R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 So who's going to get one????

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Old Mar 22, 2002 | 02:53 PM
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I'm still trying to decide. I really want one but It just looks so small.
I had been looking at the WRX wagon for the space.... But the Mini is a classic.
I wonder if I could fit Two big dogs in the back????? hmmmm.....

Well I just have to go take a test drive....
SW
 
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Old Mar 22, 2002 | 04:32 PM
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They definitely look small but I want to check one out. I've always liked small cars so given it has enough rooms to get my kids in the back (on the rare occasion I can't use my wife's car) I'm hoping pick up a S model sometime this Summer. . :smile:
 
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Old Mar 22, 2002 | 05:00 PM
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Good luck..... I just called a dealer today. They told me the S won't be out until june.....?....... oh well..... beyond that there is a 4 month wait.
That's if you put down your 1k now and sit around and wait.
I forgot to ask about price gauging. I'm going to an Atlanta dealer next weekend, So I'll be able to fill you in after that.
They have an S and base on the lot as demo's so I'll take a spin and post my reactions.
SW

 
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Old Mar 22, 2002 | 05:10 PM
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This may not be true for all dealerships but my local dealer has confirmed that they will have 2 S models arriving within the next 5 days along with 6 COOPER models. I'm looking forward to seeing one in person.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2002 | 05:17 PM
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Correction. I just received an alert from our local dealer (Ralph Schomp MINI - Denver) that they received 10 cars today (9 COOPERs and 1 S). They are taking one to the Denver Auto Show this weekend and are taking appointments for test drives. Guess I need to make a call....

I'll see if I can schedule a test drive early next week and post my impressions (and a few pictures) to the site.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2002 | 06:01 PM
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Sounds like one demo per dealer. Let me know if you find out different.
I'm looking forward to that review. I'll post some remarks after my test drive.

By the way.... nice site..... yours? If so looks good. We just need to get some people in here. I'll see if I can drag in some.
SW
 
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Old Mar 23, 2002 | 03:29 PM
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Just came back from my local dealer. They had one S and five Coopers. The place was packed with people waiting to test drive the S. Sounds like the S isn't going to be available till June. I love the car and I can't wait to get my hands on one. I'm coming back for a test drive next week.

Biomech
 
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Old Mar 23, 2002 | 06:30 PM
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I went and testdrove the Mini today in Boston. There was a huge lineup and I had to wait almost an hour just to get a testdrive in. Unfortunately they never had a Cooper S available so I had to settle for the regular one. I was surprised that there was a lot more room inside than I had originally anticipated. I sat comfortably in the back while usually I HATE sitting in a two-door. I don't know if I am really impressed with the car however. It has grown to be almost the same size as a VW Golf. THere were a few older models in the dealership and those were the true minis (which is REALLY SMALL). My husband despised the car (before and after the visit, he's more a power and luxury before everything kinda guy)...so I probably will not end up getting one unless I really beg! :smile: I'd prefer buying a used 323 instead and get a old MGB in British racing green as a fun car. Plus there's no way in hell I'd wait 6-9 months for a Cooper S. INstant gratification is more my thing!
 
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Old Mar 24, 2002 | 09:55 AM
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>> I sat comfortably in the back while usually I HATE sitting in a two-door.

I was able to see both the MINI COOPER and COOPER S at the dealership here in Denver. One of things that surprised me was the absence of any measurable leg room behind the rear seat. While I'm not concerned about driving with adults in the back seat I am concerned about when I put my daughters in the back in their car seats. Will they will have foot room between the back of the front seats and their car seats? (this would be well above where an adult would put their seats)

After seeing the car in person I am still very excited about it (regardless of rear foot room) will likely buy one. I'll be posting pictures and my impressions of the car in the next couple of days.

Mark
minicooperonline.com admin
 
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Old Mar 24, 2002 | 01:42 PM
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>>>> I sat comfortably in the back while usually I HATE sitting in a two-door.
>>
>>I was able to see both the MINI COOPER and COOPER S at the dealership here in Denver. One of things that surprised me was the absence of any measurable leg room behind the rear seat. While I'm not concerned about driving with adults in the back seat I am concerned about when I put my daughters in the back in their car seats. Will they will have foot room between the back of the front seats and their car seats? (this would be well above where an adult would put their seats)
>>
>>After seeing the car in person I am still very excited about it (regardless of rear foot room) will likely buy one. I'll be posting pictures and my impressions of the car in the next couple of days.
>>
>>Mark
>>minicooperonline.com admin
Iput a grand down on on ein Boston yesterday. They had two demos, but i didn't even wait for a test drive. I'll do that next weekend.
 
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Old Mar 24, 2002 | 01:48 PM
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The Mini is a tight, gorgeous sports car with an interior full oergonmic and engineering marvels. The dual sunroof is a stroke of genius and the centered speedometer really pushes the envelope. I own a VW bug and the mini is another step in the retro-future styling school. I ordered a min yesterday, racing green with the premium and sports package. SHould I go for the high end Harmon Kardon sound system? Or is it overkill. Cheers
 
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Old Mar 24, 2002 | 04:42 PM
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I'm sure the HK system is good but I wouldn't do it myself. If your into audio you can find much better sound in aftermarket than what they will offer. Plus the stock system is made by HK. The expensive upgrade only gives you a little more. Just my opinion though.
SW
 
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Old Mar 25, 2002 | 02:12 PM
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Hench,

For $550 (not $300), the upgrade is well worth it. A real system with say Boston Pro speakers, Eclipse head unit and amps are going to run at least a grand depending on the pieces for the system. Unless you are a true audiophile, the HK system is fine. I found it better than the standard but a but to bass heavy for my taste. What can you expect from the stock systems?

Dave
 
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Old Mar 25, 2002 | 04:04 PM
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The upgrade is 550.00. It includes 8 speakers and a slight upgrade in the head unit. To me that slight upgrade wouldn't be worth the extra 550. Of course I'd just rather they left out the radio and let me handle it. Just my opinion.
SW
 
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Old Mar 5, 2004 | 06:28 PM
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I'm in

 
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Old Mar 5, 2004 | 07:27 PM
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Damn this is an old thread!
 
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Old Mar 5, 2004 | 07:30 PM
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From: Just around the corner from the Dragon :~)
Me thinks the Bo-socks fan is digging up some oldies but goodies :smile:
 
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Old Mar 5, 2004 | 07:39 PM
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tattman23
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WoW @ the date of origination... It's NAM "nostalgia" to be sure
(and here i thought someone hauled out this old (one of the very first?) threads to soothe my troubled (by recent discussion of the coming changes with the 2005's) soul. shhh i need to preserve my illusions~~

beer is good,
Tatt
 
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Old Mar 6, 2004 | 05:39 AM
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>>I'm in
>>
I think I'll get a light green one. With a black roof.
 
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Old Mar 6, 2004 | 06:12 AM
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>>The upgrade is 550.00. It includes 8 speakers and a slight upgrade in the head unit. To me that slight upgrade wouldn't be worth the extra 550. Of course I'd just rather they left out the radio and let me handle it. Just my opinion.
>>SW

My sound system upgrade is to turn off the stock radio, open the windows and listen to the speakers under the boot. The volume control is the first pedal on the right.
:smile:
 
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Old Mar 6, 2004 | 06:16 AM
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Max,
Don't forget the high frequency background from under the hood; supercharger=tweeter!

 
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Old Mar 6, 2004 | 09:34 AM
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I've never seen an Anonymous Unregistered User before.
 
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Old Mar 6, 2004 | 10:24 AM
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What ever happened to Sfiveten? He was listed as a moderator until fairly recently, if I remember correctly.
 
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