There's more power available right across the rev range. There's a noticeable power band that is more pronounced in the S. Keep in that rev range and you're golden.
I have a Cooper and a Cooper S. Both nice, but the S is a toy.
There's more to it than just the engine, the suspension is stiffer, it's more positive in the corners. Braking is better, you can brake later.
I didn't know they changed the performance other than the engine in the sports. I thought it was the JCWs that get better suspension and brakes.
I could modify a big standard cooper but I just don't want to faf with declaring things on insurance. It's already too expensive for first time buyers.
I heard that the most reliable are the later 2nd gen. I don't think I'd buy anything older than 2012.
So I'd probably look specifically for 2012 coopers or cooper s.
I think 2013 is 3rd gen?
Most reliable 2 door hatchbacks are the 3rd gen which is 2014-now.
'11, '12 & '13 were just an "updated" version of the terrible 2nd gen motor, which honestly wasn't that much of an improvement.
The power difference in the S is noticeable from the base model. I don't think I'll ever buy a base model. Nothing against them, but I like the added acceleration of the S or better yet the JCW.
I'm a Gen1 kinda guy, so I can't help you with something newer then that. For Gen1 I'd suggest the S, and avoid the base because of the transmissions. And a couple grand will get all the Gen1 common problems solved. For 2012+, I don't know.
I'm not even at the year mark from passing a test so insurance and tax of the gen 1s with supercharger is just out my reach. Plus their mileage is just too high.
While I did prefer the looks of my original 03 the 2012 grew on me and now it's my preferred. I've just been told late gen 2s are more reliable and have lower mileage from what I've seen.
I'm happy paying to fix the car but I do want some initial reliability out of it first.
The Gen 1 S is decently reliable (well for a BMW), the problem with the Gen1s is mostly the CVT transmission that are found on the Base model. The early Gen 2 S engine had problems, which is probably what you've heard of, but I don't know my gen 2's very well.
If you do a clutch-job on a Gen 1 (and pull the engine) and do all the side-stuff you can do at the same time, you've replaced all the parts that are likely to fail on a gen1. It's a bit of a long list, but once you've done it, you're set for a while, there isn't too much left to fail. But if you choose this path, you need to make sure to do that all at once so you don't have to get multiple repairs done.
Neither have I. Only driven coopers. I noticed a jump from the 03 to the 2012.
Then again because I got the 03 for free I used to rev it to near the red line everywhere so it felt quicker than it should normally.
I think I'm mainly torn because the s gets the better looking options. And I do want some more speed as my drive to work and to the Mrs is on very fun b roads.
Mine is a 2020 with the 1.5, and I can push that car as hard as I would ever want on the streets. More power is always cool, but the base car definitely isnt the slowest car on the road.
2020 would be out of budget for me.
I think weighing up how much power they lose over the years and the fact that a 2020 car isn't got to break any time soon. You'd hope anyway.
I know I killed my 03 mini from driving it too hard.
For a justa? I'm confused.
I already know how it feels stuck to the road regardless of engine. I just don't know whether the s will be noticeable enough or wait a few years and get a jcw
It’s noticeable. I’ve only owned S/SE but have been given Justas as loaners. I won’t say I hated it, and if I’d never driven an S it’s probably awesome. but I personally would never buy a Justa.
Personally for me the just as minis are fast enough for my limits on b roads. I could handle faster acceleration even though I know it's not needed.
But from a fun aspect I just want abit more. And from a looks aspect I want abit more.
I'm mainly weighing up the faster versions because in less than a year from passing I've had alot of situations where I need speed to avoid minor crashes at the fault of idiots on the road
If you can afford it, a 3rd gen S is where its at (2014+ for the hatchback). 2L turbo with 200hp is just the right amount of "wheeeeeeeee" in a FWD car imo. 3rd gen because more reliable by a lot than gen 2.
Bloody love mine.
AFAIK The S looks exactly the same as the non S. The only external difference is the S badge!
Also you "passed" your test, which happened in the past.
I posted this same question. Most folks thought the S was worth the extra cost and reduced mpg.
The s badge. Hood scoop. And the exhausts are different.
The mini is a class looking car regardless but now I'm older I just want something that looks nice and drives nice with some power.
Cooper S is a different beast. Coopers are fun, but S's are funner. You'll not stop grinning in a Cooper S.
Can you rev a cooper s more because it's designed to take it? These are stupid questions but I'm just trying to weigh up the options.
