Considering a Mini...Some questions

BOSS10L · Motorist

Considering a Mini...Some questions

Pamlico · Motorer

Derek -

Where to begin...

We purchased one of the first S models back in 2002 and then replaced it a couple of years back with an '05 MCS, so obviously this is somewhat biased.

In terms of size I recall the first time we arrived at the dealer I commented that we just wasted a drive as being 6' 2" there was no way I could comfortably fit in that car. The sales guy's response was "you'll be surprised" and I was. The interior (at least the interior in previous years) was fairly strongly influenced by the BMW 3-series. There is a good deal of room both fore - aft and left - right. If I have the seat moved all the way back I really can't reach the pedals comfortably. The interior supposedly can accommodate individuals up to about 6' 8". The rear seat is really only for the occasional use of kids or short people so if you're looking to routinely transport 3 or 4 people then you'd be unhappy.

In terms of luggage space, with the rear seats up there is room for a fairly reasonable amount of stuff (with judicious packing) , but with the rear seats folded down there is a good deal of space. We've gotten a 27" TV still in it's box into that area without much problem. We've also packed a 2 week vacation for two people and had room left over. Since we never use the rear seats I usually keep them folded down.

Depending upon how you configure the car you may get all-season tires but those are a compromise. The trick to driving in the winter is to get a set of 4 dedicated winter tires. To make the switchover easier consider an extra set of wheels as well. With snow tires the MINI is really a little tank in the snow. Very capable and can get through a lot. The only issue is that the car is pretty low so in deep snow you'll become a snowplow.

Three of four hour trips in the car shouldn't be a problem. We've driven to North Carolina (12 hrs) in a single day as well as to Boston, Montreal, etc. We're about to drive to New Hampshire to meet up with another 250 MINIs to climb Mt. Washington and are not hesitant to make that drive.

I've never driven a base model MINI so I can't compare it to an MCS. The '07 models have new engines that are more fuel efficient than previous years and the MCS now uses a turbo as opposed to a supercharger. Initial reports on the new engines are pretty positive. There are a lot of non-S owners who love their cars and would never get an S. I believe that in routine day to day driving either car would be fine. In terms of driving, handling, etc. both cars are more or less equivalent, although there may be some suspension options for the S that aren't available on the regular MC (but I'm not at all positive about that, especailly with the new models).

Depending upon where you live you might be able to get together with one or a few owners and be able to look over and drive some cars away from the dealer's sphere of influence. Most of those would probably not be '07 models, but you'd be able to get an idea of what the car is like.

I hope this gives you some useful information. In general ,the MINI community is pretty enhusiastic and owners like to talk about their cars. Feel free to post any other questions, concerns, etc. If you enjoy driving then I'm pretty sure you'd enjoy the MINI.

- David

BOSS10L · Motorist

David -

Thank you for the very quick and informative post!

Well, I'm 5'10", my wife is 5'4" and my boys are both under 10, so space-wise, we should be okay. Anytime we go somewhere as a family, we'll probably use her car anyway (4-door Focus), I'm looking at mostly myself and maybe one other adult or both of the kids in the back seat. In watching the videos available on the Mini website, it looks like it will have plenty of room, especially if the back seats are folded down. Even though this would be my daily driver, it basically will be considered the "2nd car" in the family.

So it sounds like it will offer plenty of space, but winter driving does weigh on my mind a little bit. Just for Reference, I live in Rochester. Being so low to the ground is a concern, as I live on a major street, and it is not uncommon for our driveway to be "plowed in". We do pay for plowing, but it doesn't always have the best timing.

I'll have to see what the payment would be, but I was figuring that MCS was going to be too expensive. I just wish we had a Mini dealer here in Rochester so I didn't have to make the jaunt all the way up to Williamson to test drive one. Here's a question: once you order one from the dealership, how long does it take for delivery?

Maybe we'll take a drive up to Williamson this weekend.

Thanks again,

Derek

yellowmininy · Obsessed (Taking the long-cut)

Derek, I have a 2003 base model Cooper (last had a Ford Escort, and Toyotas before that). I also live in Rochester & drive the Mini year round. I did OK with the Continental all seasons the first year, but got snow tires on wheels the 2nd year, and really enjoy driving it in snow. You're right- the only snow the Mini doesn't handle well is plowed snow at the base of the driveway. I got stuck once last winter, but once I learned to keep the shovel in the car, or at least to not try to get in through the plowed snow (the 4" or so that the plows push back when plowing the street) I was fine. I have to go to work no matter what the weather, so this is important.

