[Devon]

The first reviews are out for the new 2014 Mini that will be hitting dealers later this year, and except for a glowing review over at Motoringfile, a Mini-specific site, they have not been too favourable--complaints about a lack of steering feel are the major knock, and the fact that it has not restored the eager-puppy feel of the 1st gen (R50/R53) new Mini.

While the new version is not as good looking as the previous iterations, thanks in large part to those bloody Euro pedestrian crash regs (not to mention a few styling missteps), it's still (to my eyes) easier on the eyes than the FiST, so I was hoping it would at least match it in the fun-to-drive category, but that does not look likely now.

 

[EvoNiner]

The first ones were more raw I must say, but both have fantastically quick responses. I hope the third gen arnt that bad...


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[djdennehy]

I used to work at the Pittsburgh Mini dealership when they were selling the first generation model. To me, each new version seems to stray from the first new Mini which is a shame. The supercharged engines in those cars were fantastic, handling was impressive, and I thought the interiors were very well designed. Now with their ever growing line up and odd design evolution, I feel as though the brand is moving in a sad direction. I would have loved to have purchased a new Cooper S, but in my opinion, the Fiesta is better looking and performing than the new Cooper.

 

[Sil3nt611]

I never liked the first gen's looks, let alone any of the newer ones. Not that they look at all dramatically different. I much prefer the Fiesta ST looks.

 

[jimclark]

I kinda sorta like Minis, but would never own one--partly a long and complicated story specific to my locale, and partly 'cause I hate the interior, esp. the dash setup. I much prefer the FiST in both exterior and interior appearance, and performance seems to favor the Ford as well, at least at present.

 

[Sil3nt611]

I really don't like the huge speedo in the middle of the dash. Looks very odd and it's like half the size of the whole car...

 

[Ronbo]

I think they changed the huge speedo in the dash on the new model. The Mini seems to be moving further and further from where it should be. I didn't even consider one.

 

[stuntdoogie]

Werent the 2003 to 2005 minis unreliable? I ve read countless stories of power steering, oil leaks and what not.

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[wash]

I know the CVT gave a lot of people problems.

I might like an original Mini but not really a new one.

 

[Slowclimb]

Traded a R56 Cooper for my Fiesta. It was a great car, never gave me a problem, got 36 mpg plus even the way I drove it...I am not averaging more than 26 in the FIST, but I am still under 1000 miles on it and I know Turbos can make a car thirsty. Mini handled great, have not had the chance to push the fiesta yet to compare, but so far so good. Mini had better fit and finish, but the fiesta has better seats. Mini felt quick, but not nearly as much as the Fiesta does. The only place the Mini is a clear winner so far is the in the aftermarket parts - hopefully if the Fiesta catches on over here we will get more support on that front too.

The new Mini is FUGLY...that is why I moved over to a Fiesta - even though I loved the MINI I don't regret it.

 

[Sil3nt611]

I think they changed the huge speedo in the dash on the new model. The Mini seems to be moving further and further from where it should be. I didn't even consider one.

lolz, looks like they moved the speedo out of the middle, but decided to leave the huge circle. Still not a fan.

 

[vixenlotus]

Werent the 2003 to 2005 minis unreliable? I ve read countless stories of power steering, oil leaks and what not.

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I had a 2004 Mini Cooper S with the JWC package. The car was fantastic. With Polyurethane engine bushings, a rear sway bar upgrade and a short shifter it was one of the most fun cars I have ever had. My car had the navigation in the center of the car (so no big spedo thank God). I would not call the car super reliable and it had a lot of failures that should not have happened (3 window motors, heater control unit, alternator, power steering pump to name a few) but the car did last until 200K miles and I was shocked by that. I never had any trouble with the super charger and Mini also stepped up to the plate and repainted a small portion of the car that had a rust issue (after 10 years of ownership). In the end I just sold it for $5500 and I was sad to see it go. When looking for a new car I drove both the new mini and the ST. The new mini felt far softer/bigger than its previous generation. If the old super charged car was still being made it would have been a much harder decision. After driving the new mini i really did not consider it at all.

 

[Cligedy]

10yo car with 200k for $5500? Wow those things hold their value!

 

[vixenlotus]

Yes, it was Nuts, I just sold it on Ebay and was sad to see it go. Ford dealer only wanted to give me 2K for it. I am not sure i have ever seen a mini with more Miles on it.

 

[Slowclimb]

My two yo mini with 20k miles sold for 2k less then I paid for it...

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[vixenlotus]

My car was a JWC car and had a upgraded super charger. I bet if i had the stock supercharger it would be died long before 200K miles. When these superchargers go it can kill the motor. The back end of the supercharger drives the water pump and the cars can over heat BAD!!!!!

 

[BRGT350]

I used be a huge fan of the new first gen Cooper S, but the brand as a whole seems to creep away from what it used to be. A little less raw, more comfortable, bigger, and more types of Mini's. I want smaller and meaner.

 

[vixenlotus]

BRGT350 - YES! that is why i am not driving one anymore. I did spend some time trying to find a low mile 2006 but quickly moved on to the Fiesta ST.

 

[ohskigod]

The first gen coopers were supposed to be fantastic in the handling department, though I heard there transmissions were horrible on the reliability front

 

[Firesail]

I used be a huge fan of the new first gen Cooper S, but the brand as a whole seems to creep away from what it used to be. A little less raw, more comfortable, bigger, and more types of Mini's. I want smaller and meaner.

Banged the nail on the head!:thumbsup: