My Cooper S Experience

[An_S_4_Me]

I have had mine almost 3 weeks now, have washed it 7 times so far (polished 3 times) I havent got bored of cleaning it yet, I have to make sure I dont take the keys out with me though, as abou half way through washing it, I get the urge to take it out for a spin

Andy

[Viscount Charles]

Mine got it's first wash today. Took 2 hours, with 2 washes, rinses, RainX and some time spent inside on the leather. Even leathered the outside dry (and that's a first - my usual idea of washing the car is a quick drive to the local jetwash - but the hard water round here leaves streaks if left to dry naturally).

The nice smooth lines of the car make it an easier job than the old Mini. Held off on using any wax or polish this time - may give it a non-abrasive waxing next time. Went out and bought a cheap pressure washer, for the next time (I just love any sort of gadget, powertool or toy that entices me with promises of reduced elbow-grease expenditure).

The S-lites are tricky to clean with my brush, but not a nightmare.

Topped up the washer bottles (about 1/2 L each) - trying the RainX washer stuff (it looks a lot like the pink washer liquid that the dealership had used). Looks nice and sparkly again

Can't ever see me washing it more than once a week - and even that may only last for a few months - but did enjoy the neighbours' comments on my new car

[Viscount Charles]

Quick update. Two weeks after collection, and my car got its second wash on schedule (prompted by the Silverstone meet - couldn't go to that with a filthy car, could I?)

Hardest I'd pressed the car so far was trying to keep up with the convoy to the circuit - thank goodness for DK and Apple - their speed, while not exactly sedate, was something I could match.

The run home from Silverstone saw a bit of a detour thanks to a closed M1 and less than clear signs warning us of the same - but heck, a few extra miles on an A-road were hardly cause to complain.

The trip home took us to 1200 miles Who cares if the manula says 1250?

We went up to Matlock today - lots of twisties in the Peak District, and although I'm still not keen to go above 4500rpm just yet, I *am* flooring it now

Nice

Smooth, not a great feeling of speed 'til you look down at the speedo and see you're doing 90 when you were doing 60 a few moments before - km per h, obviously, officer. After all, 90mph might be a bit illegal . Overtaking feels safe as a result. Not yet seen the DSC light, despite trying a little bit on one of my favourite roundabouts (it's big, it's round, it's very quiet and I *always* drift my classic Cooper round it). Must try harder next time

Needs another clean now. A bit of a chore, but this car is worth it. The stereo gets fitted Wednesday - an older kenwood, with 10-disc changer (no idea where to put that - the boot is NOT an option). Slightly nervous that I'm getting the guys at Halfords to do it, but you let me loose with a screwdriver at your peril

BTW, this is a truly great car.

Oh, and I took the classic Mini round the block this morning too. Yuck, what a horrible car - can't THINK what I ever saw in it - noisy, uncomfortable, unrefined ... and not as fast as the S. For Sale, one slightly used Classic Mini ...

[Thuma]

Great driving reports all! Keep it coming..makes the waiting sooooo much easier to hear how nice the motoring is!

[ELISEBOY]

VC - great report, keep it coming, glad you are now at the hallowed 1250 mile mark!

sorry i missed you at the weekend, didnt realise who half the people were who attended

[rich]

Good to hear you've got your car VC & that it's going so well... Keeps me interested during the l-o-o-ng wait

[worgy]

Great report.. cheers.

my Cooper had 6k miles before reluctant sale - now waiting for 10th Spetember S delivery....

Gearbox - I found it become even smoother after about 4k miles... although some v.tight corners required droping to first - second did not have enough grunt - suspect S will be Ok !!?

Wheels - I had 16" on the Cooper (they were great).. but I felt the 17" on the S I test drove was exactly as smooth - but with more grip.... I have always been paranoid about curbing alloys - but hey it's part of the deal of owning a new car ??

Isofx - (probably not a popular comment with the family types) - but I'm dammed if I am gonna let anybody under the age of 16 anywhere near my S........