[mini_diesel]

I'm 21, currently in University in Canada and still have a couple more years to complete. I'm looking to purchase either a Cooper or Cooper Convertible.

If I were to choose the Cooper, I would the sports package (sport seats, run-flat tires w/ alloys, fog lights) & premium package (multi-function steering wheel, sunroof, heated seats) as well as the cockpit package.

If I were to choose the Cooper convertible I would probably just have the cockpit package as well as heated seats due to cost.

Taking into the account that I'm still in school and the practicality of the car, which Mini do you think from your own experiences would be better? One thing that I'm concerned about is that once or twice a year I often go on a short roadtrip and am scared that having standard seats in the Convertible will not be comfortable for the long rides.

What's your intake?........do you think gas would cost a lot more on the convertible?

[usaminicooper]

Good luck and and keep your eyes on the end game. Graduation!!!
As for the purchase of a cooper-Need to know a lot more of a person individually to actually decide what type and how to spec. a Mini for production.
But let me try.

Quote:

I'm still in school and the practicality of the car

You can fit your best friend in or your mate for a fun drive and storage for books is great.
But as to a Saturday night and the trip to the pub and taking out the football team with you, Running out of space in the Mini.

Now for the BIG STORY
Your education of the things you first need to know as a college student about this car......
How to Motor in the Mini OR

Quote:

"MINI SEX"

Keep a copy and memorize it will come in handy on day

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...light=mini+sex

As to the Gas milage, if you have to worry about the cost. The Cabrio is not for you. Why spend the extra money. I know it looks great.
If you are ready and able to purchase the cabrio without putting a big dent in your savings account then go for it .
I hope this assists you in your decision. Motor on!.
Just think of me as your Mini2 (dad).

[lightbody]

Quote:

One thing that I'm concerned about is that once or twice a year I often go on a short roadtrip and am scared that having standard seats in the Convertible will not be comfortable for the long rides.

I've covered 30,000 miles on the standard seats, sometimes on very long drives (1000s of miles in a short period) and they're perfectly fine - very comfortable. The main difference is that the sports seats have better side-support during very fast cornering.

[dalboyne]

Buy a good used Cooper now, and save the Cabrio for later! You'll probably need all the stowage space you can get when you move your stuff around, and the Cabrio doesn't have the practical capacity of the tin-top.

Enjoy!

[paulworthing]

Well you have to ask yourself why you are considering each car - tbh I would not let the thought of 1 or 2 longer drives a year make a decision for me like that it would be down to which car I genuinely preferred and wanted (assuming money is not an issue).

[clarissa 30]

ive had both my first a cooper with full spec..presently a cooper convertible ..if you have the money def the convertible ... its the cooper with the x factor on it,,,,