Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
MINI Cooper
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
And the only people who notice my car (out in the suburbs) are teenage boys and middle-aged men who are familiar with the original Mini. As my friend who bought a black 540i with 18-inch wheels quickly learned, women just don't care about cars. At least, not in Chicagoland...
Motor on
My X5 has Xenon's - I wouldn't consider anything but the factory Xenon set up - don't mess with aftermarket Xenon kits. Unlike the MINI, X5's have headlight washers as a separate option from Xenon's as part of a cold weather package - which I didn't get since I live in the sunbelt - so I have Xenon's without washers on the X.
Glad to see more action here in the MINI forum - I asked for my S deposit back after being on the list a year and a half (#14). Long sad story - the dealer really hacked me off so I passed. I'll need another autocross/ track vehicle in a couple of years and plan to revisit a MINI purchase then. It'll be a sad day for me when the first MINI whups me at the track in my modified turbo GTI - a stock S can't touch my GTI but I'm afraid to see what the aftermarket has in store for the S - it will be awesome I'm sure.
Thanks,
Tetonman
But overall I was happy with my treatment there.
*this was two months ago; changes in demand may have altered their policy since then.
A MINI Cooper S won D Stock (another one came in 10th with some DNFs), beating some Integras, WRXs, etc. MINI Coopers took 1st and 2nd in H stock.
As for disgruntled owners, find any discussion group and the people most likely to post are those with a beef. Only real fans will take the time to post a message saying they love their car. That said, I have heard of problems with S cars cold starting which has a forthcoming software fix. It is a new car model so there are bound to be bugs -- hopefully MINI will come through with some good service.
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
-Jason
When I was dealing with them they had a bunch of MINI's available immediately - I was 14 on the S list but they started calling me when the first S's arrived to see if I wanted one - I wouldn't buy a skateboard from those Orlando MINI clowns.
To those in Orlando, I'm sorry you're stuck with such a bad dealer. I got mine in Towson, MD and it was a great experience. No mandatory accessories - I was able to order the exact car I wanted and had no hassles whatsoever. I think the wait at this point is around 4-6 months for the Cooper, probably a lot longer for the S.
I liked it.
The gears were nicely spaced. Reverse was not to tall. Yes I backed up at length in my test drive - the car I buy will be a daily driver and I do not want to be riding the clutch. With less power that the S this car could use the 6 speed and if it were an option I might go for it. Without pushing the engine the car had enough bottom end to drive comfortably in traffic. When pushed, the car accelerated well. Not as good as the S I drove last week, but good enough to be fun. Better than the the 93 Accord 5 spd I drive now.
This car did not have the plus package for the suspension and I did notice the difference in handling between it and the S. In an empty parking lot, without flogging the cars, I did some tight figure 8s, and hard stops. I did the same maneuvers with the three Mini's I drove. They are all fun but I will opt for the plus package.
Horn location. I like it on the spokes. The car drive now has the horns in that location. Our Van has the horn in the center and now that I'm accustomed to the buttons under my thumb I like that better though I am not much of one to beep it.
I too am disappointed with the turning circle. The tuning circle of cars in general now a days is way to big, I whish the industry's design engineers would get a handle on this. I agree that this car because of the lack of front and rear overhang should not hard to zip around in but some of the other cars I've owned are a pain to drive in a parking garage.
The dealer said that the wait is 6 mo at this time. A refundable deposit is required to get in line. They charge MSRP on the car and options selected. You get what you order they do not add any items.
I'll order the Sport Package and the beefed up suspension. And - oh yes - it will be red. A favor to my 10 year old daughter.
bcnul8r K
The steering is not heavy, it is solid. It is less strenuous than manual steering but not one-finger 80's Buick style. The 2.5 turns lock-lock makes it very tight and maneuverable. I like it.
The 5-speed transmission does take some getting used to but it is good, giving you smooth acceleration if you want to shift low or fast acceleration if you want to shift high. The car likes to take corners fast so 2nd is too slow if you like to gear down to 2nd before the turn -- I start the turn in 3rd and then shift into 2nd to power out of the exit. Once you get used to the gear spacing I think you'll find them good but take a test drive to find out for yourself!
The middle of the steering wheel is a hard plastic cover for the airbag. Since it is hard, there is nothing to push in so instead there are horn buttons. The car my MINI replaced had horn buttons so I am used to them. Want to know a good reason for horn buttons? If the horn breaks in some cars where it is part of the airbag you may have to replace the whole airbag assembly to the tune of $500 or more just to fix the horn!
