I've wanted a MINI since I was 15 years old. My Father and I was one of the first people in FL to test drive them...it was quite the experience even from the passengers seat! I've been following the development of the BMW 1series coupe for almost 2years now. I've made up my mind that I must have it. Problem is I'm finishing up college in a year and I'm not all about the price gouging and 9month+ waiting list for the car. I've decided to sell my 2004 Honda S2000 and play around with a MINI for a 1.5-2yrs. Its about time I get this MINI bug out my system. Carmax says they will buy my 04 S2000 for 19,500 and nothing is owed on it. Not too shabby for 4 year old car.

Dont get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE my Honda. I use to be a hater up until I got the car when I turned 19. I pull 8200rpm shifts daily and still average 24mpg on a full tank. It is the most fun car I have ever driven. Anyway, this is my hello to you all and I'll post up when I purchase my MINI early next year!!

-Barry

btw: my s2k comrades have mostly positive things to say about the car...which is shocking b/c its harsh over there. http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=548648

 

Welcome to the boards!

I love the 4th pic in front of the graffiti although I'd be scared to have a honda in a neighbor with such good artists.


You'll love the MINI and also find the wait from ordering to recieving isn't anywhere near 9 months. Probably less than 2 depending on which dealer you goto.

edit:

checked out your thread on the s2k forum. You're right, they admit how nice MINIs are! Many of them own a MINI in addition to thier s2ks also. I wonder if any of them post on this board?

 

The MCS is a great car and is a lot of fun to drive, but it ain't going to be as fast as the S2000. You're not going to be able to do those high rpm shifts either. The MCS has higher torque in the low end range though.

 

The MINI is a very different car, but of course you know that.

I've only driven an S2K once on the track when a fellow tossed me the keys and I had a blast. I'm certain you will have a blast with your new MINI too!

I've found that most car people are all the same and share the same passion even though their toys are different.

 

Your insane.

If i didn't have to drive in Canadian winters with one car i would have AP1 in my drive way. (I see you have a AP2)

Good luck with your MINI.

 

Thanks for the welcome guys!! I'm perfectly aware that it will be different than the s2k. They are two different types of fun.

 

Definitely. I sold my WRX that I had for 6 years to get my MCS and, I hate to say it, but I love it more. The Subaru was good in all situations, but the MCS just has so much more personality (and I don't mean personality like a clunking suspension, haha).

 

onehots2k,

Welcome to the forums man, staying with the S2k or going to the MCS, either way you won't be dissapointed!

One question for you, what wheels are on that Black MINI in your link on the S2k forums?

 

That's Gabe's (of motoringfile fame) MCS. Those are 18" OZ Ultraleggera wheels. Very nice.

 

I am kind of in the same boat. I am selling one of my Vettes so I can get a Mini. I want something fun to drive on a regular basis and driving 2 Corvettes everyday is not very comfortable espcially when you have to go and visit clients all day long.

The one on the left is for sale

 

I too had a S2k. Made the change two months ago and loven every mile.

Yes its different but i dont miss the S2K cause i can take the top off my NSX
on sunny days.

Happy motoring

 

lol clunky tranny, i know very well my brother has a 02 wrx and any minute the tranny could fall out of it.

anyways s2ks are awesome cars, i have driven rear wheel drive cars all my life and my MCS is my first front wheel drive car. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Hope you can find the right Mini for you

 

i think most real car guys, and gals! understand what the MCS is capable of and can see behind its "cute" looks to realize that its truly a drivers car. Obviously the S2K is a very nice ride as well, but the MINI is just another way to satisfy a true drivers heart!

 

Dude!

Sweeeeet S2K!!!!!!!!!!
She's a beauty!

Congrats on entering the MINI madness, though....you will still have a blast!

 

The S2k forum had great things to say about the Mini =)

 

Wow, still shocked at all the great welcomes and surprises. In all honesty I will miss the s2000. I just really need a good buffer car in between me getting a 135i,M1, or whatever. The MINI hits it on all counts for me. It is fun, economical and it can seat more than 2 people. Honda really has been great to me and I'll be back if they ever evolve the damn car!!! You guys are gonna make my transition much easier.

 

If i could deal with the pretty unpractical s2000 on a daily basis I would have gotten one in a heart beat. The mini has the great benefit of being fun and still being relatively practical being my only car. Sure would be tough leaving that s2k behind, but im sure you would have fun in the mini. Just take a test drive and make sure its what you really want.

 

I had a 2000 S2000 and loved it. You are right, it is a totally different type of fun.

 

I think the best way I can summarize it is: You will miss your S2000 (great car, by the way), but you won't have a single regret about buying a MINI. It's an amazing car and you'll have a blast with it. Congratulations on joining our nutty little cult!

Do you have any ideas how you'd like it spec'd? Colors, interiors, JCW stuff or other aftermarket upgrades? If you have any questions on the multitude of options available, don't hesitate to ask here on NAM.

Welcome aboard, and Happy Motoring.

 

I considered an S2k when shopping for a new car. I gave one a good workout in some twisty roads around Monterey. It is a great car, but I thought the MINI was more fun. It is also a bit more comfortable. The suspension on the S2k I drove (I assume it was stock) was quite harsh.

 

I hope your right. The only one I ever drove was the first gen. I'm dying to go and test drive the R56.

I'm trying to keep it as simple as possible. I've priced a Cooper S dozens of times and it gets scary quite fast!

My ideal Cooper S will have:

Sport Package
Premium Package
Xenons

I've been really debating though how much I really need the sunroof. Xenons and Sport is a MUST.

 

I'm guessing you drove the AP1(first-gen). My model is the AP2 and they lowered the redline from 9000 to 8200 and gave it a less harsh suspension.

 

Welcome, onehots2k. Beautiful S2k you got, and the photo of it with the sunset could be an great desktop background.

 

I had the first gen, thus my screenname. You are correct, they did slightly lower the redline in an attempt to increase the low end torque. Also, they softened up the suspension, but I preferred my version. The S2000 is a brilliant car, but for a very hardcore owner. I used it as my daily driver for almost 3 years.

 

Its nice to have a few people on here that did EXACTLY what I'm thinking about. The car mechanically has been flawless. But after 3 years its time to moove on. Its funny b/c most AP1 preferred their version and vice versa...lol