| Author | Message | ||
| Dave Quick (Davequick)
New member Username: Davequick Post Number: 4 Registered: 5-2003 |
I've got an '87 328GTS and an '03 Cooper S. Tons of fun - highly reccomend it. Anytime I need more than 2 seats or the ferrari is in the shop I still get a grin on my face on the way to the office even in the non-ferrari. :-) | ||
| Marvin Balagot (Mdb69)
Junior Member Username: Mdb69 Post Number: 95 Registered: 4-2002 |
 | ||
| nickm........ (Nickm)
Member Username: Nickm Post Number: 258 Registered: 8-2001 |
Drove an Cooper S when they first came out. I dont get how some of the guys here are saying they are slow. You gotta remember this is a $25,000 car, it HAULS ASS for a 25K car, AND handles better than a go-cart. A blast to drive! The only thing that struck me funny is how the front pillers gave me a feeling that I was looking into a fishtank while looking out the front windshield, if ya know what I mean. Way cool car. | ||
| adrian low (Audionut)
Member Username: Audionut Post Number: 254 Registered: 4-2003 |
I bought my Cooper S Aug 2002, one of the first in Canada. Had a 2001 M3 previously. Other than hp and torque, I much prefer to drive the Mini. I don't always want to race, especially these days with the Ontario Provincial Police looking for revenue...I mean speeders, and with 7 cars, I can ill afford any speeding tickets and the insurance hike. Having said that, the Mini is a blast to drive. I don't experience any of the complaints below. Car is torquey from 3000. Frankly, no different than my 328 or Dino. The Cooper S as a matter of fact shifts far more smoothly, and is extremely comfortable. The plastic pieces don't bother me at all. In fact, the toggle switches are NICE! And cornering...FUUGEEDAABOOUTIT! This car is seriously quick around corners. In all seriousness, acceleration and top speed is cool if you can be safe, which on public roads is almost impossible. However, a clear, tight radius on ramp to the highway, and the MINI ROCKS! It will pump your adrenaline, give you a huge rush, yet is still safe. Funny, with all the cars, I've been neglecting the Mini recently...think I'll drive it today! | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Member Username: Davel Post Number: 289 Registered: 7-2001 |
I agree Debbie. Judging this car for what it is not and accepting what it is will make someone happier at first drive. Is anyone suprised by a choppy ride and some plastic on the interior? Look at the wheel base for starters. Speaking of plastic most production cars use plenty of it. The S offers great performance and value and is unique among the myriad of small commuta boxes out there. Basically the S is probably the best small sportscar vehicle for the money. The cornering continues to impress me. ITs a great daily driving fun machine | ||
| Debbie Pyle (Dilly)
Junior Member Username: Dilly Post Number: 129 Registered: 9-2001 |
We custom ordered our car and it took about 2 months to come in. I have checked dealers in Tampa and Indy and they have a lot of cars on their lots - we counted around 40 at the Indy store. I read the other day that the movie has increased sales by 20%. This is a fun car to zip around town in. There is extensive after market equipment available, which we will start adding. The John Cooper Works package (called the "Works Package") will boost the hp to 200 with 177 lb-ft of torque. All in all it is a fun little car that should not be thought of as a replacement to the Fcar so "Let's Motor".  | ||
| Chris A. (Asianbond)
Junior Member Username: Asianbond Post Number: 139 Registered: 5-2002 |
I test drove the manual, cvt auto and cooper s, I really wanted to get one for its cool external looks, but the lack of power, harsh ride and crappy seats, guages and steeering wheel really put me off. There is absolutely no low end power, even in the cooper s and the engine revs very lazily. This is not a BMW engine. My opinion is that for the same amount of money there are better alternatives(for european buyers) such as the renault clio sports or bmw 316tis. I do have to admit it is a beautiful car externally. | ||
| IamA (Ski_bum)
New member Username: Ski_bum Post Number: 16 Registered: 12-2002 |
Are the Minis still commanding a 'premium', or are they easily available at dealers? The S model? | ||
| Debbie Pyle (Dilly)
Junior Member Username: Dilly Post Number: 126 Registered: 9-2001 |
We will be picking up ours tomorrow. They are a fun ride and we can't wait to get ours home. | ||
| Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Member Username: Dapper Post Number: 714 Registered: 4-2002 |
