Hello All,

My name is Christopher and I currently live in Tacoma, WA. Recently my wife has grown tired of her current car. In 2012 I bought her a 2012 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus in Header Orange after she saw it sitting in the dealer lot and fell in love. We have both loved the car, but she has an issue with it being so long and bulky. There are lots of dings around the car from peoples doors hitting it or her hitting another car when she opens the large doors (since it's a 2-door vehicle). She also struggles with pulling into parking spaces and backing out of them. Pulling in she usually hits a curb and ruins the front spoiler. She has also either a) hit something on the front passenger corner while pulling in or backing out of a space, or b) someone has hit her in the parking lot (which is her answer). Either way, I am tired of paying to fix all the dings she gets from this car, so we are looking into other options.

Our other car is a 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser which I drive. What we are thinking of doing is trading in the challenger for a 2012 Mini Cooper S that we have found out here. It is orange with around 14k miles on it and they are asking $19k for it. With what you all know, is this in your mind a good deal for this vehicle? Also, what are complaints that you have. I know that everyone will have a different opinion, but I would like to gather as many negatives that I can so that I can be armed with the most information when making this decision. I have been interested in these cars for a long time, my wife says it drives her insane with how much I like these cars. This seems like a very fun car to drive, while still maintaining its practical usefulness. I greatly appreciate your thoughts on this matter. I am going tomorrow morning to test drive it. Been about 8-9 years since I have driven a manual, let's hope I still have the touch

 

It's like riding a bike. Once you get going it all comes back. I personally own an older Mini. I do know that 2012 MCS (R56) is a very nice car. What I've heard is that the electrical gremlins will come and go. Be it from your windows not going down to you interior lights flickering. You'll find a few more stories in the forum about it. That aside i'm sure you'll love the little thing. It's a blast to drive and I have no regrets on getting one. Good luck!

 

You will find that the doors do,still get dinged in the Mini's as well. Just park far from everyone else.
It does use a bit of oil, but is fun to drive.