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
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.
+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
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
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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2007 MCS Laser Blue 2010, 2008 BMW Oktoberfest Autocross - Stock Mini First Place
2009 BMW Oktoberfest Autocross - Stock Mini Second Place BMW CCA Driving Instructor/Engine Mechanic/Speech Recognition Specialist
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.
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.
