cooper S

[GallardoOwner]

Thoughts please on if a Cooper S is too powerful for a 17 year old , having not driven any minis is there a big step up from mini one to cooper to the cooper S .

Yes it's a general question as she is a sensible 17 and I really wouldn't expect her to be racing around but just have a little doubt that it may be too powerful ?

[Limpet]

You don't mention which gen of MINI you are looking at, but there is a big step up from the Cooper to the S whichever version. We recently bought an R57 Cooper S after directly comparing it with the standard model, and the performance difference is night and day. The S goes like stink in comparison.

Of course whether it is too much depends on the individual's temperament and experience, but it's hard to imagine a 17 year old being able to safely explore the extra performance of the S, which then begs the question what is the point?

And there will be a big insurance premium difference too.

[Colin RedGriff]

My daughter bought a 2003 Cooper (not S) last year which she loves and the insurance isn't too crippling for her. I think it's a great little car and fun to drive.

[mike9009]

<devils advocate mode on>

if your daughter is sensible and will not 'race' around, why get a Cooper S?

No production car is really too powerful, but a driver may use the power on offer unwisely. I would check out a higher spec Cooper rather than S as a new driver. Still loads of fun to drive, but just a little less risk involved.

This assumes you are not wanting to drive and experience a Cooper S for your own kicks and giggles?



Mike

Ooops

<devils advocate mode off>

[CarsOrBikes]

Maybe better to get her something that can be quick, rather than have her trying to make something go quickly that wasn't really meant to, as most young drivers spend some time doing.

[smn159]

So what did you decide to go for?

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[GallardoOwner]

Decision on the S was made for me as the seller had an opportunity to part ex on his new car, so now looking at mini ones that have been made to look a little nicer !

[eatcustard]

Ad we told you on the Mini2 forum, ttick with a One or Cooper.
Plenty to choose from with various levels of kit in them. (Chilli Pack is best)

[siwil1]

Insurance must be a factor as well.

My 20yr old son was quoted over £4k by Admiral for an S cheapest I found anywhere was £2800.

Needless to say he stuck with his Corsa

[GallardoOwner]

Update to add I picked up a 2009 plate cooper convertible in pepper white, some kind of special colour coded trim model with the thin indicator strips imbedded, guess it was some named special edition of sorts as it definitely looks different to standard convertibles.

Now just have to keep it hidden until January !