Buying a used MINI Cooper or Cooper S

I have around £9000-9500 to spend, as I am upgrading from my current 2004 MINI Cooper. I like the look of the Graphite (or possibly red or laser blue colours), but am deciding between an 07 Cooper S or a more recent model Cooper (ie 58/09). I am looking for a panoramic sunroof as well which narrows down the search.

The Cooper S had a facelift for the 2007 range, and it appears a better drive. What are your thoughts between the two considering my budget. The Cooper S is at a garage which is in the Good Garage Guide! The dealers don't seem to be offering much discount in a slow market but I am guessing they have the cars at keen prices.

Asked on 5 December 2012 by Carrie

Answered by Honest John
The Cooper S is turbocharged with 160bhp, and is a genuinely exciting drive - whereas the standard non-turbo Cooper is slower, but more economical and cheaper to service. Both are great to drive. Post-2007 MINIs are better made and more reliable, so both potentially easier to run in the long-term than your car.

So it's down to personal preference and how much value you place on performance. Also bear in mind that the Cooper S is more expensive to insure.
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