[underwear]

Just put a deposit down for a cooper S to be manufactured and shipped mid June. I've always regarded MINI's more of a luxury car, and this being my 2nd car to own ever (first being a civic), would it be a wise decision to take such a vast leap of automobile?

Mellow Yellow with black roof and top ^-^. When I first saw the review on cnet, I just had to have it.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

The simple fact that you're thinking of this and asking the question means that it probably is the right choice for you.

Just take it easy and take the time to get used to the power.

Enjoy!

[Tunster]

Quote: Originally Posted by underwear (original)

Just put a deposit down for a cooper S to be manufactured and shipped mid June. I've always regarded MINI's more of a luxury car, and this being my 2nd car to own ever (first being a civic), would it be a wise decision to take such a vast leap of automobile?

Mellow Yellow with black roof and top ^-^. When I first saw the review on cnet, I just had to have it.

As long as you're sensible and respect the cars power and limitation, I can't see why not. My Cooper S is my 3rd car. I've jumped from a nippy 1.4 to a 1.6 beast in the S.

Just enjoy it. It's such an easy car to drive.

[underwear]

Hehe thanks, I will enjoy it.

To better understand it's power and further respecting it, what am I expecting? What are its limitations? If it helps, I didn't get the JCW

[Fin]

Quote: Originally Posted by underwear (original)

Hehe thanks, I will enjoy it.

To better understand it's power and further respecting it, what am I expecting? What are its limitations? If it helps, I didn't get the JCW

What I believe Tigger may mean and what I agree with (correct me if I am wrong, John ), is that the MINI's handling inspires a lot of confidence. You can chuck it through a corner and it remains very composed and safe, particularly for a car in its class. A problem that can arise from this confidence, is that a driver may push it just that little bit too far and have an accident.

At the end of the day, MINI's are subject to the laws of physics like every other object and they can let go of the road if you push them too much. As long as you drive within the safe limits of the car, you should be pretty safe.

You should expect a car that has quick acceleration and pulls strongly throughout the rev range. If you have come from a less powerful car and are used to planting your foot down when accelerating, you will need to keep an eye on your speedo as you may quickly pass legal limits!

Most of all you should expect a car that will leave you smiling all the time, a little like this ---->

[FergusM]

You should get some driver training...on a track, that will allow you to explore the capability, safely, and will also get you to develop your driver skills. You 'd be amazed how much you can progress in a short time.

[astilla]

Quote: Originally Posted by underwear (original)

Just put a deposit down for a cooper S to be manufactured and shipped mid June. I've always regarded MINI's more of a luxury car, and this being my 2nd car to own ever (first being a civic), would it be a wise decision to take such a vast leap of automobile?

Mellow Yellow with black roof and top ^-^. When I first saw the review on cnet, I just had to have it.

After owning my JCW 'S' for a month now I am surprised at how easy it is to drive very slowly. Sure, it goes like stink when I put my foot down but that's just down to you to have some restraint. The car doesn't feel like it is pushing you or struggling to go slowly at all. So, just take your time, gain experience of the car, and driving in general, and maybe some advanced driver training would be of help but it's a great car - just treat it with the respect it deserves.

BTW, Mellow Yellow is a great choice - but I'm biased....

[OJM]

That's a smart MINI astilla!

I agree with what you say about being easy to drive slowly - my fiance is learning to drive, and I've been taking her out in my MCS. She was a bit reluctant at first, due to the power, but realised that obviously it only goes quick when you put your foot down!

I think since having my MCS, I've driven the same (speed wise) as when I had my 1.4 Clio, because my MCS tells me what my mpg is Although you don't have to worry about getting a run up to overtake people - floor it, and it'll pull like a...beast out of hell!

[Tunster]

I've just come back on a 25 mile trip to somewhere and back in my MCS. Touched every time of road, A road, B roads and some countryside. It knows how to stick to the road! The country roads is where you can be sure it's a very safe car. I'm only 100 miles in and still adjusting my driving style as I'm used to pushing my old 1.4 MG ZR,

It's just as good to cruise as much as the Cooper D IMO. If you're very gentle on the throttle, it'll be very gentle to you.

[KenL]

There is a Mellow Yellow MINI with viper stripes near me - looks fantastic!

[underwear]

Quote: Originally Posted by astilla (original)

BTW, Mellow Yellow is a great choice - but I'm biased....

astilla, that looks fantastic! How did you get the viper stripes to go all the way down? My dealer told it would only go as far as the bonnet

Quote: Originally Posted by KenL (original)

There is a Mellow Yellow MINI with viper stripes near me - looks fantastic!

Post pics if you got 'em! I can't get enough.

Thanks everyone, I'll be sure to take it easy. To be honest, I haven't even test driven a MINI yet! It'll be an adventure when picking up the R56. I'm losing sleep over this wait!

[astilla]

Quote: Originally Posted by underwear (original)

astilla, that looks fantastic! How did you get the viper stripes to go all the way down? My dealer told it would only go as far as the bonnet

That's just what they did at the dealership as standard for me. I do believe there are different kinds of stripes but I didn't specifically ask for mine to be like that - but I like them!

[OJM]

Quote: Originally Posted by underwear (original)

astilla, that looks fantastic! How did you get the viper stripes to go all the way down? My dealer told it would only go as far as the bonnet

Mini Pirate would probably be able to sort out stripes where the dealer didn't put them. Drop a post in their forum;

http://www.mini2.com/forum/mini-pirate/

[adam_Randell]

as long as you respect the power of the cooper s its an immence car for a young driver!

[Woody'sCooper]

There is a driving school in and around the West Kent area that has a chilli red Cooper S!!

[adrian78]

I'm the driving instructor with the mini cooper S driving school red with white viper stripes i teach in and around tunbridge wells great car to drive if you behave your self

[terabytesmyass]

I can agree with every one. Can be driven very sensibly if you don't stomp on the gas.. My GF was very nervous for the first few weeks of driving it - I suggested she take off in 2nd (have an auto) to compensate for the the touchy accelerator and very short 1st gear until she got use to it.

Just watch our for the torque steer if you give it heaps from a standing start. I find the grip is that good - it pulls in what ever direction the steering wheel is pointed -