I Want That Car!!

[Bonj]

Seems to me like you've made your mind up already and you're just waiting for someone to say go for it.
It worries me that a 19 year old is saying a Cooper isn't fast enough and that by 21 a Cooper S will be too slow. Sorry for getting all high and mighty but with an attitude like that I really don't think you're ready for a Cooper S.

[adam_Randell]

I got hit last year aswell mate - in on Feb 23rd. She admitted liability straight away, my car got paid for, all the treatment i required etc etc and only got my money a couple of weeks ago.

I know what you are saying about the insurance - i am 19, had 2 crashes but neither were my faut (taxi driver reversed into me and got hit from behind). As a result of these my insurance quote was higher!

Bonj, good point. I drive my mums Cooper S, and was insured on my dads 3l twin torbo 300C when he had it, and yea they are good fun to drive for abit. But wht dont you keep your Cooper and modify it? Like properly. My mate is 19, with a brand new Subaru Impreza WRX and, to be fair, there is not really any need. Expencive on fuel, high insurance price and if you crash it you will probably have a tasty excess too!

[##~James~##]

WOW DIDNT THINK ID HAVE THIS MANY REPLIES TO READ THROUGH.

I appreciate everyones input but just to answer a couple of points. Ye me and my friends are competitive but not in a stupid boy racer kind of way. And not in a chav "look at my sick ride" kinda way either. Im not stupid enought to get into little races etc (but obviously its nice to be able to pull away from someone every once in a while).

Also, I love my cooper, dont get me wrong but as you would all agree, a bit more power is never a bad thing!! My family are really into cars, My dad drives a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 - 6.1 Hemi V8 so he is kinda a bad influence on me.

I think you are all right, deep down I know i wouldnt take the plundge and do it now - that would be financial suicide. I think 20 with 1 yr NCB and my claim settled in my favour is the LEAST i have to wait for. Adrian Flux did however quote me £2500 online as if the claim was settled which isnt bad I guess.

Also im not sure about the concept of modding my Cooper or chipping it etc. Ive never liked the idea of messing with the manufacturers layout so I dont think ill be doing this.

Also, I know this might sound like an arrogant little 19 yr old who has just started driving but I think im quite a good driver, everyone I take in my car says they think im safe and aware of whats going on around me while driving quickly aswell as slowly and sensible so I DO think I would be ready for a cooper s.

Once, again, thanks for everyones input, I asked the audience and most of you gave the same reply whilst justifying your thoughts. I appreciate the feedback.

KEEP AN EYE OUT ON HERE FOR PICS OF A NEW COOPER S NEXT YEAR OR THE YEAR AFTER!!

[M.O.S]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bonj (original)

Seems to me like you've made your mind up already and you're just waiting for someone to say go for it.
It worries me that a 19 year old is saying a Cooper isn't fast enough and that by 21 a Cooper S will be too slow. Sorry for getting all high and mighty but with an attitude like that I really don't think you're ready for a Cooper S.

I have to say I agree. I mean you don't have the experience to control the power. It doesn't matter how careful you are, you cannot control a car as well as someone who has driven for years should the unthinkable happen. As a result, I may avoid a cooper s until Im a lot older than 19 - its just too young.

[NeuroBeaker]

Quote: Originally Posted by ##~James~## (original)

Also, I know this might sound like an arrogant little 19 yr old who has just started driving but I think im quite a good driver, everyone I take in my car says they think im safe and aware of whats going on around me while driving quickly as well as slowly and sensible so I DO think I would be ready for a cooper s.

You are to be commended for taking a serious attitude behind the wheel, however although you are a 'good' driver you are not an 'experienced' one and will not yet have the perception for danger that you will acquire over the many years of driving you have ahead of you.

I passed my test a few weeks before my 18th birthday (first time, only two minors), got my first car a few weeks later. I always obeyed speed limits, I drove within my own limits, I was reasonably aware of what's going on around me, I was mindful of the conditions, and people commented on how safe they felt in my car... I basically thought I was a pretty good driver.

