[drivinginstructor001]

I have to say I was not looking forward to picking up and to collecting my new MCS on the 2nd March 07 due to the number of faults experienced by some owners i.e. PaulM and Popey.

I was already thinking of rejecting the car before I ever set eyes on it, however, the drive back from my local dealer, Synter, the car felt perfect so without delay the dual controls were fitted the same day.

So after three weeks of lessons and just over 1,000 miles I have to say I have only found one fault which is a spring 'twanging' noise going over big pot holes and some speed bumps.

I have to say this is the best car I have ever used to teach pupils in, previous cars being a MC/05 and a Yaris TSport.

This car is in a different league to my old Cooper, the engine/gear box and clutch are worlds apart.

I love the way the engine produces power/torque from the off. It is hard to believe pupils still plod along at 27 mph when they should be doing 30 mph.

All my pupils like the new car once they have mastered the new style indicators and more powerful brakes. The car has attracted a lot of attention I am getting a lot more enquiries than I did in my old Cooper and if you think they are all from 'chavs/boy racers' you would be mistaken. They are all girls!! In fact, I teach 22 girls and only 2 boys.

So am I pleased with my R56S? Yes 100%, I just wish I got to drive it myself more, just hope I do not see another R56S being used as a driving school car.

I like to be a bit different , but so do all mini owners that's why we all buy them, isn't it?

DI001

[Scrogg]

Quote: Originally Posted by drivinginstructor001 (original)

just hope I do not see another R56S being used as a driving school car.

There's a '56' plate one in Gloucester, but it's highly unlikely you'll see that one!

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Full marks for having an outrageous driving instructor's car (heck, I had to learn in a basic 1.1 two door MkII Escort ), but how hard is that on the insurance premiums?

Tigger.

[drivinginstructor001]

Insurance cost £850 for a ADI Policy, Any driver.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Wow, that is serious value for money

Fantastic move on your behalf! Can I assume you won't be running 17" alloys then?!!!

Tigger.

[drivinginstructor001]

I have 17in crown spoke on this one
I had 17in s spoke on my cooper

You just need to keep them off the kerbs

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by drivinginstructor001 (original)

I love the way the engine produces power/torque from the off. It is hard to believe pupils still plod along at 27 mph when they should be doing 30 mph.

tsk tsk, it's a limit, not a target.

You can change the indicators to work conventionally if you don't get along with the "3 flashes" default method.

[ScottyBoy]

Great news your happy with it and to see a new R56 S for a instructor car! thats awesome lucky pupils you have!!!

[M1TCH]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

tsk tsk, it's a limit, not a target.

You can change the indicators to work conventionally if you don't get along with the "3 flashes" default method.

thats only on the tap, if you push it all the way it will indicate as normal until cancelled. I think he means getting used to it because it sell levels after you've knocked it down and you have to touch it again to cancel... I think thats right, haven't driven it much.


To the instructor, wow I would have loved to have learned in a MCS. Must be the envy of the instructors out there, I don't understand when I see instructors in old motors theres one round here who my mate learned with and he's in some old suzuki and only 2 years ago he was in a old 106 and before I've seen an instructor in a 205...

They charge enough you'd think they would buy a new car every year or so. I've seen a lot lately in the new suzuki swift.

[Paul]

You can change the "three flashes" on a quick tap option so it doesn't do that, so it works conventionally. So you can hold it for as many, or few (even one or two) flashes as you like. Before you push it "past the limit", that is.

[wow]

I am a 99% happy with my new Cooper S.

It is smoother, lots more grunt/pull in all gears and the gears are so smooth.

My gripe is that when the sunroof is closed and i travel over 120km/h there is alot of noise from the sunroof front section.

Other than that i have had a great 400km so far.

[Aus]

wow, learing to drive in an MCS - that would be great!

[Richard82]

Quote: Originally Posted by drivinginstructor001 (original)

. They are all girls!! In fact, I teach 22 girls and only 2 boys.

Note to self: must become a driving instructor!

Wish I had learnt in a MCS rather than a Ford Fiesta!

[JohnWB]

I think it's very unfair on all the new drivers learning to dive in a Mini as when they get into a different they will be so disapointed after driving a Mini

[CC07ERS]

What kinda fuel eco are you getting for your first 1000 miles

[M1TCH]

^ probably **** loads with them poodleing along at 29 in 6th. lol

Mr Instructor, I was wondering do you have sport mode switched on when you are giving lessons?

[drivinginstructor001]

Reply

Fuel consumption is 29.2 mpg, my old cooper was 24.9mpg, so i am even saving the planet as well.

I only use the sport button on pass plus country routes and motorway lessons.

[mister.t]

Right I know where Im going for my lessons at the end of the year

[M1TCH]

Quote: Originally Posted by drivinginstructor001 (original)

Reply

Fuel consumption is 29.2 mpg, my old cooper was 24.9mpg, so i am even saving the planet as well.

I only use the sport button on pass plus country routes and motorway lessons.

just wondered because I had a little go in the mini yesterday (its not mine) and the steering without it on was horrible, hardly any resistance at all and full lock came round too quick.

bet it easy for them to do parking with that steering though.

[bugiz]

Can you open a franchise in Melbourne... Would really love to learn in a R56