I just picked up my lawnmower from getting the blades sharpened and had enough room to fit it in there with the back seats down, and the front passenger seat up. As David said, there is a limit to how much luggage room you'd have with 4 people in it, but the fun to drive factor might make you think of ways to deal with that (luggage rack, roof box).

I do notice some power lag with the AC on, but I think the horsepower for the Cooper has been increased since 2003, but make sure you check this out when you test drive. The car is certaily fast enough without turbo or supercharging, but with the A/C on at a stop-light there's a lag. It might just be my car, or the age of my car, but it's the only thing that's made me think that there might be an advantage in an S.

I haven't found the drive to Buffalo for service to be a disadvantage. It is a car you will enjoy spending time in.

Pamlico · Motorer

Hi -

I think just for overall convenience, etc. any longer family trips would be better served by the Focus.

Since the plan would be this to be your daily driver and a second car I don't think you'd encounter any insurmountable space problems.

Having a dealer in Rochester would certainly be a great convenience. Having said that, the intervals between required services are pretty substantial so your required trips to Buffalo won't be all that frequent. If the car were unable to be driven during the warranty period MINI will send a flatbed truck to transport it to the dealer so you won't need to pay for a tow. That portion of the warranty will cover you no matter where you are - if you're on a trip and the car breaks down 500 miles from the closest dealer you'll still get the truck service.

There has been a rumor floating around for a year or so that Towne is considering opening a service center in the Rochester area. Since they've sold over 200 MINIs around here it seems that it would be worthwhile. Towne won't really comment on this so who knows.

Delivery time can vary a bit. You may luck out and find the perfect car sitting on the lot for rapid delivery. If you do order one it generally takes about 6 weeks before it shows up in Buffalo. Once the car is ordered you initially get a confirmation number and relatively soon after that you receive the actual vehicle ID. Once the ID is issued there is a web site where you can track the progress of the car as it progresses towards the actual build. If you're really obsessive there is a way you can track the progress of the ship transporting the car across the Atlantic.

I don't believe that the A/C related lag that Kathleen mentions is serious. This affects both the regular and S models. My 2002 as well as the present '05 MCS (with the "John Cooper Works" package on it) has a slight bog when initially starting off with the A/C on but unless you're looking to leap away from the stoplight I doubt you'll find it to be a problem.

We don't live directly in Rochester but out in the Bushnell's Basin area but we do have snow at the end of our driveway if the timing between the city plow and guy who plows our driveway doesn't synch up. To date I've not had any real problem getting through that in-between snow, but as Cathleen mentioned she did have a problem. I guess it all depends how aggressive the city plow is.

If you'd like to take a look at our car, even though it's not a current model, I'd be glad to work out a time.

- dl

Venno · Motorer

I'm on technicly my 3rd MINI....really my second (long story...nothing wrong with the MINIs though)...I've had one since '02 and most of that time I've been in Syracuse. Going from a MC to a MCS was the best choice I've made...the break in period was torcher because sometimes I'd unknowinlgy hit the gas like i was used to in the MC and I'd be at 5k with a lot more speed in a lot less time than i was used to....Winter wise I find it to be a dream...only with good snow tires...I havn't had any problems and find myself passing SUVs and such on my 13 mile commutes to work on plowed and unplowed back country roads...with my performance tires i could barely do anything with a few flurries....
Backseat wise I gotta disagree...I actually prefer sitting in the back on long rides..and I'm 6' I've had 6'7" guys riding on 3 hour trips in the back seat and enjoying it.... I've also supprised my friends by hauling 2 300 lb guys who were both over 6'4" tall on the right side of my car....there was fear of the car flipping with that much weight on one side, and 140 lbs me on the other....but it worked out alright for the 20 minute drive from applebees.....Object wise the MINI has helped me and my sister move to and from college a total of 12 times and we actually find it easier to move things in the MINI than our parents Jetta

So durring all the time that I've owned a MINI I've only had 2 problems
1 after about 36k miles, in the 02 MINI the steering pump didn't turn off, MINI came from Buffalo to pick up my MINI in Syracuse, took it back and had it back within 20 hours of me calling them....cost to me: ZERO
2 Catalytic Converter (part of muffler assembly) Bracket rusted..fixed it with a wire hanger until i brought it back and it cost me ZERO to fix

I'd say the best part of owning a MINI is the family that you can become a part of....the People that I've met on this and other boards have been truely great people whome i was happy to have had the pleasure of meeting...and we help each other out and travel distances to hang out and motor together....

the_copi · Member

Here's my $0.02. The MINI originally caught my eye based on it's outstanding performance, in the league of Porsches and thelike especially when it comes to driving the twisties. After reading ALOT about these cars I test drove them - first the Cooper, then the Cooper S. When driving the Cooper - it was simply a whoot! Fun in every way. If there was no Cooper S the Cooper would be a fine blast to live with. But then I drove the S. The extra power and the supercharger whine got me! Realize that the '07's are turbocharged so the S/C whine is no more.

