[collins8]

HI,

Very nice forum here. Lots of information here.
My wife wants a mini. She presently has a 2002 BMW 330I with 12K miles. She is thinking of trading it in on a 2005 Cooper S Automatic. She has to have the Automatic. She feels like the manual is too hard to drive around town. She has drove a Mini and she thinks it is a real fun vehicle but she worries she will not like it because the BMW is fine to drive and is great on trips. I am looking for some imput from you guys. Is there any probelms with the 2005 Cooper S automatics I should be aware of?? Is there any options I should not spend the money on?? I am definitely getting the premium package and thinking about the Sport package. Is there any problems areas in the drivetrain and suspension?? What is real world Miles per gallon in an Automatic Cooper S??
Any other input would be appreciated??

Thanks
Rob

[mattE]

For someone who ejnjoyes the ride of a BMW I hope she is prepared for the stiff bumpy ride of a MINI by comparrison. You wouldn't want to go above 16" wheels to keep it as smooth as possible. I've read posts of people who take their MINI on long trips and while loads of fun they do need to get out and stretch more than in a smooth riding vehicle. Most of the options come down to personal taste. Haven't heard anyone speak badly of any of them.

[All Black Mini]

I don't want to get into the 16" or 17" argument.

My Cooper S has 17s and it can be hard at times, BUT my wife's Legacy can fall into a pothole also, with similar effect on the back teeth.

I don't think you can make too close a comaprison with the MINI and anything else.

For my penny's worth all I would say is:

Test drive, Test drive, Test drive, Test drive, Test drive, Test drive, Test drive, Test drive,

Good Luck!

[KPKalle]

Welcome to the forum

You and your wife will not regret getting a MINI - any model. As regards the ride, the S (standard with sports suspension plus) is always going to be bumpy. And the larger the wheels the bumpier the ride. Actually the "worst" I've ever been in is my mum's BMW 3-series coupé. Now that is bumpy!

Anyway, MINI2 has several forums to help answer your questions. There's one each for: Cooper S, CVT and Automatic, Drivetrain and Tuning, Faults and Fixes etc etc. Have fun searching out your answers

[MINImeat]

I don't agree that the MINI is more tiring on long trips than other cars.

I believe mine is much more comfortable. Just did 1500 miles with my 81-year-old mother in the passenger seat in 100f temps and my only problem was a sore right leg because I didn't spec MFSW and had no cruise.
My car shines on the highway. Lots of power, good A/C, solid and safe feeling, great in the rain, good fuel economy for a sporty car.

[All Black Mini]

MINIMeat, you have a definate way with words.....and I agree with every one of them!!

Good advice mate!

Regards

[Jim Ray]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINImeat

I don't agree that the MINI is more tiring on long trips than other cars.

I believe mine is much more comfortable. Just did 1500 miles with my 81-year-old mother in the passenger seat in 100f temps and my only problem was a sore right leg because I didn't spec MFSW and had no cruise.
My car shines on the highway. Lots of power, good A/C, solid and safe feeling, great in the rain, good fuel economy for a sporty car.

What he said. Having had a whole assortment of cars, gas hog Buick, Oldsmobile, current Jeep, Nissan, and more, the MINI is by far the best road car.

The other cars seats felt more comfortable when just sitting down, but failed to support properly on the road. Drove our 2002 MC from Magog, Canada to Norfolk, Virginia, only stopping for gas. No problems, got out, no discomfort at all. And, I am slightly over 21 years old.