CD Article: 2006 Mini Cooper S Checkmate Edition

[CD_Editor]

You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....
Test Drive:

You can only do so much to a retro design before it's not retro anymore. The solution? Option packages, like Mini's new-for-2006 Checkmate. Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh takes the supercharged Checkmate out for a run and finds a car that's not very comfortable, but loads of fun to drive.      More...

[The Mighty Duck]

I really like the Mini.  Really like it.  But for that kind of money (especially for the Cooper S), I can't imagine ever buying one...  drop the price a few thousand dollars and BMW would have it down pat...  but I guess they sell enough of these things at the high price as it is.

[a4_tom]

As much as I like Mini, I would rather take a Mk5 GTI over MCS instead. On the other hand, Civic Si over Mini Cooper.

[Bullet Blue]

That "Checkmate" package seems too expensive for what you get. Maybe it's just me.

[mdxtasy]

That check graphics resemble some taxi cab graphics I've seen. 

For $38K, a WRX can be had with better performance.  Retro is expensive.

[safristi]

C'mon Md ...It's Valentines DAY give yer sweetie (or yer WIFEY!!! ) a chance ta Play wif yer MINI !!!!!!!

[Bullet Blue]

 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I LOVE the way the Mini looks, and that Checkmate edition is just about as good as they get. The Flame Alloys look great on it too and are right-sized IMO.

It's just too small and rattle-prone though. I don't want them to make the Mini much bigger - it's just not the right car for me.

Hence the GTI fascination. But it can't come close to matching Mini coolness factor.

[ovr50]

We looked at the Mini when shopping around for replacement for the '99 Solara. Wife had a Mini back in the late 60s and loved it then. She likes the design/idea of the new one also. In the end, we didn't even bother with driving it, as we decided that FOR THE MONEY, she preferred other vehicles. Minis are pricey and unless you're into the "skateboard" drive and handling, that same money buys a lot of car elsewhere. Just our take on it. 

[AVToller]

  I loved my Mini Cooper, but the BMW is extremely expensive for what you are getting (IMO) and I am no longer in my early 20s. My priorities have changed a lot. Mind you, the Yaris is, in many ways, similar to the original Cooper. It is just faster, more comfortable, vastly more luxurious, and easier to enter/exit.  It Cooper had flatter, crisper handling though.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

That blue interior doesn't suit the exterior tho. Me no likely. A nice deep red would have looked sporty though.

[safristi]

"too small and rattle Prone!!!!"......Que Sir Ay..... Sir Oy  wotteffer will beef will bee

[Howswedeitis]

Way way over priced. A nice little ride which I had the opportunity to test drive
when the Cooper S came out (as an aside I think the salesman who came along
soiled himself but that's another story). I think the convertible version for 35+ k
isnt bad as it will surely have excellent resale value but a standard S with the
goodies for that price seems like way too much money for what you get.
For that money I'd look at a Saab 9-3.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

And yet they sell 400 units a month easy of Mini, spread between the various models nearly equally.

Seems like pricing is right where it should be. Great profits for BMW, nice premium and fun runabout for owners, with some exclusivity and bragging rights for both. It's not really a Yaris competitor.

[ovr50]

I'm not saying the pricing is wrong for the market, just saying it's wrong for wife and I at the stage we are at and what we want in a vehicle. 

[skypoint]

The Mini's target demographic is not us, who lookf for how much car we get for the buck. ("How much car" varied from person to person, could be build quality, could be standard features, etc etc).

The Mini is aimed squarely at those who would pay a premium for its styling. And at 400 a month.. there are plenty of those.

[ovr50]

Agreed - it's styling AND it's handling. 

[Arthur Dent]

I like the looks and performance of the MINI. Its a shame to get the top engine you need to pile on the gimmicky luxo crap which inflates the price further. Offer a supercharged based model with 16" alloy wheels, A/C, manual windows, etc and I'd be tempted.

[The Mighty Duck]

You might be, but imo that car wouldn't appeal to a very large market.  Plus, used Mini + some aftermarket pieces and you're set. 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Although a more base Mini with supercharger would be nice (I'd be interested), really, what I like about Mini is that it's compact, it's fun, has charm, good marketing, and that you can get luxury car features in it a-la-carte. It's about time!

Best of all, they hold their value like no one's business, so while they're pricey, it's not as though they're an entirely poor investment.