However, as I've been driving for over 7 years now, I've come to realise that there is a vast difference between the skills you pick up when first learning to drive and those which are gained through experience. Even if you do everything right, you can still have a big accident when someone else makes a mistake... I was hit head-on by a drunk driver totalling my first car 8 months into driving, and a few years later I was rear-ended whilst stationary.

The experienced driver will scan further ahead (and further behind), will constantly be on the look-out for potential hazards and the imminent mistakes of others - calmly taking measures to minimise the danger for when it becomes a 'hazard' or to remove the hazard entirely. This differs from the approach of a relatively new driver, who will tend to react to hazards once they appear - i.e. emergency stop, etc.

At 19, I thought I was alert and a pretty good driver. Now at 25, I'm much more keenly aware than I once was, dialling in much more rapidly to potential dangers as they develop. What I don't feel is that I'm somehow better than average - the 7 years of driving experience I've got has not made me a complete driver, but has shown me the value of experience beyond the initially learned skills every new driver must demonstrate to pass their test.

With the benefit of hindsight, could I have applied this experience to avoid either of my big accidents? The first one, no - probably not... it is very difficult to avoid a careening drunk driving head-on at you. The second one? Perhaps... these days I flash my brake lights at cars approaching from behind to make sure they're alert and aware that traffic ahead has stopped - no exceptions. Would this have saved me from my second accident? I really can't say for sure, but it couldn't have hurt.

The more powerful your car is, the faster you will likely be going - not necessarily above the speed limit, but you will accelerate more quickly out of turns and be 'at speed' for a greater proportion of your journey. You will need your wits about you to make sure that others have registered your increase in speed and are taking appropriate notice of that in their driving decisions. Experience will give you the added perception to anticipate dangers - and anticipation is key when travelling at greater speed. The more time you have to react and minimise hazards, the more likely you are to reduce the risk of serious injury or avoid an accident altogether.

Please do not dismiss or underestimate the value of experience for keeping you out of danger. You are not yet as good a driver as you might think (I certainly wasn’t) and overconfidence (despite a serious mindset) will be at your peril.

Wait a few years (i.e. more than one or two) until you're a little more experienced and then get a MINI Cooper S. With hindsight, that's not a decision you'll ever regret.

Good luck.

All the best,
Andrew.

[M.O.S]

Quote: Originally Posted by NeuroBeaker (original)

You are to be commended for taking a serious attitude behind the wheel, however although you are a 'good' driver you are not an 'experienced' one and will not yet have the perception for danger that you will acquire over the many years of driving you have ahead of you.

I passed my test a few weeks before my 18th birthday (first time, only two minors), got my first car a few weeks later. I always obeyed speed limits, I drove within my own limits, I was reasonably aware of what's going on around me, I was mindful of the conditions, and people commented on how safe they felt in my car... I basically thought I was a pretty good driver.

However, as I've been driving for over 7 years now, I've come to realise that there is a vast difference between the skills you pick up when first learning to drive and those which are gained through experience. Even if you do everything right, you can still have a big accident when someone else makes a mistake... I was hit head-on by a drunk driver totalling my first car 8 months into driving, and a few years later I was rear-ended whilst stationary.

The experienced driver will scan further ahead (and further behind), will constantly be on the look-out for potential hazards and the imminent mistakes of others - calmly taking measures to minimise the danger for when it becomes a 'hazard' or to remove the hazard entirely. This differs from the approach of a relatively new driver, who will tend to react to hazards once they appear - i.e. emergency stop, etc.

At 19, I thought I was alert and a pretty good driver. Now at 25, I'm much more keenly aware than I once was, dialling in much more rapidly to potential dangers as they develop. What I don't feel is that I'm somehow better than average - the 7 years of driving experience I've got has not made me a complete driver, but has shown me the value of experience beyond the initially learned skills every new driver must demonstrate to pass their test.

With the benefit of hindsight, could I have applied this experience to avoid either of my big accidents? The first one, no - probably not... it is very difficult to avoid a careening drunk driving head-on at you. The second one? Perhaps... these days I flash my brake lights at cars approaching from behind to make sure they're alert and aware that traffic ahead has stopped - no exceptions. Would this have saved me from my second accident? I really can't say for sure, but it couldn't have hurt.

