2003 Mini Cooper S: First-quarter update

[NFS4]

I'll take my "S" in silver with a white top

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=longtermtests&loc_code=index&content_code=08675215

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

I want the base model please. Also, anyone know the difference between the MINI One (that they get in Eruope) and the normal MINI? Apparently they both use hte same motor.

 

If the closest dealer wasn't 48 miles away (which would make the included scheduled maintenance a pain in the butt) I'd be trying REALLY hard right now to get one.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN
I want the base model please. Also, anyone know the difference between the MINI One (that they get in Eruope) and the normal MINI? Apparently they both use hte same motor.

The mini one's that I saw over there were completely stripped down models. No chrome. No bling bling wheels. No two tone color schemes. Just black or silver stripped down economy.

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

Originally posted by: vi_edit

Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN
I want the base model please. Also, anyone know the difference between the MINI One (that they get in Eruope) and the normal MINI? Apparently they both use hte same motor.

The mini one's that I saw over there were completely stripped down models. No chrome. No bling bling wheels. No two tone color schemes. Just black or silver stripped down economy.

mmm..that would be perfect...atleast it retains the same dynamics as the rest of hte MINIs. I wish we got it over here for $13k CDN.

 

[gizbug]

This car is so overpriced its not even funny.
I would consider buying it if it was 5000 dollars cheaper.

Maybe thats why you hardly see any on the roads in Detroit (The Motor City)....people realize this car is way overpriced for what you get.

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

Originally posted by: gizbug
This car is so overpriced its not even funny.
I would consider buying it if it was 5000 dollars cheaper.

Maybe thats why you hardly see any on the roads in Detroit (The Motor City)....people realize this car is way overpriced for what you get.

true...which is why i want the MINI One.

 

[abaez]

I want one but yes they are expensive

 

[Fritzo]

Ehh....I don't think $20000 for an enthusiast car is all that expensive. The 350z convertible and the BMW Z3 I'm looking at sticker around $30000. Still looking to get rid of my '02 WRX (long story there).

 

[iamwiz82]

i find it funny that people would be slamming domestics if the shifter buzzed or the ashtray lid broke, but it is fine here.

 

[nan0bug]

I like them, but I'm 6'4". I can't see myself fitting in one of them.

 

[Pepsi90919]

i don't trust a website that uses a word like 'enamored'.

 

[Fritzo]

Originally posted by: nan0bug
I like them, but I'm 6'4". I can't see myself fitting in one of them.

So am I. I test drove one the first week they came out and they've got a suprising amount of headroom. It was nearly as roomy as my Jeep Cherokee (well...headroom wise). Legroom was sufficient, but the backseats won't fit anyone over 6 years old.

 

[Nyical]

I think there sweet little cars, good to run around town with, but for long road trips it would get kinda cramp.




Not only do you have motor oil for blood and piss tranny fluid, I bet you shiet Bridgestones also

 

[DivideBYZero]

Works S, Works S!!!!!

C'mon NSF4, buy one, you know you want to.

 

[SoylentGreen]

Woo hoo! The glorified go Kart!

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: Kiyup
Woo hoo! The glorified go Kart!

Have you driven one?

 

[Salvador]

When I was out test driving a E46 M3, I went across the street to the Mini building (Mini was on the same auto campus) to test drive the Cooper S for the hell of it. I drove this thing right after the M3 and was not disappointed at all! This car is a blast! I think it's worth every bit the asking price and if I were in the market for a car in this price range, this is what I'd have.

Concerning passenger space.. I'll tell you a funny story. When I first got in the Cooper S, I put the seat back all the way because I'm 6'1". I then realized that I couldn't reach the pedals. This car had more room in it than the BMW M3. Very surprising.

Also.. Everyone seems to talk about the stiff ride. I didn't find it stiff at all. I thought that the 350Z track model was stiff as h*ll, but I don't hear anyone complaining about it. I wonder if these reviewers think for themeselves sometimes or just lift notes from other reviewers.

Sal

 

[chin311]

nice cars for sure...

but id never pay what they are asking for em :\

 

[B00ne]

Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN
I want the base model please. Also, anyone know the difference between the MINI One (that they get in Eruope) and the normal MINI? Apparently they both use hte same motor.

Models: Mini One : 85 hp I think

Mini Cooper: 115 hp

Mini Cooper S: 163 hp

Mini One D : Diesel I gues around 85 HP too

 

[SupaDupaCheez]

I test drove a Mini base model last week and was very surprised at the power for only 115hp. Then I took out a Mini S and WOW! This thing was taking S-curves posted as 35mph at over 70mph with absolutely NO PROBLEM (....read no real lean). The six speed shifter is very nice (although can be a little vague when downshifting but nothing too bad). It definitely feels a lot more powerful than 163hp. I don't think the extra 4500.00 for the 'Works' package is really worth it though. This car is absolutely fun to drive and quick to boot. It may not win any races but it is definitely fun.

SDC

PS: Make mine Indi Blue with white roof/stripes....or maybe Chili Red with black roof/stripes....or Liquid Yellow with black roof/stripes...or......damn....to many cool combos.....my head hurts!

 

[BoberFett]

I'm looking for a reliable source, but hearsay tells me that these things are a reliability nightmare.

 

[thomsbrain]

Originally posted by: nan0bug
I like them, but I'm 6'4". I can't see myself fitting in one of them.

We've got a family friend who's 6'4" and built. He went to a car show this year and the Mini was the ONLY car he could fit comforatably in. He could barely believe it.

 

[thebestMAX]

Even I would like one but no way am I giving up the LS1.

Drove an S and what a great grocery getter. All around fun car.

Yellow for me.

 

[amnesiac]

I really want one but I can't / won't drive stick (2 hr commute in LA on the 405 every week). Is the base engine still pretty peppy?