One and one quarter year with Mini Cooper S

I can't believe it has been 1 yr 4 months already since I bought my Mini Cooper S. When I was looking for a car to buy, the ones that I had in my mind were Saturn sky, Pontiac G6 convertible or VW Jetta. I test drove Pontiac G6 convertible, I was impressed and I loved it. A new car was always my choice but may be within $24k. But then one day, a random search led me to Mini cooper. It is within my price range, got absolutely fantastic looks, engine power and is unique.

I want to consolidate a long time review about the mini. Can I say long time? may be, it is more than a year and it is a first hand experience. To start with, my Mini Cooper S is a 2007 model, sparkling silver metallic paint and premium package (multi-function steering wheel, sports leather steering wheel, moon roof, automatic A/C) with fuel economy of 26/33 mph.

Turbo charged, direct injected 1.6 liter, 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine (172hp)

MacPherson front suspension,

electronic throttle, automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters (this made the semi automatic transmission so easy to play with),

sport button with increased throttle and power steering (sport button significantly increases the pick up and power- I am totally astonished by this capability)

Anti lock braking system (ABS), Corner Brake Control (CBC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)- the brakes are awesome, you can come to a halt while driving in 70mph in a flash without making the passengers lean forward (unless you hit the brakes insanely)

Run flat tires- mini uses them because it cannot provide space for a spare tire, the positive side is, it can run on flat tires up to 100 miles at reduced speed, but, they are costly to replace

centered twin pipe exhaust (Had to take it to dealer after mini recalled to reduce the length of exhuast pipe by an inch or so

remote keyless entry- I never have to take my keys out of my bag, it is very convenient, enter, start and lock the car without key

all season traction control, check control vehicle monitor system, convenience package (auto diminishing rearview mirror, rain sensor and bluetooth), birds eye vents for A/C. I have black bonnet stripes with white edges, checkered flag dashboard and mini cooper S emblem.

The only time I had to take it to the dealer was when there was an engine indicator lamp. The dealer said it was repeating during cold start and was fixed.

I will soon update with some pictures and more info.