• Summary

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Probably a bit of a retro freak !

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    Love it, except if travelling in the back seat!

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes, have driven no other cars in this class with the same style and driver satisfaction.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Lmost certainly the 2014 Cooper S.

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchised

    Did you buy this car new?

    Yes

    What price did you pay?

    £17,000

    When did you buy the car?

    March 2009

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    As car was already in showroom, with Chili pack and other accessories fitted, agreed to pay list price only, and effectively had all extras free.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Car was displayed in main dealer showroom, and was exact colour and spec that i required, also easy to part exchange old mini cooper.

    What was the dealer like?

    Very helpful, and not at all pushy, offered a good part exchange price for my old car, did try to push the Mini finance package, which i did not require or use.

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    A real hoot to drive, very responsive engine, combined with excellent handling, brakes and roadholding.

    What's it like to park?

    Easy

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Two recalls, one for the timing chain tensioner to be replaced, and one for the turbo cooling system to be modified, due to similar cars catching fire (actually only about 5 in the U.K.) No other problems.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Nobody buys a Cooper S for practicality, it's a fun car, and the appeal is the driving experience.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    The "sport" button, increases throttle response and tightens up the steering, also seems to increase the amount of popping from the exhaust on overrun.