My first Cooper S test drive is today!

[IH1]

The day has come for me to finally drive a MINI Cooper S!!!! I'm thinking of hopefully testing the 2003 and 2005/2006 models, as I've been told the 2003 model is better than the 2005/2006 model. Would you agree/disagree with this?

I'm a bit nervous as it's very different to my Toyota Starlet which I have now (which is my first car). But I'm also really excited!!!

[minisoopercooper]

most people would say the latest are the best. There was a BHP hike in 2004 sno the o3 has 163 and the latter ones have 170. Also the build quality has improved greatly over the years.

enjoy your test drive

Paul

[Neil the Hat]

2005/6 spec is way better.

Better gear ratios, more power and LSD.

No contest!

[MsAmy]

I hope you enjoyed your test drive as much as I did - had mine two weeks ago, took delivery of my baby today.

MsAmy.
xox

[Parc77]

Think Neil is right, the change from 2004 to 170bhp did see an improvement on quality etc etc mines a 2004 163bhp but have to say the quality of the interior/trim fit etc is better than that on my previous 2002 Cooper S

[Paul]

The later the better in terms of build quality, the performance was also improved from July 2004 builds onwards.

[CraigNeville]

I test drove both an '03 and a december '05 cooper S within a week of each other and the '05 was much better in terms of build quality and performance.

The '05 car was just a lot more responsive and felt faster than the '03 car.

[RobinofOakley]

yes disagree, the 2005/6 model way ahead in terms of power, gearbox, build quality.
My biggest niggle is the clock - why god why !

[Paul]

Agree 100% with the above!

[IH1]

I won't be able to afford a new Cooper S now, so is the difference between the two models substantial? Should I wait and save for a new model? What reg cars do you all have? Have you had problems with them?

[dakini]

Quote: Originally Posted by IH1

I won't be able to afford a new Cooper S now, so is the difference between the two models substantial? Should I wait and save for a new model? What reg cars do you all have? Have you had problems with them?

difficult to say ... they're making a lot of changes with the next model year ... so you might be in for a new round of bugs like were in the 02s ... hopefully not, but it's often the case that major changes, especially engine/tranny changes create new problems.

also depends on what kind of driving you're going to be doing with the car as to whether you need to boost and extra responsiveness of the S ...

[CraigNeville]

I dont actually own one yet, its on order

Whether or not its better to wait until you can get a new car is something that only you can decide. Like i said before go try both and see what you think, the difference between them in your opinion might not be that great.

I personally am happy getting a new supercharged car rather than waiting for the new turbo version to come out. Main reason for this ,as many on these forums have said, is that an '06 MCS will have (hopefully) all the issues pretty much ironed out whereas the new turbo version will have all the issues new cars face.

[IH1]

I won't get a turbo because it's more than likely there will be problems with it as it is a new concept for MINI.

[adamknoxville]

If I were you I would go with a Sep 2004 onwards Cooper S if you can, the power increase and all the little changes to the car do add up to something quite special.

I took delivery of my S a month ago and i'm so glad I did as the upcoming one is an unknown quantity plus I just love the supercharger. The whine is lovely and never fails to put a smile on my face

[IH1]

I know what you mean about the supercharger - I drove the car I'll be getting, and the whine was amazing!!!