I did not drive the non-supercharged car so I cannot compare, but I was very impressed at the handling and solid feel of such a small car. It definately loved the twisties. Did not notice any of the "choppy ride" that C&D reported on my city test drive and was very impressed with highway cruising-no problem merging or passing. In my book, this much sport-not to mention fun and exclusivity-for this $...it's a no-brainer. I too do not understand C&D dishing the car in the article, but their overall assessment was very good, comparing it to their perrineal favorite Miata for driving fun. Plus, Yates (the editor) owns one! As for the horn buttons, Yeah they're small and hard to find, but who cares?!
Can anyone out there that spec'd one share their experience of delivery with me? Did you drive the car before signing papers? Were there any surprises? Did you have any good/bad experience with MINI financing? I've never "ordered" a car and am curious as to what to expect. Anyone have anything good or bad to say about the runflat tires? Thanx for input.
As for the run-flat tires, I have 16'" performance run flats and like them. Though I'm not an expert, I think cornering is even that much better due to the more rigid sidewall. My wife also likes the piece of mind these tires add to the mix. I'm not much of a fan of changing a tire on I-95 in the rain either.
I had no hesitation of paying MSRP, and I'd do it again. I like this car so much, I have no reason to believe that I will be getting rid of it anytime soon. Even so, if BMW/MINI is smart, they won't make the same mistake Chrysler made with their pathetic PT Cruiser by saturating the market to the point that they have to offer huge rebates. As long as there is a wait for the MINI, you have no fear of finding yourself upside down. Some food for thought also, my dealer told me that dealers on the west coast (L.A.) are getting premuim pricing of up to $5k over sticker.
OK, so it's written on my forehead -- I LOVE THIS CAR.
I paid MSRP, no more. No options were necessary. I could have ordered a base one with no options if I'd wanted to but I wanted the sports package (sport seats, 16" runflats, foglamps, leather wheel, all great stuff).
My delivery was similar to the experience recounted by crcoxe. Car was under a cover in a glassed in room off the showroom. Signed the papers, got the mints (just a standard marketing item actually that companies will stick any logo on but they fit the MINI well), pen, etc. We took the cover off, asked my questions and off I went. I didn't drive it prior to delivery -- I assumed that any issues would be taken care of under warranty without difficulty. With the sort of waiting list that MINIs have, you'd really have to be upset to say, "with that dash rattle I won't take it."
I also have the 16" runflats. I love the handling and the peace of mind. Saw some people changing tires on the interstates on a trip in the states yesterday and thought how awful it would be. I drove through a pile of debris on the road this morning which looked awful but turned out to be stuff that isn't really that hard or sharp. I looked to the pressure light anyways and so far so good -- I knew I wouldn't suffer a blow out so I didn't have to make a panic stop or a dangerous maneuver around it. It is nice for peace of mind (to repeat).
I did think the steering was artificially heavy initially, although it was quick, but later in the test drive it seemed fine. Unfortunately I didn't get to take it anywhere to really test out the feel and feedback.
What are owners opinions of the road feel and feedback of the steering compared to other driver's cars?
Basically it was a great experience, a couple was picking up their 5 series and a z8 was in for service in the same small garage area, but everyone treated me almost special even with my slightly over $20k MINI, As usual I couldn't help but smile when the staff congratulated me about the car. (It was the 50th or so they had aparantly delivered). They were completely paranoid about getting a 5/5 on their review, so I could have asked for most anything and they'd have jumped. My salesman called the next day with the mentioned update on the cable tie, as well asking about any other questions I had.
I didn't finance through MINI, so no views on that. This was my first new car buying experience, as well as the first I didn't have help from my parents or anyone with btw.
Views on runflats - I like them, though fear what will happen when they wear out (Treadwear rating is 240). No one seems to admit that dunslop dsst 3000's exist, or any tireses in 195/55/16. Hopefully they won't be too expensive to replace through a dealer I guess. I love the security, my old beater that I replaced would have flat tires at least every month or two, but from an engineering standpoint I do wonder how much better the acceleration would be with less weight spinng.
Quick steering note: I drove a friend's 2002 GTI 1.8T, the steering isn't as hefty, so it lacks the feeling of security the MINI has.
Other dealers will tell you they have the car, but to get it NOW, they want a $2,000 to $4,000 premium (over and above MSRP!). Consequently, the laid back, no hassle, no premium buying experience only added to our excitement of one day (hopefully by September) taking delivery our MINI.
I know it's a 2-3 hour drive from Orlando, but it is well worth dealing with a dealer that you absolutely don't have to worry about getting shafted or hassled. Besides, ANY MINI dealer has to service the car whether you bought it from them or not. Good luck and if you decide to hit Lauderdale MINI, ask for Andy.
Somehow, I've got to believe that BMW/MINI won't make the same mistake as Chrysler did with the PT Cruiser (i.e. over producing, then the bottom fell out of the domestic car market = TONS OF PT Cruisers on dealer lots at much less than they were going for a year ago).
Anyway, good luck and enjoy your MINI (when you get it)!
