I am seriously considering trading in my months old hardtop S for a Highgate. I adore this color combo and I am very unhappy about no garage door opener.

So, could I kindly get opinions on S vs Justa? I kinda like the ventless hood. But I am going to loose a lot of money on this trade so I really cant afford to get something I wont keep for 10 years.

 

Everyone is going to tell you to go with the S. You'll miss the power, blah, blah, blah.

I am now on my 3rd MINI. I had an '06 Checkmate, a '10 R56, and now a '12 Countryman that I bought 3 weeks ago. They have all been non-S models, and I have been extremely happy. Sure, in a straight line, the turbo is great, but in day to day driving, a Justa is fine. It feels sufficiently quick, and the handling is the same for both cars, turbocharged or not.

My other $.02 is that almost all of the reliability issues (high pressure fuel pump, Countryman clutch issue, etc.) have been with the S models. My Justas have been rock solid reliable. On my '06, the thermostat failed and was covered under warranty. Otherwise, there's nothing else to report.

 

Losing "a lot" of money on a trade for a car with less power (or even for the S.) that you'll be stuck with for a decade sounds like madness to me.

 

@dannyhavock, Thanks for the critic on my personal shopping habits. LOL But, getting stuck with a drop dead gorgeous color combo isn't exactly hard to stomach.

@asktheteach, I think I will go with the Justa. I was trying to be avoid saying something about reliability. I know it sometimes takes things off track. But it was in the back of my mind. I spoke with a new MA today (mine transfered over to their Audi dealership) and think I will send him the options list.

 

I have had an "S" and now a cooper. Don't miss the S at all. Less to worry about and still quick enough for every situation.
Love the Highgate colors too.