My MINI Cooper S Convertible [Archive] - MercuryMarauder.net Forums

View Full Version : My MINI Cooper S Convertible

Donny Carlson

08-01-2005, 07:02 PM

No, not really. But I admire the little car, and have thought about ordering one as a daily driver when the time comes to retire my MM to the show/race circuit. The great thing about the MINI Cooper is how you can order it up customised with a wide selection of options, including performance upgrades, and all are warranteed by the dealer. For example, my "dream" MINI includes the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit (replaces the stock supercharger with a higher performance S/C, high performance head, dual exhausts, tunes the EEC such that it makes 207 bhp), the JCW brake up grade, and JCW 18" wheels, all dealer installed and warranteed under the new car warrantee (5 yr, 50,000 miles).

Anywho, the price of admission with all the goodies MSRP is $42 K, not including the installation charges of the dealer installed stuff (so add another $2,000 at least). Yeesh! That's Mustang Shelby GT 500 territory! Or, I could find a good used MM (like that nice BLUE down the street at Madden) for $20,000, drop in a Trilogy and other mods...... Or just buy Lidios Marauder.

Here's how I spec'd the car, and had I not known better and bags of cash, I probably would buy one of these.

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=400 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=2>http://www.miniusa.com/images/print_MINI_logo.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>My 2005 MINI Cooper S Convertible

http://www.miniusa.com/images/1x1trans.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>Base MSRP*</TD><TD align=right width=140>$24,900</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>Destination & Handling</TD><TD align=right width=140>$550</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3> </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>paint</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Hyper Blue Body Color </TD><TD align=right width=140>$420</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Dark Blue Top </TD><TD align=right width=140>$0</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Body Color Mirrors </TD><TD align=right width=140>STD</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3> </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>package</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Cold Weather Package </TD><TD align=right width=140>$300</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD colSpan=2> Heated Front Seats </TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD colSpan=2> Heated Side Mirrors and Washer Jets </TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Convenience Package </TD><TD align=right width=140>$400</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD colSpan=2> Universal Garage Door Opener </TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD colSpan=2> Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror </TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD colSpan=2> Rain Sensor and Auto Headlamps </TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Premium Package </TD><TD align=right width=140>$1,350</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD colSpan=2> Chrome Line Interior </TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD colSpan=2> Automatic AC </TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD colSpan=2> On-Board Computer </TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD colSpan=2> 3-Spoke w/Cruise and Multifunction </TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD colSpan=2> 8-Spkr. Harman Kardon Sound System </TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD colSpan=2> Center Arm Rest </TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Sport Package </TD><TD align=right width=140>$1,350</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD colSpan=2> Dynamic Stability Control </TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD colSpan=2> Front Fog Lamps </TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD colSpan=2> Xenon Headlamps w/Power Wash </TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD colSpan=2> 17" 5-Spoke Bullets (Performance) </TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD colSpan=2> No Bonnet Stripes </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3> </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>performance</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Sport Suspension </TD><TD align=right width=140>STD</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Limited Slip Differential </TD><TD align=right width=140>$500</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Rear Fog Lamp </TD><TD align=right width=140>$100</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>6-Speed Getrag Manual </TD><TD align=right width=140>STD</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3> </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>cockpit</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Sport Seats </TD><TD align=right width=140>STD</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Leather: Dark Blue </TD><TD align=right width=140>$1,300</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Int. Surface Hyper Blue </TD><TD align=right width=140>$0</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Park Distance Control </TD><TD align=right width=140>STD</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Computer Nav. System </TD><TD align=right width=140>$1,700</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>On-Board Computer </TD><TD align=right width=140>INC</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3> </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>TOTAL MSRP AS CONFIGURED*</TD><TD align=right width=140>$32,870</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3> </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>accessory**</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>JCW Sport Brake Kit (installation not incl.) </TD><TD align=right width=140>$1,065</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Blue Ignition Wires (installation not incl.) </TD><TD align=right width=140>$40</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Illuminated Sills - MINI Cooper S (installation not incl.) </TD><TD align=right width=140>$335</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Security System (installation not incl.) </TD><TD align=right width=140>$499</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Grocery Bag Holder (installation not incl.) </TD><TD align=right width=140>$25</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>JCW 18" Star Spoke Wheels (installation not incl.) </TD><TD align=right width=140>$2,334</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>John Cooper Works Tuning Kit (installation not incl.) </TD><TD align=right width=140>$4,775</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>JCW Air Filter Kit </TD><TD align=right width=140>INC</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>iPod Adapter (installation not incl.) </TD><TD align=right width=140>$149</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Wind Deflector for Convertible (installation not incl.) </TD><TD align=right width=140>$425</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Black Carpet Floor Mats (4) (installation not incl.) </TD><TD align=right width=140>$95</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Black Rubber Floor Mat (boot) (installation not incl.) </TD><TD align=right width=140>$50</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Auxiliary Audio Input (installation not incl.) </TD><TD align=right width=140>$40</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=240>Auxilliary Gauges (installation not incl.) </TD><TD align=right width=140>$250</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3> </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>TOTAL ACCESSORIES **</TD><TD align=right width=140>$10,082</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>TOTAL MSRP AS CONFIGURED*</TD><TD align=right width=140>$32,870</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3> </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>TOTAL COMBINED</TD><TD align=right width=140>$42,952</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3> </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>The Build Your Own MINI experience is in ongoing development and expansion. Actual prices and available options are subject to change and may vary from the Summary listing. Please contact us with any questions. We welcome your comments.

