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Post Info TOPIC: Hello! Syracuse/Homer resident - Snow issues with minis??


Newbie (Taking the short-cut)

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Hello! Syracuse/Homer resident - Snow issues with minis??


Hello! Love the mini and was recently approved to buy one but I'm watching it snow right now and thinking maybe I'm crazy to get one? You all know it's crazy here with snow drifts. Is the clearance going to be an issue? I don't have a garage and I do a ton of driving for work. Am I going to be shoveling snow with the low clearance? Any thoughts would be great. Thanks! -Maegan

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Motorer

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On the OEM all-season tires, the car does "okay." If you get a good set of winter tires, you won't have a problem at all.

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Obsessed (Taking the long-cut)

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I've had a Mini for 8 years without a garage, and they are very good in snow with snow tires. I did occaisonally get stuck i plowed snow at the end of the driveway (salted heavy chunks), but had no problems with unplowed snow, and just kep my shovel in the car to clear the driveway before driving into it. Most of the questions depend on where you live and what your driveway is like. A second set of wheels with snow tires is a great investment for winter driving.

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Motorer

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+1 to everything yellomininy said! I have a summer only mini and a winter (really it's a year-round) mini and it's the best winter car I've ever had.

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nicole

Bruto: 07 S PS/W, Alta 19mm Rear Sway, Einkei Wheels, Driving Lights (VIP Custom Parts bracket & Hella 500's), Alta Short Shifter, Stratmosphere coilovers, VIP Custom Parts CAI & Strut Bar

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Motorer

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Mini's are pretty heavy for their size and if you get a decent set of narrow snow tires you will do great. Ordering one with a Limited Slip Differential will help you so it is well worth the added $500

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2013 Chevy Sonic turbbbboooo



Motorer

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I think it's been a few years since MINI offered LSD.

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Motorist

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Drewster is correct, there is no longer a real LSD on a MINI. Just the electronic brake initiated substitution. I will admit I have not driven one with the new "false" LSD in any real snow so don't know how well it will do. I have a BMW with the same "false" LSD and with a good set of snow tires it does ok. Just don't like the side effects of it clamping first the spinning wheel then the opposite one as that starts to spin.

The 07 MCS has the factory limited slip and with a good set of snow tires ( blizzaks or graspics) it is amazing and will push snow down the road. I can out accelerate four wheel drives in slippery conditions. That's damn good winter driving comfort.



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2009 BMW Oktoberfest Autocross - Stock Mini Second Place
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Motorist

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I was concerned about buying a MINI with the winter, but really its not going (at least I hope) to be much different than my previous vehicle as far as snow performance. I drove on some packed snow yesterday and yup...it still slippery and I still have to be careful! The MINI handled it just like my previous FWD car did and I didn't think -- oh man...I'm going to have to get the Passat (eeew) out to go get my milk.

From the sounds of everyone's experiences (and I've read quite a few threads on winter driving here, on North American Motoring and certainly a few youtube videos) I'm not one bit concerned! I'm a bit odd though, I tend to enjoy romping through the snow, I'm doubtful this will change with the MINI!

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The first rule of MINI ownership is always wave at the other MINIs.
The second rule of MINI ownership is always wave at the other MINIs.



Motorer

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no factory LSD? I am really starting to truely become an R53 snob

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2013 Chevy Sonic turbbbboooo



Motorer

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Not a bad thing haha.

R53 > R56 .... I think everyone knows that!

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