Thinking about getting a Cooper S - Thoughts?

[gpibambam]

Well, the title pretty much sums it up only clarification: its for my mom, not me.
Dad is thinking about picking up a Cooper S for the moms for their anniversary this summer... Probably a new, most likely ordered in (we didn't see too many in MT with options we liked at local dealerships.) Basically, something small, sporty but roomy, good mpgs.

-The roominess rules out miatas and... well most 2 seaters. Coupes fine, but 2 seats, not so much.
-Sportiness req. Cooper S over req. Coop...she likes to drive.
-Mini better mpg & smaller than 328... main thing vs. 3 or 1 series though- dad has a 335. She wants something different. Has always liked the styling of the minis (they're "cuter")


So. Two questions for you Mini folks-
A. What should I look out for? There seems to be a lot of plastic inside that could break... any issues with this? Eventual cooling issues... etc.

B. 99% chance it would be bought brand new, but if not- what year should be looked at and why?



Thanks!

[MINIGURU]

Sounds like you should stick with getting a New one, you'll get the 4/50k warranty so you won't have to worry.
Get an S you'll love it. Things I would avoid would be a sunroof, loud and heavy, plus you could have problems later.
Also I don't like the factory NAV, get a Garmin unit it's alot cheaper, and better.

[gpibambam]

Thanks for your input! Esp. re: sunroof. Hadn't heard anything about that, so thanks!

Whats better about the garmin vs. OE nav? Actual directions, functionality, looks, durability?

Any issues or thing to take into consideration w/ clutch, turbo, cooling? I know my dad's e46 & e92 both had cooling issues and the e9x turbo issues. Otherwise, they've been awesome, assuming mini the same quality. Thanks for response!

[SilverBeam]

I think its just standard operating procedure to have to replace BMW cooling parts around 100K I wouldn't worry much about it. The older MINIs had clutch issues, but I think they fixed that. They are good little cars, I think your mom will be quite happy.

[gpibambam]

Sweet feedback. Thx!
what kinda mileage do you guys get per tank roughly? 300?

[SilverBeam]

I got 290 on my last tank with the light on, so yeah, about 300 miles a tank. I get 29mpg combined.

[ksidlosky]

That would be pretty cool, I considered getting a mini once, but the one I was looking at was not an s model.

[EuroPhreak07]

I test drove a new cooper s today and loved it. I test drove a brand new sti also and to be honest the mini was way more fun to drive. I am very tempted to get one now.

[GBimmer]

I got 290 on my last tank with the light on, so yeah, about 300 miles a tank. I get 29mpg combined.

29? Teh wifey's countryman get's 30 combined when she drives it. That said it doesn't have the snail so...