*Total MSRP excludes all taxes, title/documentary fees, registration, tags, MINI preparation charges, MINI Dealer installed options, insurance, certificate of compliance or non-compliance fees, and finance charges. Prices may vary by MINI Dealership.

**All prices are suggested retail prices and are subject to change. Actual prices may vary and depend upon MINI Dealer. Prices do not include installation or painting, if required. Prices exclude taxes and/or shipping and handling charges. Check with your authorized MINI Dealer for complete accuracy of information and availability.

All the illustrations and specifications contained in this web site are based on the latest product information available at the time of posting. MINI, a division of?BMW of North America, LLC. reserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice, in colors, materials, and equipment.

And here's what it would look like:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/medium/my_mini_1_.JPG (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7457&size=big&cat=500&page=1)
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Rider90

08-01-2005, 07:22 PM

I drove one. Very good handling, and no pep, but took a corner on rails.

huot5

08-01-2005, 07:39 PM

You said it..not me...."BLue Marauder" that sounds like a better option. IMO

That mini coop is a maxi coffin :P

dwasson

08-01-2005, 07:56 PM

I love the Mini-Cooper but I have to think that the convertible can't handle with the sedan. Closed cars are almost always easier to drive fast than their open equivalants.

DEFYANT

08-01-2005, 08:03 PM

That car is fine in Europe where all the cars are that size. OK well most are. Anyway, if you get in a wreck your done! Even a small US car is a tank compared to the MINIs.

You have better options to chose from.

Sorry, just my .02.

merc

08-02-2005, 06:03 PM

Yo diamond nuts, unless you have been on the South Beach diet since I last talked to you, then this car is better suited for someone else. I looked very hard at the Mini Copper in the first year, but it was not as comfortable for my size on long highway drives. Around the city, this car could not get out of its own way without the Supercharger. For 42 large, I would purchase the new Shelby GT500. :twocents:

Petrograde

08-02-2005, 06:11 PM

...Yo diamond nuts, unless you have been on the South Beach diet since I last talked to you, then this car is better suited for someone else....

ouch Merc. :rasta:

Bluerauder

08-02-2005, 06:24 PM

No, not really. But I admire the little car ....
I too was quite surprised at the Mini-Cooper S that I saw at the Washington Auto Show back in January 2005. :D It is quite deceptive and roomy on the interior. Even the S.O.B. had no problems. The hydraulic seat height adjuster gives even the tallest people alot of headroom. :up: Would probably be nice for short trips.

