Cooper opinions

[RobHardyUK]

Hey!

Am new to the forum, so hello to you all.

Am currently in deep thoughts about purchase of a new mini, though not sure on whether I will opt for the all out Cooper S or just the Cooper! I have slight issues, what with being only 20, but im quite into my cars, so am prepared to pay naughty money for my new motor.

I just wanted to know what your opinions of the two coopers are?? All sorts of opinons, fuel, running costs, reliabilty, comparisons performance wise (i.e. is the price difference worth it etc)

Many thanks,

Rob

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

RobHardyUK

Welcome to Mini2 and I assume that you are thinking only of which MINI to buy rather than any thoughts of buying a lesser car!

Have a look at the thread I started yesterday "Cooper Vs Cooper S" It's had a great response from people giving me just the answers that you need.

If you don't mind me asking, what is insurance cover like for you for an "S"?

If it helps, I've recently bought the standard Cooper and I love it!

Tigger

[RobHardyUK]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tigger, Eeyore & Roo

If you don't mind me asking, what is insurance cover like for you for an "S"?

If it helps, I've recently bought the standard Cooper and I love it!

Hey there!

thanks for fast reply.

What do you think of your little mini cooper??? I have had quotes of just a tickle over 2.3k per year, no ncb yet though. The std cooper is 1.4k so far. I hate Insurance, it sucks.

What previous cars have you owned, and how does your cooper compare???

Rob

[dcfkan]

Welcome to MINI2

If you like extra power, like the look of the S, can afford the extra insurance and running cost, then go for an S.

I personally do not like the look of the S, hence I shall stick to my trust standard Cooper

DK :apple:

[RobHardyUK]

works out about £150 more amonth for cooper S, which includes insurance, petrol and purchase expense...

Difficult decision, very.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

What do I think of the Cooper? Well, early days yet as I've only had it for about 2 1/2 weeks and about 1,100 miles. Mind you, that tells you something as I drive another car for work and this is just for fun

I can't really remember how many cars I've had, but they have nearly always been big estate cars for my work (and the odd border collie, or two) and I currently use a Volvo V70 D5 (170 bhp). Oh and a Triumph Daytona 1200.

As far as the Mini is concerned it is one of about 2 new cars (out of around 20) I have collected from the dealer with no faults on delivery. The service from the garage (Ocean, in Falmouth) was the best I've ever had. The car is not very quick, but is quick enough to have a great laugh. However, what I really, really, enjoy about it is the handling and particularly the steering and the grip. The only other car that I have ever driven that can compare with for sheer joy of driving is a Subaru Impreza. Yes really!

The quality of the fittings and material inside the car is in the same league as the Volvo and light years ahead of anything else that I've seen in other cars this small. As you can see I'm chuffed to bits with it.

The fuel consumption is working out at about 35-42mpg, although it is still being run in. ( I think that the S is usually about 25% less)

Those insurance premiums are frightening. If you have to go for the standard Cooper for insurance reasons you won't be disappointed - it's great in it's own right and you will save a load in fuel as well.

Enjoy the car when you get it and I look forward to seeing the photos posted here when it arrives.

Tigger

[RobHardyUK]

thanks very much for that tigger - definately sounds food for thought does the cooper - because of money reasons. I will have to give some serious thought to this, I am quite keen on customising my mini - with fancy after market parts, but the options prices are outragous, and if i get a cooper s, its gonna be quite basic (prob only foglights, rear spoiler, met paint and 3 spoke steering wheel as options!) whereas if i get the cooper, i might splash out and get me air-con. hmmmmm.

thanks,

rob

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Options? I got a lot of new bits for mine, really cheaply, from ebay of all places. You can get some great aftermarket chrome bits (goes really well with a Cooper) from "Islamov" on ebay.

Air con is just great. Get it if you possibly can - you won't regret it.

Tigger

[wylie_eyed]

Tigger

You are way to obsessed with mini2 forums

Seriously Rob, Tigger has a great looking car and well nearly as nice as mine anyhow you'll both find as the miles pile on, and don't be to namby pamby, it'll loosen up nicely and off the line the coop is quicker than an S until the S gets on boost.

Welcome to the most obsessive bunch of motorists going and please don't forget to wave and flash the lights to your fellow mini owners

Wylie(hard at work sorting out the website, logo for the MiNi Cornwall club)

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Wylie

What do you mean "way too obsessed"? You ain't seen nothing yet...

Besides, I can control it. Really, I can. I am in control. I am in control.

Now where's that next thread gone...

Tigger

[RobHardyUK]

Hello there,

thanks, yeah gonna have to think very hard on this one. 80% of me wants to go mad on S, but I just don't want to regret it! I'll have to ask the salesman what he thinks.

[wylie_eyed]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tigger, Eeyore & Roo

Wylie

What do you mean "way too obsessed"? You ain't seen nothing yet...

Besides, I can control it. Really, I can. I am in control. I am in control.

Now where's that next thread gone...

Tigger

It's ok mate i'm as obsessed as you but just hide it better, you know hidden mags of "gomini" in the cupboard under the sink, getting up at 2 in the morning to get a fix of "mini2.com" etc etc. anyway pleased to report website coming on a treat i am hoping to publish basic version tomoroow but depends on getting e-mail sorted. Will ring you when i get chance

[wylie_eyed]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tigger, Eeyore & Roo

Wylie

What do you mean "way too obsessed"? You ain't seen nothing yet...

Besides, I can control it. Really, I can. I am in control. I am in control.

Now where's that next thread gone...

Tigger

It's ok mate i'm as obsessed as you but just hide it better, you know hidden mags of "gomini" in the cupboard under the sink, getting up at 2 in the morning to get a fix of "mini2.com" etc etc. anyway pleased to report website coming on a treat i am hoping to publish basic version tomoroow but depends on getting e-mail sorted. Will ring you when i get chance

[aphix]

Hey Rob,

I am EXACTLY the same position, i am 20 also. I really want the Cooper S, but cant afford the insurance and a decent spec. (which is important to me)

The AA want 4K for the insurance on a "S" and 2K on a standard Cooper. I want a S badly, but 4K for insurance is a Joke.

Norwich Union wont insure under 21's on a "S", but will insure a 20 year old with no previous insurance on a Cooper. (they gave me a quote of £700 for a Cooper)

What i have decided to do is to buy a Cooper, then in January when im 21, if i want somehting more powerfull, get my self a brand new £18-19k "S" in Hyper Blue. With the saving i have made on the Insurance, and the trade in on the Mini Cooper, it should be more than possible.

Personally i would hold of on the "S", look at it as something to aim for, thats what im doing

Rob

[Olly.]

My advice would be to test drive them both

Once you have driven them you can make a decision whether the S is worth £150 a month more than the Cooper

Olly