I've driven the '07 Cooper S and although I miss the S/C whine, the '07's are very nice cars. If I had no previous history, they're perfect. But I'm obviously hooked on MY MINI, as I ordered it with exactly all the options I wanted. Plus I've gone further with additional aftermarket performance mod's.

Re: trips, my wife and I have travelled to TN, MO, MA, OBX, with Virginia beach in in store later this year - many times in the car for 8-10 hours minus stops to eat, etc. Although sitting in anything will take a toll at some point, the MINI is a great car for long trips. Like Pamlico said, you can pack a TON of stuff in the MINI especially with the rear seats down.

Most of all, for me, it comes down to this. The MINI is a FUN car to DRIVE. It's turned into a bit of an obsession, but I'm not the 1st for that to happen. There's a culture of fellow MINI motorers which very few cars have. It's MORE than just the car, although the car is an exceptional little box of fun.

My advice - go test drive them a few more times. Then consider how/when you'd use the car. For 1 or 2 people, it's hard to beat the fun experience the MINI brings.

BOSS10L · Motorist

I'd like to consider just buying one off the lot, but Towne's prices are a little higher than I want to spend. I could get an MCS for what they're asking for an '06 standard MC. I'm considering going with a lease instead of flat-out purchase, and if I like it enough I can purchase a new one when the lease ends.

Ugh, I really dislike the car buying experience.

Right now I'm basically torn between the Mazda 3 5-door hatchback and the Mini Cooper. As much as I hate to admit it, the decision may come down to price and price alone. cry

alicecooper · Member

Speaking from experience, as a previous Mustang owner, '79 - 302 - 5 spd, the Mini is hands down a better winter car by a mile and a half. The Mustang gave me more than a few scares in winter driving. The Mini will put a smile on your face as you pass some four wheelers if the moment suits you. I understand they might even come out with 4 wheel drive next year.

Before I picked up my Mini, I actually really, really HATED driving, at all. And I used to be somewhat of a car enthuisast, having raced drags at Lancaster Speedway many years ago. But driving lost it's mystique with me, big time. It felt more like pure torture to have to get in the car and drive anywhere. Wash the car, FORGET IT! That was a every second year, 5 min routine, that had my mother yelling at me to not use all the dish soap.

Well, the Mini changed all that, dramatically. I LOVE the car, I LOVE to detail it, I mean "detail", as in rotary buffers, waxes, glazes, etc. It has become an obsession. Driving is now a pure pleasure and you won't find a bigger, better or nicer following of fans for any car group. ANY! Just look at all the web sites specifically for the Mini. It's awesome! My favorites is filled up.

Thruway driving is no problem, but for one. Everytime I happen to look down at the speedo, I'm going too fast. I only wish I had a 6 spd instead of the 5, as the '07's have, to keep the revs a tad lower for even better gas milage.

Some of the options you can get in the Mini, are the best, my favorite being the AWESOME heated seats for winter. I will NEVER go without heated seats, EVER again. The motorized roof is perfect for me and makes it feel airy in summer. I test drove many new sub-compacts before I bought the Mini, I'll confess, I did my reasearch, and really wanted to buy the Honda Fit, but there just weren't any available. Boy am I glad! The others just gave me a feeling of, it's just another car and expense. Some almost pissed me off that I'm wasting my time bothering test driving them. They felt like coffee cans with some indoor/outdoor carpeting and tons of plastic.

The Mini may cost a little more, but the resale value is one of "the" best. The feeling it gives has been "priceless" in my book. I never named ANY car I've ever owned before (Alice). Never detailed a car before, or spent more on car waxes than I do, on my own clothing.