'Anyone F owners picking up a mini for fun' ...well they certainly make me laugh! | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Member Username: Davel Post Number: 287 Registered: 7-2001 |
Augustine it is amazing the buzz these cars create. Great fun and good performance for the money. Unique car among the many boring and usual small cars. Im glad to hear you are having so much fun with it! | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 4544 Registered: 8-2002 |
After seeing The Italian Job, i have a strange DESire for one... i'd really like to test-drive one... Are they really as fun as they seem...? | ||
| Augustine J. Staino (Azzuro328)
New member Username: Azzuro328 Post Number: 48 Registered: 4-2003 |
Dave L, I bought my girlfriend the same exact Mini as yours. Same color combo with the 17" wheels. I love it. The steering is fantastic for a front drive car! We take it on road trips as much as my 328. And I've noticed that she we get much more attention in her Mini than in my Ferrari. Go figure. Great car though. | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 512 Registered: 11-2002 |
They have some new performance package for the Cooper S now which boosts horsepower and gives better suspension I think. That should be a fun ride. Cheers | ||
| Jason Paro (Jason_79)
New member Username: Jason_79 Post Number: 9 Registered: 9-2002 |
I kinda like the old ones better but my wife wanted a new one, so I went and baught her a light blue mini s. | ||
| R.C. Price (Bentleyboy13)
New member Username: Bentleyboy13 Post Number: 9 Registered: 1-2003 |
Who's up at 1:14 AM monitoring this stuff anyways? | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 1105 Registered: 8-2002 |
(Damnit...!) i mean, uh, hey, yeah, sure, no problem... | ||
| R.C. Price (Bentleyboy13)
New member Username: Bentleyboy13 Post Number: 8 Registered: 1-2003 |
I'm sorry Omar, when the title of the discussion was anyone picking up a MINI, I thought it would be ok to talk about my MINI. My bad....  and since mine has sold this weekend, there will be no need for any felonious acts towards my Ex Thanks for the offer though DES !! | ||
| Omar (Auraraptor)
Junior Member Username: Auraraptor Post Number: 169 Registered: 9-2002 |
R.C. this is an italian car site.... | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 1044 Registered: 8-2002 |
R.C.- it's your access to the Ferrari that's getting me the ride, so you give me the details on how you want it to happen... | ||
| R.C. Price (Bentleyboy13)
New member Username: Bentleyboy13 Post Number: 7 Registered: 1-2003 |
by "disapear" we are talking about the old school Italian "disapear" right? | ||
| R.C. Price (Bentleyboy13)
New member Username: Bentleyboy13 Post Number: 6 Registered: 1-2003 |
HHHHMMMMMM......off my Ex for a week in a Ferrari. I'd lose my job but it would be worth it......I'll give it some thought | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 1041 Registered: 8-2002 |
i'll make her disappear if you can get me in a Ferrari for a test drive... | ||
| R.C. Price (Bentleyboy13)
New member Username: Bentleyboy13 Post Number: 5 Registered: 1-2003 |
I've got an NSX and an Explorer and a new 19 year old girlfriend that does 0-ohmygod in under 5 seconds I also work at the Scottsdale Arizona Ferrari dealership as the Bently sales person so there is usually something around here to drive. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 959 Registered: 8-2002 |
R.C., What else is in your garage...? For a weekly test drive, i'm sure i could arrange something... | ||
| R.C. Price (Bentleyboy13)
New member Username: Bentleyboy13 Post Number: 4 Registered: 1-2003 |
Glad I could bring a smile I figure if I could off her I could afford to keep the MINI | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 931 Registered: 8-2002 |
Martin, definitely, the cold, tile floor is not very comfortable, but that's why i was here; i was interested in the warm body R.C. is soliciting, but he claims it's not in as good a condition as i would hope, so... i might have to keep searching... | ||
| martin J weiner,M.D. (Mw360)
Member Username: Mw360 Post Number: 739 Registered: 5-2001 |
DES, get a warm body under you immediately-those tile floors will give you a chill. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 891 Registered: 8-2002 |
Note to self: Don't come to this thread while at work, the boss will inquire as to the reason for your INCESSANT LAUGHTER. R.C. i'm rolling on the cold, tile floor, over here... | ||
