The large majority of SOULs I see are actually driven by 50+ looking folks. Much like the PT Cruiser and MINI, the trifecta of compact size, high seating position, and fun personality has proved a hit for this demographic.
Same here, tall (as in high seating position) and compact cars -and most of them box shaped- were popular among the older part of the population.
Until Renault hit the jackpot with their Captur, which is a bestseller among all age groups. High seating position and compact alright, but it doesn’t look like a shoe box. And it’s affordable.
The MINI is driven by younger folks. Blonde females mostly, when having a closer look…Some of its direct competitors: (Citroën) DS3, Alfa Romeo MiTo, Opel Adam.
I work at for MINI dealer, and in my time there I’ve discovered there really is no average demographic. I’d say in terms of age it tends to skew young and old, with less people say, 30s-40s buying them, as they aren’t the ideal alternative to say, a large crossover or SUV. But even with that, the buyer demographic seems all over the place in age, gender, income level, etc.
A few months back I even delivered a new one to this man who was 93 years old – and he bought a stick-shift Cooper S with the sport package!
That’s interesting to hear, and kudos to the 93 years old man ! I’m on the road a lot, and I honestly can’t remember ever seeing an older or elderly driver behind the wheel of a MINI. Or behind the wheel of one of its competitors I mentioned above, for that matter.
Here’s another MINI competitor, the Audi A1. Obviously the MINI isn’t alone in its price- and market segment.
I’ve noticed that with Honda Fits myself – they’re a bit more family-friendly since they’ve all been four-door since day one unlike Mini which only just launched a “regular” five-door hatch.
they’re easier to get into out of. An older friend of mine has a W124 and he’s looking at CUVs because he’s having real issues getting himself out of the Merc.
The back wiper is interesting. Was the swept area left blank on purpose? Or did the painter forget what the wiper would do? If the wiper ran before the paint dried, it would be a smeary mess that couldn’t be removed easily. If the wiper ran after the paint dried, it would gradually wear away the paint; it wouldn’t be precisely cleared.
some things never change. I remember my dad telling me the very first mustang he ever saw when they came out was an eye popping mustang convertible with all the bells and whistles driven by an old gent in his 80’s who came into his station for gas.
If Grandma was REALLY cool, would she have a sign on the side of her car telling the world she is cool?
My mother’s Mom’s house was the only place I saw antimacassars….until I visited Japan and saw them in really expensive cars. My Grammy Barrett also had a black car, even though neither she nor my Grandad Barrett could drive. I’m not sure that either one ever had a license. Grammy’s brother bought them the car “just in case it was needed”.
A REALLY cool Grandma might drive a Shelby Mustang or a Camaro SS.
Only in America would a grandparent want to be thought of as “cool” & advertise themselves to all & sundry. Mao’s Cultural Revolution was nothing compared to ours.
Looks like Grandma has some pretty cool grandchildren who gave her a personalized present.
I am down with this grandma.
Although I’m not a fan of the Kia Soul, I do like the pattern and message written on it. 🙂
But is she really cool, as the car says? Or smokin’, as the pattern and window vent suggest?
🙂
hehehe
The large majority of SOULs I see are actually driven by 50+ looking folks. Much like the PT Cruiser and MINI, the trifecta of compact size, high seating position, and fun personality has proved a hit for this demographic.
Same here, tall (as in high seating position) and compact cars -and most of them box shaped- were popular among the older part of the population.
Until Renault hit the jackpot with their Captur, which is a bestseller among all age groups. High seating position and compact alright, but it doesn’t look like a shoe box. And it’s affordable.
The MINI is driven by younger folks. Blonde females mostly, when having a closer look…Some of its direct competitors: (Citroën) DS3, Alfa Romeo MiTo, Opel Adam.
I work at for MINI dealer, and in my time there I’ve discovered there really is no average demographic. I’d say in terms of age it tends to skew young and old, with less people say, 30s-40s buying them, as they aren’t the ideal alternative to say, a large crossover or SUV. But even with that, the buyer demographic seems all over the place in age, gender, income level, etc.
A few months back I even delivered a new one to this man who was 93 years old – and he bought a stick-shift Cooper S with the sport package!
That’s interesting to hear, and kudos to the 93 years old man ! I’m on the road a lot, and I honestly can’t remember ever seeing an older or elderly driver behind the wheel of a MINI. Or behind the wheel of one of its competitors I mentioned above, for that matter.
Here’s another MINI competitor, the Audi A1. Obviously the MINI isn’t alone in its price- and market segment.
I’ve noticed that with Honda Fits myself – they’re a bit more family-friendly since they’ve all been four-door since day one unlike Mini which only just launched a “regular” five-door hatch.
Young and old, but not those with kids?
they’re easier to get into out of. An older friend of mine has a W124 and he’s looking at CUVs because he’s having real issues getting himself out of the Merc.
Well this is neat looking indeed.
The back wiper is interesting. Was the swept area left blank on purpose? Or did the painter forget what the wiper would do? If the wiper ran before the paint dried, it would be a smeary mess that couldn’t be removed easily. If the wiper ran after the paint dried, it would gradually wear away the paint; it wouldn’t be precisely cleared.
I was wondering that my self, It looks so precise, I’m thinking the artist did the swept area. It is well done!
My major question a about these cars,in general is: Would you be stuck trading them in? It’s a bad idea to just …….Sell your Soul……Just saying……
Just make sure you don’t trade it in on a Ford Faustiesta.
Was the white outlining done in chalk or a matte-finish paint? I can’t really tell.
I am somehow reminded of this, especially with the grandma connection…
Me too. Which is why my last line was: Are there antimacassars on the head rests? Those are the kind I was visualizing.
Grandma’s cool bike (note that this type of bike is actually called a Grandma-bicycle, all black is the default color).
“you are only as old as you feel”
some things never change. I remember my dad telling me the very first mustang he ever saw when they came out was an eye popping mustang convertible with all the bells and whistles driven by an old gent in his 80’s who came into his station for gas.
If Grandma was REALLY cool, would she have a sign on the side of her car telling the world she is cool?
My mother’s Mom’s house was the only place I saw antimacassars….until I visited Japan and saw them in really expensive cars. My Grammy Barrett also had a black car, even though neither she nor my Grandad Barrett could drive. I’m not sure that either one ever had a license. Grammy’s brother bought them the car “just in case it was needed”.
A REALLY cool Grandma might drive a Shelby Mustang or a Camaro SS.
Only in America would a grandparent want to be thought of as “cool” & advertise themselves to all & sundry. Mao’s Cultural Revolution was nothing compared to ours.
It’s things like this what make me miss living in Eugene.