Reply #34: Okay, I finally test drove that MINI.

[nolabear]

Absolutely a blast to drive. It does indeed handle like a go-cart, zips around and has a low center of gravity so you don't feel at all as if it's going to get out of control.

Also surprisingly roomy inside. I mean, I drive an old A4 so I'm used to a close fit, and it's not bad at all. I like the goofy retro analog dash, with numerous hi-tech bells and whistles as well. I don't think I'd go for the run flat tires or the turbo option; I don't care if it takes me eight instead of six seconds to hit sixty. Got so many air bags I wonder if there's room for me if they blow. I worry it might have the same issue that the A4 has had, which is a front bumper that's so low that I can easily whack it against those concrete barriers they like to put in the front of spaces. But hey, it's so short I might not have to pull so far forward.

Yeah, it takes premium, and Seattle has some of the highest gas prices in the country. But to tell the truth I'm not a high mileage gal these days; I fill up just a little more than once a month (I love living in the city). You only have to change the oil once a year (!)

My husband doesn't like that it's front wheel and not all wheel drive, which is good to have on the occasional snow. But I doubt it's a deal breaker.

Anyway, we'll see. No hurry; they'll be there. But boy was that fun, and I'd look great in it, the most important thing, of course.