I just traded my 02' chili red w/ union jack mini cooper for a 03' dark silver w/black roof and sunroof Mini cooper S. I dont know if this was such a good idea. For one thing im 16 and this is my first (actually second) car. The Red MC w/15 inch wheels was a base model that ran for 16,900 then i updgrade 8 thousand to 23,015 for a MCS with premium package and leather seat w/ 16 inch wheels. i like the sunroof and the sport-leather seats but the clutch releases offely quick and i think the 6 speed is too much. I want to keep this car for quit some time but i thnk the turbo charger will eventually wear out and mess up the engine and i want to try to keep this car for quite sometime. The 16s are a much rufferer ride and the 17 i couldnt stand. I dont know if i made the right descion in "wasting" my money (well my parents money) in getting the S. I would like to hear some pros and cons on the matter. ALL I KNOW IS IM GOING TO PUSH FOR A MINI CONVERTIBLE WHEN THEY COME OUT.

DARK SILVER/BLACK MCS W/ PREMIUM-LEATHER

 

You are one lucky soul to have parents so generous.

Considering how long you seem to keep a vehicle, I would not worry about the supercharger wearing out before you can get your paws on a convertible!

 

I'll second Yucca's comments. Enjoy your newest MINI. :smile:

 

yes.. i get u there.. but do u think a mini cooper S is "better" than just a plan jane cooper

 

jnlech,

I'll third Yucca's comments!

I have been dreaming of an MCS ever since I first saw pics in the mags. But for me it remains a dream for now since I have a job which could vanish at any time, my wife is pregnant with our first child, I have no garage to keep a MINI in, etc., etc....

Give your parents a great big THANK YOU! and enjoy your new MINI!

Oh, and if you really can't stand the S, drop the keys and signed title in the mail to me; I'll come take it off your hands!

Cheers,

James

 

>>yes.. i get u there.. but do u think a mini cooper S is "better" than just a plan jane cooper

You'll want to take a look at this thread first: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ic=5613&42

 

Dude, if you're 16 years old and your parents buy you a brand spankin' new car every 6 months whether you need it or not, you really don't have much to be worried about. Go for a drive, get some of that tension out.

 

I would just say each many has its advantages and disadvantages. You already traded the Cooper for the Cooper S, with more equipment and the sunroof, so having more goodies on your car is always better.

I personally wouldn´t give my kid the S (especially a 16 year old) because it would be too much temptation to be speeding around. The regular cooper has a good engine, peppy enough to get you through and yet fun to drive.

I´d only recommend you to be careful with your driving, you don´t want to be hurt (or hurt a Mini)

 

Better?? All depends on what you are after. The Cooper is better for my SO, The S will be better for me. Do yourself a favor, Park the S have your overly generous parents buy you an old 3 on the tree pick up. Go out and learn to drive for a yaer, (and make some cash of your own with the pickup). Then think about driving the S everytime you give your parents a report card with straight A's. Good luck and be careful
RAT

 

>>Better?? All depends on what you are after. The Cooper is better for my SO, The S will be better for me. Do yourself a favor, Park the S have your overly generous parents buy you an old 3 on the tree pick up. Go out and learn to drive for a yaer, (and make some cash of your own with the pickup). Then think about driving the S everytime you give your parents a report card with straight A's. Good luck and be careful
>>RAT

well said :smile:
better then my obnoxious comment (which i'll keep to myself)
btw: i paid for every car i ever owned by working

 

I to paid for every car I ever owned, with cash I earned and was not given. It was a learning experience. Earning things will make you appreciate them more.

nuff said

 

>>I just traded my 02' chili red w/ union jack mini cooper for a 03' dark silver w/black roof and sunroof Mini cooper S. I dont know if this was such a good idea. For one thing im 16 and this is my first (actually second) car. The Red MC w/15 inch wheels was a base model that ran for 16,900 then i updgrade 8 thousand to 23,015 for a MCS with premium package and leather seat w/ 16 inch wheels. i like the sunroof and the sport-leather seats but the clutch releases offely quick and i think the 6 speed is too much. I want to keep this car for quit some time but i thnk the turbo charger will eventually wear out and mess up the engine and i want to try to keep this car for quite sometime. The 16s are a much rufferer ride and the 17 i couldnt stand. I dont know if i made the right descion in "wasting" my money (well my parents money) in getting the S. I would like to hear some pros and cons on the matter. ALL I KNOW IS IM GOING TO PUSH FOR A MINI CONVERTIBLE WHEN THEY COME OUT.
>>
>>DARK SILVER/BLACK MCS W/ PREMIUM-LEATHER

>> Can your parents adopt me, you would like an older brother wouldn't you? Come on, I know you do.

 

>>I to paid for every car I ever owned, with cash I earned and was not given. It was a learning experience. Earning things will make you appreciate them more.

and also helps you respect other peoples stuff, as well

_________________

 

This must be a hoax.
Nobody can be this lucky.
It is like asking if you would be better off dating a model with or without breast implants.
When you are 16!
Buzz

 

I must admit my "crap detector" went off when I first read this...perhaps jnlech could tell us why HE decided to trade in his MC and where did this transaction take place...

 

If you think the clutch is a rough deal on the Cooper S, AH HAHAHAHAHAHAAHA!!!!!