| R.C. Price (Bentleyboy13)
New member Username: Bentleyboy13 Post Number: 3 Registered: 1-2003 |
your better off with the car.....Trust me | ||
| R.C. Price (Bentleyboy13)
New member Username: Bentleyboy13 Post Number: 2 Registered: 1-2003 |
The woman is about 3 grand back of book and had some pretty hard miles, lots of owners and not original equipment. she is very high maintnance and has a strange whine about her. otherwise a fine piece!! | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 904 Registered: 3-2001 |
Just noticed this thread... I went and test drove one today at the local BMW dealer. Planning to get a brand-new 2003 BRG/white top "S" by the end of the week. Super charged, leather interior, sport and premium packages, 17 inch wheels, run-flats... all this for only $24K.... what a hit! Can't wait! | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 850 Registered: 8-2002 |
Mini Coopers are not my thing, but what are the specs on the woman...? Is she a high maintenance ride...? | ||
| R.C. Price (Bentleyboy13)
New member Username: Bentleyboy13 Post Number: 1 Registered: 1-2003 |
I have a MINI Cooper-S that I need to sell to proceed with a divorce, anyone interested in the car (or my Ex-wife) Please let me know!! it's a liquid yellow with white roof and mirrors and has the premium and sport packages. let me know if you are seriously interested and I'll shoot over somepics andmore details | ||
| martin J weiner,M.D. (Mw360)
Member Username: Mw360 Post Number: 720 Registered: 5-2001 |
Have a cooper s for 2 mo and it is a blast! Only way I could get one is buy the one on the floor which the dealer had loaded with about every extra available.The cornering is go-cart amazing,the 6 spd is smoother than on my E46 M3.Coming out of the M3 and 360 it feels somewhat under powered.Must spool up the rpm's above 4500 to feel the supercharger kick in. Came with 17' wheel assembly like pic of April 30, 2 tone leather,6cd,luxury and sport pkge and body kit (challenge -like front and rear grills and body painted rockers.) | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 474 Registered: 8-2002 |
"go into a corner about three times faster than you think you should, and you'll be fine." LMAO, that's awesome...! | ||
| Bryan Phillips (Bryanp)
New member Username: Bryanp Post Number: 28 Registered: 8-2002 |
would love to get one, but a buddy had the same reaction as Rijk re: throttle response. I need to go and test drive one. My dad won SCCA Pa. hillclimb championship (E Mod.) in the 1970s w/a 1275 Cooper S - so they don't need to market to me about 'Mini lifestyle.' His coment about cornering in the original mini - "go into a corner about three times faster than you think you should, and you'll be fine." | ||
| Alex McNaught (Alexm)
New member Username: Alexm Post Number: 6 Registered: 5-2002 |
Just test drove Cooper S last week - superb fun! Quick and responsive - did tight twisty roads up and down steep mountain and ideal for that for sure.. thinking of entering www.targa.org.au and use as promotional car. I gotta get one now - would definitely have a place in a selective garage! btw: latest car pages up at www.findmap.com.au/alexm/cars Alex. | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Junior Member Username: Davel Post Number: 208 Registered: 7-2001 |
Now I have the S and I love it. Its got plenty of power and I like the handling and feel. Great turn in and smooth power application.The seats are great and yes the interior has some plastic. What modern cars dont? Great value for the money, good performance and its a real attention getter as well. This is just a fun car. I like the 6 speed Getrag over the Coopers brit 5 speed. Shifts are smooth but it could be better. Overall if you have room get one. Great car to buzz about town in. | ||
| Rijk Rietveld (Rijk365gtb4)
Junior Member Username: Rijk365gtb4 Post Number: 54 Registered: 1-2002 |
I drove an S in Europe last week, just coming out of an Alfa 156 GTA, so maybe this isn't fair, but even though I love the design and was considering getting one, there is just not enough power in the S. Also the blower makes the engine act as if it has a huge flywheel, the revs stay up high very long when you get off the gas. There is a chip bringing it up to 218HP. That might help. The sequential gearbox is still two years away. Walked away not sure of what to think. Now, after a while, I feel that the car is too much of a toy. | ||
| Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Junior Member Username: Dapper Post Number: 213 Registered: 4-2002 |
