My wife put almost 200,000 miles on a 2004 Cooper non S. as soon as we brought it home from the dealer I put a beefier rear sway bar. This took out the under steer and balanced the car perfectly. There is no need to get an S to get a fun car. Just put on a stiff rear bar and the car will be a blast to drive without jarring your teeth out. The little engines hold up beautifully. I used Mobil One and 10,000 mile oil changes. It still used ZERO oil between changes at 200,000 miles.

Just don't get a CVT.

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2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

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