I owned a 2008 S that I really liked, but I sold it because it was had a manual transmission and my new boyfriend couldn't drive a stick; I tried a couple different cars but there's nothing like a mini cooper, so I'm thinking about returning to the fold, but possibly with some changes:
Getting an automatic (so he can drive it)
Getting a regular, not an S.
Getting a four door (which didn't exist when I bought my 2008 car).

So I wanted to get feedback from current owners about these things. I don't particularly love driving a stick shift car, so I don't think getting the automatic will be an issue for me. But I'm wondering if I will be disappointed with a car that's not an S. The reason I'm thinking about that isn't just cost: it's because I didn't really love the run flats, and I'm thinking it would be a nicer ride with regular tires and a spare. The reason I'm interested in a four door is to make the back seat useable; I never felt like there was enough room to climb into the back with the two door. I think the four door has a slightly different size and I'm also wondering if, since the doors are smaller, if it is less comfortable to get in and out of the front seat.

I know taking a test drive will help me evaluate these concerns, and I'm thinking about doing that, but I thought I would check here with experienced mini owners.

Also, along a different topic: although the miniusa web site does not say you can custom order a mini (to get the exact configuration desired), I'm guessing that is still a possibility. Is that true? If yes, what is the typical time from ordering to delivery?

Thanks for your help!

 

Dump the boyfriend (or tell him to learn how to drive a stick) and get a 2011 or later S with a stick. You don't need a 4 door until/unless you have kids. You can change out the runflats for non-runflat tires plus a plug kit and compressor. In 60K miles with non-run flats I have had to use the plug kit and compressor once, it was quicker and easier than changing to a spare. Get a AAA roadside assistance plan if you're really worried.

If you're ordering new - you should be able to go to the dealer and order exactly what you want. I had to wait about 4 weeks from order to delivery, I was lucky and got the timing just right so my car left the factory and went on the ship without any waiting. Might be as long as 6 weeks, the dealer should be able to give you a better estimate.

 

The four door MINI F55 non S has RF tires in the USA. Overall the car rides pretty smoothly with the RF's. I wouldn't stress on that. If you don't like to shift, stick with the auto which works very well in the F series cars.

Big people will not like getting into the back seats even with the 4 doors. If someone is not huge than shouldn't have a problem with the smaller doors. I have no issues getting into front or back seats in this car.

I really like both cars and the power of the S is nice, but I could easily be happy with the Justa MINI (non S).