If you have ever wondered why the MINI is so named, please visit Leikin Motor Companies for a test drive. I took the opportunity to take a recently acquired 2009 MINI Cooper S to lunch last week. Thanks to the adjustable seat and steering wheel, there was plenty of room for my 6′ 3″ body. I’m not sure if there would be room for someone behind me, though. This car is rather small. How small is it? Well… after eating a Big Kahuna at Jersey Mike’s (the best sandwich they make), I crossed the street and purchased a lawnmower from Lowe’s Hardware. As I rolled the large cardboard box to the back of the MINI, I suddenly realized my mistake. Not only is there little room behind the back seats (enough for 2 pencils and an eraser if turned sideways) there wasn’t much more with the back seats folded down! I actually had to fold the front passenger seat forward to get the box in with the hatch closed. Again, I should have known.
required me to fold down the rear seats and front passenger seat to get the hatch closed.
While the MINI Cooper S is no SAAB 900 when it comes to hauling washing machines, filing cabinets, and anything larger than a push mower, it does have some get up and go for such a small car. The 1.6L turbo 4 produces 172 hp. While that may not seem like much compared to other performance machines you have driven, how many of them are this small? Small can be good after all. And this MINI can scoot to 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds. That’s a lot of fun especially with the 6-speed manual transmission. Steering is also very responsive. When you turn the wheel, there is no hesitation, and you will quickly find yourself in the next lane if you’re not careful.
Despite the size of the car, I find myself choosing to take this one on errands or to lunch as often as I can. It’s a fun drive that would take the “boring” out of your daily commute. See this and other interesting cars at www.LeikinMotor.com.
I am sure Andy would love to give all of his friends a test drive. When you are ready to buy it see me.
Thanks Ed