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[nonsequitur]

So long as everyone remembers I'm no expert on anything, just a guy who wants to figure out how this car really works, here's some thoughts based on your latest statements and questions.

I've been worried at times if this car was the right choice for us, just like many of you have voiced. We started the waiting list back in '97 so our family is committed on "MINI", but the Cooper, Cooper CVT, or Cooper S decision, and all the choices for each one were big concerns.

We chose the Cooper CVT, believing it would be fully sorted after a year in the UK, because of our family situation and how the car would be used each day (we were wrong on the fully sorted part, but I am honestly pleased with the CVT choice, and the software seems to be stable now). I now think the CVT is the hidden jewel in the product line. I like it. We'd do it again.

We got the SS+ and 15" wheels to soften it up some for the daily grind (and to have traditionally proper 7-Hole wheels), a good decision we'd also do again. The aftermarket 16x6.5" wheels and Falken tires for weekends are the only modifications so far.

I'm critical of the MINI Owner's Manual because it doesn't explain how things work. That's why all these posts, and I'm so thankful for all of you contributing. We can get a revised Manual or a new CVT-specific piece I think.

The sales process also doesn't carefully explain what the different components really do, they are all accessories (revenue and profit for the dealers) so I've seen lots of Owners who might have actually been happier in a Cooper or Cooper CVT but the momentum of the situation and ego perhaps made the pen slide over to a Cooper S selection. The S is also wonderful machine, no shots here because I want one of those too, but it is important to sort what you're getting for you own needs and why that choice is important. We produced a by-piece order as an example just so we could get the standard air conditioning versus climate-control.

Five Track Days in different conditions (Hot/dry to Cool/very wet) seem to show that the Cooper is some better balanced (tight corners, autocross) and lighter than the Cooper S.

Handling is really super compared with any of the bigger sedans that have showed up in these days (It did VERY well compared to the performance models of Audi, Mercedes, BMW, Volvo, ...), even in the wet (which was a big test because I am also an "Audi guy"). It is particularily good where weight transfer is critical like the 70mph S-sweepers on Saturday.

I think the brakes are good too. For me, this is compared to bigger performance sedans I've had, and there is always room to improve brakes. I could go deeper than anyone else into the corners, except Porsche. Nothing is wearing out, as everything did on the heavier cars, because it is only 2600lbs.

So it comes down to learning to drive what I have very well, as one of you said. The Cooper CVT stayed right with the Cooper 5-speed racecar in the drag to 110mph; he then pulled out some on his slicks in the corners.

If I had extra money, I'd be tempted to very carefully shop for better induction and artwork headers/cat. There's a rumor that an upcoming issue (Sept?) of Car & Driver has a significant objective test of this stuff. 20-25bhp would be wonderful, but not now.