I'm planning to buy mini cooper as my first car.
(I just passed my road test yay! )

I can't decide between Mini cooper and Mini cooperS.
It seems like if I choose to get Mini cooper, I would spend extra money on navigation option for $2000 and if I get mini cooperS, I would just buy ~$300 aftermarket navigation.
I have almost no driving experience and I am not a kind of person who likes speeding, but many people seems to go for cooper S.
My main reason for choosing mini is its cute design and I'll use my car mainly for driving to school.

Would you go for Mini cooper with navi or Mini cooperS w/o navi?

 

If you don't think you'll use the extra power of the Cooper S, then it's probably best to get the Cooper. The turbocharger in the S may require more maintenance over the long run, and the S doesn't get quite the gas mileage of the Cooper.

My daughter has a 2005 Cooper (non-S) and she really likes it.

My wife has a 2007 Cooper (non-S) with navigation and it fits her perfectly. She uses the nav all the time.

On the other hand, I have an order in for an S Clubman, but I walk with a limp because of my lead foot

 

Yup if you're not going to use the power (and for your first car..less power ain't a bad thing ) go for the Cooper and get a nice Garmin. I honestly wouldn't get Nav in a car again, i love my Nuvi 350. You also might save a good amount insurance by skipping the S.

Wow did I just say that? They are both excellent cars.

 

go for the S you may not see a need out of the gate for the power and other pluses but you can always add nav later on. I would never give up a better car for a gadget.

 

Congrats on passing the road test. As somebody who racked up enough violations in low powered cars , I would hazard to say the justaCooper is plenty of car to get into trouble. The S more so. Plus the S would probably be more to insure. I have been in a 07 Cooper numerous times and been impressed with the ride and hustle it can do.

Check out the Street survival clinic. It covers what the driver's ed leaves out:
Warning: The local driving test may pale in comparsion. But you do learn how to handle "the new situation."

So, IMHO, get the options and the Cooper. With the factory nav, you won't have to remember to take it with you. portable nav's are the number one stolen item from cars at the moment.

 

I'd agree with most of the other posters. As a first car, and you learning to drive, I'd go with the Mini Cooper with Navigation. You don't need the S. Keep this car, and learn the ropes... then buy yourself something else later if it's not satisfying some need for speed.

 

You may want to check insurance rates. A new driver with a turbo vehicle may be a little pricey. Other than that, I would say drive both and make your decision. I have my regular cooper on order. I didn't get the nav or the "S", but instead spent my $2k on the lounge leather. That's why they offer so many options....because everyone likes something different.

 

I can confidently say this, there are many non S owners out there that wish they got the S. But you will not find one S owner wishing they got the non S.

 

I would also agree with most other posts here. Aside from the lower insurance, higher gas mileage, and lower cost, also keep in mind:

1.) S comes with 16" runflats, and a somewhat harsher ride

2.) R56 S are known to have cold start rattles, even leading to some engines being replaced.

http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/...issue-exposed/

 

who keeps stock tires?
50K trouble free (non rattling) miles!

 

If you'll intensely study these message boards, you will discover that this is not true.

 

youve heard someone say they wish they had a "justacooper" instead of an S?
Ide need to see it.

 

Don't know where that idea came from

Doubt that the 10% aproximate cost (less, if you wanted a lot of the 'S' Standard Features as Options on non-S) would be a factor.

Does EVERY THREAD here turn into "You Shoulda got the Super"

Do drive both, and make up Your Own Mind

The NAV or Super are apples and oranges, but NUVI does NAV well AND you can carry it anywhere to use on Rentals, Hikes, Fishing or whatever.

You can get Garmins w/ Satellite Weather (as well as XM Radio) now.

 

why is it the non S auto guys always get the most Butt hurt?.....

 

my first mini was a 'justacooper'... so i say shoot for that and 'upgrade' in a few years if you feel the need.

 

Sorry, It was not to imply that you are a PITA

I have been completely happy with my choice of MINI.

 

I'd feel better if you spent the Nav money on DSC instead. It can keep you from making an irrevocable mistake on the road.

 

hmmm. not quite how i took it actually, maybe you should re-read it...
and I'm very happy for you that you enjoy your car

 

Probably people like the original poster, who is just buying their first car, and doesn't care too much about performance.

On my S60 R, I have two sets of 18" (summer and winter) and a nice set of Dunlop M3 winter tires.

However, for the justaCooper, which is meant to be a relaxed DD for my highway commute, I will get nice black rims for one set of tires, but will probably stick to 15" as they are lighter, reducing unsprung weight, and decreasing acceleration times while maintaining high profile for more comfort.

 

the OP never told us there intent on the car. they want to compare nav with a base, of no nav with nan S.

I know its like comparing a civic to a mustang, but oh well

as far as the stock wheels, you can get a 17 or 18 that is still lighter then the factory 15's, especially if you loose the runflats, which ive heard no good performance reviews about.

 

First off congrats on passing your road test.

I would say get the base MINI Cooper with the factory nav over the S without it.The reason is better gas mileage and most likely the insurance will be lower too.The car comes with a very good factory warranty 4/50K miles including free maintenance for 3/36K miles.

As you will see you will get different opinions for either one but since this will be YOUR car your decision matters most.

 

Hmmm....

 

my bad... forgot it while reading all the posts.
I would still stand by my decission and opt for the S, it will have better resale value down the road.

 

Again.. I dunno.. my 02 had a decent resale value even AFTER being involved in a flood :-\

 

if you see the car as something to go from from point A to point B, and you don't care more than the desing. go for the cooper.

but between those 2 options, the cooper S with the extra power will be by far better than some add like the navi that you can get for $300.
but.. you can have in the future 100lb more torque and 60hp more with $300? that should answer your question.