What would the magazines say if it didn't have the looks?

[TeamF1Jr]

To set the stage for this question, I've had a Cooper S for about 5 months now and most of its life has been in dreary, snowy conditions. Warm weather is about another 4 months away here in Ohio, USA. So needless to say, I haven't really had a chance to experience this cars potential.

I love the styling, but I got the itch to get something else already after 5 months of ownership (maybe VW R32).

I've been pretty lucky with the car. No cold start problems, not many squeeks and rattles as expected. I love the styling, but the harsh ride and complaints from passengers about it make me wonder that if it didn't have such great looks would the magazines praise it so much. Honestly, I think if this car had say a Toyota body on it or a Chevy Cavalier styling, they probably would be saying this is the worst riding car on the planet. Its the styling that saves this car, if it didn't have the styling, I trust you wouldn't buy the car based on its handling characteristics.

[Kev'sCoop]

The handling in the coopers is second to none the ride may be a bit more rough at times but if i wanted comfort i would have bought a 330i and joined the masses the amount of time that i think oh how un comfy is limited dont rid of the car till you have drove it in the dry there is nothing that compares in the same class.

[tc]

I suppose you've got a point regarding the looks cos if it was ugly i wouldn't of bought it. but I will say that the handleing and performance of the 's' is one of the best i've experienced. and a sometimes bumpy ride is probably one of the sacrifices that have to be made for go-kart handleing. I love it anyway.

TC.

[Paul]

I think the handling and driving experience is the best part, more so than the looks, which are excellent in my view.... in fact, it's the package, not one or the other.

But if you reversed the question, ie if it looked sexy as it does, but without the handling, I would NOT be anywhere near as enthusiastic. A MINI/Mini is about driving (motoring) for me.

[Martin L]

As stated above, it's the handling and sheer fun factor that sets this car apart from others. It just so happens that this is one fine looking car

You're totally right about not buying a car just for the handling because I wouldn't want to drive around in a Scooby or RS Focus for instance

Image is everything or am I just too vain

[tc]

I think your spot on Martin. Like I said if it was dog ugly i wouldn't of bought it, and it drives amazingly 2.

[erichui]

i myself got the car not only on the looks, but the handling and performance (well it would be better if there is more powerful, then again this car is not about speed but handling)
to me the ride is harsh sometimes particular in some of the bumpy road in sydney but i really enjoy it while driving it (much more fun compare to some other car i drove)

[tc]

Quote:

Originally posted by tc
I think your spot on Martin. Like I said if it was dog ugly i wouldn't of bought it, and it drives amazingly 2.

I should also add that if it handled and performed like a mk2 fiesta popular plus 1.1 in the wet, i would'nt of bought it then either.

(sorry to all the Fiesta 1.1 pop drivers. )

[chiph]

Quote:

Originally posted by TeamF1Jr
To set the stage for this question, I've had a Cooper S for about 5 months now and most of its life has been in dreary, snowy conditions. Warm weather is about another 4 months away here in Ohio, USA. So needless to say, I haven't really had a chance to experience this cars potential.

I love the styling, but I got the itch to get something else already after 5 months of ownership (maybe VW R32).

I've been pretty lucky with the car. No cold start problems, not many squeeks and rattles as expected. I love the styling, but the harsh ride and complaints from passengers about it make me wonder that if it didn't have such great looks would the magazines praise it so much. Honestly, I think if this car had say a Toyota body on it or a Chevy Cavalier styling, they probably would be saying this is the worst riding car on the planet. Its the styling that saves this car, if it didn't have the styling, I trust you wouldn't buy the car based on its handling characteristics.

The MINI is a performance car, and some qualities must be sacrificed for that. But even so, it's much more well-behaved than some I've ridden in ('75 Mustang with an *extremely* hard suspension comes to mind).

Just wait until early summer, when the Ohio DOT has had time to repair the winter damage to the roads. You'll see then why it's so fun to drive.

Chip H.

[Logan5]

Personally, I think it's butt ugly. That's part of what I like about it. Mine's a freakin' little box with a checkerboard top and bonnet stripes. I wouldn't call anything about it "stylish". It's cool, but that's not because it's pretty.

The way the car rides had EVERYTHING to do with my buying it. I was ambivalent at best until I drove it... by the time I pulled out onto the freeway, the words, "Is this one available?" were coming out of my mouth.

After driving around down in Portland, OR with 75 other MINIs this weekend on great, winding, twisty country roads, I can't imagine driving anything less responsive.

[R1]

Quote:

Originally posted by Paul Mullett
I think the handling and driving experience is the best part, more so than the looks, which are excellent in my view.... in fact, it's the package, not one or the other.

But if you reversed the question, ie if it looked sexy as it does, but without the handling, I would NOT be anywhere near as enthusiastic. A MINI/Mini is about driving (motoring) for me.

I agree!!

[erichui]

well.
in my opinion the butt is not so ugly.
at least for a hatch.
but u can't call it nice either..
at least u won't get sick from seeing it.

[aircanuck]

I've heard formula one cars have a pretty rough ride on poor terrain too, but they get their job done, just like mini gets its job done. Mini's legacy never included the ride characteristics of a Cadillac. And I have driven cars far more expensive with far less ride quality.

A quick point though, I consider a car ride pretty good when I can dive into any corner with enthusiasm! Now thats a goooood riiiide!


Now go play!

Neil

[vespa]

Even if it were the ugliest car on earth, reviewers would still praise it for it's performance. The Subaru WRX is a perfect example.

[QQQ]

I really like the harsh ride. A few days ago my brother in law gave me a lift in his Renault Laguna Wagon (yep, he's a real boy racer ) and I got sick as hell from the comfortable ride

I don't know what tyre pressure you're driving, but you could try decreasing that. I'm driving 43psi front and 44 psi rear (that is pretty harsh) but you could well do with 32, 33 psi for a more comfortable ride.

Further I totally agree with the rest of the bunch, although the MCS could do with some more grunt. That's why I promissed myself to have 200+ bhp before the end of February