Try driving any over-horsepowered muscle car with a Racing clutch (Viper, Mustang, Corvette, Camaro.....) You will then understand that the clutch in the MCS is about as easy as using a light-switch-dimmer, ROFLMAO!

btw, SUPERCHARGER!, not a yukkie turbo (turblow)
---------------------------------------------------------
ok i'm being too dramatic, calming down
---------------------------------------------------------
what made you decide so brashly the S over the Cooper, only to be unsure of your decision later? all the apprehensions you mentioned are exactly why many people choose the MCS over the MC, the better-shifting 6-speed, more power, sport suspension+, sport seats, and 16" X-lite's all standard equipment. The Cooper S is meant for a different sort of driver than the Cooper, perhaps you got caught into the "more is better" stereotype; I suggest better consumer discipline in the future!

Cheers,
Ryan

 

It's the runflats that are making the ride more harsh, not so much the wheel size (though a little of that, too). Buy some standard tires, a pump, and a patch kit.

The getrag is a different gearbox, so it feels different. Just remember not to run the engine too low, like below 3000rpm, just becasue you have six gears. you don't NEED to use all six, all the time. Engine speed is more important that what gear you are in. Remember that.


Be safe.

 

Don't think the change in cars only cost your parents the difference in the sticker price. That $16,000 MC did not trade in a year later for $16,000!!! They lost money there and then tacked on the additional $8,000. Trading cars each year is a habit most people can't afford and the ones who can afford it, won't do it because of the loss they take on the trade in.

 

yeah i guess ur right... im happy with my descion now.. oh yeah ur right they lost about a thousand dollars on the trade and had to pay tax/title so it came up to a be a 8k difference from 16K but if it makes u happy go for it. And dont worry im a good driver.. i learned how to drive im my dads old collecter 1969 porshce 911 S on the ranch.. I would never dream of driving a truck for i hate trucks and am not a redneck. Ive already gotten use to the clutch. And i didnt get caught in the "More is Better" scenerio. so dont try to stereotype me into some spoiled kid with rich parents. My father may be wealthy but ive earned this car with my grades etc etc etc. That is all. MOTOR ON!!!!!

 

>>yeah i guess ur right... im happy with my descion now.. oh yeah ur right they lost about a thousand dollars on the trade and had to pay tax/title so it came up to a be a 8k difference from 16K but if it makes u happy go for it. And dont worry im a good driver.. i learned how to drive im my dads old collecter 1969 porshce 911 S on the ranch.. I would never dream of driving a truck for i hate trucks and am not a redneck. Ive already gotten use to the clutch. And i didnt get caught in the "More is Better" scenerio. so dont try to stereotype me into some spoiled kid with rich parents. My father may be wealthy but ive earned this car with my grades etc etc etc. That is all. MOTOR ON!!!!!

Did you get good grades in math & algebra? How did you do in English?

 

algebra there buddy.. and if u must know.. right now im horrible in algebra 2 but i got a A in english, world history, and biology ( all honors classes btw).. so yeah i feel special lol MOTOR ON

 

algebra is math there buddy***

 

First let me say that if you're getting an A in english, your teachers should read you posts. Driving a truck does not make you a redneck. Actually, learning on a car that handles poorly (such as a truck) can improve your driving. I'm sure you think you're a good driver, emphasis on think. I drove around on a ranch before I got my license but that certainly didn't make me a good driver. (Of course I didn't have a Porsche to learn on) Becoming a good driver requires experience.

I find it really amusing that you found the clutch on the S difficult, it's actually one of the most forgiving and smooth clutches I've ever driven. The close ratio gearing requires a little more shifting than I'm used to but I like it. I have the 17" tires and I like the feel though since they are runflats they are a little hard (and heavy). When it's time to get new wheels I'll definately get lighter 17's.

Overall it's a personal preference. The S is more performance oriented, the Cooper is more of an econo car. Personally I think a 16 year old should learn to drive well on a Cooper and then after a few years, if they want, upgrade to a MINI Cooper S. Just wait until your first accident and then remind yourself that you're a good driver. I'm sure it will happen when the road is wet, snowy or icy. Of course it's not your fault the car slid on the leaves when you were doing 50mph through the corner and it swapped ends...

For all those that think this wouldn't happen, go visit Lower Merrion in PA. (Right next to Philadelphia) Stuff like this happen all the time. In fact one parent complained to a Porsche dealer for letting him buy his daugter a car that was too powerful for her. (she wrecked it soon after she got it)

Have fun with your MCS and don't worry, if the supercharger breaks just go cry to daddy, I'm sure he'll pay to have it fixed for you. However, if you wreck it he might get pissed and make you drive his Porsche until you can get up enough money to get a new car.
-Chris

 

ha ha ha im sure u find urself quite amusing.. cant we all just get along??? Becoming very skepitcal of "MOTORING ON"

 

Wow, some of you guys are pretty brutal! Give the kid a break. We know nothing about his personal situation...

In any case, its very difficult to recommend s or non-s without knowing what you're looking to get out of the relationship...

In my case, the cooper was not even a consideration.

Being that it already sounds like a done deal, I wouldnt worry about it too much. Either one is a damn cool car to have at your age!