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MINI Cooper
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Joining is usually just a matter of finding the contact person, and saying hi. Since most of the clubs have just formed, they're usually pretty simple. