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I own a 2008 MINI Cooper S
Posted by Ray L (more from Ray L) on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:10:11
In Reply to: MINI Cooper S ... anyone ?, STICKMAN, Thu, 13 Oct 2011 06:36:14
In addition to my 2003 Saab 9-5 Aero sport combi with a 5 speed manual, I own a 2008 MINI Cooper with a 6 speed manual. First, the car is addictive to drive. I love the handling and balance. It is surprisingly roomy inside. My Dad is a big man and he has no trouble getting in and being comfortable. My wife and I took a vacation to New England from Virginia last fall for a week and had no trouble hauling luggage to include returning with lots of maple syrup in the appropriate containers (they were mostly presents). The handling is astounding, with the advantage of being able to turn off traction control and ABS for those times when you are inclined. The ride is firm. Like most owners, the ride and handling improved when I replaced the run flats with standard performance tires, and then purchased a space saver spare from one of the many MINI aftermarket companies since it did not come with a spare. The brakes are easy to modulate and have astounding grip. It is a blast to autocross. As for economy, I get around 32 MPG on my commute, and 36 to 38 MPG highway. The turbo has very little lag, and I have no trouble dictating where I want to merge or pass. The 9-5 will accelerate faster at 45 plus MPH, but around town I would give the MINI the advantage. The interior is attractive and good quality (I have the ebony black trim which looks better than the standard plastic silver) and it is improved over the pre-2007 models. I had a water pump and timing chain guide replaced under warranty, but the good part is they stay fixed and the dealer support was excellent. MINIs come with a gazillion airbags, and even though they bend in an accident, the occupants walk away. Thankfully, I have not experienced that part of ownership. Aftermarket support is excellent and I use the forums at North American Motoring for finding good info about these cars. Like this forum, you find some who DIY and others who find a good mechanic. MINI owners truly love their cars! That characteristic reminds me a lot of Saab owners!

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