Mini Paceman; A Lesson In Economies Of Scale

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Nowadays, the only way to make cars profitably is to take advantage of economies of scale; and nobody is better at maximizing the “one sausage, many lengths” method of automobile production than Mini. Forget talk of “brand values” and “heritage” – we’re in a different era now.

The Paceman, a two-door version of the Countryman crossover/four-door Mini, is intended to maximize volume for the brand, and capitalize on the two-door crossover niche currently monopolized by the Range Rover Evoque. Hopefully it drives better than the Countryman.



Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • INeon INeon on Sep 07, 2012

    I kind of like it. Right now, the PT Cruiser has too much people space and two too many portals for me. The PT's cargo space is ideal for a potter, and it is a little more car than something like a 500 or Fit. Maybe it needs to have panel coupe sides welded on instead. It is, apparently, wasteful to want a 2-door anything that isn't a supermegaultracoupe deluxe.

    • See 2 previous
    • GiddyHitch GiddyHitch on Sep 09, 2012

      @el scotto "Think of it as a shooting brake for dorks that are tired of damaging their bumpers on possum skulls, refuse and badly-maintained roads." Where the hell are you driving that those are concerns?

  • FJ60LandCruiser FJ60LandCruiser on Sep 10, 2012

    Clearly the target demographic picks up male prostitutes, according to the stock photos...

  • Formula m How many Hyundai and Kia’s do not have the original engine block it left the factory with 10yrs prior?
  • 1995 SC I will say that year 29 has been a little spendy on my car (Motor Mounts, Injectors and a Supercharger Service since it had to come off for the injectors, ABS Pump and the tool to cycle the valves to bleed the system, Front Calipers, rear pinion seal, transmission service with a new pan that has a drain, a gaggle of capacitors to fix the ride control module and a replacement amplifier for the stereo. Still needs an exhaust manifold gasket. The front end got serviced in year 28. On the plus side blank cassettes are increasingly easy to find so I have a solid collection of 90 minute playlists.
  • MaintenanceCosts My own experiences with, well, maintenance costs:Chevy Bolt, ownership from new to 4.5 years, ~$400*Toyota Highlander Hybrid, ownership from 3.5 to 8 years, ~$2400BMW 335i Convertible, ownership from 11.5 to 13 years, ~$1200Acura Legend, ownership from 20 to 29 years, ~$11,500***Includes a new 12V battery and a set of wiper blades. In fairness, bigger bills for coolant and tire replacement are coming in year 5.**Includes replacement of all rubber parts, rebuild of entire suspension and steering system, and conversion of car to OEM 16" wheel set, among other things
  • Jeff Tesla should not be allowed to call its system Full Self-Driving. Very dangerous and misleading.
  • Slavuta America, the evil totalitarian police state
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