The more powerful your car is, the faster you will likely be going - not necessarily above the speed limit, but you will accelerate more quickly out of turns and be 'at speed' for a greater proportion of your journey. You will need your wits about you to make sure that others have registered your increase in speed and are taking appropriate notice of that in their driving decisions. Experience will give you the added perception to anticipate dangers - and anticipation is key when travelling at greater speed. The more time you have to react and minimise hazards, the more likely you are to reduce the risk of serious injury or avoid an accident altogether.

Please do not dismiss or underestimate the value of experience for keeping you out of danger. You are not yet as good a driver as you might think (I certainly wasn’t) and overconfidence (despite a serious mindset) will be at your peril.

Wait a few years (i.e. more than one or two) until you're a little more experienced and then get a MINI Cooper S. With hindsight, that's not a decision you'll ever regret.

Good luck.

All the best,
Andrew.

What he said - it makes sense. You'd be better learning to appreciate your cooper more - why do you NEED a cooper S? His idea about the brake lights is excellent - one I had never thought of. He really is right and I would certainly avoid a cooper s for a bit yet. Whynot get a JCW bodykit for yours and keep it? Or even get a JCW exhaust for it! You can only go round corners at a certain speed whether you are in a one or a cooper s!

We don't want you to learn the hard way, however, I like many others feel you may. I really don't want it to be the case, but 175bhp in a car that weighs about 1200kg is a hell of a lot and really shouldn't be messed with. I'd want more than a year or two in experience before I had a cooper s.

[##~James~##]

Quote: Originally Posted by M.O.S (original)

I have to say I agree. I mean you don't have the experience to control the power. It doesn't matter how careful you are, you cannot control a car as well as someone who has driven for years should the unthinkable happen. As a result, I may avoid a cooper s until Im a lot older than 19 - its just too young.

I completely disagree. I understand that the majority of young drivers are inexperienced but I dont think you can generalise and say all young drivers are the same. Thats complete rubbish to say I wouldnt be able to control a car as well as someone who has been driving for years - I can drive better than my grandma and shes been driving for decades, probably longer than you!

Young people have faster reflexes and should the unthinkable happen im sure a young person can react quickly if not quicker than an older driver. I agree that everyone will control the vehicle differently under certain cercumstances but I dont think you can say that an older driver will come off better than a younger person every time.

Good driving is about readin the road, being aware of other silly drivers around you. Thinking one step ahead and knowing what other people will do next or if someone else will make a mistake. Anitcipate accidents before they happen. I think its possible for a young driver to be just as sensible and careful as any older driver and I am quite offended that so many older drivers put young drivers all under the same category - were not all stupid boy racers.

Spend 10 minutes on YOUTUBE and see how many older drivers have ridiculous accidents. Middle - aged men in ferraris and lambos shsowing off, even people doing stupid things on public roads in MINI's and getting in accidents. My boss at work is 45 years old, had the maximum NCB, hadnt had an accident in over 15 years and suddenly had a knock the other day and nobody says anything, a young person has a knock and they get scrutinised for being careless or reckless. Sometimes its luck of the dice...

JUST BECAUSE THE MAJORITY OF ACCIDENTS PEOPLE HEAR ABOUT INVOLVE YOUNG PEOPLE DOESNT MEAN THEY ARE ALL CRAP DRIVERS.

[M.O.S]

Quote: Originally Posted by ##~James~## (original)

I completely disagree. I understand that the majority of young drivers are inexperienced but I dont think you can generalise and say all young drivers are the same. Thats complete rubbish to say I wouldnt be able to control a car as well as someone who has been driving for years - I can drive better than my grandma and shes been driving for decades, probably longer than you!

Young people have faster reflexes and should the unthinkable happen im sure a young person can react quickly if not quicker than an older driver. I agree that everyone will control the vehicle differently under certain cercumstances but I dont think you can say that an older driver will come off better than a younger person every time.

