Hello again! Doing more research and asking more questions before I purchase my first MINI.

For a long time, I've had my mind set on the MINI Cooper S. I've test driven a few (2008, 2010, 2011) and enjoy it, of course.

However, I'm starting to think buying a "non-s" would make more sense. I can afford the S, but getting the less expensive model would be easier on my pocket book. Plus, I'm pretty much staying in the same area and my daily commute isn't very long.

Not that the non-s is lesser (all MINI's are wonderful to me), but after wanting that particular model for so long, I almost feel bad.

For people who have owned or at least test driven the non-S and had a chance to compare it to the S model; can you describe the differences? I'll try to get out and test drive the non-s since I've never test driven it before. Can anyone describe handling, specs, etc between the two? Also, how does the sport button drive on the non-s?

 

I have a non-s and the sport button makes it very responsive especially in traffic and for more technical driving.

If it helps, I'll tell you how I decided on a non-S. My thought process involved quite a few factors. First, I wanted a convertible and my budget didn't really allow for both the convertible and the S. Yeah, I could have stretched it a bit or played around with certain options and gotten an S but it just wasn't that important to me and my priority was the convertible.

Second, compared to my previous car, the S was still substantially slower so I didn't see the point in paying more for a performance model that still wouldn't give me the performance of the car I traded for it. My previous car was a saturn sky redline that was making about 300hp and would do 0-60 in under 5 seconds. The S is not even close to that. From the numbers and specs I've seen, the S's performance, at least on a straight line is about the same as some stock honda civics. Didn't make sense to me to pay extra for that.

Third was reliability. If you read through the forums, you'll find that there are a lot more problems reported with the S than the non-S. My last car was very unreliable and I didn't want to go through that again. Now, I'm sure a lot of people with S's will report having no problems but overall the S's do seem to be less reliable and I think the chances of having problems are higher with an S than a non-S.

So, that's why I ended up with a non-S. The price to performance ratio wasn't enough for me to justify stretching my budget and also the potential reliability factor played a role.

That was my thought process at the time and still is. Of course, I reserve the right to change my mind in the future!

::edit:: btw, I never felt like I "settled". The S simply didn't interest me at the moment when I took everything into account.

 

I love my justa, it handles everything I throw at it like a champ.

As far as I know, the stock suspension in the non-S is identical to the S. The only really big difference is the turbocharger.

The only S I've driven was a Countryman ALL4 on a race track and I was pretty disappointed. But I wouldn't say that is a fair comparison at all. I couldn't even tell the difference with the sport button on/off in the Countryman S like I can on my justa... but that could easily be specific to the Countryman.

 

I'd say test drive the "justa" and see if you would miss the extra power the S offers. For myself, I would and the only reason I didn't spring for the JCW is because they didn't have any in my price range. Both cars were fun and very tossable in the twisty roads, but with all the freeway driving I do and dealing with Houston drivers, I really wanted the extra power.

 

When I had a justa loaner last summer I just found I couldn't get mad at anyone on the highway lol. Go to do a quick (angry) pass and end up beside them forever.

So, you need more patience in a justa

I personally regret not getting a stripped down JCW, but everyone has their different wants out of their cars.

And as far as the pocketbook goes... just buy used.... Really pointless to buy new unless you absolutely cannot find those must-have options (and warranty, but that is purchasable)

 

I think you may have answered your own question with the title to your post - "Settling for the Non-S". Freudian slip or not, in your mind the Justa is "Settling". Most people aren't happy for long when they "Settle" for something, no matter how much justification they do in their own mind. Don't get me wrong, the Justa is a wonderful vehicle. Handles just like the S, but just not as much oomph.

As you notice from my signature, I have a Porsche 912. It is identical to the 911 back in the day, except it has a 90 hp 4 cylinder engine from the old tried and true 356 series Porsches, as opposed to the more powerful 120 hp 6 cylinder. They handle the same (912 actually handles better because of less weight in the back end) and look the same, just a little less oomph with the 912. The 912 has developed quit a following over the years. In fact, during 1965-1969 when the 912 was in production, the 912 outsold the 911 by approximately 2:1. I love my 912 and I will have it always. That said, I'd love to have a Porsche 911 some day. That's why when it came to putting a new MINI Cooper in my garage, I decided the "S" was the way to go.

Sorry for the long story about "Old School" Porsches, but the similarities seemed so obvious to me in making my point.

 

 

One more factor to throw into the mix... The non-S will have a spare tire and won't have run-flats.

 

I was Tasked with the same decision less then a year ago. After driving both, i knew i would always be lusting for an S model if i purchased a non s model. Instead of buying a new Mini, i found a clean used 08 MCS at my local Mini Dealer with warranty and service plan left. I beleive i paid a little over $18,000 out the door. I am confident i made the right decision. I have been having a blast driving and modifing my new addiction. It really is the funest vehicle i have ever driven. I find myself just taking her out for a drive with no particular destination. I think you shouldnt settle, there ios a dramatic difference between the two.

Just my $.02 and experience. AXO

 

When my independent-minded wife said she wanted to buy a MINI, I told her she'd probably need a manual S (what I thought I'd want) to keep out of harm's way on the road, so she bought a Justa automatic to prove me wrong. Driving her Justa sent me to the dealer for comparative test drives, and I liked the Justa manual best. I've already got two 300 hp cars, so driving the Justa spiritedly (as the motoring advisor urged me to) was more fun to me than the S, which seemed almost too easy. Your preferences may differ, but I want a SCCA H Stock Justa.