I'M SMITTEN!! Right,... Alice? aww

BOSS10L · Motorist

Well, I've sent off an e-mail to Towne, hopefully they'll get back to me quickly. I can call them tomorrow night and if all goes well, I could be motoring by this weekend. Unfortunately, because of some things coming up, I really need to make a decision by the end of this weekend, so it's going to be down to the wire.

I never thought I'd ever say these words, but I'm really upset that money may come between me and the car I really want to drive. I mean, sure, I'd love a Ferrari, but that just isn't practical or realistic. A Mini is, but if the payment is out of the budget or time frame (unfortunately I can't wait 6 weeks) isn't right, then I'll have to get something else.

For what it's worth, don't feel bad alicecooper, I considered a Honda Fit as well. My musclecar roots just couldn't let me do it though. biggrin

You know what the funny thing is? Before I decided I wanted a Mini, I never saw one on the road at all. In the last two days I've seen at least 4 of them. Irony at it's best, 'eh?

Wish me luck all. I hope to be motoring with you all very soon. Even if it doesn't work out this particular time, the very next vehicle I purchase will be a Mini.

Thanks again for everything!

Derek

Pamlico · Motorer

Good luck Derek.

I've dealt with Greg Kordoba for both of our cars. He's been with Towne since they opened and is very easy to work with. The sales manager is Dan Ives, who's also a very nice guy.

Unfortunately, Mini dealers don't negotiate. You pretty much have to pay full price. However, if you're willing to settle for an '06 model from whatever they have left in stock you can get a $500 discount (according to the Towne web site).

If we hear of a string of 7-11s being knocked off in the next day or so we won't say a word.

- David

BOSS10L · Motorist

Thanks David. That's kind of a bummer to hear, as I was hoping they'd be willing to budge a little bit. Sad thing is, the one '07 they have on the lot that I really want is actually cheaper than the '06 that they have that I want. Since I'm leasing I may have a little more wiggle room within the budget, but it will be close. Ugh, why couldn't I have realized that I wanted a Mini just a bit sooner...

My other options are no slouches, but they aren't a Mini!

-- Edited by BOSS10L at 22:09, 2007-06-06

Pamlico · Motorer

When the Mini first came out in 2002 and for several years thereafter there were dealers in other parts of the country (primarily on the West coast) that were charging, and getting, $5,000 over list price. I think some of those dealers are still charging a premium.

BOSS10L · Motorist

Well, I called Towne last night and as of right now, it isn't looking good. The prices are just too expensive for the ones they have in stock, and it'll take too long to get one ordered from the factory.

Looks like I'll be test driving some Fords, Mazdas and VWs this weekend. bleh

Pamlico · Motorer

There are other dealers who would be more than willing to sell and ship to you. For example MINIs of the Hamptons advertises that they will ship to anywhere in the country for $500, although you could get down there and drive back if the right one was in stock. There are dealers in Albany as well as Westchester, the city, and Long Island. Regardless of where you purchase it if it has a manufacturer's warranty Towne can perform the service.

The is also the option of getting a used Mini from a dealer. If you do consider used, it's best to get an '05 or '06, perhaps an '04. While a number of the earlier models have been trouble free, the '02 and '03 years tended to be more problematic.

Good luck.

yellowmininy · Obsessed (Taking the long-cut)

Also check out Classic Mini in Cleveland (Mentor OH) http://www.driveclassicmini.com/ 440-266-6700 and see if they have any used Minis. (4 hrs from Roch)

-- Edited by yellowmininy at 18:02, 2007-06-08

Davenicity · Member

Little Em'ly was my first new car, and I was 44 years old. I worried about space to carry stuff, and getting around in snow, as my previous car was a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo.

I will always drive a MINI. If it won't fit in my car, either I don't need it, or I can find some other way. Renting a truck for the odd trip to Home Depot (something I have never had to do) is a lot cheaper than paying for a vehicle that gets less than the 34 MPG I get on long trips, or the 30.1 that I get around home. I was getting about 14 MPG with the Jeep. The only snow I ever got stuck in was my own driveway, because I was too timid to plow right through that day, and too lazy to shovel. I do not use snow tires. I do not slip and slide around. I have one ding where the wind took the door out of my hand at the gas station and hit the post.

Though not as often as they used to, people smile and wave when I drive by. I don't see other MINI drivers as often as I could, but I very much enjoy their company. They are a fine bunch of folks, and they enjoy themselves.

