[TT_Convert]

Well, we have to start somewhere, don't we? I am currently the owner of an Audi TT Roadster, which we were going to import from Switzerland, having lived out there for a few years. This, however, is proving too expensive, and a Mini looks like the car we're going to plump for. We have a couple of questions, though... perhaps someone can help?

Has anyone used the Mini Dealer in Evesham... anyone comments?

It has been suggested that the difference between Cooper and Cooper S isn't enough to warrant the price difference. The TT has 265bhp and 360Nm torque, so I'm leaning towards getting as much fun out the car as possible, and getting the S. Any thoughts?

Are there any niggles or known issues with the car that we should be wary of?

Has anyone used AmD to have their car tuned? I suppose Mini frown on this, and it invalidates your warranty?

For any comments or help, we're very grateful...

Pete&Em

[mini mad]

if you wanted to tune the mini up then get a works kit installed , then it still all under warranty.

[Grings]

Welcome to MINI2 TT_Convert

Firstly you will find a really useful function on the search tab. For example on the Evesham dealer

http://www.mini2.com/forum/search.php?searchid=561665

The price difference/value is dependant on what you want to do with the car. The max (reliable) BHP you will get out of a Cooper is around the 140-150bhp mark, which can be done cheaply with a chip and intake/exhaust. The Cooper S can be taken to 220bhp for about £1500, then on to 240bhp for about £3k.

In terms of faults, don't forget this is an enthusiasts site so we moan a lot . Most dealers are excellent at sorting out problems - but to be honest most of the niggling issues are now resolved.

There are AMD tuner owners on the board - try the search function and feel free to contact them through private messages, most people are more than happy to tell you about the conversion.

The warranty only invalidates the parts that fail as a direct result of the conversion, there is a few threads, again try a search (I will try and find some and post them). Just to give you an idea Max, who has a GGR tuned (220bhp) Cooper S had a supercharger braket failure with a tuned pulley and ECU upgrade - dealer replaced it all under warranty as the failure was not relate to the uprgrade (even though the reduced pulley was only inches from the failed part). Not all dealers are unfair

[TT_Convert]

Thanks both for the info. It seems Stern have a very good reputation. However, we have just found a lovely car at Cheltenham Cotswold BMW, so any comments on them would also be welcome.

Pete & Em

[lespurgeon]

Just a little off-topic,
had my first ride in a TT coupe yesterday, very nice, but the silver plastic everywhere looked cheap. Also, I did spend 5 min in the back seat - sure makes the MINI appear huge in the back. I'd guess if over 6 feet tall you would never get in the back of a TT with the hatch closed.

Oh,
I think you will find suspension tighteron the MINI - and you will want the S (and possibly JCW or aftermarket) if you are looking for the kind of power to weight ratio that Audi must have.

[TT_Convert]

LOL - that's brushed aluminium - not plastic! And we had a roadster - no back seats at all, so not too worried about space!

I test drovethe Mini Cooper S last night, and enjoyed it very much. We are going to get the car. It's a very different drive from the TT (it gives you much more feeling and response), but it's pointless to compare them - the TT would have leathered the Mini in all respects (mine was tuned and had much more power, even with weight considered).

Suffice to say, the Mini is a great drive, a lot of fun, and this one is well-appointed.

Pete