Hi all,

I had the chance to drive my sister's R56 Cooper S almost on a daily basis for ~2 weeks since she was out of town. During that time I was able to put the Mini through all sorts of conditions - highway/city, rough/smooth roads, rain/sun, hot/cold, mountain twisties/pacific coast highway (thanks, LA & San Diego!) - and this little guy just delivers.

To sum it up:
- very competent ride
- surprisingly powerful pull from a low 3k rpm
- great sounds for a factory 1.6L
- "cute" yet very functional interior
- wow! this car can actually fit 4 people
- predictable & direct handling (steering feel is a-m-a-z-i-n-g)
- a "flappy-paddle" that works pretty well
- 36.5mpg on the highway to boot
- don't use OEM tires in the snow!!

I was even able to fit a set for 4 wheels with tires mounted along with my luggage coming back home for winter break!

I absolutely love the Cooper S and think it would make both a wonderful daily driver (S or not) or as a fun/HPDE car. If I were to get one myself, my first mods would be a stiffer rear sway bar, some summer tires, and an exhaust. I think those changes would definitely enhance the driving experience further. What do you guys think?

Laser Blue Metallic is one rockin' color. I gave the Mini a wash & took some shots before handing it back to my sis... hope you guys enjoy. The pictures were taken with a Canon 40D and touched up in Camera Raw only, with the exception of the last two which are HDRI. Happy motoring!

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Very nice pictures and very nice of your sister to let you drive her car!

 

Great write up and nice pics

 

Outstanding, love that last picture. Where was that taken? Nice MINI road.

 

nice....laser blue n black ftw

 

Great looking car and nice shots. Thanks for sharing.

 

Definitely Rockin' Pictures - Nice Job!

 

Fantastic pictures! Where in California were you, the scenery looks amazing!

 

It is so DAMN clean!

 

The snow pictures were taken along Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) near Mt. Wilson, and the rest are on the way up Chantry Flats north of Arcadia. Caught the nice clouds after the rain stopped a few days ago.

Thanks for all the compliments guys! :D

 

A new convert!

Welcome to the cult -- I mean -- family.