I have gone through some financial reverses lately, but I would definitely move to a cheaper house before I would get a cheaper car. smile

BOSS10L · Motorist

yellowmininy wrote:

Also check out Classic Mini in Cleveland (Mentor OH) http://www.driveclassicmini.com/ 440-266-6700 and see if they have any used Minis. (4 hrs from Roch)

-- Edited by yellowmininy at 18:02, 2007-06-08

CATHLEEN, I COULD KISS YOU!!!! biggrin

Thank you so much for that link! I think I have found my Mini! The wife is still uncertain (says the car is too small), but I don't care, it's my car. Either that, or I go buy another gas-guzzling Mustang. I can't make it to Cleveland this weekend, but maybe sometime next week. Woo hoo!

Derek

yellowmininy · Obsessed (Taking the long-cut)

I had a flat tire in Cleveland a few years ago, and the folks at Classic were very helpful. I've always heard good things about them, and I know quite a few people who have bought Minis there from other states. (I'm driving to Cleveland today, in fact...)

Pamlico · Motorer

I think that after a bit your wife will realize that for 98% of the things you'll be doing the car won't be too small. It's an odd thing but after a few minutes inside you don't realize that you're driving a car that is smaller than most everything else on the road. The quality of the build makes it feel much larger.

Your wife's comment may be another way of saying that she thinks it's unsafe. In fact the car is quite safe and there are reports of a number of accidents in which the driver was unharmed after fairly violent incidents.

So it sounds congratulations are pending. Almost time to teach you the secret handshake and mystical signs.

I'll second Cathleen's comments on Mini of Cleveland. They've been around since the beginning and have an excellent reputation. I've purchased a few parts and accessories from them over the years and have not had any issues.

You're about to have a good time.

- dl

BOSS10L · Motorist

Davenicity -

Thanks for the insights. I must admit, that one of the biggest reasons I have decided to stay on my quest for an R56 (I think that is the correct nomenclature) are the Mini owners themselves. Sure, I could probably go out, buy another Mustang and get the same "smile factor" while driving, but overall, my experience with owners hasn't been overwhelmingly positive. You either have the collector who hoards and only brings the car out on absolute pristine days (today is a perfect example), or you get the punk kids trying to race you at every stoplight.

Mini owners tend to be, from my short experiences, slightly older in and definitely more enthusiastic, being about the visceral and cerebral thrill that comes from motoring, not simply the "let me roast the tires in a straight line, because that's all a musclecar is really good for" mentality that runs rampant with a lot of RWD enthusiasts.

MPG is something that definitely has been weighing on my mind lately. I currently drive a Ford Escort that gets good mileage, but it no fun to a fault. I almost dread getting behind the wheel. I want to start looking forward to the drive again. I want to make excuses to get behind the wheel.

BOSS10L · Motorist

Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm still hot on the trail for a Mini. I'll be heading up to Towne on Saturday morning, and then depending on what they say, I'll either head over to Classic Mini in OH, or hit up Tate Mini or Townson Mini as I'll be in MD next weekend.

Either way, I'm going to be driving a Mini by 6/23. It may not be an MCS, but it still is light-years better than my current daily driver, an '02 Ford Escort.

Davenicity · Member

If you get there before 10, you'll see all the rally participants before it starts.

BOSS10L · Motorist

Davenicity wrote:

If you get there before 10, you'll see all the rally participants before it starts.

Cool, I plan on being there when they open at 9.

TrixieinNY · Motorer

Hey BOSS10L - how'd it go?

We purchased our 07 MCS last Friday and are eagerly awaiting Thursday when we can go pick it up!

BOSS10L · Motorist

TrixieinNY wrote:

Hey BOSS10L - how'd it go?

We purchased our 07 MCS last Friday and are eagerly awaiting Thursday when we can go pick it up!

Still Mini-less. My wife was being difficult during our aggressive negotiations over which Mini I was going to get, so I came away with nothing. furious

I should be making a decision within a day or so. Trying to decide between an MCS with little or no options, or a very well optioned MC.

SPDinNY · Motorer

go MCS!

Pamlico · Motorer

Are you actually able to negotiate price on a new MINI?

BOSS10L · Motorist

Pamlico wrote:

Are you actually able to negotiate price on a new MINI?

No, not really. We're moving numbers elsewhere (trade in, ect), but so far, everything I see points to MSRP being MSRP.

The clock is ticking (my own self-imposed clock), if I don't have something in place by Monday-Tuesday of next week, I'm just going to get another Ford and consider a Mini in 3 years when that lease is up.

TrixieinNY · Motorer

I hope it works out for you and you can get your Mini!