[scollins]

Yes, I'm in love...

I went to my local MINI dealer this past Saturday and put a $1000 down on a Cooper S, securing my #3 or 4 spot. I've been on a list to "be on the list" for several months, and the dealer finally started taking deposits.

To my surprise, I was invited to spend some quiet moments with a Cooper S! This 'S' has recently arrived, and is being prepped for the upcoming auto show in February. The dealer has a few 'S' -- 3 I think. This particular S was Dark Silver, White, Black/Blue leather with 16" wheels--and hood stripes. The stripes actually looked better than I thought they would.

The car gives a much more aggressive first impression than the Cooper, with the revised front and rear. The rear spoiler was tasteful, IMHO. The Black/Blue leather is very nice. The carpet is blue as well. However, this combination with Dark Silver is not very nice. I think I'll go for Black/Red if it's available.

What I found most interesting was the gas cap. I used to have a 1974 Celica GT with an exposed chrome cap, so that was what I was expecting. To my surprise, the cap is actually just a flip-open cover, which reveals the traditional pastic cap underneath. This is probably a good thing since I used to have the Celica caps stolen quite regularly, and at $30 a piece it was a pricey replacement.

Pricing...unknown yet, but possibly in the range of CDN $25K - CDN $37K (that's not a typo). That's the Cooper at $25K. Looks like the 'S' can get pretty pricey, especially when the Nav system is added. For reference, I paid $35K for my loaded BMW 318ti Sport in '95. I will mention that for this price, the MINI's interior quality was not up to par with my BMW.

Regards,
Shawn

[BruceK]

Congratulations Shawn! Some S prototypes have shown up on this continent, but not in full S trim. It seems that you are probably the first 'civilian' to get this close to a production Cooper S in North America.

[MiniMayhem]

Quote:

Originally posted by scollins
Yes, I'm in love...

I went to my local MINI dealer this past Saturday and put a $1000 down on a Cooper S, securing my #3 or 4 spot. I've been on a list to "be on the list" for several months, and the dealer finally started taking deposits.

To my surprise, I was invited to spend some quiet moments with a Cooper S!

...

I will mention that for this price, the MINI's interior quality was not up to par with my BMW.

The closest I've got to a Cooper S so far is looking at photographs, and I live in the country where they are manufactured!

Your comment about the MINI not being up to BMW 3-series quality is a bit surprising, since from my experience the MINI seems to be a match at least for low end BMW/Audi quality, if not the high-end products. (And I've owned an Audi A3 in the past which is the VW Golf equivalent.)

[scollins]

Quote:

Originally posted by MiniMayhem

Your comment about the MINI not being up to BMW 3-series quality is a bit surprising, since from my experience the MINI seems to be a match at least for low end BMW/Audi quality, if not the high-end products. (And I've owned an Audi A3 in the past which is the VW Golf equivalent.)

I should clarify that the overall quality impression I got was very favourable. The exterior was right up there with my BMW. The Cooper S even gave me the impression of solidity just being in it's presence--I realize that is an odd comment, but it's an impression I tend to get from German cars like BMWs and Audi's. My 'general' observation was really directed at a few bits and pieces on the inside that seemed a bit low-rent.

Regards,
Shawn

[Tom D]

Thanks for the encouraging words, happily an "S" has finally made it to North America. I am curious about the alarm system, was any mention made of it? I notice that an Engine Immobilizer is mentioned on the US site, do you know what it is?

Thanks,

Tom

[Basil]

Quote:

Originally posted by scollins


I should clarify that the overall quality impression I got was very favourable. The exterior was right up there with my BMW. The Cooper S even gave me the impression of solidity just being in it's presence--I realize that is an odd comment, but it's an impression I tend to get from German cars like BMWs and Audi's. My 'general' observation was really directed at a few bits and pieces on the inside that seemed a bit low-rent.

Regards,
Shawn

You may be referring to some of the silver painted plastic bits. If you are, I agree that this lets the rest of the car down a bit.

As BruceK said, congratulations on being able to sit and play. Any pictures of the Internal Glove box would be welcome if at all possible.

[MiniMayhem]

Quote:

Originally posted by Basil


You may be referring to some of the silver painted plastic bits. If you are, I agree that this lets the rest of the car down a bit.

As BruceK said, congratulations on being able to sit and play. Any pictures of the Internal Glove box would be welcome if at all possible.

The 'silver painted plastic bits' to me actually look good but conversely aren't very nice to touch. (I'm referring in particular to the dashboard airbag cover.) But it really isn't that often you touch the dashboard unless you're into that sort of thing

Sometimes the centre console plastic can look a bit cheap, but only in certain pictures and/or lighting environments (where flash photography has been used?), otherwise it's excellent. I think that Rover (credit where credit's due) and BMW have done a splendid job of providing 3 series quality at a lower cost, though nowadays it seems that higher 'quality' can be attained at a lower price point than in the past. (I honestly doubt that such a cabin could have been produced for that price point ten years ago.)

[smiffy]

So where's your pictures then

[Jayomatic]

I noticed your profile said your in Canada. Where are you? In Toronto Area? I would love to know where it is to go see it! aaahhhhh!!

[scollins]

Quote:

Originally posted by Jayomatic
I noticed your profile said your in Canada. Where are you? In Toronto Area? I would love to know where it is to go see it! aaahhhhh!!

I edited my original post and removed the dealer for fear of getting the salesperson in trouble.

