Mini cooper s or Gs300
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Ma
Mini cooper s or Gs300
Hey guyz, i am deciding on if i wanna keep my gs300. Its in okay condition. It has 104k milage. There is a problem i don't like about the gs. And that is the steering wheel. The steering wheel shakes like hell when i go over 60. I do not know whats the problem, but its really annoying and i fear its dangerous to drive. On the other hand, should i buy myself a mini cooper s or save the money to fix up the gs. I'm only 17 with low money but enough to pay half for the mini, and the other half paid by my mom =].Or should i use the money to fix up my gs. I'm trying to find a mini cooper s that sells around 18 k used. Well what do you think guyz even though most people here are definitely gonna say GS cuz im in the gs community lol.
Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 107
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From: Va
Im sure you have a bent rim or one that is way off balance.....mabey even a few. Are these stock rims? If so I would get them rebalanced on a hunter road force balancer ........ 100 or so done....I doubt it is in the steerting assembly.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 45
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From: CA
mine does the same thing almost as if the tires are catching every rut the steering wheel shakes... but i figured like explained above off balance i just have not had the time to do this. (mine are the stock 16" oem chromw rims)
you're considering a switch to another car due to a steering wheel shake??
do you have aftermarket wheels? if so - have you made sure that your wheels do not require hub centric rings?
just a thought but if you have a mini and you have something that may wobble the steering wheel - your whole car would be shaking.
how about staying in the lexus family and getting an SC?
do you have aftermarket wheels? if so - have you made sure that your wheels do not require hub centric rings?
just a thought but if you have a mini and you have something that may wobble the steering wheel - your whole car would be shaking.
how about staying in the lexus family and getting an SC?
Where's Milla? 
She tried it for a day and didn't like it.
Everybody's different. Decision is up you.
Which one is cheaper to insure, especially for someone under 18?
The only shake I get is when the tires aren't warmed up-called a "flat spot" right?
After about 5 min. or so, it's gone. I can drive 80-90 (ahem-safely) with no shake.
She tried it for a day and didn't like it.Everybody's different. Decision is up you.
Which one is cheaper to insure, especially for someone under 18?
The only shake I get is when the tires aren't warmed up-called a "flat spot" right?
After about 5 min. or so, it's gone. I can drive 80-90 (ahem-safely) with no shake.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 989
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From: CA
My girlfriend owns a 2004 Silver/Black roof Cooper S. I put some springs on it and 17" wheels (Pana sport wanabees 
) and I lvoe to drive her car through some twisties. But I still love my GS. They are both excellent cars but to be honest, I only drive the Cooper when she is with me. i think it's a total girls car but whatever makes you happy. Your young and have an oppurtunity to own a great handling and looking car, why not!
) and I lvoe to drive her car through some twisties. But I still love my GS. They are both excellent cars but to be honest, I only drive the Cooper when she is with me. i think it's a total girls car but whatever makes you happy. Your young and have an oppurtunity to own a great handling and looking car, why not!
I have to tell you the Mini cooper is a sweet little car! My wife learned to drive in one and after the movie Italian Job she has not stopped talking about getting one. Well, the question you have to ask yourself is what can you afford to maintain on your own, and what will give you the most in the end? You are only 17i if you are planning on going to college next year you are going to need something reliable and low maintenance; you have to decide what you can handle?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 989
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From: CA
Also forgot that if you buy a new Cooper S or standard then it comes with a 3 year maintenace free warrenty. They change the oil, whiper blades, fluids etc etc for free for up to 3 years. My girlfriend takes full advantage of that.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,773
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From: New Orleans Suburbs
I know that BMW sells them and sevices them and I know that sevice on a BMW is crazy expensive,main reason i drive a SC and not a e36 M3. I don't know if there reliable or not so the sevice thing might not matter. Just my 2 cents.
Richard
Richard
cooper had bad quality problems on its release, not sure if its fixed now
vibration at high speed:
rebalance tires, possible bent rim, if you have aftermarket wheels you need hubcentric rings
vibration at high speed:
rebalance tires, possible bent rim, if you have aftermarket wheels you need hubcentric rings