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MINI as a first car

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MINI as a first car

Postby Ghettosmurf » Fri Aug 05, 2016 8:05 pm

Hi all,

My girlfirend has just passed her theory test and we are looking to get a motor.
Since I moved up to Dublin, almost 3 years ago at this stage, I've been car-less and have enjoyed the odd trip back home where I'd get to use the family car.
So basically, the mini would almost be more for me than for her. (Probably moreso in fact, ill be doing more driving than her, at least until she passes the full test)

My last car was a Mitsubishi FTO so great handling, a bit of power and a nice sounding rumble are not new to me.
I'm also used to the girls/hairdressers car comments :1icon_cool:

We are not too young, so thankfully insurance is affordable, from my quotes with 123.ie it seems a 06 MINI will be around €890 for the pair of us, myself as the main and herself as a named driver.

Now here is the crux of my conundrum.
There is no difference in premium between a regular Cooper and a Cooper S.
I'm aware the S is a Supercharged variant, obviously a bit more power but also a firmer (bone-shaker?) ride.

Question is would a Cooper S be suitable for a first time driver?

Obviously she wont be going out on her own until she is well ready, empty car parks and 12 lessons will be the order of the day. Compared to Galway the traffic system in Dublin is still pretty unfamiliar to me so we will definitely be taking it handy.

At the end of the day I'd probably be happy enough with a standard Cooper or One but I've experienced "the whine" before in a few wagons including a MK1 MR2 and I know myself it would probably give a few more smiles per mile.

Any input appreciated, I'll save the intro post for when we take the plunge and purchase.
Thanks
Ghettosmurf
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Re: MINI as a first car

Postby MiniMpi » Sun Aug 07, 2016 3:30 pm

Welcome to the forum ;)
Having owned supercharged Cooper S before I am biased....but they are fabulous :)
Very much a driver's car but also able to potter about the place too. Miles and miles of fun, great handling and the whine is highly addictive.
Fuel consumption is poor though and is a big consideration perhaps.
Quite reliable, few things that go would be the power steering pumps, the front lower wishbone bushes etc but nothing dreadfully bad.
Wise to give Ger at O'Leary's Garage in Ballincollig, Cork a call to go through whatever particular car you go to see. They are Independent MINI & Mini specialists and know more about them than anyone. They are the place to go for servicing etc.
Contact them on 0868663828
Ferg
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Re: MINI as a first car

Postby Ghettosmurf » Mon Aug 08, 2016 4:27 pm

Hi Ferg,

Thanks for the info. Will definitely give Ger a shout when it comes time to buy (Oct at the latest)
To be completely honest having a car isn't really a necessity for us so a poor MPG figure is something we can live with.
Am I right in saying the S has the getrag 6 spd as standard?

Cheers
Ghettosmurf
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Joined: Wed Aug 03, 2016 10:13 pm


Re: MINI as a first car

Postby MiniMpi » Tue Aug 09, 2016 6:43 am

Yes it does, lovely gearbox.
Glad to help.
Ferg
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Posts: 7238
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 1:00 am
Location: Driving my Volcanic Orange F56 Cooper Petrol


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