We are not interested in Sunroofs, Xenon lights, etc, etc. We want this car as simple as we can possibly get it and not be forced into buying options and junk that we don't want to pay extra for.
This car, we think, has enough standard equipment as-is. The addition of the CVT is bacause my wife can't and won't drive a manual tranny equipped car. Besides traffic conditions in our city makes manual shifting pretty tiring and unpleasant business. Been there done that with 2 previous cars.
I went to South Motors BMW/Mini in Miami and the jerks have a "Mandatory" accessory requirement of $2500 worth of options on each and every car ordered and purchased from them. Also the order deposit of $500 is "Non-refundable". Besides they don't have any cars to test drive at all. Pretty disgusted with this policy and left the dealer thinking that our desire to purchase a MINI will not be possible under this circumstances.
However, I am pleased to hear that Ft Lauderdale BMW/Mini is not forcing thier customers to buy new MINIs with mandatory option packages and to give in into price gouging practices. If this is true, I don't mind driving another 20 to 30 miles to get the car configured the EXACT way we wanted, pay MSRP + options and not a single penny more above that.
We don't mind waiting for 3 to 4 months for our new car. But I don't want to be forced to pay for junk we don't want either.
The only colors we are interested in are Indy Blue Metallic w/White roof, Velvet Red Metallic with white roof or as a last resort Chili Red solid with white roof.
Last, has anyone has had any experiences with Braman BMW/Mini in Miami???
Any pointers as to how to conduct business with Ft Lauderdale MINI are greatly appreciated.
We already have a big 2001 Chevy Impala sedan and that car's main mission is for all our family related hauling purposes. However, the MINI, acting as a second car, will be used on ocassion to transport more than 2 people (2 and a future baby) and more often for grocery getting routine trips during the week.
Do you find yourself struggling to fit say 5 to 10 bags of groceries in the puny MINI trunk with the seats up???
Do you use the MINI to go to the grocery store, or you leave that duty to your Saturn wagon?
As for turning radius - this car has a 97" wheel base - it should behave like larger cars as for turning radius... I drive in the city - no problems. Our other car is a Suburban, so the Mini is quite refreshing!
The only problem I have now is a rough idle when the car starts up after sitting for several hours - lasts about 30 seconds before all is well. Anyone else experience this?
Have fun!
Tips on dealing with Lauderdale MINI...really, there are none. They simply don't hassle you, they don't force you to buy "minimum equipment packages", they don't charge premiums, and most importantly...you can order the car the way you want it. If you want a base MINI with nothing on it...no problem. The only thing is if you actually place an order for one, the $500 deposit is non-refundable. However, if you simply get on the list for a MINI, and hope one comes in the way you want it, when you want it, that deposit is refundable. They only deal MSRP, no negotiating (we tried), and their dealer prep charge ($299) is also non-negotiable (we tried)...Braman charges $399 and South/Vista charges $599...so even if you don't agree with the charge, Lauderdale's is at least the lesser of them. Basically, this charge is the dealer's detailing the car, your floor mats, etc.
Sounds like you've been exposed the South Motors/Vista BMW scourge. These people are simply, in one word...miserable. I will NEVER do business with them.
Braman, not as bad as South/Vista but VERY high pressure. Without question, Lauderdale Imports provided one of, if not the best car buying experiences I've had (on both cars, MINI and BMW).
Good luck. The sales person I dealt with at Lauderdale MINI is Andy Hegley (super nice British chap). Larry Bonito is the Assistant Manager, and his wife if the General Manager. If you end up buying a car from Andy, tell him Greg & Gila sent you. I think there's a "birddog" reward if you take delivery of a car from them. We'll be happy to kick-back half of it to you if they offer it. Our e-mail address is gregk@stiles.com.
We've taken the MINI grocery shopping on a few occasions and the trunk is bigger than it looks for groceries. It will easily take 5-10 bags in the back (5 big ones or 10 small ones), plus you can fold down half the seat at a time (useful for the big econo boxes of diapers!). If you shop in bulk for 2 weeks of groceries at a time then you will run out of space but for the amount we usually shop for as a family of 2 adults plus a small child, it works.
For 3 people, the MINI is very good as the main space constraint is the seat behind the driver which, in my case, doesn't have enough leg room when I am in my preferred driving position. You can fold that seat down for extra cargo, however, giving you about 15 cubic feet of space which is more than most small sedans and even some midsized ones. The room behind the front passenger is more than enough for a child seat or an adult to sit comfortably.
Have you had this problem for a short while or is it all the time? Just when starting or all day while idling? If for a long time and all day then I'd bring it for servicing. If just recently then I'd try using a different gas station.
does anyone have feedback on upholstery? is the fake leather annoying? i am tempted to order cloth which at least is familiar ground (will not shell out for real leather).