[cooper girl]

Hello all.

I'm new here, but still a bmw owner. I've driven a 99 m3 vert for the past 2 years and have fallen in love with the cooper s vert. I'm seriously thinking of ordering one next week but would like to hear feedback from real owners.

I did drive one today in Morristown, NJ and LOVED it. But I'm reading here about some issues and want to know how all of you really feel about your MCSC?? I need help with my deicision. I'm okay with the decrease in power from the M because it really cannot be utilized and I fear I will get a speeding ticket soon. The handling on the cooper today was really good and the ride was nice.

Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you all.
Alli

[jonnyyellow]

very good.

we currently own a cooper s convert. We had zero, zippo, nada, none, no problems! Everything is working fine. I would have to say it has some of BMW's quality too.

[Cherry2005]

Ditto Johnnyyellow's reply. I have had no problems, but have only had the car one week. It has been raining (and raining hard) and I have only had a chance to go topless a few times in between downpours. I have had no leaks, no handling problems, and my baby hugs the wet roads like we're invincible!

The only problem seems to be the extra laugh lines on my face.

[indimini]

I've had my MCSC one month today and love absolutely everything about it - except for the clock placement. That's not much of a complaint.

I went from an 02 MC to the S 'vert and find the driving dynamics and power to be fantastic. I routinely have four people in the car (2 children) and everybody enjoys the ride.
Originally I was very concerned about the dreaded blind spot, but I've had no issues in traffic with properly adjusted side mirrors.

So far I've had no issues at all - other than I keep spending money on after-market add-ons (Whalen shift knob, Ian Cull's auto-up circuit, XM stereo, non-runflats, a small fortune in cleaning supplies, parcel shelf, stubby antenna, and saving for JCW )

M-3's are fantastic cars, but not nearly as "friendly and personable" as the MINI is.

[rmorin]

I picked up my MCSC one month ago on a cold, rainy, windy evening. Drove home from Towson to Hagerstown on I70 averaging 75 mph and 28 mpg. Power, handling, ride, and noise level is better than I had expected. Like "indimin" I moved from an 02 MC to the MCSC. I would say that the build quality has definitely improved in the 05 models. I have had a couple of opportunities to enjoy top down driving and so far no leak problems. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I don't experience the "top wear" problems that some owners are reporting. Obviously you realize you will have less power than in your M3 but like you said, the M3 cannot really be appreciated driving in the US. For me, the MINI S is an ideal commuter car. Fun to drive, great handling, good mileage, reasonably safe. If it proves to be reliable, I will be very satisfied.

[cooper girl]

So far I'm liking what I hear.

JonnyYellow. you bought yours at Morristown Mini, right? Did you shop any other places: Prestige, Manhattan, White Plains? I was at Morristown today. They don't have what I want, so I'll have to order it. I bought my last 2 cars for Morristown BMW and had ok experiences.

Anyway, I'm getting totally slammed on the M3 forum for even considering selling my car let alone going to a mini.

Keep the feedback coming, please!!

Alli

[indimini]

Quote: Originally Posted by cooper girl

I'm getting totally slammed on the M3 forum for even considering selling my car let alone going to a mini

See, you don't want to hang with those people, now do you? In the MINI community, we appreciate the merits of many cars and don't feel the need to belittle somebody's choice. (There are all kinds of posts congratulating people who found the right car for them even when it wasn't a MINI.)

If you spend some time at the MINI dealers, you'll also notice the people who come in are having much more fun then their peers in the BMW showroom. It may be because we devote far less energy to feeling "superior" and more on motoring.

[cooper girl]

See, that's been one of the problems with me owning an M. The first question I usually hear is "oh, your husband is letting you drive his car??" Uh, no I love my car, seriously do, never thought I'd want to get something different....then I saw the mini vert and fell in love. I was actually hoping that I would go today to the showroom and see it and say ick, and then drive it and say "no way". But I was impressed with the pick up, shifing, interion, etc, etc all in a 4 cylinder.
Thank you for making me feel welcome.
Alli

[indimini]

One of the things I really love about the MINI, at least in the States, is that the uninformed just think of it as an "economy car" because it's small. As owners we know it is so much more than that - it is a true performance sedan, similar to the BMW 1600 or 2002 models. The MINI community is generally filled with people who appreciate the ties to legitimate automotive history, performance, and styling. There's also something special about a product that is one of the most unique and individual automobiles you can buy at any price. It's just such a marked contrast to the world of "what color do you want? You can drive it home today..." I've always been a fan of BMW's for both their performance and safety. I find the MINI gives me the things I love about BMW's but adds so much more.

Hopefully you'll find the information you're looking for on MINI2, whatever you decide.

oh, and welcome (somewhate belatedly).

[howardpm]

Seeing how everyone is posting how good their car is, I figure I'd toss in my bad issues. I've had a "bad" leak, a rattle, bad break lights, dead pixel on NAV, Nav that stopped working. All in less then 2 months. Grant it they all are fixed now, but it took more then just going to the dealer to get it fixed. It involved contacting BMW.

Howard

[Cooper76]

The M3 is an awesome automobile. If you can afford that and its corresponding insurance, you can afford to give 'er a go'er every now and again and not be too worried about a speeding ticket. Both the MCSC and the M3 cabrio are fab autos, but you really have to specify what it is you are after in an automobile to best decide which of the two is the better fit.

