QUIKAG

It seems like a neat car with great fun-to-drive characteristics similar to the S2000. So, has anyone owned one? The new turbocharged motor seems like an improvement over the old supercharged engine. Has anyone read about how easy it is to mod this new turbo motor?

I spec'd one out on www.miniusa.com (very fun website) and mine came out to just under $29k MSRP. Obviously, I'm not going to buy one, but I think they're neat cars.

Comments?

Onehots2k

Honestly, they are really fun cars. Too bad the packaging is not cheap. Mine came out to about 27-28k!!! The one I personally drove was an 02 automatic but ithad the sunroof and it was so much fun. I can easily put in in the top 4 of fun cars I've ever driven.

Slows2k

The misses had a 06 Cooper S convertible.

The biggest issue for us is that servicing it is a 100 mile drive to the nearest dealer. With maintenance included in the purchase price, it's not that convenient.

Otherwise it's fun to drive, and the SC'd car is has enough zip to get you moving in traffic. The regular Coopers are SLOW. Interior quality is very nice , the brakes dust badly just like a BMW.

Mark_is300

I had both generations of Mini Cooper S. They were great cars to drive, but unfortunately my 2nd gen MCS had some problems right off the dealer's lot.
The 2nd gen MCS is probably the best FWD car I drove (I liked it better than the new Audi TT 2.0T). The steering, brakes and ride quality were improved from the 1st gen. The new turbocharged engine is refined and has nice torque from 1600rpm. As far as modifications, there aren't many parts available now except some bolt-ons which give good power gain.

ladius

We have an '06 Cooper (non-S version) and I tell you the handling is great! I wish we had S version tho. it's a great daily driver, good on gas, great for parking in tight spaces, etc.

Compared to the s2000 however, the handling doesn't compare of course.

don't know much about modding, but you can check out the mini forums at north american motoring and others.

QUIKAG

Care to elaborate on the problems you had with your 2nd gen?

Mark_is300

The day I drove the car home, I noticed grinding noise from the front end of the car when decelerating at low speed. I thought it was normal with the LSD equipped car. Couple days later, the noise got louder, and I could hear it at any speed. I had to take it back to the dealer 3 times, until they replaced the transmission. I also had problems with general built quality of that particular car (trim falling-off, uneven panels gaps).

CKit

Rented one in Arizona. Was honestly so much fun that we thought long and hard about adding one to the stable.

Mr.E.G.

i love the fact that the new mini copper weighs less than the old one. its rare to see a manufacturer make a car weigh less these days.

hyun83

I posted awhile back trying to find information on them for my sister. Long story short, I got her a British Racing Green with the sidewalk package. Fun car and great interior, no issues so far. Here are some pictures below (Was a simple point and shoot, sorry for the horrible quality).