MINI Cooper S (2002 - 2006) 1.6 JCW 3d (Chilli Pack) (2005/55) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Funky hopefully. Not trying too hard to impress. Youthful perhaps? On the other hand it could say - "bloke just turned 30 and going through a crisis, please pity him". I'm hoping it says the first few things rather than the latter!

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

My family love it. My kids think its great, although my son wanted to me to have a Nissan 350Z, but he came around once he'd been in it. My friends think its funky, and when I take them for a spin and they see how quick it is, it suddenly earns some more respect. But all that aside, its not about what they think - its what I think that matters.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. I would never buy the same car twice. I enjoy driving, and I am really loving my Mini, but when its time to change its time to change. I have no idea what I would have instead but it'll be need to be good to compare to the Mini.

What are you likely to buy next?

Not sure. I might go for a complete change - something big perhaps? I do like the idea of a VW Phaeton, with the big V10 diesel engine.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£14,995

When did you buy the car?

May 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Its difficult to get 'deals' on Mini's as they are very popular, and the dealers just know that if you don't buy it someone else will. I did get £300 off the list price though which was as much as I could get.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

What was the dealer like?

The dealer was incredibly helpful, and the process was very smooth and efficient. I effectively bought the car over the phone without having seen it first, as this particular spec is not that common and finding the right example at the right price with the right mileage took a few months!

What's it like to drive?

The ride is a little hard, and my car has the 18" JCW alloys which I understand make the ride a little harder than the standard size alloys. The cornering is excellent, and everyone that has been in the car has commented on it. The works model that I have is seriously quick, which is great as most people don't expect it - great at the lights!

What's it like to park?

Mine has rear parking sensors, and I wasn't expecting to find them useful - I had a "sensors are for women" attitude. However I was wrong, they are actually quite useful from time to time and I have come to trust them and rely on them. On the whole it's a small car and is not difficult to park, although it doesn't have the greatest turning circle.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Something needed to be replaced on the suspension which they found as part of the 'inspection 1' service (suspension bushes on the front I think), the work would have cost over £300 but it was covered by the cherished Mini warranty that came with the car. That is the only thing so far, everything else is just like new.

What's most practical about your car?

Hmmm. I didn't buy it for its practicality. I wanted something sporty and quick that was a little different from the norm, I was orginally looking at 2 seaters, but after much consideration I concluded that I just couldn't live with the impracticalities of only 2 seats. So from that point of view, the most practical thing in the Mini is rear seats!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

This is the first car I have had with rain sensing wipers, and I have been really impressed! From now on any other cars I buy will need to have it. The xenon headlights are also good that come as part of the Chili pack.