[No Golf Clubs at all]

I feel motivated to write at this point, please bear with me and humour me....

The Ups
I have had my lovely cr/w cooper now for 6 weeks or so in that time I have clocked up a careful 1210 miles. Despite some terrible traffic jams between Glasgow and Edinburgh these have been the most enjoyable miles in my time (19 years) of driving!

I have toured some of the West Coast of Scotland, been on a Road Trip and actually wanted to take the car out for a drive!! I've been flashed and waved at, I have (or rather the car has) had the attention and admiring glances of young women for the first time in years!

I have added my own BMW CD stacker in the boot (easiest installation on the planet), a fancy Richbrook Mini Tax disc holder, put on some nice shiny chrome vents from mini spares, installed a lovely mini2.com sticker on the rear window, replaced the interior footwells with red lights and invested in some Meguiars shampoo and wax. Brilliant! What a shine!

She has been returning about 35MPG on Optimax during this run in and apart from 1 recurring rattle near the passenger side front pillar and a tiny paint blemish on the silver trim the car is perfect.

I am now looking forward to the 1250 mile point and trying to see how she handles on the red line.

The minor downs
I am still seething about the ASC+T mix up on my order (I know, I really have to let that one go), I am worried about the runflats and their replacement costs. I wish I got an S, but bottled out of the extra costs at the time D'Oh! still that gives me something to work for I suppose! I also wish I didn't take out of the order the Xenons, the MFSW and the Visibility pack, but did so as the bottom line was creeping ever upward.

Conclusion
I love this car, it has put the fun back in driving; a hobby to which I previously lost to shopping trips, nursery runs and going to the hell hole that is my corporate graveyard. The moral if you are contemplating getting a mini cooper at all - buy the car, spec it up and enjoy. Life is no dress rehearsal.
...............Now,.....I just wonder how long I will take before I go to the dealer and get a test drive of an s?

[KenL]

Remember to gradually increase revs after 1250 miles, don't go crazy as soon as you hit 1250

As to the ASC+T, never mind. A lot of Coopers (+ ONES) don't have it. Although the extra switch would be nice you might find it a pain and constantly switch it off as it cramps your style

[No Golf Clubs at all]

I will try to g r a d u a l l y build up speed, but over how long? another 1000 miles? Nope the coop is getting thrashed in 32 miles time

Only kidding!

To be honest the ASC+T is a bit of an issue, but I used to have it coming in on my beemer at the strangest of times, didn't like it when I had it anyway!

[LeeH]

Bit of a pain that with the ASC+T. Still, what are you doing here writing messages when a drive up and down the local dual carriageway will see you pop over the magical 1250!!

Enjoy the car, it just gets better over 4,500!

Lee.

[Weeman82]

No golf clubs,

I picked my amazing MC up on Monday and I too get the annoying rattle from the front/piller/roof. Have you spoke to your dealer.

I called mine and they are replacing the roof lining!

[low_n_loud1]

Quote: Originally Posted by No Golf Clubs at all

I have had my lovely cr/w cooper now for 6 weeks or so in that time I have clocked up a careful 1210 miles.

... ahem...
8 weeks of Ownership = 4600 miles...
Oops....

..and no... I'm not a company rep... maybe just addicted to the best drug of all... MINI!!!

Love this car!
Any excuse to drive it
and it only gets better as it loosens up

Enjoy!!!

[adgrimes]

Low_n_loud1 - Got ya beat mate...
8 weeks of ownership - 5600 miles...
and it is STILL getting better... I must admit, I started running it in a bit harder from 1250 miles, not hammering it, but pushed it often enough...
It is the most fun car I have ever driven and now knowing the size and capabilities of it, just make it even moreso!!!
Works nearly over... Yeey!!! Another chance to drive home!!!

[No Golf Clubs at all]

Weeman82, the rattle I have is not exactly from the roof, it appears to be from where the lower widnscreen meets the top of the dash at the pillar. I would be able to track this down if I ever get in the passenger seat and let someone else drive my car (as if!)

Not been to the dealer yet but reckon I might soon also to see about the small blemish on the silver paint of the dash. It is just a small droplet I think but whether I want them to take my dash apart to replace it is another matter...

update, went into Henry Bros to see what cooper s's they had in. They have about 6 in different colours. I have to say I was embarrased to discuss with the sales guy (Malcolm) what I had in mind. Probably thought, more money than sense some folk!!

On reflection though, I will upgrade to an s eventually, but after a year maybe 2, I would lose about 2k on my £14k just now leaving a balance of £5k for an S. Seems too much for 6 weeks......and it is.

[MarkW19]

NGC: wait until you can open your Cooper up, at 4.5k to 7k. It changes into a different car. Add a cat-back exhaust and an air intake (to further enhance and personalise your car to make it even more individual!), and you'll probably be happy with your Coop. There's really not that much between the two, in the twisties, On the straight, the S is a bit faster. But IMO it's not worth the extra insurance etc., but then again there are loadsa threads about it on here so, everyone's different! But think what your poor MINI feels - you've had it for only a few miles and already you're not content with it???