[cejsmith]

Hi

I'm looking to enter the world of minis for the first time and I'm looking for some advice.

I've decide on a cooper s but I'm not sure if to get the convertable or hard top. Also I only tend to keep cars for about a year so I'm not sure if to get a new or late second hand one.

Any advice would be most welcome.

Thanks

[dannyh]

About wether or not you wanna go with the convertible, well... I guess it just depends on what kind of driver you are. While both models are sporty, isn't the convert. going to be a tad heavier? Do you want to pay more for the convert ($2+k) or just get a sunroof?

[MINI Poser]

I can assure you, that once you get the Cooper S, there will be NO WAY you get rid of it after a year! It will grow on you for sure!

[r34ver]

v. true mini poser..i got a ONE and it'll be a long time before i get anything other than a mini

[miniboyblue]

Hi cej

I have owned a Tin Top for just over a year, and had my new S Conv since July last year, as for the perfomance there is really nothing between them, on run's driving the Conv as hard as a Tin Top in front of me being driven by various nutters the overall performance and handling is no different. The only obvious difference is the price between the two, but when you get the roof down and wind in you hair, with those twin pipes popping away behind you it is worth every penny I can assure you.
Ultimately it is your decision as to your driving and what you want to spend your money on, me personally would rather have the conv than sat nav for example, either way both cars are addictive and you will not be dissapointed with your choice, and I agree with MINI POSER sell it after a year, Nah never happen !!!!

Organise a test drive back to back with a dealer then decide.

Let us all know what you decide.

P.S. MINI POSER top result yesterday mate, how's your head this morning ??

[cejsmith]

I have driven both and to be fair I couldn't tell much difference in performance. I've got two I know of that I can have ( both cancelled orders). Any ideas on the best spec? Also I assume that the roof doesn't leak( the car will be left out side).

Also as an aside works pack is it worth it?

[mendel williams]

[mendel williams]

The S convert will be worth more money as a trade in for the future due to the scarcity value.
But on the downside its a bit more thirsty and the performance is slightly down due to the increased weight.

[cejsmith]

saw an 04 cooper s works hardtop yesterday. With all the toys, it cost nearly £28k new is £19k a good price with 10k on the clock.

Also if I buy a convertable is it worth getting a works pack on it?( For fun and resale)

[MINI Poser]

I bet ya a whole tenner that you don't give it up after a year....the MINI will consume you and the S will just be the ride of your life!

Quote: Originally Posted by miniboyblue

P.S. MINI POSER top result yesterday mate, how's your head this morning ??

Hurtin' like mad!

Hurts even more coz Pompey coz whooped!!

[nylo]

Quote: Originally Posted by cejsmith

I have driven both and to be fair I couldn't tell much difference in performance. I've got two I know of that I can have ( both cancelled orders). Any ideas on the best spec? Also I assume that the roof doesn't leak( the car will be left out side).

Also as an aside works pack is it worth it?

firstly, to echo what others have said, every day your MINI is sitting on your drive, the more you'll love it! It'll last more than a year...

As for the best spec, that is one of the most difficult questions you can ask... Everyone has different preferences. The best thing you can do is to have a look at the options list, decide what you might fancy, then come back on here and do a search, or start a thread to get more info and feedback. This site has to be one of the best sources of info and good honest opinions from fellow MINI enthusiats who won't bull$hit you!

Good luck