Good driving is about readin the road, being aware of other silly drivers around you. Thinking one step ahead and knowing what other people will do next or if someone else will make a mistake. Anitcipate accidents before they happen. I think its possible for a young driver to be just as sensible and careful as any older driver and I am quite offended that so many older drivers put young drivers all under the same category - were not all stupid boy racers.

Spend 10 minutes on YOUTUBE and see how many older drivers have ridiculous accidents. Middle - aged men in ferraris and lambos shsowing off, even people doing stupid things on public roads in MINI's and getting in accidents. My boss at work is 45 years old, had the maximum NCB, hadnt had an accident in over 15 years and suddenly had a knock the other day and nobody says anything, a young person has a knock and they get scrutinised for being careless or reckless. Sometimes its luck of the dice...

JUST BECAUSE THE MAJORITY OF ACCIDENTS PEOPLE HEAR ABOUT INVOLVE YOUNG PEOPLE DOESNT MEAN THEY ARE ALL CRAP DRIVERS.

Yes, but you haven't been driving for long. You may believe that you are Super Driver, but lets face it we aren't. I know that older drivers are dangerous too, but if you take a 30 year old and yourself, the 30 year old is likely to be able to control the car better. Be offended - I'm young too, but, I understand that no matter what, I cannot control a car as wll as someone older. The fact is those drivers you mention in Ferraris and Lambos are not capable of handling them.

Yes, you can be as careful, but older drivers with some experience ARE safer and are definately more likely to control a high powered car. I honestly can't believe that with hardly any experience you think that you can rival those with eperience. Face the facts, you can't. We don't notice the little traits that older drivers do before accidents / control issues happen. That only comes with time, and to be quite frank (and I'm sure that many members on this thread/site would agree) you have no where near the experience to control such a car.

Still, get a cooper s and have people think you are a boy racer. The fact is, as Jo and others have said you NEED experience, and without this, you will never be as good a driver. Its your attitude that is wrong - you think that you are perfect - as Neurobaker argues, he thought that he was great, and now realises that he wasn't.

WHY DO YOU NEED A COOPER S?

[##~James~##]

Quote: Originally Posted by NeuroBeaker (original)

Please do not dismiss or underestimate the value of experience for keeping you out of danger. You are not yet as good a driver as you might think (I certainly wasn’t) and overconfidence (despite a serious mindset) will be at your peril.

I dont disagree, I think with years come experience. I understand ive only been driving just over 2 years but someone said that older drivers CONTROL the vehicle better. That simply isnt ture. I can control a vehicle just as good as most of you can.

Just because im 19 driving a cooper s doesnt mean that im bound to have an accident, nor more likely to have an accident (in my opinion). It just means I have to have my wits about me when driving quickly. PLUS i dont think its anything to do with the vehicle - if i drive a cooper s the same speed as I drive a cooper or a one then im no more likely to have an accident. Its only if you drive like an idiot that things get dengerous.

ANYWAY THE POINT OF THIS POST WAS TO GET PEOPLES OPINION AND ABOUT PENDING CLAIMS - NOT CRITICISE YOUNG DRIVERS

thanks

[Shaun]

Quote: Originally Posted by ##~James~## (original)

Thats complete rubbish to say I wouldnt be able to control a car as well as someone who has been driving for years

I would have to say its certainly not complete rubbish.
There are people who drive for years and still cant do it properly its true but two years is not long enough to gain a thorough level of driving experience.

Confidence is no substitute for experience and its rude to SHOUT young man.

[M.O.S]

Quote: Originally Posted by ##~James~## (original)

I dont disagree, I think with years come experience. I understand ive only been driving just over 2 years but someone said that older drivers CONTROL the vehicle better. That simply isnt ture. I can control a vehicle just as good as most of you can.

Just because im 19 driving a cooper s doesnt mean that im bound to have an accident, nor more likely to have an accident (in my opinion). It just means I have to have my wits about me when driving quickly. PLUS i dont think its anything to do with the vehicle - if i drive a cooper s the same speed as I drive a cooper or a one then im no more likely to have an accident. Its only if you drive like an idiot that things get dengerous.

