ERIK HAYDEN
Staff Writer
Is it a trend? Is a statement? “Maybe its an L.A. thing,” replies student Natalie Horne. Either way, Pepperdine has seen a dramatic rise in the ownership of a distinctive little car called the Mini Cooper.
Although the Mini Cooper is one of the most highly demanded cars of the new millennium, its fortunes have changed vastly from its humble beginnings.
“The car was first built in 1959 in England and quickly sold out,” recounts the president of the Mini Maniacs club, George Marsh. “The car was met with similar success when it was introduced in the United States in 1969, but was discontinued because it couldn’t meet standards.”
The car became impossible to find and dropped off the U.S. marketplace. It wasn’t until BMW bought the Mini name that the venerable brand had its comeback.
Since its re-introduction in the United States in 2001, the Mini has been a hit with students and car enthusiasts. It has spawned fan clubs, such as the Malibu-based Mini Maniacs and enthralled its owners with its unique styling and classic feel.
It’s no surprise that the Mini became successful: the car “turns a lot of heads,” says junior Natalie Horne. It does have a unique design that distinguishes itself from the generic styling of cars that manufacturers routinely churn out.
The Mini is also is gas efficient and is compact, making it the perfect car to squeeze into a small parking spot in the Rho parking lot or to parallel park on the street. Those are the reasons the Mini has appealed to the trend-conscious Pepperdine students.
“My freshman year they weren’t as popular, now they’re all over the place,” said student Jackie Eaton. Although the Minis have exploded in popularity, they have garnered a cult-like fan base that loves to customize and personalize their favorite car. This is the car for collectors who want to have fun, but do it “without their ego,” espoused Mini-Maniac club member “Fireball Tim.”
“Fireball Tim”, who owns 10 Minis, describes the car as perfect for “people who want to have fun, but do it without their ego. The Mini is a humble, everyman car, but the demographic is huge. People treat their car’s as pets and name it as soon as they buy it.”
Minis do have the amazing ability to appeal to a wide range of students. It entices students who desire a sporty car, are making a statement against gas-guzzlers and those who value performance. It also has one more intangible to add to the list of attractive features.
“It’s fun,” said junior Leslie Mayer, who fell in love “immediately” when she test-drove the Mini. “It’s trendy, different, and great with gas mileage.”
Aside from the design features, Mayer believes the car, “Is like nothing else you’ve driven.” It seems becoming more than just a car to many students. After all, how many cars can you say has a fan base that likes to name their car after the initial purchase?
Minis seem to have the unique ability of inspiring brand loyalty and devotion. Owners have an affinity for one another. Mayer described a typical buyer as, “independent, “fun-loving,” and “friendly.”
It’s these compliments that win over new Mini fans by the week. And it looks like Mini is doing its job in keeping its customers happy. “Their services are also good and they’re always available—it’s a great little car,” said sophomore Jackie.
It seems to be just that—a great car. According to Natalie it’s a great car for students who, “don’t like to run with the crowd.” Indeed, while the car has developed a huge niche fan base, it is rapidly becoming one of the most popular vehicles on campus. It’s more than just a trend car after all.
Mini Cooper S 2007
MSRP: (Mini Cooper S) $18,050
Horsepower: 120
MPG: 26 city/41 Highway
Engine: 1.6-liter sohc turbocharged transverse four-cylinder engine
Seating Capacity: 4
Fuel Capacity: 13.2 gal.
Standard equipment:
air conditioning, power steering, electrically-assisted disc brakes, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, trip computer, floor shift, sports suspension
Options as tested (MSRP):
Metallic paint ($450), Exterior and interior chrome ($450), Sport Package ($1,400) with 17-inch wheels, Xenon headlights, and black bonnet stripes; Premium Package ($1,400) multi-function sport steering wheel with leather trim, electric sun roof, and automatic climate control; Convenience Package ($1,400) with universal garage door opener, keyless ignition, auto-dimming rearview mirror, center arm rest, rain sensor and auto headlights; cloth/leather seats ($1,000) and piano black trim ($200)
Information from www.newcartestdrive.com
Link: http://www.nctd.com/review-final.cfm?Vehicle=2007_Mini_Cooper&ReviewID=1970
04-23-2007