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Help from Mini Cooper owners

hdracer

hdracer

Feb 15, 2009
6,782
3,745
Elk River, MN.
#1
I have been shopping for a new car lately.
When it comes to cars I am more of a American muscle car guy. I will need the car to be able to fit MY rig. I have to be able to fit a 215 cab. The dimensions are 24" wide 38" high and 16" deep.
I made a cardboard box to the dimensions and bring it with me when I go looking at cars.
I did a search and read that people are getting DB's into them and that a 410 will fit in them with no problems.

So far my search hasn't been going well.
Mustang Boss 302- cab will fit but the hatch will not close
Camaro coupe- no way
Dodge Challenger R/T- nope
Dodge Charger- just barely
The last two cars on my list are the Mini and the VW GTI I like them for the fun to drive factor and the great fuel mileage.

The only Mini dealer in the Twin Cities is on the other side of town from me. I don't feel like driving all the way there and going through the hassles with a salesperson if it just isn't going to fit.

I really liked the Challenger R/T but I would have to get a pair of Bag End 15's to fit in it.

Think it will fit?
 
#2
hdracer said:
I have been shopping for a new car lately.
When it comes to cars I am more of a American muscle car guy. I will need the car to be able to fit MY rig. I have to be able to fit a 215 cab. The dimensions are 24" wide 38" high and 16" deep.
I made a cardboard box to the dimensions and bring it with me when I go looking at cars.
I did a search and read that people are getting DB's into them and that a 410 will fit in them with no problems.

So far my search hasn't been going well.
Mustang Boss 302- cab will fit but the hatch will not close
Camaro coupe- no way
Dodge Challenger R/T- nope
Dodge Charger- just barely
The last two cars on my list are the Mini and the VW GTI I like them for the fun to drive factor and the great fuel mileage.

The only Mini dealer in the Twin Cities is on the other side of town from me. I don't feel like driving all the way there and going through the hassles with a salesperson if it just isn't going to fit.

I really liked the Challenger R/T but I would have to get a pair of Bag End 15's to fit in it.

Think it will fit?
Click to expand...

The GTI should be able to pull it off and have room for 1 passenger. I had a 2004 GTI....with the back seats folded down:

I used to pack my Ampeg 810, svt-vr, a backpack with all accessories, 2 basses (hard cases) and a stand.
 
#4
I don't own one, but the MINI doesn't have a lot of storage(unless maybe you try a clubman or countryman), even w/ the seat folded down. The GTi is going to be a better bet, but even that might be tight. The trouble is usually fitting it through the door. There might be room inside, but the hatch is generally just small enough to prevent you from completely filling it.

What you want is an old Volvo 240. :-)
 
#6
I own a Countryman and I'd be willing to bet it would fit. I also owned a clubman two years ago. I was able to fit my Swr Goliath 4x10, Swr 750 head in the back with the seats folded down. I'm a Mini freak so I've learned to make it work for my love of the car.
 

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#8
Most any hatchback will work. That's the way to go IMO. I'd add Mazda 3 to the list. Fun, fun car.
Or Audi A3. Nice car. TDI option as well.
If you're willing to go in THAT direction, the Ford Escape with the turbo EcoTech engine is really quick and pretty fun to drive, lots of room.
 
#11
Greg, The Countryman is AWD - not sure if all, but I think so - which is a benefit us Minnesotans, and with the seats down it may work.

My MINI (convertible) is terrible in bad weather. Some of the locals put snow tires on which I will likely try next year. That's why I have a RAV4... I can carry gear, AWD and still some fun.
 
#13
ExaltBass said:
Greg, The Countryman is AWD - not sure if all, but I think so - which is a benefit us Minnesotans, and with the seats down it may work.

My MINI (convertible) is terrible in bad weather. Some of the locals put snow tires on which I will likely try next year. That's why I have a RAV4... I can carry gear, AWD and still some fun.
Click to expand...

I checked out that Countryman and it is nice but boy is it expensive!
31k
 
#14
This is an interesting thread. I'm looking at getting rid of my SRT-8 Grand Cherokee for something MUCH more economical! Even though it hauls all of my gear, VERY quickly I might add, it's killing me on gas. Think long and hard before you get a something with a V8 or an H.O. 6cyl!

I've pretty much narrowed my choices to a Mazda 3(maybe the Mazdaspeed version if the operating costs are not outrageous) or a Ford Focus(again, perhaps the ST version if it's not too far out there to own one). Realistically, anything is going to be less expensive to own than my GCSRT!
 
#18
dmusic148 said:
I really wanted to like the Focus, but after renting a few.....let's just say they look nice.
In fairness I generally hate four bangers.
Click to expand...

Hey. PM me your thoughts on the Focus. I'm still leaning towards the Mazda, but I do like a few things about the Focus. I'm not a fan of fours, either, but I've gotten my go fast fix with the SRT, now I need some sensible shoes that can still get my rig to my shows each night...


Sorry about the hijack...:hiding:
 
#20
Not an American car but my Hyundai Sonata could either fit a paid of Ampeg 115's or my old Berg NV610 in the back seat. Plus a large enough trunk to fit a pair of Mackie SR450's and a monitor, 2 basses and a couple bags of cables. Still room on the rear seat floor and front passenger seat for a head. Mileage is about 35 highway.
 

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