[Phannarith]

So here's the deal, I've been saving up a bunch of money for a Mini Cooper... but I'm stuck right now on what to get. A S or non S? New or used. My situation right now is that I'm in the US Navy stationed in Japan, but I'll be back home spring of next year for good. I plan to order it when I come home to visit this winter and have it ready for me when I get out. I don't really need speed, but it would be nice, and saving money also would be nice. What's the big difference between a new Mini cooper (R56) and the older one? Just 5 hp and some plastic surgery? HELP!!!

[lionhearts]

I just purchased a used Cooper. It's the most fun auto I've ever driven by a long stretch.

I say if you can afford it get the S. Why the hell not. If you don't want lay down that much green then a regualar Cooper will be great fun anyway.

Get a used. If you care about warranty, buy one from Warranty Direct.

Speed? They are a bundle of energy, but don't expect to take on a riced out turboed Honda on a straight away. If you have twists, winds and traffic that you can zip through, forget about, wish them luck. That's where the big fun is on the twists and winds.