I'm very excited to be in the market for my first new car. After test driving and researching like a mad woman, I've (happily) settled on a mini. I'm in NYC and MINI Manhattan is offering Invoice pricing and 1.9% APR on in stock 2009s. Now, the problem is choosing which one!

Most of my driving in within NYC, with the occasional road trip to DC or Boston. I'm planning on keeping the MINI (1) garaged most of the time and (2) until it dies or my lifestyle changes so much I need a larger car (aka kids).

Wondering if the wise owners in the forum have opinions on the following:

(1) (Justa) Cooper vs Cooper S (benefits, reliability, difference in performance)

(2) Convertible vs Hardtop with Sunroof (rear view visibility, staying warm in the winter)

and

(3) Navigation/GPS vs Standard Giant Dial (Is it worth the 2 grand? I will also be using Bluetooth and an iPhone/iPod).

THANK YOU in advance!!! I really appreciate your time and attention to my embarrassment of riches!

 

I think you just need to figure out which one is the most useful for you.

If it was my decision and I am in NYC, I would get the S hardtop, but not with the sport suspension because of the roads.

GPS is your call. You can get a good portable for less than $200.

 

Its mainly a matter of (your) preference. The extra power of the S is fun, I find the JustaCooper is better for long distance cruising, the S has an annoying low growl. The JustaCooper is plenty fast enough for any sane person.

 

I'm one of the insane.

 

i recently went on a mini run,i drove around 3 sss in passing lanes. mine 2008 j a c

 

How practical do you want to be? Convertible is great for those perfect days, but for everyday it's nice being able to throw stuff in the back, so I like the hardtop. I don't even like sunroofs because of the glare.

I've owned an 03 and currently an 05 S, and had an 05 Justa as a loaner for three months. Of course this was the Gen 1, but while the Justa could keep up with quick traffic, often it felt like I had to thrash the car to make it keep up. With the S, there definitely more reserve available. Haven't driven any Gen 2's though so can't comment on those. If your driving style is mellow, the Justa is probably fine. If you frequently wonder why the car in front of you doesn't move over, you probably need an S

Congrats on your soon-to-be Mini ownership!

 

I drove in NYC for 4 years and honestly can't think of any time the extra power of a "S" would have been worth the extra $3500. The base MC is plenty quick enough for the BIG APPLE.

Don't know how much I would like or feel safe with the top down in parts of the city and the severely restricted rear view with it up isn't the best idea for defensive driving. Then you also have the fabric slicers to worry about.

Like was suggested above less expensive nav systems are available and I would explore this before making up my mind.

I don't think many NYC drivers will be able to tell a MC from an MCS in their mirror (should they choose to look, not bloody likely ) so you will just have to drop down to 2nd gear and blow past them.

Good luck with your decision and welcome to becoming a MINIac.

 

In NYC? Justacooper hardtop, absolutely.

 

When my g/f lived in NYC I was there a lot with my MCS. Definitely get 16" tires and skip sport suspension, but you'll have plenty of fun in an MCS on the FDR, West Side Highway, and out of town trips. Heck I usually kept it in Sport Mode for quick passing and lane changes.

In NYC, Hesitation = Death

I have a sunroof, I'd get the Cold Weather package so you can turn your mirrors in and warm your butt in the frigid winters. Get a portable GPS with a beanbag mount so there's no evidence, and pack it in your Secret Compartment (you'll find out about this when you buy the car! sssh)

My baby did get dinged a lot. In NYC I'd recommend the dent insurance, and the tire/wheel insurance they offer. I'd scoff at it elsewhere, but you're gonna want it in NYC.

 

City drving a lot I would get a MC with an auto. But if you want ***** out fun with the insanity of speed get the S. If you get a convertible its top down always even in the winter cause that thing of owning a convertible. But it is your prefrence in what you want.