Everyone says the mini is an uncomfortable ride, at least in the S version. But what about with the basic engine; is the ride more comfortable?

 

I don't find the ride in our S uncomfortable at all. I drove 450 miles last Saturday and was very impressed with seating position and the seat contour.

I think what you may be getting to is the tight suspension and the "go cart" handling. On rougher roads, you sure feel it, as intended. I like it.

 

My 2008 Non-S is very comfortable and I find the ride quality, firm, which is how I like a car to ride. I have the leather heated seats and both with my 17 inch non-runflats and my 16 inch runflats, the ride is very nice. Do you feel bumps yes, does it destroy your back, no. I enjoy driving it and would not hesitate to take it for a 500 mile ride. 500 miles with my son sitting behind me and my seat slid forward to make room, no, but without him, yes.

 

The runflat tires make it a rougher ride. If you buy a used Mini, you may want to find one without run flats, or switch tires if you buy a new Mini. Also, do not upgrade the suspension (don't get the JCW suspension or sport suspension options) will also offer a smoother ride.

I had a 2009 base model Cooper with 15" non-runflat tires and it ran very smooth (ride quality.) My S is a little rougher due to RF tires and OEM sport suspension.

I'm pretty sure the engines are the same between the S and base. The S just has a turbo/supercharger (depending on the year) added onto it with supporting parts.

 

On a smooth road it's great! On a bumpy road, well, you know when you hit a pebble. It's a sport hatch though, if you want a smooth ride on uneven roads get a Toyota.

 

This is a very subjective matter. While I agree with all the above replies, they should mean nothing to you. I recommend that you get behind the wheel of one and see for yourself.

 

I don't think anyone purchased a MINI because it rides nice. It's not designed to. As said before drive one and you will see this little car was made for fun, and it sure is that..

 

Mine rides rough for sure but the seat position and interior are great. I'm 6'1 and have no problem. Just dont ask my daughter to ride behind me!

 

The MINI is classified as a 2+2 car right? Meaning you can seat 2 adults and 2 watermelons comfortably.

 

If you want a car that rides "nice", buy a Buick. Sporty handling and a soft ride rarely go hand in hand. Try it for yourself.

 

^^^^2nd that one. +++++1

 

Actually, there are a lot of detail differences between the Justa and S motors. The forced induction (supercharger on 1st-gens, turbo on 2nd-gens) is the biggest one, but a lot of other parts are different as well. If you have a Bentley manual, you can dig through it to see where procedures differ between the two.

 

The ride is smooth. Even though I feel the bumps, I see it as a great tool for avoiding potholes and poor roads

 

The rougher ride can be corrected simply by getting rid of the run flats, even with sport suspension. I love how my S rides with non-run flats. It's still tight a sporty, but you don't feel every bump and expansion joint. In fact I think sport suspension + non-RF's is the perfect set up for this car.

 

Didn't read the thread, but the ride has nothing to do with S or Non-S, and everything to do with suspension, tires, and tire/wheel size. If you have an S with sport suspension, 17" runflats, it's going to ride rough. A justa with 15" non-runflat tires and base suspension is going to be a lot cushier.

I have 16" non-RFT tires, base suspension. It's bumpy on shi*** roads but generally it's alright. It doesn't feel like a buick, but it's not too bad of a ride.