Just spent the first day driving my, new to me, 2006 Cooper S Convertible; initial impressions. First of all I came from a stock 5 speed PT Cruiser though I have had a 88 MR2 supercharged, a 98 Neon R/T, and a 98 Civic S. I also test drove a 2005 Audi TT. First of all the Mini is very impressive, much more so then the Audi, even though it was the Quattro model. The Audi seemed to have too many compromises. Too hard a ride, not enough space, poor visability, and it felt like the belt line was too high to be comfortable in. It rattled excessively and did not feel as fluid as the Mini. The Honda had a much better ride, more comfortable seats, and a very easy clutch. On the downside it was not near as fast, did not have the riding on rails feel, and seemed to be less tight overall. The Neon was very underated. While it was never that tight and did not have the same steering feel, it was easy to set up the suspension going into curves and had a much better ride and more comfortable seats. I know it was a Neon, and that suggests a much inferior vehichle, though it was at the same time very entertaining and got 36 miles per gallon on the highway! The Mini has brakes that put either car to shame. The MR2 was a delight! Except for the lack of room it ran like stink, and was very comfortable to drive all day. It also had surprisingly amble storage room. Being mid engined it was a joy to toss, and made for some surprising 360 spins in the snow as I drove it for two years in Michigan on all season tires! A wonderful car and at this point my favorite. The Mini is most impressive however. The interior is very classy, the Harmon Kardon stereo is great, the convertible top is very tight, the steering is flat and heavy, the Cool Blue color is majic when the lights get low, the acceleration is just a step below the Toyota. I don't like the seats at this point, maybe I haven't set them right. The blind spots are overrated as far as I'm concerned. It does need another 20 HP and I will put in a pully next year. The sound from the back of the converible is new to me, though it is much quieter up front then the PT and it was not even a convertible! To top it all off I am saying this in early March in Mass and I've only used the convertible for an hour at most! Considering I paid 16900 for a clean car with 26000 miles, a new battery, and four new though junk tires ((thankfully not run flats!) I can't be more pleased. It's a wonderful car and I feel very fortunate to join the many happy Mini owners that love owning a BMW with better MPG! It is surprisingly roomy and although I would not want to ride in the back seats for long, they are functional. Overall I can't wait for summer, or anything over 40 degrees! If your from Mass Mini group, let me know! It's a great car.

 

Welcome to the family!

 

Welcome to NAM
MINIs are fun cars
I know there was a group called North East MINIs don't know if they are still around though.

 

Welcome to the forum cdelp!

 

welcome. glad to have eyou here

 

Welcome to the MINI-Obsession from MAD-Town, WI. It is great news to learn of another 2006 "adoption"; 2006 was a very good year!

 

welcome n congrats