ANYWAY THE POINT OF THIS POST WAS TO GET PEOPLES OPINION AND ABOUT PENDING CLAIMS - NOT CRITICISE YOUNG DRIVERS

thanks

The fact is, you wouldn't drive it at the same speed as a cooper. Its not only about how fast you can go, but how quickly you get there. If you were to end up in a skid, you would not be as good as an older driver. Your attitude leads to people hating us younger drivers and causes higher insurance premiums for us. Just don't. A cooper is fast enough.

[##~James~##]

Quote: Originally Posted by M.O.S (original)

Yes, but you haven't been driving for long. You may believe that you are Super Driver, but lets face it we aren't. I know that older drivers are dangerous too, but if you take a 30 year old and yourself, the 30 year old is likely to be able to control the car better. Be offended - I'm young too, but, I understand that no matter what, I cannot control a car as wll as someone older. The fact is those drivers you mention in Ferraris and Lambos are not capable of handling them.

Yes, you can be as careful, but older drivers with some experience ARE safer and are definately more likely to control a high powered car. I honestly can't believe that with hardly any experience you think that you can rival those with eperience. Face the facts, you can't. We don't notice the little traits that older drivers do before accidents / control issues happen. That only comes with time, and to be quite frank (and I'm sure that many members on this thread/site would agree) you have no where near the experience to control such a car.

Still, get a cooper s and have people think you are a boy racer. The fact is, as Jo and others have said you NEED experience, and without this, you will never be as good a driver. Its your attitude that is wrong - you think that you are perfect - as Neurobaker argues, he thought that he was great, and now realises that he wasn't.

WHY DO YOU NEED A COOPER S?

WHY ARE YOU TELLING ME MY ATTITUDE IS WRONG - YOU DONT KNOW ME!? I KNOW A HIGH PROPORTION OF YOUNG DRIVERS ARE IDIOTS BUT IM SAYING NOT ALL YOUNG DRIVERS ARE RUBBISH. IM NOT SAYING IM AN AMAZING DRIVER EITHER - IM SAYING FOR MY AGE I GUESS IM OK - OBVIOUSLY STILL GOT LOADS TO LEARN, BUT WHO DOESNT!? IM NOT EVEN SAYING THAT I CAN CONTROL A COOPER S AND WONT HAVE A CRASH, I MIGHT DO OR I MIGHT NOT, JUST LIKE EVERY OTHER DRIVER, BUT THATS WHAT INSURANCE IS FOR.

I DONT NEED A COOPER S - I WANTED ONE, THATS THE DIFFERENCE. TURNS OUT I CANT GET ONE THIS YEAR BECAUSE OF THE INSURANCE QUOTES.

IM NOT SAYING YOU DONT NEED EXPERIENCE!! YOUR MISSING THE POINT!

I WISH EVERYONE CAN GET OFF OF THIS POINT. IM NOT AGRUING ABOUT YOUNG DRIVERS BEING BETTER THAN OLDER DRIVERS, THATS NOT THE TOPIC. I WAS TRYING TO GET ADVICE ABOUT A PENDING CLAIM

[##~James~##]

Quote: Originally Posted by M.O.S (original)

The fact is, you wouldn't drive it at the same speed as a cooper. Its not only about how fast you can go, but how quickly you get there. If you were to end up in a skid, you would not be as good as an older driver. Your attitude leads to people hating us younger drivers and causes higher insurance premiums for us. Just don't. A cooper is fast enough.

m8, i dont understand what your talking about... im defending young drivers saying were not all the same. thats what you just said, that people are hating us - im not saying young drivers are better than others, im saying everyone is different. i dont understand why everyone is so against young drivers. EVERYONE WAS YOUNG ONCE AND YOU ALL WENT THROUGH THE SAME - HIGH INSURANCE ETC ETC. so you all know how it feels wanting something and not being able to get it. if i can afford to buy and insure myself on a car then why does it matter?

theres no attitude here, im just confused why people are going on about young drivers not being able to control a car as weel as older ones. its the experience that matters. I know men and women of all ages that control a car differently.

