What are coopers like?

[Ade1986]

Thinking about getting a Cooper. Gotta save up first almost there. How do they compare to other cars available on the market for a similar price? Are they particulary fast. I really like the look of them. Also whats the minimum age that BMW have for a test drive in one. Only 18 u see.

[dansmini]

The Cooper, in my opinion, is pretty quick. Especially considering the gas mileage it gets. Compared to other comparable cars here, it is probably faster than most other small cars in it's price range. It certainly handles better and is a lot more fun!

[aphix]

You buying new or used?

The Cooper has heaps more character than any other car in the sector, it just feels more individual over say the Clio, Fiesta, C2 and things.

im 20 and got my Cooper, a few months ago, ive got the bodykit, white s-spokes and tinted windows, and its so much fun to drive, and everyone looks at it. I cant see how i would get this in a Clio.

BMW dealierships will let you drive it, Barons of farnborough will anyway.

I dont have any problems or regrets with buying my cooper, nor do i sit there wishing i spent more on insurance and the car to get the S, the engine is better when revved, and needs a better louder exhaust, but thats just my opinion.

Go test drive one

rob

[dcfkan]

Quote: Originally Posted by Max

Sorry, quite slow actually

My car has 2 x Cooper engines' bhp + a bit (10bhp)

Getting there slowly

regards

Max

Show off

It really does depend what you are comparing it against.

My last car was a 1995 Mini Cooper 1.3i BRG/W, and Apple is a lot quicker than her.

Although Apple is only a standard Cooper, I find her very adequate for my needs, and do not really need to spice her up. However, I am planning to add a bit of oomph once she is 3yo in Feb 2005 if I can afford to do so.

If you like speed and can afford the insurance, then get an S

DK :apple:

P.S. I do not like the look of the S, hence I shall not be getting one. I do get to drive Max's car from time to time when he let me though

[Ade1986]

Well at the moment i drive a 306 turbo diesel.... Would probably be second hand i would like the mini to have the aero kit. Also in blue. Just didnt want to get one then be disapointed its not a great deal better.

[aphix]

cant beet white and blue



rob

[Ade1986]

Yep one just like that please.

[RedMini]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ade1986

whats the minimum age that BMW have for a test drive in one.

They might be a bit funny if you put L plates on it before you start!

Quote: Originally Posted by Ade1986

Are they particulary fast.

Depends what you're used to. Like Max says if you're used to twice the power they will seem slow, but they might seem nippy if you're used to something more sluggish.

I drove my wife's MC for the first time tonight, and was under strict instructions to be good as she's a driving instructor and her boss's phone number appears in large reflective numbers on the front, rear and both sides!

Nonetheless I was able to give it a bit of gas - it was rather slow compared with my MCS JCW, but fast compared with our classic Mini and elderly Toyota. Like aphix said things liven up a bit when you get the revs up - probably at about the same point that your diesel suddenly stops getting faster!

[fred3]

Quote: Originally Posted by Max

Sorry, quite slow actually

My car has 2 x Cooper engines' bhp + a bit (10bhp)

Getting there slowly

regards

Max

for me it's faster than any car I've owned and zips around just grand.

Getting their quicker.

[Ade1986]

No ive passed my test and will be 19 (in March) i expect before i can own one

[Spendles]

Hi Ade1986

I'm about to become a Cooper owner.
Previous cars I have owned have included a V6 Golf 4motion, and the most recent one a TDCI Mondeo diesel estate. However although an estate, and a diesel, the Mondeo was unbelievably quick! 130bhp and I chipped it too so it was roughly 160bhp.
the Cooper in comparision is 'slow', 0-60 is a good few seconds behind my mondeo. However, it's great handling make the Mini nippy and nimble... on my test drive I couldn't stop grinning it was just such fun to drive and the handling was great!
It doesn't have the torque I'm used to but it felt like a little rocket somehow and she just looks fab!
I'm looking forward to getting her on 8th.

So phone your local dealer and get a test drive booked; you're probably never gonna outrun a Saxo VTR/S, Clio and the likes, but you'll have way more fun getting places then they ever will



Spendles

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

If you want "quick" and value for money, then a Citroen C2 would probably be worth looking at.

However, the MINI Cooper is quick enough, handles brilliantly and really responds to be being driven with enthusiasm. It's a car that you pay a little more for because it's just so bl**dy good. The appeal of this car (and the quality) will last a long time after the novelty value of alternative cars, like the C2, has long since vanished.

Go for it. You WON'T be dissappointed.

Tigger.

[GirlyRacer]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ade1986

Well at the moment i drive a 306 turbo diesel.... Would probably be second hand i would like the mini to have the aero kit. Also in blue. Just didnt want to get one then be disapointed its not a great deal better.

I'm an ex D Turbo owner. Had 2. Great cars, when they are warmed up!

The Cooper is a different kettle of fish. You won't get the temprimental 'Frenchness' of the 306, and it handles great. My brother had a very lowered D Turbo too, and it handles simalar to that, with no over/under steer (I forget which one it had, it had one though) but sticks to the road like glue.

You just have to rev the engine a bit. It feels like you are ragging it, but its just how it likes to be driven. Might be a bit of a change from your diesel though. Also loads more toys and looks loads more modern and up to date. And it should hold its value better than other cars.

Happy car hunting

[dansmini]

Quote: Originally Posted by Max

Sorry, quite slow actually

My car has 2 x Cooper engines' bhp + a bit (10bhp)

Getting there slowly

regards

Max

He said compared to cars that are in the same price range. So that is what I was speaking to. Around here, the MINI Cooper is quicker than most other small cars that are less than $20,000.

[Ade1986]

So i wont be disapointed then? If i am after a few months is there much i can do to speed things up a bit??