I mentioned that the car I saw is being prepped for a major autoshow. Here's a new hint: the autoshow is in Toronto next month. Who in Canada do you think would get those cars first...;-)

If you haven't figured it out by now, sorry, no more clues.

Shawn

[scollins]

Quote:

Originally posted by smiffy
So where's your pictures

Sorry, I didn't have a camera with me. I was called up Saturday morning, and I went to put a deposit on the car. I was happy enough to be going to the dealer for that purpose and I had no idea that when I was there I would be shown a Cooper S.

I was only in and around the car for about 5 minutes but I'd be happy to answer whatever questions I can about what I saw.

The 16-inch wheels look sh*tty. I couldn't open the trunk because the battery was dead and we couldn't find a trunk release (anyone?). The seats are really nice and supportive. The car is narrow inside, but the windshield is quite far forward so it feels bigger than it is. I would never subject an adult to a ride (of any sort) in the backseat. I didn't open the hood (didn't want to push my luck). The modified hood and air intake looks good. The pictures don't do this car justice in that department. Yes, the plastic airbag cover seems cheap. I want to go back and test the pedals for heel'n'toe ability because I forgot to. Knowing BMW, I'm sure they've done it right.

Shawn

[KarmanS]

anyone attending the LA or Detroit show? I might attend the detroit show if I can get a decent airfare...

[Jayomatic]

Thank you Mr. Collins. I will be searching my dealers for this car. I will just go by to see if they have any new literature and then I will act totally surprised when they say they have one in the back! haha. If I don't find it I am not all that upset. Its only a month or 2 till I can see my baby at the Toronto Auto show.

I will be the guy who will be getting escorted out of the show because I locked myself in the car and wouldn't get out. haha.

Thanks!

J

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by Jayomatic
Thank you Mr. Collins. I will be searching my dealers for this car. I will just go by to see if they have any new literature and then I will act totally surprised when they say they have one in the back! haha.......

Don't forget your camera!

Among any S photos, pictures of the refrigerated/heated glove box fitted as standard to North American and Oz cars would be very much appreciated. No pictures of this feature have appeared anywhere yet....

[pbraun]

Well, lucky you, Shawn! I can't wait to actually see, touch, sit in, and everything with the S! Nice to have a site like this where we can all share impressions and stuff.
For the rest of us, guess it'll just have to be a few more months! Best to all!

[LMB]

Quote:

Originally posted by BruceK


Don't forget your camera!

Among any S photos, pictures of the refrigerated/heated glove box fitted as standard to North American and Oz cars would be very much appreciated. No pictures of this feature have appeared anywhere yet....

I want a refrigerated/heated glove box on my Mini, it is not fair. I find the fact that it is not even an option for us Brits *&^%%**^, especially as it is standard for our friends across the pond.

BOOOOOOOOOOOO

LMB

[Cape Cod MINI]

Wait a minute! Hasn't anyone noticed? The first S to grace our continent and they couldn't open the trunk because because the battery wasdead! We are all excited about our dream car and here it is with a dead battery because it has a trickle issue just like many of the UK cars! You would think that BMW/MINI would send a perfect vehicle. I can just see the MINI at the LA and Toronto Auto Shows with the sunroof and windows opening and closing at will, horn sounding, trunk popping open, etc!
I guess I'm getting too worried about build quality. With the closest dealer 2 hours away(one way) I don't know if I could handle as many visits to the dealer as many of our UK friends have had to endure.

[Basil]

Quote:

Originally posted by Cape Cod MINI
Wait a minute! Hasn't anyone noticed? The first S to grace our continent and they couldn't open the trunk because because the battery wasdead! We are all excited about our dream car and here it is with a dead battery because it has a trickle issue just like many of the UK cars! You would think that BMW/MINI would send a perfect vehicle. I can just see the MINI at the LA and Toronto Auto Shows with the sunroof and windows opening and closing at will, horn sounding, trunk popping open, etc!
I guess I'm getting too worried about build quality. With the closest dealer 2 hours away(one way) I don't know if I could handle as many visits to the dealer as many of our UK friends have had to endure.

Hang on, hang on, hang on......... I understand your concerns only too well. Brisbane has got coopers here with dead batteries but only because every Tom **** & Harry who sits in them opens the sun roof a hundred times. And they are not driven at all... Maybe the S sitting in Canada has followed a similar line.........

As far as the trunk is concerned there MUST be an emergency release cable somewhere. BMW may be thick on some issues, but stupid (technicaly) they are not.

PS. For the moderators information D I C K is short for Richard........ why has it been censored ?

[Basil]

Quote:

Originally posted by LMB


I want a refrigerated/heated glove box on my Mini, it is not fair. I find the fact that it is not even an option for us Brits *&^%%**^, especially as it is standard for our friends across the pond.

BOOOOOOOOOOOO

LMB

Life is not fair LMB, you cant have one. Now go to the back of the queue......

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by Basil

PS. For the moderators information D I C K is short for Richard........ why has it been censored ?

Gee Basil, moderators are not that quick - it's only been minutes since you posted it. Actually, the censoring is being done automatically as part of the forum software. I edited your post and and changed the names to use capital letters thinking that would help the software recognize D i c k as a name rather than a rude insult, but that didn't work, either. Looks like its up to Paul Mullett to tweak the software -- or leave it as is to keep the normal obscenities hidden...