ANYWAY I CAN SEE PEOPLE ARE NOT GOING TO STOP LAYING INTO YOUNG DRIVERS, THATS LIFE.

[M.O.S]

Quote: Originally Posted by ##~James~## (original)

WHY ARE YOU TELLING ME MY ATTITUDE IS WRONG - YOU DONT KNOW ME!? I KNOW A HIGH PROPORTION OF YOUNG DRIVERS ARE IDIOTS BUT IM SAYING NOT ALL YOUNG DRIVERS ARE RUBBISH. IM NOT SAYING IM AN AMAZING DRIVER EITHER - IM SAYING FOR MY AGE I GUESS IM OK - OBVIOUSLY STILL GOT LOADS TO LEARN, BUT WHO DOESNT!? IM NOT EVEN SAYING THAT I CAN CONTROL A COOPER S AND WONT HAVE A CRASH, I MIGHT DO OR I MIGHT NOT, JUST LIKE EVERY OTHER DRIVER, BUT THATS WHAT INSURANCE IS FOR.

I DONT NEED A COOPER S - I WANTED ONE, THATS THE DIFFERENCE. TURNS OUT I CANT GET ONE THIS YEAR BECAUSE OF THE INSURANCE QUOTES.

IM NOT SAYING YOU DONT NEED EXPERIENCE!! YOUR MISSING THE POINT!

I WISH EVERYONE CAN GET OFF OF THIS POINT. IM NOT AGRUING ABOUT YOUNG DRIVERS BEING BETTER THAN OLDER DRIVERS, THATS NOT THE TOPIC. I WAS TRYING TO GET ADVICE ABOUT A PENDING CLAIM

Firstly turn caps lock off!

I have read what you said, and to be quite blunt it stinks. Look at your attitude - thats what insurance is for. Insurance is not for gambling, rather it is for if the worst happens. There is no point taking unnecessary risks - why bother? It'll only cost you.

You already have a pending claim - whether it is your fault or not, buying a more powerful car is quite simply ridiculous. If anything, you need to prove to insurance companies that you can handle a more powerful car - having a claim won't do this either way.

I'm glad you can't get a cooper s - a car is a lethal weapon and having one which exceeds your ability is like walking round with a 12 bore minus safety. I want an Aston Martin but I can't afford one, and with my realistic head on, I wouldn't go out and buy one because I know that I can't control one.

By the way, I hope your driving is better than your grammar. If you can acknowledge the fact that you need more experience, why not just get it in a slower car and then progress. Then you'll know whether you can or cannot handle a cooper s.

[M.O.S]

Quote: Originally Posted by ##~James~## (original)

m8, i dont understand what your talking about... im defending young drivers saying were not all the same. thats what you just said, that people are hating us - im not saying young drivers are better than others, im saying everyone is different. i dont understand why everyone is so against young drivers. EVERYONE WAS YOUNG ONCE AND YOU ALL WENT THROUGH THE SAME - HIGH INSURANCE ETC ETC. so you all know how it feels wanting something and not being able to get it. if i can afford to buy and insure myself on a car then why does it matter?

theres no attitude here, im just confused why people are going on about young drivers not being able to control a car as weel as older ones. its the experience that matters. I know men and women of all ages that control a car differently.

ANYWAY I CAN SEE PEOPLE ARE NOT GOING TO STOP LAYING INTO YOUNG DRIVERS, THATS LIFE.

I'm a young driver, and I can see why people do these sorts of things. For that reason, I'm going to prove them wrong and remain safe without taking unnecessary risks. I may want a Cooper S, but at the end of the day, when I think about things sensibly, I know that they are not appropriate.

If you can afford to buy and insure a car, it doesn't mean you should have it. Sometimes you have to be practical about things, and having a cooper s at 19 is not being practical. I've given examples of your attitude. Experience matters and to be fair, this only comes with age. You don't have enough experience. You may have the ability to control a car when things are going well - anyone with a driving license can, but its when things go wrong. Thats when we lose out.