[Blueberry]

the downside of having a ragtop, nowhere to put a bike rack! That was why I bought a Strida bike but that was a very unhappy ending for me, broken back blah blah blah.

Can you use a hitch rack on it? It is very cute (as is your grandson).

[ClockworkOrange]

Can you use a hitch rack on it? It is very cute (as is your grandson).

It would mean having a tow bar fitted and the way I drive, I might forget it's on the back and squash it when reversing.

Going off topic for a sec, my Grandson is growing up too quickly

[maillotpois]

Clock - he is darling!!! And what a great car!

I've been thinking of getting a Cooper convertible as my next car. Debating between that and something like an Audi A4 convertible. The Cooper is more in line, size-wise, with my current Honda Fit.

[Pax]

I would LOVE a Mini, but the closest dealer is two hours away. I made that mistake with my motorcycle, and it has turned routine maintenance into a never ending pain in the butt.

[zoom-zoom]

Friends of ours have a 2 door Mini...they love it, but don't drive it in the Winter much at all--BUT we generally get about 3x the snow on this side of the lake that you guys do in Chicago (except for this past year...I think you nearly kept up with us...you guys got a lot and all at once!). It doesn't have the clearance to handle our poorly plowed, semi-rural roads.

I've ridden around in theirs a few times. It's surprisingly roomy. I think a Clubman would be WAY cool!