So there are a whole LOT of base Mini Coopers turning up on the local C-list these days. While I do love the whine of the supercharged models, the base model provides more simplicity and what seems to be a good bang for the buck.
What's the GRM consensus, base model livable, or lame?
Supposedly, the 5-speed transmissions on the early ones are made of glass. I had 70+K miles on my and beat on it pretty good with no issues.
Other than that, it was still a blast to drive.
-Rob
Didn't seem to be all that down on power from the couple rentals we had while the S was in the shop. CVT is juuuuunk though. I'd take a glass 5 speed over that POS any day.
Thinking of a base MC myself, but I'd get at least a 2004 0r 2005, as the 2002 and 2003 cars seem to be problematic..YMMV...
It's honestly a slow car. After having driven an '05 S on some sweet roads and then driven a regular '06 MINI after that, there is no way I would be satisfied with a regular MINI.
Also think of the depreciation. The S is the better model, and will be much easier to sell because of that. 20 years from now, you know you will have owned a MINI S, not just a regular MINI.
But, that's just me.
