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I’ve got a kid in college and I’ll get it. The thought of adding $20,000 to the college bill, or $30,000, is challenging, or even unlikely. But the fact is that if you want your student to succeed, cut expenses by living off campus, get home from school on weekends and holidays and don’t have to purchase a car after college when they start their first career, a car can be a great incentive.
But what if a car came with a significant discount— about 25% off the retail price— just for college students?
But what if a car only for college students came with a substantial discount — about 25 per cent off the retail price?
Yup, this is also what Mini was doing.
In 2018 Mini’s marketers launched the Mini Oxford Edition with the aim of making younger car buyers appreciate the Mini brand. The Oxford Model, aiming to be the best car for college students, is for college students, recent college graduates (within one year) and active military members only. Buyers can get a 2-door manual or 4-door automatic transmission from the Mini Cooper Hardtop line.
The Oxford Edition basically provides a discount of $5,650; the model we tested had added some luxuries to it, including a panoramic sunroof ($1,000) and Cosmos Spoke silver wheels ($1,250), but they didn’t have Apple Car Play, which is part of the navigation kit, an additional $1,700 (Mini doesn’t support Android Auto). I will probably trade Apple Car Play’s fancy wheels to know my child has hands-free phone capability.
The Oxford Edition may not be readily available on the lots of Mini Dealers; customers will need to order it and may have a transcript or evidence of college enrolment to qualify for a purchase.
It’s not just a clever way to get your college kid thinking more ambitiously that this pattern is named for the prestigious college. It’s a nod to Mini’s DNA, actually: it’s built in Oxford, England. But that it also points to this top academic university, home of the English language’s official record via the Oxford English Dictionary, will certainly get your kid to remember why he/she owns this car: because he/she is pursuing higher education.
The best car will come beautifully fitted with safety and comfort features for college students and the Mini Oxford Version does. The model that we were testing will bestow on a college kid:
Although this model did not have a premium sound system — we must allow our children to earn these things, right? — The sound system had been pretty good. And I could hit my Spotify app with Bluetooth streaming and feel right at home with a BritPop playlist — setting the perfect mood for this ride.
Disclosure: I was Mini’s guest for this test drive; travel and accommodations were provided but opinions are all my own.
Written by: CONNIE PETERS
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