[cooper girl]

howardpm, thanks for the down side. I've had issues with my car, in fact every bmw I've owned. In fact, every car I've ever owned. These are all things to consider.

Cooper76, I wish the speeding issue was that simple. No, I can't afford a ticket. I find myself taking over 100 once in a while, feeling the adrenalin pumping, taking the car next to me.....ahhhh. Then I remember that I have kids and a husband and all that goes with it.

Can anyone tell me how the cooper as a 4 cylinder performs long term?

I want to make the right decision and again, I appreciate everyone's input.

Alli

[LauderdaleMini]

Quote:

Can anyone tell me how the cooper as a 4 cylinder performs long term?

Excellent engine, for now. Maybe there will be something better in a year or two.

[Cooper76]

Quote: Originally Posted by cooper girl

Cooper76, I wish the speeding issue was that simple. No, I can't afford a ticket. I find myself taking over 100 once in a while, feeling the adrenalin pumping, taking the car next to me.....ahhhh. Then I remember that I have kids and a husband and all that goes with it.

Alli

Excellent to hear that you are an enthusiast, but I don't think it is the auto that is the issue here. You can easily get over 100mph in the MINI cabrio as well, so what will you do then? Just keep the M3 under 90 and then you are fine. It's not the M3's fault! If you cannot control your speeding, you will do the same with the MINI.

Or, just get a Chevy Aveo and that issue will be prompted settled!

[cooper girl]

"Excellent to hear that you are an enthusiast, but I don't think it is the auto that is the issue here. You can easily get over 100mph in the MINI cabrio as well, so what will you do then? Just keep the M3 under 90 and then you are fine. It's not the M3's fault! If you cannot control your speeding, you will do the same with the MINI.

Or, just get a Chevy Aveo and that issue will be prompted settled! "


Ouch, I guess I misunderstood your first post about being able to afford the speeding ticket. I have no desire to get a ticket, and I have no idea if 70mph in a cooper feels the same as the M3. It's very easy to speed in the M, and most times don't even realize. I'm not about speed, I want a nice ride and handling and performance. I've always had sports cars and will never have anything else. I love the look of the cooper, the handling, the interior room, the conv top, and such a high cuteness factor.

The last 24 hours I've been thinking and now I'm wondering, what did everyone own before their cooper and are there any regrets? I'm going this week to the dealer again to drive another cooper and really look at the details of the car. I would like to know if anyone here bought their car in central or northern Jersey and their experience.

Alli

[Cooper76]

Alli, there is a thread on here asking what did people drive before their MINI. Check it out! Hope it helps! Good luck in your decision!

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...t=80481&page=1

[Peter Crowl]

Quote: Originally Posted by cooper girl

The last 24 hours I've been thinking and now I'm wondering, what did everyone own before their cooper and are there any regrets? I'm going this week to the dealer again to drive another cooper and really look at the details of the car. I would like to know if anyone here bought their car in central or northern Jersey and their experience.

Alli

Before we got our MCSC we were waiting for our MCSC. I've owned Mini's...Morris Minor (still do)...Reliant three wheelers...Jaguars...MB 230SL ... a Supra...on and on. I've wanted a MINI since they hit the shore. My wife and I decided to wait for the introduction of the Convertible to jump in.

The MCSC is everything I thought and hoped it would be... and more. I've said it in other threads and I'll say it again. The MCSC is the first car I've ever owned that I'm so happy with that I actually enjoy sending in the payment. No...really. This car is so worth the price.

If you haven't, get a copy of New MINI... the book by graham Robson. See it here
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...atego ry=6762

Once you learn about the incredible design and engineering effort and dedication on the part of both the ROVER and BMW teams you'll understand why the MINI Cooper is what it is.

Peter...not biased or anything...in Denver

[ScottieCoop]

CooperGirl,
Before we bought our first MINI I had a Z3. Now a M3 that's a nice car but I wouldn't look twice at it.

We are now proud owners of two MINIS a hard top and a rag top . I know BMW do their best to market this car towards the men but really both you and I know it's a must car for us girls. Shunt the M3 and get the Convert with the works kit.

I've had four Minis in the past three years and so far the only one with problems was the first car.

[cooper girl]

Quote: Originally Posted by Thornef

CooperGirl,
Before we bought our first MINI I had a Z3. Now a M3 that's a nice car but I wouldn't look twice at it.

We are now proud owners of two MINIS a hard top and a rag top . I know BMW do their best to market this car towards the men but really both you and I know it's a must car for us girls. Shunt the M3 and get the Convert with the works kit.

I've had four Minis in the past three years and so far the only one with problems was the first car.

I agree that the mini is a girl car. I always liked to think that my M was a girl car too because of the color I've decided to put a deposit on and order my car this weekend. So, sadly, I will be selling my M as the date of the mini gets close. If anyone is interested.....

Thanks again for making me feel so welcome (big change from the M forum!!) I always had a hard time there because I was a girl anyway. I'll keep everyone up on my progress!!
Alli

[indimini]

Quote: Originally Posted by cooper girl

I agree that the mini is a girl car

And a boy car!

(I'd hate for you to spoil your warm welcome. )