So after 32 agonizing months, the lease on my Saturn will be up soon. My husband and I are desperate to get a Mini (don't know what type- the Cooper or Cooper S). But, frankly, we don't know where to start- has anyone had a particularly good experience with a specific dealer? We're in Chicago, but would be willing to drive up to WI to pick one up.

Any information would be appreciated :smile:
Thanks!

 

>>So after 32 agonizing months, the lease on my Saturn will be up soon. My husband and I are desperate to get a Mini (don't know what type- the Cooper or Cooper S). But, frankly, we don't know where to start- has anyone had a particularly good experience with a specific dealer? We're in Chicago, but would be willing to drive up to WI to pick one up.
>>
>>Any information would be appreciated :smile:
>>Thanks!

I highly recommend talking with David at Knauz MINI in Lake Bluff [847-604-5000]. Tell them Gabe sent you :smile:

 

Welcome to MCO, I can't help you on where to get your MINI, since I live in CO, but I own a red MCS, and I love the car. I had a corvette before I got my MINI, and I think the MINI is ten more times fun to drive. If you want some extra speed, I would say go with the "S", but both cars are great and no matter which one you pick, I'm sure you will love it good luck, and happy Motoring.

 

>>So after 32 agonizing months, the lease on my Saturn will be up soon. My husband and I are desperate to get a Mini (don't know what type- the Cooper or Cooper S). But, frankly, we don't know where to start- has anyone had a particularly good experience with a specific dealer? We're in Chicago, but would be willing to drive up to WI to pick one up.
>>
>>Any information would be appreciated :smile:
>>Thanks!

Forgot to mention if you're interested in following the Chicago MINI scene check out my site: Bridger.us/MINI as all the events our posted there. We've actually got a club formation meeting this saturday that you'd be welcome to attend.

In terms of the Cooper and Cooper S question your better off test driving both and determining from there. I've driven both extensively and there really is no one right answer. The Cooper is just as quick as the S in town (maybe even a little quicker in 1st and 2nd gear) and below 35mph but the S is no doubt the faster of the two when get into the 3500 rpm range and above.

 

I'm a Wisconsin MINI owner, and shopped both Wisconsin and Illinois dealers when I bought my MINI. I agree with Gabe, test drive both the MINI and the S, at any dealer your close to. But definetly buy your MINI at Knauz. I did. There is a difference in dealers, not so much in price, but in knowledge and service. After you get your wonderful MINI, please consider joining us for drives and social events in the Chicago area. More MINIs equal more fun. The coordinating web site for the Chicago area MINIs is shown in Gabe's post above. If nothing else you can come to the organisational meeting on saturday and talk to other owners, to get insite into why you may prefer to own a MINI or an S.
Motor On!

 

patrick mini in schaumburg has treated me very well.
it's too bad there isn't a mini dealer in the city though, eh!

 

Thanks to all for the feedback! We're city folk- we live downtown (can you get any better than a MINI when it comes to urban parking?) and it seems like a perfect fit for us. From what we've read, we're leaning toward the Cooper. It's just a pricing concern since my husband wants to go back to Grad School and that costs money :smile:

Thanks for the feedback on Knauz. We'll take a drive out there and prowl around the lot.

And once we bring our MINI home of COURSE we'll be participating in the Chicago area mini events. Duh!