Help me convince the hubby

[Impatient]

Going to be buying a new car in the next few months, and the Mini Cooper is my top choice. Unfortunately, the hubby is pretty safety-minded and wants to know what they are like in the snow. I've looked at the crash tests and they seem to be on par with most other compact cars.
Anyone got some good input that can help?

[FortechMini11]

all i can say is, i was in the rain driving my uncles and nearly missed a stop sign. i was going about 40mph and i was about 15-20 feet from the line and it stoped on a dime without that uncomfortable jolt. keep in mind that is the S model though.

[Dif]

Originally Posted by Impatient

Going to be buying a new car in the next few months, and the Mini Cooper is my top choice. Unfortunately, the hubby is pretty safety-minded and wants to know what they are like in the snow. I've looked at the crash tests and they seem to be on par with most other compact cars.
Anyone got some good input that can help?

We just received a 2005 Mini Cooper S for my wife with automatic transmission.
I was skeptical myself as to the over all safety of these being a small car and how they would be in the snow but was very surprised how nice they were after we test drove a few..
We traded my wife's Chevy Trail Blazer so I was concerned like your husband since the Mini was to be my wife's car.
We live in Massachussetts and just had a snow storm so I took the Mini up the street to see how it would do.
There was about an inch of plowed packed snow on the ground and the car went fine. Can't say if it would go good in a deep snow, unplowed because it is a small vehicle, close to the ground but I was surprised it went good in the conditions as they were.
We did get the Stabilitrac option which prevents the wheels from spinning etc. and I think that , along with the front wheel drive has a lot to do with the car handling very good in adverse road conditions.
I certainly wouldn't have recommended it for my wife if I didn't think they were worth it or as nice as they are and she would have respected my decision if I was against getting one.

My advice is to go and test drive a few Mini's and I think your husband will be surprised at what a nice car they really are.
I know they're not for everyone but until you try one you won't know positively just from people's opinions.
Good luck and hope this info was helpful.
PS: if you do get one you might have trouble getting it away from your husband..

[newt 1]

My wife has always liked the Mini.
She talked me into driving one. First we drove a std model then an "S" model. I fell in love with the "S" and bought it on the spot.
We live near Park City Utah and see alot of snow. The runflat tires are not that great in the snow and slush, we replaced them with some snows and the car goes great in the snow now.
The car is a blast to drive and very roomy for a small car, I'm 6'2" and fit quite well.
Good luck with your choice.

[swipter]

I am glad to hear that. I am also 6' 2" and am interested in the Mini. Everyone started to laugh when I said I was interested in the Mini, but that's okay.

[pguy]

I was also concerned about safety since my wife is interested in a Mini but she recently read an article discussing safety and car size. Here's the link:

http://www.gladwell.com/2004/2004_01_12_a_suv.html

c

[olishell]

Originally Posted by Impatient

Going to be buying a new car in the next few months, and the Mini Cooper is my top choice. Unfortunately, the hubby is pretty safety-minded and wants to know what they are like in the snow. I've looked at the crash tests and they seem to be on par with most other compact cars.
Anyone got some good input that can help?

My wife convinced me to go and check the Mini out...I was hesitant. We drove a few and I did something I've never done before. I told the dealer that I was going to buy one and did so on the spot. So far it's the best car I've ever driven. In snow and rainy conditions it's very reliable.Gas milage is great and it's looks and performance are super.You also do not see one every two miles.It's a car with agility and muscle.