Going to look @ a Cooper S this week...questions to ask?

[ducky]

I went w/ a friend a couple hours ago (dealership closes @ 8) to go test drive a cooper S @ Westchester MINI. They had a few to choose from, so we get into this car and start tooling around w/ stuff in the car while we wait for the salesman to come back.

Long story short, the salesman forgot about us and left (with the keys in the MINI :devillook). Anyway we're going back on friday to go drive one.

What specific questions should he ask about the car? I've sat in many of them, and I like it. Personally my only gripe is the lack of a real aluminum interior - the plastic brushed aluminum look interior felt kind of cheesy. They said a real aluminum dash wouldn't be available - ever. :az:

Seems like a cool car, and all I hear are good things.

[M3 Mario]

I test drove one for the hell of it (it's amazing how sales people treat you when you pull up in an M3, didn't even have to leave any identification!!!).

Anyway it's a fun car, it's like driving a go cart, very flickeable (if that's a word), it likes high RPM's, make sure you turn off traction control I left it on and I'm sure it could have been more fun with it off. It stops very well, very predictable in handling. I could see myself getting into a lot of trouble with it, it's a fun car.

Good luck and leave the sales person at the dealership.

[daanesh]

just be sure they drive the 16s and 17s before comitting. the ride on the 17s is borderline buckboard, the 16s ride AND handle 'better'.

daanesh
www.carcounsel.com

[Preppy]

I personally have not even touched on of these but would like to...a lot!

You could go PM Bryan (The Beastmaster) and mDeb about the specifics on what to ask for.

Personally I think you should ask things that you are most concerned about because preferences vary from driver to driver.

Good luck on your search.

*Ducky, I love your avatar, that movie is HILARIOUS! :D

[The Beastmaster]

Let's see. MINIQueen is on Roadfly and works at Westchester MINI. I'd look for her.

Questions? How long is the wait? How much over MSRP (they're not supposed to do this)? What dealer options must be purchased? Will I get an 02 or 03 model?

Do drive the 16s and 17s. Personally, I'd take the 16s as the gearing is better and the car is faster. Those runflats ride really rough as the sidewall has to be stiff enough to support the weight of the car w/o air.

Don't know your opinion on a sunroof, but it get VERY hot as the sunroof takes up 80% of the roof area. Xenons are cool, but the stock H1/H4s on my 1979 euro 635 are BRIGHTER. The leather is ok, but just doesn't feel right. The same goes for the leather steering wheel. I'll stick to the cloth if you spec it, or the leatherette.

[Preppy]

Told you Bryan could be helpful ;)