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I'm highly frustrated and depressed so I thought I would share it with you to see if anyone has been in a similar situation.
Yesterday I was at my local mini dealer testing the R56 Cooper S. My intention being that I would get one within the next few months. After currently having a Cooper, I have now fallen for the fantastic Cooper S.
As I was walking out the dealer I saw a car (which had come in early that day - not even for sale yet) Black, Leather seats, SAT NAV, auto climate, FCA, 3 spoke m func steering wheel, all the extras etc etc.
I would love that car HOWEVER I’m struggling because of the following.
I’m 19. Someone hit me last year in JAN 07 but the claim is still pending because the other side will not admit liability. Therefore I’m struggling to get insurance. Until now I have been a named driver on my parents insurance but im looking to be on my own, as I will be using the car more. Therefore 0 NCB but I have been driving for over 2 years.
Without the accident I can easily get insurance, Adrian Flux and Admiral will both offer insurance. However when I mention the claim pending the quote is ridiculous.
My problem is that I have fallen in love with this car and who knows how long it will be before the claim is settled? It could be another year or two!
Obviously I have heard the saying there are "plenty more fish in the sea" so I’m sure I can find another car similar if I cant get this one, but I still don’t want to wait all this time to get things settled.
Yes I know what your saying is the logical and sensible thing to do (of which i'm neither!) but who knows how long it will be!? It could be another couple of years, and lets face it, Im not getting any younger (I'm only 19!)
My Cooper isnt quick enough for me. I'm a very impatient guy and even if its not this car, I still want to be able to get a different car within the next few months.
I guess deep down I know its a good thing because its stopping me getting ripped off and at least I can get a half decent quote when my claim is settled.
just chill out and be content that driving a cooper at 19 is actually a pretty nice situation in absolute terms - forget the relative side of wanting the cooper s, enjoy your cooper for another year or 2 - once the claim is settled will be better...and if you can wait till youre 21 then the premium would drop significantly also.
i know we're all impatient at that age - i remember wanting a renault 5 gt turbo when i was 19 - ended up waiting till i was nearly 21, but worth it when i got it in the end (well, till the turbo went 6 months later - ah, the good old days of unreliable turbos in the 80's )
I already drive a Cooper, and ye its good as most of my friends drive polos, fiestas etc. But by the time im 21 wont i want something better/faster than a cooper s? I want to get it while im young enough to get nothing better... (for example last year I got my cooper at 18, which was the best and fastest car i could afford and get insured on)
I CAN get insurance but because of the pending claim its just ridiculous quotes. My insurance on my cooper is only about £1300. Most companies quoting for the S between £4000-£9000!!!!
im 32, ive had numerous GTI's Turbos you name it, but now i drive an 03 cooper. and i love it, be patient i think the only thing right now you will be getting with a cooper s is 3 points and an empty wallet your time will come.
Do you have any reason to be dis-satisfied with your Cooper? I would love to get a Cooper S, I've had insurance quotes for £900 but I'd rather wait til I am a bit older and the insurance is cheaper still.
Have you taken into account that the road tax will be more hefty than on your Cooper. Thats another reason I am happy to stay with my One
By 21 you'll want something faster than a Cooper S?
The Cooper S is a quick car - you shouldn't need anything faster at 21. Insurance will still be relatively high at that age because you're still considered a young driver.
My Cooper did me well for two years and the only reason I upgraded to an S recently is because the Cooper was having a fair few problems and was out of warranty. An S came along with the spec I wanted and I decided to buy. However, I was more than happy with the performance of the Cooper - more than a match for an S on bendy roads and only falls back on the straights.
It does sound as if you're quite competitive with your friends over your cars. That mindset is partly responsible for younger drivers having higher insurance premiums. Competition can lead to drivers wanting to prove whose car is better, which in turn can lead to accidents. As you mature as a driver you'll see that you don't need an S to have fun in a MINI.
This S you've seen isn't necessarily the one. There will be more like it when the time is right.
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Be patient. You will begrudge paying the hefty insurance costs. I know what it's like when you want something so badly but hey ho - the anticipation of knowing you will eventually get it will be worthwhile!
In the meantime why don't you tart your current Cooper up?
Could get the JCW kit for your current cooper - make it a bit faster while increasing the insurance only slightly - it would be in between. Thats what I would do - Chris at Derek Woodman has got a variety of offers on the JCW range!
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I agree with the others in terms of logic; but when your feelings are involved it can often take over! I am going to change my car in the next 6 months and I am going to get what I'd really like...however I am turning 43 in August and I just plan to get what I want. You are young enough to wait. Isn't it an option to stay on your parent's insurance until the matter is settled? Good luck with it all.
at Nineteen I had a 998cc Mini I shudder to think of my self in anything with that much power at that age I was bad enough in the thou god forbid what I would have done with a 1.6 turbo.
Enjoy your cooper chip it play with it refine your driving style don't throw masses of money at getting an S just because you can.
I would wait, build up your own NCB on your Cooper.
I wouldnt ever entertain paying those sort of figures on any car let alone a Cooper S, and to be honest at 19, with no NCB, want to insure a new S, you are an insurers nightmare, hence the prices (no offence ) At 19 I was perfectly happy with my MINI ONE, wanted an S for sure, but no-way would I have done it then.
Ive just picked up my new S today, and yes im 21, but ive waited till now for the car ive always wanted and the insurance is a sensible price, and its made it so much more special
Like M.O.S said, the best things come to those who wait!
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I Want That Car!! 
(I'm only 19!)
