On occasion I need to bring my 2006 JCW S R53 into the dealer for service, and they usually give me a BMW 335 or 325 for a loaner (not a car I could love). But earlier this week they gave me a brand new Mini Cooper to use.

So after driving this puppy around for a few days, I realize that if I every have to replace my '06 Cooper its not going to be with a 2nd generation model.

I have owned 3 classic Coopers and while the BMW Cooper suffers from all the needless technology common with today's cars, there is a distinct connection between the driver, the power-train and the road, that was the essence of driving a 1972 Cooper.

The 2nd generation BMW Mini Coopers have none of those characteristics. What a shame. Anything in common with the experience of driving the classic Mini have been completely compromised.

Maybe BMW will be successful selling this, and the owners may never know what they are missing, but what is missed is a great driving experience.

 

Your opinion can probably be applied to all 2nd gen models, but just out of curiosity - did you drive a Cooper, Cooper S, or Clubman?

 

Good dont buy , more for us to pick from when we buy again.

 

So you took the time to post that your cooper is better than mine? Whatever, I enjoy my MINI and you can have yours.

You're right, if compromises were made, I don't know them, but I am extremely happy with my vehicle. I hope you're happy that you were able to get that off your chest, but honestly, it's your opinion. Your opinion carries very little weight with me as it comes across holier than thou

 

It's an opinion, everyone has one. I hear this a lot in particular, though.

However, before making blanket statements like this maybe the OP would be better off test driving an equivalent 2nd gen JCW before completely dismissing an entire generation of vehicles based on driving a loaner for a few days. I hear the new JCWs are pretty darn nice (and fast).

 

Although I have always wanted to, I have yet to drive a classic Cooper, but I'm fairly upset that you compared it to a PT.

 

Wow, you are comparing the second gen to the PT Loser? Let me know what you had to drink, because I would like to have some.

I have not been fortunate to drive a classic or even a first gen, but I think the second gen's handle quite well.

I agree with a previous poster. You need to drive a second gen JCW. Comparing your 1st gen JCW with a second gen Cooper is like someone comparing an E46 M3 with a E90 328i and saying it sucks ****. This isn't even an apple to apples comparison.

 

Having owned three PT Cruisers in my opinion the mini drives nothing like one. The PT Cruiser drives like truck and lacks sophistication and detail that the mini offers. I think there few cars on the road today that can match the mini driving experience what the mini has to offer.

 

Sounds like your next car should be a 1972 Cooper if you're not happy with all that technological devilry. You sound like BMW should be making the same car that was made in the seventies. I for one like progress and look forward to what BMW creates next.

 

Moderators: Please lock or delete this thread. There are enough flame baiting posts like this here.

 

I agree, but I'm not going to lock it yet. This thread will be watched closely over the next couple days.

 

Shame for pissing on our R55-56-57's like that.

I have driven a nice R53 and it does have a tighter connection with the road, but I still bought an R56!

I have driven PT Cruisers as well and see no comparison at all.

OP should be happy that there will always be plenty of R53's available to buy and for an even tighter connection, he can get a nice Classic.
Not only cheaper to buy, but if he buys wisely, he will have appreciation instead of depreciation.

I hope his Dealer gives him a PT Cruiser for a loaner next time.

 

cooper

 

Good point. The PT Cruiser comparison, could be unfair, but relatively speaking the difference between the 1st and 2nd generation, in terms of driving experience, could be similar to the difference between the Classic and BMW's first attempt.

The current model really has lost an important connection with the asphalt.

Cheers.

ps- funny comment about the loaner. Maybe they'll just make me hoof-it!

 

Did they give you an automatic? Because that's one sure-fire way to suck you out of the driving experience, as good as the base MC auto is. It's still fun, just not as involving as an MCS or a stick would be. Or, if they gave you a Clubman, you're getting a car that feels pretty different (read: larger) in general road maneuvers (I've got a loaner Clubman for about a week, and I'm not particularly pleased with it either). It's not a bad driving car, it just feels way different from the MC.

But yeah, JCW to JustACooper autobox is a pretty big gap - even if you had an R50 JAC auto, you'd probably have the same complaints about driver involvement, I think.

 

Another good comment. Yes a base MC/Standard. Actually, you comment about the Clubman is good. That bloated sense was part of the negative feeling in the driving the car. I just seems b-i-g-g-e-r.

My wife likes to drive it. That is also a concern.

 

at the vitreol that is heaped on those with a negative opinion about our dear MINIs that gets posted here. The car isn't perfect, that's for sure. But with the replies to the OP, you'd think he had just shot thier dog!

Viva la difference!

Matt

 

You may be right. And I believe the PT Cruiser is a truck?

 

I've driven a Turbo PT cruiser and thought it was fun to drive, that must explain why I love my Mini !!

 

I also have an R53 and on more then a few occassion I have had a New loaner from the dealer. With out a doubt there is a difference, my R53 rattles and makes all sorts of other sounds most would not like. The newer models seem more refined then mine, and yet if I had to do it all over again i would go with what I have. It really comes down to what you like.
I worked in a Porsche dealer for 10 years and owned a Porsche for 17 years, alot of the older guys hated the newer cars and would not take them to events, all they could talk about was the old 914s and how nothing could touch them on the track or autocross, again I think it is the same thing here, its all about what you like and for me what compromises I am willing to put up such as the rattles and other things in the car that are quirky. So my R53 is perfect for me, but when I had the loaners, some S and some Non S my 19 and 16 year old daughters as well as my 12 year old son like the newer car Model much better.

 

+1

Lets remember this OP, there are people who like the PT snoozer & they might be offended by your comparison with the R56.

***Back on topic***

Those who don't love the R56. Yikes, yes some folks don't.

 

sig

 

Nice sig FTW...

 

Looking back, I think it would have been better to post my comments to the 1st Generation Forum. My thoughts were directed at anyone who may have followed Frank Stephenson. I guess I should thank BMW for my car, but I don't see why they whimped-out for the lowest common denominator.

BTW while my wife likes the 2009 cooper almost as much as her Honda Odyssey (you can see my concerns here?), but my 6 and 9 y/o children refuse to ride in it. My daughter, the youngest, says its ugly. And she is the authority on what's ugly and beautiful. Just ask Cinderella's step-mother. Just opinions.

My apology to all here who love their new Minis.

Have fun.

 

This lack of connection to the road in 2nd Gen, compared to 1st Gen, has been stated a number of times before. I haven't had the benefit of driving a 1st Gen, but I've heard enough people say it, that I suspect there is something to it.

I'm wondering if it all has to do with what Alta calls "a very gooey like rubber compound" in the lower control arm bushings.
It would be interesting to know if their PRS would give a 2nd Gen MINI a feel similar to the 1st Gen?