[Shep]

(I thought that would get your attention)

…because I can't even exploit the full potential of my Cooper CVT most of the time! Having an "S" would be an exercise in frustration because of inability to utilize its huge capabilities safely.

The best roads for a Mini around here have their fair share of "twisties". One can go three times as fast as the posted "safe" speed around bends (of course one would never admit to exceeding the speed limit…). The limiting factor, as well as not being too much in excess of the law, is the potential for a road hazard--a bicycle, deer, or whatever--around the next blind corner. And there is the small matter of the absurdly named "mini"vans (people-movers, to Brits) lumbering along.

To cap it all, the folks who paint the double yellow centerlines around here don't allow for even the possibility of overtaking on these kinds of roads.

So it's the other road users, not the car, that are limiting.

Am I the only one who has this problem?

[Paul]

There are a LOT of roads around here where you just wish they could close it off for a while, because they're excellent roads, but very bendy, and very narrow, and while I may be able to stay on one side of the road, you never know what's coming!

[MiniMan7]

IMO, I'm glad I got the S, I love having that nice sporty feeling (not that the Cooper isn't sporty) and that extra boost of power. Theres a few roads where I really get to use my S to its full potential.
I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

[Paul]

Quote:

Originally posted by MiniMan7
IMO, I'm glad I got the S, I love having that nice sporty feeling (not that the Cooper isn't sporty) and that extra boost of power. Theres a few roads where I really get to use my S to its full potential.
I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

I'm glad I got the S, but I'm just agreeing there are certain roads where it would be much more fun if you could be certain of nothing coming the other way!

[Dark Mini]

In the short period that I have had my S I love it because all the boyracers in there XR3i and XR2i pull up at the lights, see that its the S and either try and have a pop or just don't even bother. Where as before in the scort they would have a go every time!!
But i'am still to yake it out on the country lanes.

[cooper4us]

Hmmm, yeah I think I also find myself in the same predicament. My day to day driving involves mostly slow moving city traffic and my daily conmmute is just about 20 miles roundtrip.

Here in Miami (And most of Florida) we have very few twisties as this state is mostly flat as a pancake and all roads while they are generally wide and on a stright line all the time.

So in reality while our Cooper CVT is very convenient and well matched to these driving conditions, like Shep, I haven't really been able to exploit its full performance potential, but nevertheless, every time I jump behind the wheel of the MINI is a fun, fun drive even in bumper to bumper traffic.

So, having said all this, here I am very patiently waiting for a 2004 Cooper 'S'.

Sometimes I wonder if I am buying too much car and I could do just as well with another Cooper CVT instead and save some money in the process (Although if I ever decided to change my mind about my order later on and go for another Cooper CVT instead, I would definetely get a high spec one this time around).

I really enjoyed my MCS test drive back in January and that's why I decided to go for the MCS. The extra boost and the slick shifting 6-speed are just too tempting. I have never owned a supercharged or turbocharged car before so that also played an important part in my final decision. But sometimes I think if once I get the MCS I would not be able to take full advantage of its added performance potential, so might as well I maybe should go for the CVT which is a terrific car in its own right and in a way better suited.

Does anyone here owns a MCS and drives it in urban traffic day in and day out?

Opinions are appreciated!.:white:

[Clutch Cargo]

I too am extremely happy with my "plain-jane" Cooper.

I am getting comfortable enuf with it now that I switch off the DSC when I come to the juicy bends. Just this morning I had a really tight turn perfectly set up, heel-toe downshift and all, when BANG an SUV decided to slow to a crawl in front of me. No problem safety-wise, the MINI's brakes are so excellent. But your point is well taken, it's next to impossible to reach the car's limits even without the supercharger.

I also especially like my 15-inch seven-hole wheels. Very light, great performance, and very practical as well. (Yes I like for my cars to be practical and fun). We had a spring snowstorm here last week, so I went out to a deserted parking lot for some skids and spins. Unfortunately the snow was obscuring some of the kerbs, and I hit one pretty hard. Thought I had damaged something, but there was only a small "dueling scar" on one edge of the rim. Would have been a lot worse with 16- or 17-inch wheels.

Three days later I came out to the car park to run some errands at lunchtime, and found that tire dead flat! Pigeons finally came home to roost, I thought. Anyway it was easy to put on the spare myself, no call to roadside assistance necessary. (No spare at all with 16s and 17s!) The best part is, the flat turned out to be due to a nail-hole in the tread. Twenty bucks later, I was happily on my way none the worse for wear.

Cooper, all the way.

[kapolani]

If you really want to have fun with it take it to the track.

Lapping M3's, Mercs, and hosts of other cars is really fun.