That said ... I would also be hesitant to ride on the highway in something that size due to safety issues in any kind of accident. Didn't get to drive one so I can't attest to comfort for anything other than a really short trip. :rolleyes:

dwasson

08-02-2005, 06:30 PM

I was talking to a buddy today about the Mini-Cooper and he reminded me that the Honda SC2000 will outhandle it through anything. And, it doesn't have that "Chick Car" stigma.

MENINBLK

08-02-2005, 06:41 PM

I was talking to a buddy today about the Mini-Cooper and he reminded me that the Honda SC2000 will outhandle it through anything. And, it doesn't have that "Chick Car" stigma.

For 2005, its only an S2000...

No more SC...

Donny Carlson

08-02-2005, 06:57 PM

danbike

08-02-2005, 07:28 PM

For that amount of money, buy a real Cooper S vintage Mini and then use the balance to buy a used, low mileage Marauder. That's called having your cake and getting to the coffee shop in one h**l of a hurry.:beer:

MarauderMarc

08-02-2005, 08:01 PM

I drove both the S and the standard....they both suck. IMHO a civic si could out accelerate an S model. The handling is really the only thing going for it. So unless you plan on cornering and doing figure 8s in the mall parking lot, spend your 42k on something more worth 42k. And if you are going for all those other options, why in the heck would you buy them from the dealer and have them installed by them??? Save yourself a few Gs and buy elsewhere.....42k for something that can fit in my wifes purse......not 4 me....but best of luck to ya whatever choice you make....

dwasson

08-02-2005, 08:22 PM

Ya know guys, there is a lot more to life than drag racing.

MarauderMarc

08-02-2005, 08:25 PM

AAAAAAAUGH!!!!!! He just commited blasphemy!!!!! Burn him at the stake!!!!!!

Ya know guys, there is a lot more to life than drag racing.

....and there is more to 42k than a Mini

MENINBLK

08-02-2005, 08:35 PM

Donny Carlson

08-16-2005, 11:32 AM

I went by Global Imports in Atlanta to get a first hand look at a Cooper S vert. Most important question is whether my big arse can fit behind the wheel, being as I am gravitationally challenged. The Answer - yes, Plenty of room. Screw you Merc!

Anywho, GI is a pretty impressive place (they had about 20 cars in their show room alone), and I got a chance to see different configurations, the actual color I'm interested in, and a John Cooper Works model with performance mods.

Quality of parts and feel of the interior is first class. Not surprising since BMW is the parent company.

Also, starting October 15 you can order JCW upgrades (which boosts the HP to over 200) from the factory. 200 is nothing to a Marauder owner, but consider this is a very small, light car. I'm going to test trive a JCW upgraded S model next time I'm there.

I am some ways off from this purchase, but I am really leaning towards custom ordering one from the factory with at least some JCW upgrades.

I want my 2nd car to be different from the Marauder in some way, be it a pickup, a vert, something. Since it will be my new commuter, I would prefer it have good mileage and not be as vulnerable to parking lot mishaps like a large vehicle is. Granted, the Mini is an expensive sucker, but it comes with a lot of things you normally only get on larger luxury cars (rain sensitive wipers, back up distance sensing, etc, etc,)

StevenJ

08-16-2005, 11:54 AM

dwasson

08-16-2005, 12:01 PM

Don't do it! Why anyone would spend that much money on a fwd ecco box is beyond me! Look at a Z4, S2000, or if you want to spend bigger bucks, a C6 Convertible. Hell, even a Pontiac Solstice would do the job but $42k for a fwd hatch? NO!

This isn't about right and wrong guys. It's just taste and a guy wanting what he wants. While I probably wouldn't buy one, I think that the Mini-Cooper would be a lot of fun.

Donny, go for it! When I meet you take me for a ride.

oldekid

08-16-2005, 12:33 PM

This isn't about right and wrong guys. It's just taste and a guy wanting what he wants. While I probably wouldn't buy one, I think that the Mini-Cooper would be a lot of fun.

Donny, go for it! When I meet you take me for a ride.I agree. I had one before the MM. They are fun to drive. That was the go cart that I missed out on as a kid. Take it out and see what you think. They aren't for everyone, but I know I could never take the Marauder through turns like I did the MINI.

gpfarrell

08-16-2005, 01:09 PM

"If it doesn't have 400hp it must suck".

