[Neil Curtis]

I am having a difficult time deciding which to go for.

I currently drive a MINI ONE and have put an order in for an S which I have been told won't arrive until sometime early next year. I don't mind waiting for it so thats not a problem.

I could though have a high spec cooper in september this year which even with a high spec would save me a few quid. I have driven both and can't deny that the cooper S drives and performs brilliantly but then so does the cooper compared to my ONE.

Anyone else having to make a similar decision?. What are your thoughts and feelings?

[Neil Curtis]

Sorry, just found the thread three pages down talking about this very thing....

[jamiesim]

I have a Cooper and have just ordered an S and I can unequivacaly tell you that the S is the way to go.

The Cooper is a great fun car and will give you loads of pleasure and put a smile on your face.

The Cooper S is the only way to go as it is exactly what the Chasis demanded... The S brings the whole thing alive and is just sheer crazyness... Loads more fun and an even bigger smile on your face!!!!!! U just gotta have one...

If you change your mind and are going to go for a Cooper I have an excellent one for sale...

[ELISEBOY]

there are dealers around where you can pick up an S in september if you really want one

my local dealer has a pre-spec right now that is ready to go too!!!

[smiffy]

Quote:

Originally posted by ELISEBOY
there are dealers around where you can pick up an S in september if you really want one

Local dealer has S's to your spec for sept delivery

[R1]

I really like my Cooper, but if you don't mind the wait, get the "S".

Mind you, you already have one MINI, so the wait won't be that bad!

[Sharky]

I've not driven a "S", but I have taken a test drive in a Cooper fitted with SSP+ & 16" wheels - the same as the "S". Now on my daily commute I drive c. 2000 miles per year on an unclassified, potholed, fell road. My existing
Cooper fitted with 15" wheels and the standard suspension
doesn't exactly give me a cushioned ride I've forgiven
it this flaw because it is otherwise heaps of fun to drive But I deliberately avoided specifying the larger wheels and firmer suspension to avoid getting jolted too much.

I did also test drive a "ONE" and was very impressed with it - it was a close call between it and a Cooper - I decided in the end to buy a Cooper principally because of its looks (the contrasting roof was the decider). In that respect I'm also not entirely sure about the "S" - don't like the bonnet scoop in particular. But the chrome fuel filler does look neat. I also don't need the extra performance either, as I ain't a boy racer! But you only have to check the other threads to realise for many people a "S" is the ultimate MINI. All I can advise is make a list of your requirements and see what fits the bill...

[smartbomb]

NC,
I had a look at the S over the launch weekend. Yeah, nice car, but not for me.
No chrome, crummy MPG, dearer RFL and woooahhh Nelly insurance !

I'm delighted with my Cooper and don't hanker for more speed. Besides the base S is only so-so equipped omitting fog lights etc.
To have a highish spec S you are fast approaching the cost of 2 ONEs.

If you wanna have a look at my Cooper just give us a holler....

[timlowden771]

If I were you mate I would wait for the 's'. I have been driving our Cooper 's' as you know and if you are going to change you might as well go the whole hog. At least you have got a Mini to drive in the mean time. The Cooper 's' just seems to have that little extra that the One and the Cooper need. After driving the 's' at the momemt I can't wait to get mine!!

[jamiesim]

You do not go and spend all that extra cash on an 'S' for any other than an irrational reason. I am a Cooper owner who is soooo happy with his car - thats why it s irrational - its a must have....

Forget about insurance and mpg and all that other stuff...

We all work our butts off to earn cash so we might as derive pleasure from it = buying a Cooper S.

By the way I my 'S' is to my specification and will be delivered sept 1st despite only ordering it this week. Just got to be in the right place at the right time... I told the salesman that a rival dealership had offered my october, I wanted to buy the car from my dealer as it is closer and they are well nice in there and voila, lucky me, someone cancelled their order and hey hey I took it... Just had to spec it and order it there and then!!!

I can't wait its going to be a long summer....

[Neil Curtis]

Yeah i think that I will go for the S.

