I think the S is quite difficult to form an opinion based on a short test drive. Compared to your 250bhp Mini it will feel slow and you'll notice the lack of torque. The back end will be quite lively compared to your mini and the VTEC roar is too far up the rev range for you to appreciate it early on.

It takes time to appreciate this car - I'm not sure you'll get it from a test drive.

Good luck

 

Exactly, it was only after I picked mine up that I really started to realise what I had bought.

And now the weather is getting better I keep getting more and more impressed with it

 

I bought mine without ever driving it. I'd decided after a passenger ride in one (Burnie's) that I would buy one in the future.
When I decided I could afford it (got a company car) I couldn't even test drive the one I bought as I wasn't insured having already sold my last car - so I had to rely on my boyfriend test driving it.
I'm in Warrington so if you ever want a reasonably long run out in one let me know. Just need to sort the bonnet catch first

 

I took mine for test drive came back handed over the money nuff said.

 

Dates in post above

7th May for a quick overnighter, then probs not till Autumn...

 

I did a few test drives before I bought one... 07 plate, 04 plate and my 2000 w plate... to me my one felt the most... fun?

I would be AMAZED if you could tell this from the passenger seat though... get a test drive sorted

 

Interesting, I came from a very similar background with the well modified Cooper S, 250bhp, coilovers etc.

I am just up the road from Preston so will take you out no problem, my car is far from standard though if that matters.

Rick

 

Same here. Had decided that even without driving it would be mine, oh yes, it would be mine