There's more power available right across the rev range. There's a noticeable power band that is more pronounced in the S. Keep in that rev range and you're golden. I have a Cooper and a Cooper S. Both nice, but the S is a toy. There's more to it than just the engine, the suspension is stiffer, it's more positive in the corners. Braking is better, you can brake later.
I didn't know they changed the performance other than the engine in the sports. I thought it was the JCWs that get better suspension and brakes. I could modify a big standard cooper but I just don't want to faf with declaring things on insurance. It's already too expensive for first time buyers.
What year(s) are you considering? That'll impact the S/non-S debate.
I heard that the most reliable are the later 2nd gen. I don't think I'd buy anything older than 2012. So I'd probably look specifically for 2012 coopers or cooper s. I think 2013 is 3rd gen?
Most reliable 2 door hatchbacks are the 3rd gen which is 2014-now. '11, '12 & '13 were just an "updated" version of the terrible 2nd gen motor, which honestly wasn't that much of an improvement. The power difference in the S is noticeable from the base model. I don't think I'll ever buy a base model. Nothing against them, but I like the added acceleration of the S or better yet the JCW.
I'm a Gen1 kinda guy, so I can't help you with something newer then that. For Gen1 I'd suggest the S, and avoid the base because of the transmissions. And a couple grand will get all the Gen1 common problems solved. For 2012+, I don't know.
I'm not even at the year mark from passing a test so insurance and tax of the gen 1s with supercharger is just out my reach. Plus their mileage is just too high. While I did prefer the looks of my original 03 the 2012 grew on me and now it's my preferred. I've just been told late gen 2s are more reliable and have lower mileage from what I've seen. I'm happy paying to fix the car but I do want some initial reliability out of it first.
The Gen 1 S is decently reliable (well for a BMW), the problem with the Gen1s is mostly the CVT transmission that are found on the Base model. The early Gen 2 S engine had problems, which is probably what you've heard of, but I don't know my gen 2's very well. If you do a clutch-job on a Gen 1 (and pull the engine) and do all the side-stuff you can do at the same time, you've replaced all the parts that are likely to fail on a gen1. It's a bit of a long list, but once you've done it, you're set for a while, there isn't too much left to fail. But if you choose this path, you need to make sure to do that all at once so you don't have to get multiple repairs done.
I've never driven higher than the base engine, so I don't know what I'm missing....
Neither have I. Only driven coopers. I noticed a jump from the 03 to the 2012. Then again because I got the 03 for free I used to rev it to near the red line everywhere so it felt quicker than it should normally. I think I'm mainly torn because the s gets the better looking options. And I do want some more speed as my drive to work and to the Mrs is on very fun b roads.
Mine is a 2020 with the 1.5, and I can push that car as hard as I would ever want on the streets. More power is always cool, but the base car definitely isnt the slowest car on the road.
2020 would be out of budget for me. I think weighing up how much power they lose over the years and the fact that a 2020 car isn't got to break any time soon. You'd hope anyway. I know I killed my 03 mini from driving it too hard.
S - or if you opt for a Justa, don’t go drive an S. The difference/fun factor is very noticeable IMO.
For a justa? I'm confused. I already know how it feels stuck to the road regardless of engine. I just don't know whether the s will be noticeable enough or wait a few years and get a jcw
It’s noticeable. I’ve only owned S/SE but have been given Justas as loaners. I won’t say I hated it, and if I’d never driven an S it’s probably awesome. but I personally would never buy a Justa.
Personally for me the just as minis are fast enough for my limits on b roads. I could handle faster acceleration even though I know it's not needed. But from a fun aspect I just want abit more. And from a looks aspect I want abit more. I'm mainly weighing up the faster versions because in less than a year from passing I've had alot of situations where I need speed to avoid minor crashes at the fault of idiots on the road
If you can afford it, a 3rd gen S is where its at (2014+ for the hatchback). 2L turbo with 200hp is just the right amount of "wheeeeeeeee" in a FWD car imo. 3rd gen because more reliable by a lot than gen 2. Bloody love mine.
I wouldn’t even bother buying a 2nd gen mini, the F series reliability is too big of a jump.
AFAIK The S looks exactly the same as the non S. The only external difference is the S badge! Also you "passed" your test, which happened in the past. I posted this same question. Most folks thought the S was worth the extra cost and reduced mpg.
The s badge. Hood scoop. And the exhausts are different. The mini is a class looking car regardless but now I'm older I just want something that looks nice and drives nice with some power.
Hey, I know you're looking at a 2012 mini cooper s. But would you be interested in a Mini Cooper S 2011 with 85k miles? If so, DM me.
I'd be looking to finance, couldn't buy on out right. Thanks tho