I'm still trying to convince the missus though. She drives it to work during the week (cos i've got a company car) so she unfortunately has a say in it as well.

She too is unconvinced by the lack of chrome bumpers and the "Masculine" look of the car. I think it looks more agressive obviously than the normal but I like that.

I drove them both back to back at the dealer and the S just seems so much more of a complete package. Power,styling,roadpresence,handling, headturning ability.

If I did go for a Cooper, I would probably just want to change it again for the S later down the road. As it is i've already deposited to get one of the first convertibles when launched in 2004 or whenever.

They're just too much bloody fun!

BTW, I realise that i could probably get one earlier than next April/May but to be honest if i'm spending eighteen odd grand, I could probably do with the wait to save up....

[Neil Curtis]

Smartbomb,

What spec did you go for in the end on your Cooper, have you got any pics posted on here yet....?

[Neil Curtis]

This puts it into perspective:

For the price of my Cooper S spec (£17800), i could have instead a 1999 Subaru impreza Turbo AWD Saloon (£12995) leaving about five big ones to buy a three year old Mini Cooper (you know, one of those funny old fashioned ones, like they had in the olden days).

Source: www.subaru.co.uk
www.autotrader.co.uk

I'm just being silly but it's just shown me how easy it is to get carried away. Last year, I would have killed for a Scooby.

Still decided on the S though. That won't change. I'm sure also that subaru2.com just wouldn't be the same somehow....

before anyone starts moaning, i have had several classic minis and luv em

[AidenL]

I think if you fancy the S , wait, if you buy a Cooper, you will always wonder about the S, and end up changing again anyway !!

[gowest]

"S" or get off the pot! Sorry, I just had to say it. I'm getting an "S" and moding the "S" out of it too.

[Tau]

S...no question

I'm 19, and have been driving an S for the past couple of days. Ive driven a few cars, and none have ever been as much fun as an S

The more you drive it, the more you just want to keep on driving

BMW/Mini just seem to have got (almost) everything right about this car, the handling, the stability, the aesthetics, the performance (almost)....and the sound...the sound is great. It sounds the best when you're sitting on the rather cramped back seat...

Wait for the S, you won't regret it

[Red & White Cooper 2]

Quote:

I'm 19, and have been driving an S for the past couple of days.

How much does it cost to insure an S for a 19 year old?! Still, if you can afford to buy a new S at 19, I suppose money is not a problem.

And yes - I am envious

[R1]

Quote:

Originally posted by Red & White Cooper 2


How much does it cost to insure an S for a 19 year old?! Still, if you can afford to buy a new S at 19, I suppose money is not a problem.

And yes - I am envious

Trouble is, if you buy a car like an "S" at 19, you will have nothing else, car wise, to look forward to!!!

You'll be bored shitless by the time you get to my age!

[jamiesim]

Quote:

Originally posted by R1


Trouble is, if you buy a car like an "S" at 19, you will have nothing else, car wise, to look forward to!!!

You'll be bored shitless by the time you get to my age!

What a load of rubbish - there is always another car, a newer model, a special edition to lay your hands on. And anyway its not like the Cooper S is a Mc Laren F1 - where I might then agree with you.

I'm 21, got a Cooper, and an S on its way and trust me there are many more cars to drive and many more roads to drive them on...

Keep on Kruising Cooper Juniors!!!

[daro911]

Quote:

Originally posted by Neil Curtis
I am having a difficult time deciding which to go for.

I currently drive a MINI ONE and have put an order in for an S which I have been told won't arrive until sometime early next year. I don't mind waiting for it so thats not a problem.

I could though have a high spec cooper in september this year which even with a high spec would save me a few quid. I have driven both and can't deny that the cooper S drives and performs brilliantly but then so does the cooper compared to my ONE.

Anyone else having to make a similar decision?. What are your thoughts and feelings?

"S" stands for Superior MINI
"S" stands for (S)miles more speed
"S" stands for Satisfied totally
"S" stands for Serious power
"S" stands for Simply the best