"If it's not a Marauder it must suck".

"If it's little it can't be safe".

I'm not going to tell you who's right and who's wrong... to each his (or her) own.

But there are plenty of folks on BMW/Porsche/Mini websites that can't understand why anybody thinks a 4200 lb car with an automatic could be fun in anybody's mind. We know they're missing something special... but maybe, just maybe, the might Marauder isn't the only car in the world.

Maybe a Cooper S with the Works package does fly... the one I tried was a scream. Maybe we could all have more fun if we ordered off of different menus once in awhile... imagine the fun those snobbish (sic) BMW drivers would have if they could only imagine themselves in a Mercury!

I'm not sure a $42k Mini would be a great value, but I'm sure it would be fun!

StevenJ

08-16-2005, 03:56 PM

Reaper948

08-16-2005, 06:02 PM

I actually went to the factory of John Cooper Works in England when the Mini S was JUST released, pretty impressive, although those had roll cages as well :)

RCSignals

08-17-2005, 12:30 AM

They are very nice Donny. If you want one go for now.

As a past owner of several 'originals', I must say these new ones are HUGE. I think though that you'd have fit in one of the originals as well though.
I paid about $2K for a new '76 Mini. :lol:

kingsford

08-17-2005, 12:49 AM

A Mini and a Marauder in the same driveway?? Thats like seeing a 1000lb woman with a 100lb man.... :lol: I wanna see pics,,,Which reminds me, A Young'n (younger than me) pulled up to a light next to me last week and started revvin his engine (he had his girl with him) anyways, I was in the outside left and he was on the inside..I figured I can do this..the light turned green and he floored it, so I HAD to.. long story short(er): I fishtailed something fierce but managed to get it straight and stay in front of him the whole time..AND he didn't get any that night

my .02 ---Like you cared :shake:

RCSignals

08-17-2005, 01:37 AM

There's nothing wrong with light and small. I like roadsters. What's wrong is that it is wrong wheel drive and it is $42,000! That's what's wrong! Talk about a rip off! I thought RSX Type S were overpiced but man, that's a new high!

Yes, but if it wasn't wrong wheel drive it just wouldn't be a MINI. They've been that way since 1959

StevenJ

08-17-2005, 01:44 PM

Dr Caleb

08-17-2005, 07:03 PM

With the price of gas right now, I wish we could get these here.

http://www.smart.com/-snm-0144779740-1121782045-0000025918-0000008907-1124330338-enm-is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/WFS/mpc-uk-content-Site/en_UK/-/GBP/SVCPresentationPipeline-Start?Page=issite%3a%2f%2fmpc-uk-Site%2fmpc-uk%2ecom%2fRootFolder%2fsmart% 2fmodelle%2fsmartroadster%2ffa rben%2faussen%2epage

All that are available are the 2 door, and convertable models. But I hear they'll go Edmonton to Calgary and back (Chicago to Detroit) on about $15 of fuel.

I like the Mini Coopers, but for the money, I'd get the Mercedes. :)

Donny Carlson

08-17-2005, 07:15 PM

Oh that's true. I like regular Minis and FWD is fine for something that costs oh $23,000. Though at $42,000, look else where. You post everywhere, don't your RC? I haven't seen you say anything on BON in a long time.
You can get a Mini Cooper S coupe for low $20's if you don't go nuts with options. The one I spec'd was a vert, which is more expensive, and loaded it up with $10,000 in options, plus another $10,000 in John Cooper Works performance mods. Basically, it's a Rally car, race ready, with a full Mfg warrantee.

This is a cool little car, and money no object would be fun to order and own. But in reality, I'll probably buy one of the new Lightnings or Adrenaline's, or a Mustang GT vert loaded up with options.

One thing that has to happen before I would ever buy a Mini would be there being a dealer here in Birmingham. Tom Williams BMW is supposed to be on the list of the next round of Mini dealers, but it hasn't happened yet.

Course, it occurs to me I drive to Atlanta to get my Marauder serviced at Team Ford, so D'Oh!