They all think the car is cute when driving to the paddock. But, after lapping a few of them, they ask what the hell is in that thing.

[cooper4us]

Actually the Cooper CVT is a very fun and agressive car. Don't be fooled thinking that is some sort of boring, slow and less of a MINI type of car. Quite the contrary.

But I hear ya. I am still leaning strongly towards the MCS.

[AprilWhine]

And my Cooper CVT has a much prettier color and interior than any available in the MCS.

[Paul]

After having a CVT Cooper for a week last year, and a CVT One for a week in a couple of weeks, I have to say that the CVT is better than I imagined it would be. Personally, I wouldn't mind one if I was stuck in traffic a lot. And this from someone who in general, HATES traditional Autos!

Paul

Quote:

Originally posted by Paul Mullett
I have to say that the CVT is better than I imagined it would be.

But it's still an auto. It still does things that you don't expect/want.

-Andrew

[cooper4us]

Quote:

Originally posted by L8 Apex
But it's still an auto. It still does things that you don't expect/want.

-Andrew

Have you driven it or are you just assuming it?

[cooper4us]

Oh and the CVT is a far cry from any Hydraulically operated 4-speed slushbox. Terrific transmission. It takes one drive just to realize how good it really is.

[goin440]

Quote:

Originally posted by Max
OK Guys. Who in their right mind would buy a Mini Cooper or MINI Cooper with CVT?

IMHO you do great dishonour to JC - he would be turning IHG (in his grave) if he could read this.

Quote:

Originally posted by Max

Anyways, as I've hinted at before, JC would be turning IHG.

Just need to get real get a MCS for wide grin factor 10.

Maybe I'm wrong, but John Cooper's "esses" didn't have the aid of a charger, no? I remember a 1.3t or so, but it had its share of dingle-berries too....? I don't recall a charged "works." Coincidence? Maybe I'm wrong too.

I do believe JC would have a big grin on his face driving either of the new ones. Something about a car with 60 consecutive years of history and refined handling is bound to do that.

MCS vs. MC vs. ONE vs. CVT Its ALL HERESY. MINI vs. MINI, who wins...?

[Shep]

It's fun to read all your comments. What I was really intending to point out was not the virtues or lack thereof of the CVT versus an "S", but the limitations of on-road driving in BOTH of these highly capable cars. Both the Cooper and the "S" have to contend with the same "mini"vans, SUV's, road hazards, unskilled drivers, and what-not on our overcrowded roads. The opportunity to reach their full potential is a rare event because of that.

[jnzmini]

I have to agree with you, Shep, that there's not enough opportunity to really enjoy (that is, safely) either the Cooper or the 'S' in the traffic conditions/poor driving standards that abound on most roads. I live in Cornwall, where although there's not much traffic most of the time, many of the drivers are really past driving because of their age (ie poor eyesight and inability to judge distance), or are tourists who are too busy looking around them to concentrate on their driving. The other day I was driving along a straight country lane with perfect visibility of the road ahead for about a mile, when an old man in a fiesta pulled out from behind a tractor and was coming straight at me head-on. I had to brake VERY hard, and couldn't believe that even on a straight road you can't enjoy a bit of spirited driving. It's actually made me think about swapping my 'S' for something I'd not be tempted to drive so fast - but I just love so much about it I don't know if I could part with it! Maybe driving late at night/through the night is the answer!!!!!

[Shep]

Sorry to hear of your scare, jnz. Your Cornish roads are in many ways wonderful for a Mini--winding and narrow, hilly, and with beautiful scenery. (I know them well--we've rented a lovely old cottage in St Ives several times). Yet in other ways, as you describe, they can present some of the worst hazards for an enthusiastic driver.

[Kinster]

poor excuse

[badboyzbadboyz]

Quote:

Originally posted by Max
OK Guys. Who in their right mind would buy a Mini Cooper or MINI Cooper with CVT?

IMHO you do great dishonour to JC - he would be turning IHG (in his grave) if he could read this.

This car was born to be wild (well, driven, anyway)

YOU CANNOT DRIVE A CAR WITHOUT A MANUAL GEARBOX (SHOUT) (imho)

Get real soon please guys.

Remember the best way home in a MCS is the long way

(One of these days i'll work out how to add a quote to my posts)

lol to u gguys and gals 'across the pond'

LOL. No offense Max but I wouldn't be seen dead in a MINI Cooper S. A MINI Cooper is much classier and without the rude boy image IMO , so lets not talk as if the "S" is better by default and all Cooper owners will one day aspire to the "S" - its all a matter of personal taste

..... and don't even start on the humerous insurance premimums