Question: S Coupe or Cooper?

[candi94]

Hello--new soon-to-be MINI owner. I am in a buying dilemma between two used MINIs--a 2003 Cooper S and a 2004 Cooper...they stack up evenly inside, only 9400 miles on the Cooper, and about 32500 on the Cooper S. The Cooper has a CVT shifter, and the S is a 6-speed. They both have sun/moon roof combinations and the S has sport/convenience packages.

The big thing that I am having trouble with is the pricing on the Cooper versus the S: $23K for the Cooper and only $20.5K for the S...any thoughts? I love the British racing green of the Cooper, but the dark silver on the S is nice, too.

I really appreciate feedback!

Thanks,
Candi

[KPKalle]

Hello Candi

Have you been able to test drive either? Is manual or CVT any issue? The mileage is more on the S but 32k isn't so much. Follow your instincts

[minicore]

As KPKalle has said, which one do you prefer driving?

One being a preferable colour or having less miles on the clock is one thing... but the Cooper (especially the auto) and the MCS are totally different cars. I would go for the S personally but I know people who just plain dislike the S and much prefer the standard Cooper. I happen to prefer the extra grunt and speed of the S, along with the supercharger whine (and to be honest, the auto gearbox doesn't really lend itself to the MINI in any form - it's too much of a drivers car not to be a manual).

Drive them both back-to-back, then make a decision.

[candi94]

I landed up getting the Cooper--both were great to drive. CVT sihfter is fun...and practical due to upcoming left foot surgery (tomorrow). It's BRG in color with white hood. I think I will add bonnet stripes!

Thanks,
Candi

[beken]

Quote: Originally Posted by candi94 (original)

Hello--new soon-to-be MINI owner. I am in a buying dilemma between two used MINIs--a 2003 Cooper S and a 2004 Cooper...they stack up evenly inside, only 9400 miles on the Cooper, and about 32500 on the Cooper S. The Cooper has a CVT shifter, and the S is a 6-speed. They both have sun/moon roof combinations and the S has sport/convenience packages.

The big thing that I am having trouble with is the pricing on the Cooper versus the S: $23K for the Cooper and only $20.5K for the S...any thoughts? I love the British racing green of the Cooper, but the dark silver on the S is nice, too.

I really appreciate feedback!

Thanks,
Candi

Well, let's see. The Cooper has 9400 miles and the Cooper S has 32500. That's like less than a year's worth of driving on the Cooper vs about 3 years of driving for the Cooper S. The CVT costs more money than the 6 speed. So original cost of the car when it was new would be about the same. I'm not sure what other options are there as I think the Sport/Convenience package might be standard on the S. So the difference in cost could be attributed to the depreciation due to the extra mileage and the extra year of the S.

I just checked a used car lot in my area and noticed a 2003 Cooper with an asking price $1000 MORE than when it was new. I wonder how long it will last on the dealer's lot.

wish you luck on your choice.