Question about a Mini as a Commuter

[Zaphod]

I'm considering a Mini as a commuter car. My commute is about 45 miles one way, predominantly on a 65 MPH speed limit 2 lane highway. I fit in the car just fine even though I'm 6'4 (pretty much eliminates the back seat though).

Are the cars noisy at highway speed? Any tall people have experience with being in the cars for extended periods of time?

I know a test drive is really the only way to tell for sure, but, I thought I'd ask before I was seduced by the performance and handling.

Thanks!

[Mr. The Edge]

I'm considering a Mini as a commuter car. My commute is about 45 miles one way, predominantly on a 65 MPH speed limit 2 lane highway. I fit in the car just fine even though I'm 6'4 (pretty much eliminates the back seat though).

Are the cars noisy at highway speed? Any tall people have experience with being in the cars for extended periods of time?

I know a test drive is really the only way to tell for sure, but, I thought I'd ask before I was seduced by the performance and handling.

Thanks!

Go for it :thumbup:

We do not have long commutes (more like 10 minutes for us) but, when we go out doing errands around town, invariably we take the MINI. I have never noticed it being overly noisy at all. I drove it all the way back from Baton Rouge to Austin. It can be loud and a little harsh when the roads are rough (see: Lousiana roads :eek: ), but when we drive to see family in Dallas (200 miles each way), it is quite comfortable.

Oh, and did I mention the 40 mpg we got on our last trip to Dallas? :thumbs:

[Zaphod]

Go for it :thumbup:

We do not have long commutes (more like 10 minutes for us) but, when we go out doing errands around town, invariably we take the MINI. I have never noticed it being overly noisy at all. I drove it all the way back from Baton Rouge to Austin. It can be loud and a little harsh when the roads are rough (see: Lousiana roads :eek: ), but when we drive to see family in Dallas (200 miles each way), it is quite comfortable.

Oh, and did I mention the 40 mpg we got on our last trip to Dallas? :thumbs:

Thanks for the quick reply Atyclb! Test drive is next up. :D

[BimmerJustin]

My MC is a 100 mile a day commuter. I'm just fine. I love it. :bigpimp:

[AKDejaVu]

There is not a better commuter car on the market today. When you combine cost, fun-to-drive, able to seat tall guys (know a few 6-4 guys with Minis), fuel economy and overall handling/performance... it wins hands down.

Dave

[drd_330i]

My wife sells Mini's and gets to take them home on occassion (weekends). I'm also 6'4" and I fit nicely... I've even ridden in the back (not too bad). As for highway... about 15-20 miles of our driving time was on highways... and I didn't notice excessive noise. And believe me... my old car was a Honda Prelude which was a noisy car. The Mini is very nice.

[Zaphod]

Thanks for all of the input everyone. The Mini idea has been put on hold in favor of a house. All in all, it'll work out better in the long run.

[bmw325]

My wife sells Mini's and gets to take them home on occassion (weekends). I'm also 6'4" and I fit nicely... I've even ridden in the back (not too bad). As for highway... about 15-20 miles of our driving time was on highways... and I didn't notice excessive noise. And believe me... my old car was a Honda Prelude which was a noisy car. The Mini is very nice.

Curious--what car does your wife use as a daily driver?

[drd_330i]

Curious--what car does your wife use as a daily driver?

The car she bought about a year and a half ago is a Subaru Outback....
She just started selling Mini Coopers and WANTS ONE REALLY BAD ;)
Our plan is to pay off the Outback and either lease or Finance a Mini Cooper S - I've very OK with that :)

[GJR]

drd_330i- I live in West Grove (7 or 8 minutes from Oxford). Does your wife work at Otto's Mini? I ordered my Cooper S there in June and I'm expecting it in the next few weeks... :thumbup:

[marksmith]

I have an 03' Cooper S (w/ various mods) & I drive it twice a week to work, 70 miles each way on well maintained 2 lane back roads. Although I enjoy the drive (especially w/ my Works kit installed) I find the 17" Dunlop runflats too noisy for such long distances.
-Yes, the Cooper S is a bit harsh but not so much as to be a concern.
IMO: All run-flats are going to create road noise levels that some may find problematic.

[pcmike]

Go for it :thumbup:

We do not have long commutes (more like 10 minutes for us) but, when we go out doing errands around town, invariably we take the MINI. I have never noticed it being overly noisy at all. I drove it all the way back from Baton Rouge to Austin. It can be loud and a little harsh when the roads are rough (see: Lousiana roads :eek: ), but when we drive to see family in Dallas (200 miles each way), it is quite comfortable.

Oh, and did I mention the 40 mpg we got on our last trip to Dallas? :thumbs:

How slow were you going? :eek:

[Mr. The Edge]

How slow were you going? :eek:

80-90 :dunno: