Any experience with Mini Cooper S?

**TigerNSX** · 01-06-2009, 14:25

I just test drove a used one (2005) over the weekend and it was so much fun to drive. I was surprised at how agile the car felt. I felt that it was a bit expensive for what it was, especially other fun cars in the same used car price range. However, I would love to own one!

Please comment on your ownership experience. Are they reliable to drive on a daily basis? I am looking at ones that have around 60-70k miles due to my budget. Will this become a money pit?

Thanks for your help in advance.

**RPM217** · 01-06-2009, 14:38

I have a number of friends that have owned or do own the Cooper S, and yes, outside of warranty, it'll be a money pit. Don't do it!! Happy New Year to you and your better half!

PS, it's a blast to drive, don't get me wrong, and they loved it, until they hated it!!

**TigerNSX** · 01-06-2009, 14:59

Thank you, Roger, for the prompt reply!

Happy New Year to you and your family, too!

**chado** · 01-06-2009, 15:07

Only with women who drive em!

Mini = female car, in my opinion of course.

**davidf** · 01-06-2009, 15:12

Originally Posted by chado

Only with women who drive em!

Mini = female car, in my opinion of course.

And here I am wanting a Smart car.

Manly, no, cool, yes.

**chado** · 01-06-2009, 15:44

Originally Posted by davidf

And here I am wanting a Smart car.

Manly, no, cool, yes.

Haha. If a car isn't "manly" thats one thing, but when it is feminine thats another.
I just don't understand what would make someone buy the car period, expect women who think it "looks cute".

Smart car = dangerous.

**99 rs** · 01-06-2009, 15:55

My brother had 2005 Cooper S for a year. All the girls loved it. It handled great just like you experienced. Many warranty issues which were covered and he was actively selling it all through December as the warranty was expiring. The issues were mainly electrical things such as the stereo and traction control system. It is also an extremely safe car. A few days before Christmas my brother finished it off for good.

**DrVolkl** · 01-06-2009, 16:30

Originally Posted by chado

Only with women who drive em!

Mini = female car, in my opinion of course.

Funny, since my wife won't let me buy an s2000 because she thinks it's a chick car.

I had a Mini Cooper S for about 4 months. It was fun, but pretty minimal inside...and damn small. Not exactly family friendly.... but I think it was a good car. Again...Fun to drive.

I didn't own it long enough to comment on the reliability...but with a smaller pulley, the car pulled pretty good! Just make sure you get an S model.

**CL65 Captain** · 01-06-2009, 18:55

I have never driven one, but I have passed many of them on the track.

They look like real cute cars as I blow by them....

**ChopsJazz** · 01-06-2009, 19:50

My sister has a Cooper S.

My sister.

She's 58 years old.

**m3456y** · 01-07-2009, 05:39

I own a John Cooper Works MC40 edition. I think you get a lot of car for the money. It's my daily driver - took three kids, myself and a bit of luggage to Orlando for a weekend. Cruised at 80 up and back and got 33mpg.

I looked at Smart Cars and decided for the same price, a little less gas mileage and the ability to seat 4 - the Mini made more sense. And, with the back seats folded down - there is a surprising amount of room to haul items.

So far - no mechanical issues at 51,000 miles.

**Sulley** · 01-07-2009, 07:46

I bought my wife one for her birthday a couple years ago. '06 S. I don't get to drive it much, but whenever I do, I feel funny(must be the chick car thing, altho I see guys driving them). It is so covered in checkerboard decals that you can barely tell it's red. She likes it and it makes people smile, so she's happy.

It only has around 18K on it, so we've only had one problem. The clutch slave cylinder is plastic and it started to leak. I'm not near a dealer, so I ordered the part from MiniMania and replaced it myself. Cheap and easy fix.

I find the fit and finish very good and have no complaints with the level of equipment. I added an Aux jack and Ipod connector in the glove box. Also an easy job.

One drawback is that there are so few dealers if you need warranty repairs.

My wife's complaints are that it turns alot of revs at highway speed and she doesn't like the close ratio transmission gearing. I think she is used to all the cars we've had having larger differences in the gearing as you shift up and down thru the gears.
I have no problem with either of these. Just personal preference.

For us it's been reliable and fun to drive.

Sulley

**ChopsJazz** · 01-07-2009, 22:44

Originally Posted by m3456y

I own a John Cooper Works MC40 edition. I think you get a lot of car for the money. It's my daily driver - took three kids, myself and a bit of luggage to Orlando for a weekend. Cruised at 80 up and back and got 33mpg.

Yes, the JC Works is a nice edition. In fact my sister had an S previously and now she has the Works car. It is clearly faster and sportier. But come on, it's my sister's car.