I like the Mini Cooper S. I thought about one for awhile, but in the end, decided they didn't have enough power for me, and were too "cute" in a Beetle way.

Give me a Cooper S with 225 hp or so in black or that dark blue color, though, and I might think about it again

I haven't ordered a Z yet, but am real close to doing so.

(Oh yeah, I went into a dealership to sit in one to see if I fit. The saleswoman sitting behind the desk hit a key fob as I walked up as she stared into the lot. I assumed she was unlocking it for me, but I soon realized she'd just locked it. Apparently, it was sold, but that was kind of a rude way to show me that. Could have just said something. I just walked out.)

 

I was on a list to get a Mini Cooper S, 17" rims, Rally Lights, Leather Interior, Sun Roof, the whole 9 Yards. Then I realised that it would cost be around $24K to get the model I wanted (didn't want it without those options) and I'm like Damn for an extra $4.5K I can get a Z.... WTF AM I THINKING??? And I bought a Z. Now if I had the cash I would still buy the Mini, but between the two there is NO comparison.

 

It's no comparison on the price here in Canada. The Cooper S is $42K and the 350Z Touring is $44K. Why would anyone get the Cooper S? Well to each his own, and they have.

 

Anyone here know how the aftermarket mods are coming along for the Cooper S? Since it's supercharged, I'm guessing that *someone* has to have come out with a boost increase kit. MannishBoy mentioned above that he wouldn't mind a 225hp Cooper S. I'm betting that's possible with some boost increase and other related appropriate mods.

 

If IKEA built cars....they would be Coopers. The car and dealership have this whole Cute, Modern, Trendy theme going on. The interior seemed cool at first, but after 15 min I realized how overdone it was. It would get old quickly. I drove the non supercharged package with a softer suspension. It had a lot of body roll. I can tell they tuned the suspension to be a fun car to drive. From what I've read, cars that feel fun to the average driver actually have lower performance. All the leaning, and tire scitching drama give a false sense of speed and handling. All in all, the car felt sort of cheap. The Z (from my test drive) felt like twice the value compared to the Cooper. You're better off going with the Z heritage vs. the Starbucks trendy, low scale BMW Cooper look-a-like.

 

what? the cooper s is $30k?? where have you been shopping?

 

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All it would take to up the boost is a smaller pulley. I think there are some people coming out with exhausts and reprogrammed computers, but I haven't seen anything that immediate ups the horsepower significantly. I'd say 200 hp wouldn't be that hard (up from 163 I think)

I'd just like to see 0-60s in the high fives or low 6s, then they'd be a lot of fun

 

The cooper is an overpriced jukebox. I drove the supercharged S or whatever and it was slow! It was also very bouncy on the road and felt likea go-kart, but not especially nice in the corners.. I would never buy that car.. I couldnt even fit in it widthwise and I'm not much larger than average. I was really unimpressed with that car...

 

Isn't the Mini wrong-wheel-drive?

 

LMAO!!!! I've never heard that expression before, but I'm gonna have to borrow it from now on!

As for the Mini Coopers, they're cute--looks like something a girl who's not into cars would like. I haven't driven one, but from what I've heard, they handle like crap. I'd definitely go with the Z--overall package is way better!

 

It's just me, but I still see the mini as the car Mr. Bean drives...

I hear the handling is nice, though. The waiting lists around here are 9 months long, too.

 

9 month waits for a Mini? Wow! There's a dealer just down the street from my office here and they've probably got a 100 of them on the lot at any given time.

 

Yeah, for a while I wanted the Mini Cooper over the Z, but after the Z's specs were released and a few began to arrive in the U.S., I knew I wanted a Z. Now that I've gotten the chance to see the Z in person, I'd pick it over the Mini Cooper anytime. But, I still wouldn't mind having one as a second car.

 

Yes, it IS the Mr. Bean car. Use it to change clothes in as you drive to work or wherever. I like them and would enjoy having one as a third car. I think it's more like a toy fun car. FWIW...

 

I consider the Cooper to be a "gimic" car. It's cool at first because there is nothing like it. After the newness wears off, its just another car. I consider the PT Cruiser to be in the same category.

IMO the 350Z will have more staying power. Similar to the Z32 and the Supra. When i see these cars i still have to turn my head, even though the've been on the road 10 years.

 

I used to think the PT was "sooo cool" but now it just annoys me somehow.

On the other hand... the Z32 still has that head-turning ability. With the looks of the new Z and its heritage I believe that it, also, will be turning heads for quite sometime.

The Mini is pretty kewl (though I dont understand a SC on a 4 cylinder exactly) but it's still gotta be Z all the way :-)

 

I looked at the cooper too.. not to buy it... but just to look at it,

It looks like a cute little toy.. like you could just pick it up and put it in your pocket

heh,, some of these icons are really fun..

 

My friend has a Cooper S... very nice interior and roomier than it looks. The exhaust sounds awesome. But it is heavy for a car so small... slighty slower than a Golf 1.8T. They might prove good for autoX, but that still has yet to be seen. In the end, it is a cult car for middle aged people... that seems to be the age group buying these things... or a chick car.... no thanks!!!