looks crap and won't pull a granny of her p pot. Interior is an abortion of design. Just goes to show any crap will sell if its marketed well and has a well respected name behind it. In the UK they are selling for one reason only....nostalgia! | ||
| Erik R. Jonsson (Gamester)
New member Username: Gamester Post Number: 44 Registered: 3-2002 |
First impression, two thumbs down. Yes very roomy, yes very plasticy, yes very very very underpowered. Reminded me of a 3 cylinder metro- not enough to get out of its own way, no chance of it ever breaking a tire loose. Didn't care to find the bonnet release on the passenger sidewall either. All this and the side windows are monsterous. UGH. | ||
| Marcus Mayeux (Mmayeux73)
Member Username: Mmayeux73 Post Number: 269 Registered: 4-2002 |
it looks like Texas will be introducing some new Mini dealers soon... http://www.miniusa.com/crm/main.jsp | ||
| Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Junior Member Username: Dapper Post Number: 143 Registered: 4-2002 |
big recall of the baby BMW's going on back here in UK, apparently cars sticking in one gear. I believe it covers all models up to a certain date, so may include some early C S's. | ||
| Adam Goldman '86 TR (Icnsltmfg)
Member Username: Icnsltmfg Post Number: 337 Registered: 8-2001 |
No they are not. Only Mini dealers can work on Mini's. So if you are in Texas, you are out of luck since they did not set up any stores there. In addition, the new Mini dealers will not sell parts for the old ones. | ||
| stu cordova (Balataboy)
Junior Member Username: Balataboy Post Number: 220 Registered: 4-2001 |
I'm definitely getting one! My dad had a '59 (?) Morris Minor and I had an early 60's Mini. Gonna wait till fall or winter when prices come down a bit though. I'll probably get one out of Canada (lot's of Canadian cars around here!). Does anyone know whether or not a BMW dealer who is NOT selling the Mini is still able/authorized to repair (warranty work) them? | ||
| martin J weiner,M.D. (Mw360)
Member Username: Mw360 Post Number: 426 Registered: 5-2001 |
Went to order an "S"----list was closed! | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Advanced Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 2591 Registered: 2-2001 |
I saw one for the first time today on the way back up to school, on the highway. It was dark green with two white stripes down the hood. Pretty cool. | ||
| Alex McNaught (Alexm)
New member Username: Alexm Post Number: 4 Registered: 5-2002 |
Mini's ran here at Aussie GP in March as "celebrity challenge" they run each year. They were all imported and were from preparation one-make series from what I hear. btw: the challenge is normally reserved for various sporting/media etc types but this year a wildcard, won by sponsoring airline boarding pass competition no less, was allowed.. and HE WON! Good on him - was a great drive. Alex. | ||
| Adam Goldman '86 TR (Icnsltmfg)
Member Username: Icnsltmfg Post Number: 325 Registered: 8-2001 |
BMW has been working with the SCCA to register the cars, and have recieved approval. I think they are working on taking it from it's own class to it's own series. | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 258 Registered: 3-2002 |
Where did I hear that the Minis are being groomed for their own series, ala Ferrari Challenge and Porsche Cup? | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Junior Member Username: Davel Post Number: 118 Registered: 7-2001 |
YO Mitch....SELL IT  | ||
| Mitchel DeFrancis (4re308)
Member Username: 4re308 Post Number: 521 Registered: 6-2001 |
The Mini Cooper S is a perfectly viable replacement for my GTI...when I finally break down and sell it. | ||
| Adam Goldman '86 TR (Icnsltmfg)
Member Username: Icnsltmfg Post Number: 319 Registered: 8-2001 |
I hope you guy's enjoy it. The new Mini S is very hot, and BMW just got approval for the Mini to run in the SCCA, and may have it's own class / series soon. | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Junior Member Username: Davel Post Number: 116 Registered: 7-2001 |
I have a new Cooper!! Its great. GET ONE!!!  | ||
| '75 308 GT4 (Peter)
Intermediate Member Username: Peter Post Number: 1825 Registered: 12-2000 |
I'd rather have a real Mini for fun | ||
| Phil S. (1989328gtb)
New member Username: 1989328gtb Post Number: 4 Registered: 4-2002 |
I've driven the regular Cooper and love it, depending on what color I decide my Cooper S will be here in either 2 weeks or 3 months. Anyway, I run into a lot of Porsche and BMW M3 guys buying Coopers just for fun, how about you? |