Suburban Dad: 2007 Mini Cooper S

“You know,” she said, “it’s not often that we’re trying to get all five of us into your car.”

It was a diplomatic comment, aimed at me. Was it the break I’ve always dreamed of, but never believed could happen? Could my wife truly be endorsing a Mini Cooper — one of my dream cars? Not exactly.

“I wouldn’t mind being seen in this when you drop me off at school,” my daughter continued. “It’s cool-looking.”

It’s that and more. I’ve loved, from afar, the Mini’s small size, its style, the BMW heritage, the nifty airplane-like switches on the center console. I’ve also been intrigued by the ardor that the car has gotten from its owners for the past five years or so, and I’ve always considered it an inexpensive version of the “midlife crisis.”

My 24 hours with the Mini Cooper S were no disappointment.