 

As for speed and power my justa is right up there. My husband is always amazed at the quick acceleration and power that no one would suspect from it.
I keep the speed limits but at times have been lured into the temptation and let my MINI strut her stuff. Whenever I've felt the need to over power or out maneuver, it's a very comfortable and easy transition.
Test drove two used S's before I bought my used justa. Mine felt much more agile and quick on the acceleration. Not sure if it was because of tires, wheel size, or exactly what. I just went by the feel of driving the three. I didn't want the added "comforts", didn't need heated seats and liked the less complicated control panel. Each to his own and I'm very happy with my non S.

 

I agree, I, too, have a "Justa" and am very happy now, as I watch gas prices go sky high!! I test drove both and was very pleased with the handling in my Justa, and my Mpg! (almost38)! I do on occasion use that handy sport button!!

 

The differences between the Cooper and Cooper S are very few. Other than model-specific paint colors, a couple minor things that come standard on the MCS (fogs, sport seats, spoiler), and a little more reliability in the Cooper (no HPFP, for one), the only driving difference is straight-line acceleration.

That said, I was happy to trade the extra hp of the MCS for Oxygen Blue paint, slightly better reliability, slightly better gas mileage, and $2500. Plus, I figured I would be less tempted to mod the Cooper's engine.

 

Unless you get 16" wheels on it, then you'll have runflats (and a spare).

We have both an S and a JustaCooper, I've ended up driving the Justa a bit more than the S. It can be more fun, though the S is its own kind of fun. I'd be happy with either.

 

Thanks for your explanations!

I do have a fear that I could regret my choice should I buy a "Justa" and not the S. Which is why I'm curious as to the size of their differences. I've had my heart set on the S, if only for the extra hp and slightly more aggressive look. But maybe my "settling" could turn into a "quite pleased" with more research. I will probably not know until a test drive.

 

I got 15s without runflats. (I didn't even know runflats existed before i got mine.) I have no idea who decides who does and doesnt get the runflats...

 

Amber,

Who gets runflats and who doesnt is very easy. If you get a "S" you get runflats on 16 inch wheels. If you get a non S (Justa) you get regular tires. The only exception is if you get a Justa and choose to upgrade to 16 inch wheels instead of the standard 15 inch wheels. The upgrade to 16 inch wheels includes runflats on the base MINI Cooper.

 

Mine came standard with 16" runflats. Bridgestone Turanza 195/55/16. Wasn't an upgrade.

 

Miami,

Good point. I was referring to hardtops. Convertible comes with 16 inch.

 

Cool. I didn't know that. I mean, I knew mine came with 16" but I didn't know that's because they're standard on cabrios.

 

I really hope you're referring to the Si, otherwise them's fighting words round these parts

Anyway this topic's been beaten to death, and always results in "questionable" opinions prancing around as statements, like the one quoted. OP, do a search and you'll dredge up the worst this forum has to offer. My opinion - not worth even posting this to a forum. Trust yourself and your own gut when it comes to a decision like this.

 

I agree with this. I was only sharing my own reasons for why I got the non-S, not trying to influence anyone.

OP, if you think that there's even the slightest chance that you'll feel like you didn't get exactly what you wanted, get the S. You'll be happier in the long run.

As a matter of fact, I went through something similar when I got my Saturn Sky. The first one I got was the base non-turbo model. I then realized that I had really wanted the turbo one and ended up trading the non-turbo in for a turbo after having owned it for about 3 months. I got a great deal and luckily didn't lose any money on the trade but I wasn't 100% happy until I got the turbo.

With the Mini was different for the reasons I mentioned above but you obviously know yourself better than anyone here so like Drew said, go with your own gut. I'd also recommend test driving both of them before deciding.

 

I figured it was a topic that's been touched (several times over probably), but didn't find anything recent. I welcome opinions and appreciate all who have given them- they help my indecisive mind think about different things. But of course I'd have to go with my gut in the end.

 

I have 3 cars with over 400 hp and 1 with 350 hp. I bought my Non S for the same reasons of lower repair issues. My 2008 has the sport package and with or without the button, the car is super fun to drive. The handling makes every turn enormous fun. If you buy the non-S, you won't regret it. I leave my 400 hp Caddy in the garage and really don't miss it on a daily basis.

 

I bought the non-S, and then thought I might need to trade up because I knew there was something better out there. After test driving a few S models I decided it wasn't worth the extra cash to me. The S seemed quicker in a straight line, but handled the twisties and curvy roads no better.

For me, keeping my Cooper had financial advantages, and also peace of mind knowing that it is less prone to technical difficulties. I have done some modest modifications to it (see signature.) and with less than $1000 invested it feels like a much quicker car, but retains all the advantages of NOT trading up to an S.

My last vehicle was a Honda CBR, which was quick as hell, with a power to weight ratio easily besting the Cooper S. I find driving the **** out of my "Justa" to be just as much fun.

Of course, only you can REALLY decide what you need, so of course, test drive the Cooper and see how it feels. Keep in mind that you can get some modest performance gains with a few aftermarket parts, too.

Good luck!