Mini's are autocross beasts....S2000's are autocross and track beasts...feel my drift?

 

My 00 just turned 139,000 miles today and i touch 9k everyday

 

You won't be disappointed if you do flip your MINI for the S2000...I Wasn't

I've owned both a 2003 and 2007 MINI Cooper S. Great cars and lots of fun to drive. However, the S2ki is a different experience. The MCS handles fantastic considering it is FWD, but the S2ki is just better. You will take a small hit on the gas mileage. My 2007 MCS would get between 30-34mpg city and 38-42mpg on the highway. My 2007 S2ki gets 22-26mpg city and 28-33mpg highway. When you add in the drop top experience of the s2ki...Easy Winner.

I'd be more than happy to answer any other questions you have via PM

 

Worth is always highly subjective no matter what the topic. You have to answer your question for yourself. This isn't a question with a one-size-fits-all answer and it should be obvious to you that answers here will tend to be biased.

There's no way I'd take a Mini versus an S. No offense but there's just no comparing the two IMO. YMMV, of course.

If you decide to go with an S and you're really worried about this point then you should be able to find some that qualify for HondaCare (IIRC within 3 years/36K). It will really limit your options but you'll have the warranty if you think you really want it. I have HondaCare but haven't needed it so far.

Again, you need to make your decision based on your needs/wants/criteria/budget/etc. I'd still take an S regardless of the difference in MPG. The experience matters far more to me.

As is frequently stated "It's a Honda".

The only major problems I've had have been top wear (on my third top now) and a leaking clutch slave cylinder. I lost a condenser to a rock on the highway but that's not really a reliability issue and it's preventable with an aftermarket grille. Be prepared for the expense of fluid changes, alignments, and frequent tire replacements. I'm not sure how the Mini compares in those areas.

 

I'd say no. You're not going to get what you think you will for your Mini, mods or no mods. I'd wait until my finances could swing picking up an older S2000 for a weekend toy, and drive the Mini around with its warranty and not have to stress. As intoxicating as the S2000 is, it's a different animal when you have to drive it every single day. Just food for thought.

 

it all depends on how much you like your back seats.

the S is my only car at the moment but i dont really drive all that much.
when i have kids in the next year or so, ill probably be picking up a beater to have around just in case...
i probably wouldnt have bought it if i was gonna be upside down on my trade in.
i say pick up a 00 S2000 in good condition.
you can find them as low as 8 or 9k.
if you finance it, the payment shouldn't be high at all.

if youre single, no kids, and can afford to not have back seats... i say go for it.
S2000 is by far the most fun ive had driving a car.
ive owned plenty of "fun" sports cars and this one wins by a mile.
close second is a FD RX7.

good luck on your decision.

 

Ok the s2000 had a mid cycle engine change and other various upgrades,

I would suggest 2004+, it has multiple significant upgrades over the prior model years, more specifically it has a slightly larger engine with and different gear ratios, yielding more usable torque for daily driving.

It sounds like you are getting a daily driver replacement, I wouldn't hesitate for a moment - sell the cooper S and pick up the real S

This car is truly a legend and will bring you plenty of smiles long term.

To answer some of your questions: highway mileage is anywhere from 27-30mpg, city is anywhere from 20-25mpg, all depends on driving style/mileage/ car etc.

You said you had about 3k worth of mods in the mini, sell those and buy new mods for the s2k

 

i'd definitely do it!
my s2k is my dd and i find it very comfortable (maybe cause i'm kinda short 5'7" 165 lbs) and the farthest i've driven in her was 4 hrs (top down all the way) still fairly comfortable to me. i'd say its a loud car compared to others, especially with the top up, but you'll get used to it. i actually want my car louder now cause i've gotten so use to it, too quiet now and hondas are always reliable as long as you keep up with maintenance. as for gas, it's hard to be "green" and resist hearing her open up, at least it is for me. plus if you don't mind rarely having passengers then go for it! it's also an excuse not to be a taxi driver