Mini as a Highway long commuter ? Ride Comfort ?

[Funk49]

I'm in the market for a new (used) car and I'm seriously pondering a a Mini S.

I have a fairly long commute. 60+ miles/day. Probably 95% flat highway.

What are your opinions as to the Mini's comfort on long highway driving ?


TIA

[whiskeychick]

It is a fantastic highway car. Very nimble, very comfortable :D

I have done a few 4hrs + straight one way drives no complaints even with 4 people in the car, and 120kmh avg speed. Did one round trip of about 10 hours and it was awesome.

I have a 08 Clubman S, 6spd, and also own a e36 m3 and it may not have the top end but handling wise it is just as comfortable. Great in town car too, as it has scoot :)

[SilverBeam]

One reason why I bought my MINI was that my Z4 wasn't comfortable for my long commute. I drive 50 miles a day and always feel like a champ when I get out of my car. I did ditch the runflats, but even with them, I don't think the MINI's ride is intolerable for highway driving.

[Funk49]

I test drove a 2006 base model w/54k miles today. I was very impressed with the handling and the ride is about what I expected. Pretty choppy and firm. Not nearly as comfortable as my 530i but do-able. :buttrock

I'd like to get my hands on an "S" model as the base needs more oomph IMHO.

[Isabel57]

http://www.infoocean.info/avatar3.jpgIt is a fantastic highway car. Very nimble, very comfortable

[whiskeychick]

I agree it was S or nothing for me :) I also test drove the cooper first, but the S was heads and tails above it.

[Remphoto]

We had an '07 MC and routinely drove it on long trips (1000+ miles) to Florida and Texas. I am a big guy and found the seat to be the most comfortable of any car we have owned (the sport seats on an MCS may be a little different). Getting 40+ mpg was also a bonus.

[grawk]

I'm picking up a Countryman S All4 tomorrow for my commuter car. It can't be worse than the SX4 it's replacing. 85 miles each way.

[Remphoto]

I'm picking up a Countryman S All4 tomorrow for my commuter car. It can't be worse than the SX4 it's replacing. 85 miles each way.

The Countryman with its added wheelbase and weight rides much better than an MC/MCS, IMHO. It also sits higher for better visibility and for getting in and out of the car. Somewhat worse gas mileage than the hardtops but still excellent compared to most other cars. Should make it a great commuter.

[SteveB]

I am driving 27 miles each way and have no problems with the ride. I have a very bad back and once I got the seat adjusted to my liking I could go all day. It's a short wheel base so it's not the smoothest ride but you shouldn't have any problem. I just went through my first tank of gas and got 28.1 mpg. I am very happy with that.

[grawk]

I'm loving it. I drove it from PA to NC and back this weekend, and it's a joy on the highway. It's also even more fun on 2 lane twisties. My 1 week judgement: best car purchase I've ever made.

[grawk]

I drove it to north carolina last weekend. It loves long drives.

[CharlyBraun]

I am driving with my Cooper S Each way. No Problems, it is great Car for Highways!

Here my Car ...

http://mein.auto-treff.com/3954-3.bmw