Paul wrx and I test drove the Mini S this past weekend at Princeton BMW. It was a cool little car although I can't stand the front drive handling characteristics. Too much torque steer. Paul said he could feel a little movement in the rear-end as we were pushing the car during the test drive. The interior seemed to be a little cheap (plastic panels) but driving position and seat were very good. The field of view from the inside of the Mini is great especially when compared to the S2000 (with the top up). The engine and transmission were what I expected. The engine seemed to have adequate power and the transmission was smooth. Over all I would say I would be happy to own one and may just do so for a daily driver. But I would make a few changes. First the tennis ball size shift knob has got to go, I do not believe the throw could be shortened much due only to the length of the stick and the driving position. I can also see a need for a larger inter-cooler. The stock cooler sits directly on top of the engine (intake manifold). Paul and myself did NOT like the throttle feel (we were told it was "Drive by Wire" design) the only response you get is from a light weight spring this make heat/toe hard for me. We only took a very short test drive so I can't be sure how the car handles after it has been beaten for 20 miles. Perhaps the dealership would allow us to take one out on a Squirrel Nutz run for a real test drive. .

-Reese-

 

Yeah, both the "cue ball" shift knob and somewhat lazy throttle response (as compared to the S2K) take some getting used to

 

I liked it too. But I wouldn't think of it as a sports car. I think I would rather have a real austin cooper. I might even consider getting one for the woman. It was actually pretty roomy inside which was surprizing but I couldn't stand how the throttle needs a few seconds to "catch up" this makes a heel toe combo almost impossible or not worth doing since the benefits are lost in the time it takes to rev match. The supercharger could do with a pound or two of more boost but that could just be me being used to a turbo. I know people bitch about turbo lag but there is nothing like coming out of it, to people used to driving n/a cars. The cooper s didn't show much lag but definitely picks up in the higher rpm's. Scott even pulled it up to the redline with the salesman in the front seat.
For a car under 20k it might well be the best bang for the buck in that price range. I was also surprized to hear that the dealer in West Windsor wasn't charging above sticker so if you want a bare bones cooper s he said it would be $19850.
On a side note the salesman said he has a Bmw M coupe and might try and join us on a squirrel run.

 

Cool!!! We got another unique car for the Squirrel Nutz...!! Can he drive?

 

Geez, I sure hope so

 

We should encourage him to bring an M roadster to the 30th meet. Give us all a good spanking...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Type R 01-0468
[B]We should encourage him to bring an M roadster to the 30th meet.

 

There's always someone trying to start trouble isn't there.

 

yeah! Thats right.

oh, did you hear what he said about your old lady. Damn.