Cooper? Super!
Going electric, one year on.
Today marks one year since I went electric, purchasing a Chili Red 2023 Mini Cooper SE (the “E” is for “Electric”) with 17,219 miles on the odometer out of Warminster, PA. I wrote about the hunt for an electric vehicle, the desultory buying process and the fresh hell it took to get my 1994 Mercedes-Benz E320 loaded on a car transporter bound for Austin, TX here, so let’s cut to the chase for my first year ownership report.
PROS
Cheaper to keep. I was paying $50 to $60 per Mercedes fill up, and that was at $3.49 per gallon. I’d be forking over roughly $20 to $30 more per tank now. As for maintenance, so far all I’ve done on the Mini is to replace wiper blades and buy a set of used winter tires/wheels. At some point, I’ll need brakes and other routine maintenance but I’m still below 25K miles and “routine maintenance” on an EV doesn’t involve tune-ups or oil changes or a laundry list of other moving parts-related bullshit.
Technology upgrade. I went from 1994’s fanciest tech – a single airbag and a cassette-based stereo - to 2023’s, with multiple airbags and all mod cons, including heated seats and steering wheel. Yet the tech never feels too techy because the 2023 Mini Cooper SE was based on the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) version. There are no giant touchscreens requiring deep menu dives to do simple things, like defrosting the windshield. Instead, my Mini has buttons, switches and knobs for most functions. I like it like that. My favorite bit of tech? From the Mini app on my phone I can climatize the car, so I never get in a vehicle that’s too hot or too cold. Magic!
It fits. At 171 inches long the Mini can be parked just about anywhere, including our small garage. And it’s a great city car. We’ve taken it into Manhattan on nights when getting back at a late hour via mass transit would’ve been difficult. Contrast this with the neighbor who bought a BIGGER pickup to replace his already gargantuan one.
Fast & fun. The Mini Cooper is a blast to drive. Like all electric cars it has instantly available torque and can get me out of a situation fast. It also has self-braking and I’ve gotten good at one pedal driving, not sure I could go back now.
Quiet. The older I get, the less I need a “throaty exhaust note” or any exhaust note. I think cars should STFU, frankly. I’m tired of how every third douchebag needs to go screaming through the neighborhood making their unwelcome presence known.
Rare. They didn’t sell many Mini Cooper EVs here and BMW (the manufacturer) may not be bringing the new one here, preferring to flog their SUV-sized electric Countryman instead. The new Mini, which has easily twice the range of mine, is a different beast, built ground up as an EV and not a converted ICE vehicle. But I’m not crazy about the styling or interior changes. If I can keep my 2023 in decent shape it may retain its value if I ever decide to move on.
CONS
Range. Last year, the choice came down to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (270 miles of range) and the Mini Cooper (110 mile of range). The Mini got the nod because the Hyundai is wider and longer and about 1,100 lbs. heavier. It also felt more “car that happens to be electric” than “computer on wheels,” like the Hyundai. I also hated the Ioniq 5’s available colors, though I could’ve gotten one wrapped for around $1,000. But, man, do I sometimes wish I had that additional range? Of course. If I drive anywhere more than 50 miles away it requires some planning to find a DC quick charge station that will allow me to add miles quickly so I can return without worrying I’ll be stranded.
The Ride. Due to its short wheelbase and original equipment 17” run-flat tires, the Mini’s ride can be unduly harsh over anything less than perfectly flat roads. When I had the winter tires (16” non run-flats) mounted, the ride smoothed out considerably. When the current set of Bridgestones are due for replacement I’ll go to a 16” warm weather or all-season set that should help. Of course, there’s no room for a spare in the Mini, so I’ll definitely make sure I have roadside assistance and may even carry a patch kit.
That back seat. I’ve only had two occasions to put anyone in the back seat and the contortions required to get in there were a bit painful to watch. It can be done but shouldn’t by anyone over a certain age, or the chiropractic bills will mount.
Lack of cargo space. Now that I’ve cleared out the shelves at the back of our garage I dream of putting in a multipurpose desk or workbench for writing or podcasting or whatever. I’m not fetching one of those in the Mini. Thank goodness Sweet T. still has her Prius. With the back seats folded down you can fit lots in that car.
Damage to the front end. Due to the sloping nose on the Mini it’s picking up more minor road detritus dings than I ever noticed on the Mercedes. Initially, I thought of springing for some PPF (Paint Protection Film) but it was $2K just to do the front up to the doors. Maybe if I hold another successful garage sale…
Overall, buying a used electric car was the most prescient thing I’ve done in awhile. The Iran War and its effect on gas prices have done wonders for a slumping electric car market, decimated after our climate-change denying president eliminated the EV tax credits. I was talking to a friend who’s thinking of going electric and will tell you what I told her: the cars are getting better and better and there’s no real reason not to, especially if you have access to another vehicle for long road trips. Oh, and sign up for the InsideEVs newsletter for the best source on all things EV.