And now I want one! I've been kind of looking around for a replacement for my VW R32 for something a little cheaper monthly, better on fuel, and most importantly with a 6speed manual (i think i hate the DSG tranny). I've always liked Minis since they first came out, but I never got over the quirky interior of the first gen. The new ones aren't as bad, or maybe they just grew on me.

So I stopped by my local Mini dealer and test drove a non-s 6 speed. I didn't think I would like it since it has about 130hp less than my car. But WOW I was impressed. I think it was a bit more fun to drive than my car. It felt light and nimble, steering was SHARP, it handled like a dream, and it was pretty peppy for city driving. The 6 speed was perfect and shifting was smooth. Clutch feel was good as well.

Going back tomorrow to test drive an S (kinda scared to, because I know I will want an S, but I'm trying to keep my payments low) Also I might crunch some numbers tomorrow and see what happens. Not 100% sure yet if I want an S or not. I'm guessing my test drive tomorrow will make my decision a lot more clear

So just thought i'd share that...and introduce myself

 

The same thing happened to me. I bought the Cooper and I can't believe how much fun this car is. I traded my BMW Conv and they wrote me a check. The real pay off is the gas milage. I am averaging 34 mpg. You will love this car.

 

Let us know your verdict....wow! have a lot of admiration for the r32 so cannot believe you're tired of it! Sure you'll prefer the S as I had a straight cooper for about 5 months and then got the S as it was just not "fast enough" but you're right they are peppy little motors for a n/a 1.6! goodluck with the shopping

 

Just don't test drive the JCW

 

You are on a slippery slope, my friend.

 

Welcome to the dark side!

 

Yep, what they said...been there & done that! Once MINI-infected, your perception of other cars will be altered. I find the Kool-Aid goes down better with a straw.

 

I got my first Mini Cooper (an S) a few months ago. Like you I was thinking of cutting costs a bit and not go for the S. That didn't work out and I have no regrets :D

 

I had an 08 Cooper Cabrio with the CVT transmission. wanted to get rid of the CVT so I went to test drive an 09 Cooper Automatic. My son talked me into driving an S as well. Drove the S first and never got around to the "other" option. Bought an 09 S Convertible.

 

I was test driving many brands to find a car that has responsive pickup speeds and fun to drive around. Until I drove the MCS in Storrow Drive in Boston back in October '07, I stopped test driving there and placed the factory order for my 6-spd '07 MCS the next day with driving lamps, sport suspension, etc. Four weeks later, there it was and I have enjoyed driving it since.
Take your MCS to your local autocross events, you will love your MCS more...

 

 

Don't you mean welcome to the cute side?

 

I've got an R32 which was meant to be my car, since the wife wanted to drive the new MINI and she's since taken over since it's DSG and smoother. I love the MINI and find it much more entertaining than the R32. The R32 is honestly a little boring to drive. It's fast, but a bit hefty and with no 6 speed, boring.

I'd go for a stripped down S, just so you don't regret your purchase of a base MINI later. That way you can always get some mods to get more power, which I'm sure you'll end up missing after having had the R.

 

I also got rid of my 08 R32 I had an 04 R32 which was a blast to drive I now have an 06 GP I really do enjoy it this is a 3rd car for me I have a Touareg and an S2000 but I seem to drive it all the time with a constant grin on my face.

 

If you find you want an S, there are some great deals to be had on used models; the second generation model styling you like started with the 2007 model year, so you may find something quite nice coming off lease or for sale by a private party!

enjoy your next test ride!

 

You'll love the S haha

+1 I was gonna post that word for word looks like you got to it before me....

The JCW is addictive, I might have to go to the dealer just to drive one again haha...it's like test driving the MC then test driving the MCS...after that you get in the JCW you'll say holy crap !!!!!!!

 

Had my heart set on a a non S.

Then I test drove an S...

There is no going back my friend.

 

We ALL did! Jump on in, the water's fine.

Still have a Porsche, and some other vehicles, but was coming out of a Ford Escape parts-hauler for business, and wanted something with some cargo room, but more fun factor. No rush, but went on over to Mini. Dealer is a company we do a good bit of business with on some other makes (Porsche, etc), so I had a foot in the door.

Spent an hour with the SA, drove her personal car, took a look around, built a few online, and in less than a week, had a deposit and order in. Five weeks later, had the car in my hands.

Astro has been great. One year as of this past June. Hauls ***, does what I need it to do, blast to drive, still makes me grin, and gets awesome gas mileage. Real kick in the pants (S)....would do it again. Enjoy the ride.

 

So I just got back from the dealer. I test drove the S and you guys were right, there is no way I can bring myself to buy the non-s. I KNOW I would regret it. The S is just so much more fun. I loved it.

Too bad it didn't work out financially. I had too much neg. equity on my car, which I didn't want to roll over onto the mini. I wouldn't really be saving any money. I either have to finish out the rest of my lease (2 years) or try to sell it private party. Either way, Mini Cooper S is my next car! In Laser Blue!

 

I talked about the MINI to my wife for about a year, took one for a test drive 6 months before we actually made the purchase. Then in January after a hike on our local mountain, I just said "lets go see what the 'year-end-special' was all about". 4 days we brought Spike home to the rest of the family

 

Get the S, you will not regret it.

 

Looks like we've got another one. Resistance is futile, you will be assimilated...

Brian

 

Yeah it was so fun driving it, I can't get the feeling out of my head. And on my drive home I saw about 5-7 Minis on the road.. teasing me. It pissed me off

I'm thinking of ordering one, and while my order arrives (I don't know how long those take) try to sell mine private party. I just hate selling cars though. Its such a hassle.

 

I just made the jump last week. I went from a fully modded 06 GTI, stg 2 chip, TBE, lowered, full body kit, CAI to a 09 Cooper S. I loved that car....but the Mini S is a blast. I decided to get an auto w/ paddle shifters, miss the shifting though.

A lot of my decision stemmed from what I would have to do to make my car "CA legal". It just wasn't worth the time or effort. Now on to modding the MIni.....