so I'm wondering what I can expect... it will be in a Cooper CVT (though not to worry-when I order it will be an MCS)... anyone with good test drive stories, tips or other information, please feel free to share it with someone that wants into this club, and badly! Also, I'll be taking the drive at Mini of Charleston, so if anyone has any experience there... :D

Thanks!

Question - if you want the MCS why are you testing the auto Cooper?

As Poisonedwell has said - strange that youre testing a CVT Cooper and buying the MCS. :confused: :p

I was fortunate to have an exceptional dealership whereby they allowed me out in the cars by myself, and for multiple drives of Cooper and Cooper S. There are alot of differences between CVT Cooper and Cooper S though - so its going to be hard to compare.

Last year when I was going to change to a Cooper, I test drove a Cooper and an S. Both times I test drove were great, a MINI adventure in themselves. Especially on the M5 (motorway/highway) in the MCS doing about 100 mph and the dealer shouting "FASTER, GO FASTER". Enjoy your test drive and use the oppertunity to question the dealer without his boss there.

Me also wondering why test drive a MINI completely different to one that you're ordering????

Helen :D :black:
xxxxx

thank you for your responses... and yes, I should have been a touch more clear... I have not driven, aside from a few "last sober person" nights out, a 6-speed since my early college days... which are now, oh, a good ten years in the rear view mirror... so though I've been "borrowing" friends and family cars for trips around the neighborhood to refresh my manual memory, I'd really rather not torment my MA with a bumpy stumbling afternoon... :D my intentions for the test drive are to get a feel for the handling, the comfort, the sight lines (the things you can't really get at the auto show)...

I'd explain that to the dealer and 'practice' using their gearbox ;)
The Cooper CVT and the S are miles apart imho :)