MINI Cooper S Alternatives, I Need Something Different!
Discussion
So I've owned 7 MINIs now. Everytime I try something new I end up back with MINI, nothing seems to thrill quite like a MINI. The handling is just so much fun, and so easy to access!
I absolutely love it. Currently have a 2006 R52 Cooper S Convertible (Modified and so much fun) and an R56 Cooper SD, still great fun, but necessary for my long commute.
I guess it seems strange to change, but there are so many cars out there and I want to try something new.
Looking for a single car to replace both. Needs to be fun! Properly smile inducing, and 35mpg+ when needed to make my commute affordable.
I test drove an Abarth 595 Competezione today, what a dissapointment. The pedals are far to close together, and offset, and I felt I was sat in a van the seat was that high! Not for me, shame as I love the styling.
Other alternatives... Mazda MX5, Abarth 124, Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ... Any other recommendations?
I can see myself ending up with another MINI...
I absolutely love it. Currently have a 2006 R52 Cooper S Convertible (Modified and so much fun) and an R56 Cooper SD, still great fun, but necessary for my long commute.
I guess it seems strange to change, but there are so many cars out there and I want to try something new.
Looking for a single car to replace both. Needs to be fun! Properly smile inducing, and 35mpg+ when needed to make my commute affordable.
I test drove an Abarth 595 Competezione today, what a dissapointment. The pedals are far to close together, and offset, and I felt I was sat in a van the seat was that high! Not for me, shame as I love the styling.
Other alternatives... Mazda MX5, Abarth 124, Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ... Any other recommendations?
I can see myself ending up with another MINI...
I've had 4 MINIs and just bought a GT86.
I miss the scream of the R53 engine, but the GT86 has a great character all on its own. The pedals are perfectly positioned (as they are in the MINI), the driving position is excellent (ditto), and all the control weights feel really natural (ditto).
I will have another R53 one day, but I wouldn't go back to one for daily use after the GT86.
I miss the scream of the R53 engine, but the GT86 has a great character all on its own. The pedals are perfectly positioned (as they are in the MINI), the driving position is excellent (ditto), and all the control weights feel really natural (ditto).
I will have another R53 one day, but I wouldn't go back to one for daily use after the GT86.
TXG399 said:
I assume that the Abarth you drove was in Turismo spec?
If you'd be up for giving it another try, see if you can seek out any in Competitizione spec. This version has proper bucket seats that are mounted far lower and completely eliminates the bar-stool style driving position from the Turismo seats. The improved driving position completely changes the experience with the car.
Or just get an F56 Cooper S 210!
Think you are getting the wrong end of the stick. The fixed Sabelt seats are even higher than standard seats, with no option to lower them. If you'd be up for giving it another try, see if you can seek out any in Competitizione spec. This version has proper bucket seats that are mounted far lower and completely eliminates the bar-stool style driving position from the Turismo seats. The improved driving position completely changes the experience with the car.
Or just get an F56 Cooper S 210!
First of all, I know what you mean - they get under your skin!
I had a Cooper Clubman for four years, and more recently a Cooper S Coupe for three.
Rather than just go Mini, to Mini, to another Mini, I've tried to go for something completely different in between. No point looking at other FWD hatches.
After my Clubman, I had a diesel barge - Skoda Superb CR170 - then a MK3 MX5 (wasn't fun unless being driven hard), then the Cooper S.
I've driven my Mum's Mk1 MX5, and more recently her Mk4 - it's "only" the 1.5 but it's a delightful thing, really fun at quite sane speeds.
After my Cooper S I went to an M140. The only other contender was the GT86, but I do big miles and wanted an Auto.
I don't doubt it will be an F56 JCW next, it's almost a foregone conclusion.
(I looked at the Abarth 500 also, I really like them, but the driving position, and the array of warning lights on the demo I drove, put me off).
So, go barge, or RWD, then have another Mini, would be my advice.
I had a Cooper Clubman for four years, and more recently a Cooper S Coupe for three.
Rather than just go Mini, to Mini, to another Mini, I've tried to go for something completely different in between. No point looking at other FWD hatches.
After my Clubman, I had a diesel barge - Skoda Superb CR170 - then a MK3 MX5 (wasn't fun unless being driven hard), then the Cooper S.
I've driven my Mum's Mk1 MX5, and more recently her Mk4 - it's "only" the 1.5 but it's a delightful thing, really fun at quite sane speeds.
After my Cooper S I went to an M140. The only other contender was the GT86, but I do big miles and wanted an Auto.
I don't doubt it will be an F56 JCW next, it's almost a foregone conclusion.
(I looked at the Abarth 500 also, I really like them, but the driving position, and the array of warning lights on the demo I drove, put me off).
So, go barge, or RWD, then have another Mini, would be my advice.
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