Mini Cooper S Convertible

[Rail26]

It is time to get my wife a new car...she wants a Mini Cooper S convertible. I got what I want (the Box) so she definately can have whatever she wants. Question is: any of you guys own or have owned one of these? Just wanted to hear your thoughts or impressions on the car.

[Brucelee]

I have driven several of the hardtops.

I like the car a lot, spunky, handles really well, has a nice shifter etc.

The ragtops may not be a tight and they are def. more expensive.

Good on gas too!

[Rail26]

Well, she wants a convertible and the BMW/Audi/Merc line just looks so boring. I tried to talk her into a Boxster, but she wants to be different. Plus the 3 years of scheduled maintenance is very attractive.

Brucelee, I am scheduling a test drive next month. It's a four seater...is it really? Do you think you could put anyone in the backseat? What didn't you like about the cars?

[chows4us]

Originally Posted by Rail26

... Plus the 3 years of scheduled maintenance is very attractive.

Brucelee, I am scheduling a test drive next month. It's a four seater...is it really? Do you think you could put anyone in the backseat? What didn't you like about the cars?

You can also buy the fourth year of free maintenaince.

Yes, its a four seater and adults can fit in the back. When we went on a test drive I sat in the back and was amazed I could fit in there. Wouldn't want to for a long trip but for around town, its fine.

The only trap you can fall into is adding option after option vice just taking the car nearly stripped and the price will be low 20s. Add a lot of options and its can easily top $50k

[Rail26]

Thanks for the info!!!

[Brucelee]

Originally Posted by Rail26

Well, she wants a convertible and the BMW/Audi/Merc line just looks so boring. I tried to talk her into a Boxster, but she wants to be different. Plus the 3 years of scheduled maintenance is very attractive.

Brucelee, I am scheduling a test drive next month. It's a four seater...is it really? Do you think you could put anyone in the backseat? What didn't you like about the cars?

Two small kids in the back.

I liked the car alot. I think she will too!


Good luck.

[chows4us]

Originally Posted by Rail26

It is time to get my wife a new car...she wants a Mini Cooper S convertible. I got what I want (the Box) so she definately can have whatever she wants. Question is: any of you guys own or have owned one of these? Just wanted to hear your thoughts or impressions on the car.

I have a hardtop and the car rocks. It is a gokart on wheels. It can be easily modified, lots of tuners across the country, and in terms of acceleration, with a little bit of money, be made as quick as a standard Boxster.

The best way to describe MINIs is that they are simply fun. Some may claim they are "clown cars" or "chick cars" but if you actually drive a modded one, you won't feel that way anymore.

No, its not a Porsche but for half the price, its definitely worth the money. Converts are about 3K more than the standard MCS. The downside to ownership is that there tends to be a bit of warranty work. Far from perfect and the OEM Runflats are terrible.

Best of Luck. I dont think she will be disappointed.

[jhall]

My wife has one. She traded her BMW Z3 for a Mini S Convertible and she has never regreted it. Yes, it is a chick car but that is really because of its image and not it's performance. The car is quite quick and handles very well. It has unbelievable room for the driver and passenger and the rear seat is supprisingly large. Mini's claim is that if their engineers had designed the Suburban it would have seated 20.

My gut feeling is that the Mini will have more warranty issues than I would like, but not to the point of being a problem. I say go for it!

Jon

[jhall]

Oh, Rail26, I am an old UH-1, OH-58A/C and UH-60 guy. Spent all of my time as a maintenance officer flying junk so other people didn't have to.

Jon

[chows4us]

Originally Posted by jhall

... Yes, it is a chick car but that is really because of its image and not it's performance. The car is quite quick and handles very well.

My gut feeling is that the Mini will have more warranty issues than I would like, but not to the point of being a problem. I say go for it!

Jon

Many ppl want to call it a chick car or a clown car but change their mind once they hit the twisties.

Warranty issues are a hassle. The free maintenaince helps a lot but its no fun spending your time at the dealer. Thats not to frighten anyone away, just to be aware its not a Toyota (or whatever). MINI enthusiasts are a hard core culture that would never part with their car because of the fun factor.

[BuffaloBoxster]

The tin-top Cooper S is the most fun I've had in a car not from Porsche.

But I personally would call the back seat a sick joke. I don't see how an adult could sit behind the driver's seat in its usual position.

[JP-s-in st. louis]

For the last few months my fiancé and I have debated on what kind of car to get her next. My choice was an S4 avant that she quickly shot down and said NO to ANY wagon no matter if it does have 400 HP. We have no human kids, just a 105lb lab retriever that goes everywhere with us. I wanted something fun and sporty and she did not care. Now I remind you before we bought the Boxster we looked at the Mini and have talked about how cool it was. Anyway so we will be getting one most likely in July. Here is the kicker she wants a 6speed, hardtop, with the JCW pkg, now usually I would ask her how she knew about the JCW pkg but on this occasion I just smiled and said yes honey. Honestly I see myself driving it more then her and her getting my Grand Cherokee. Chick car my butt

Ohh and with the money I save from the Audi I may just end up with an older Miata for the track next year. Cross your fingers.
:dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: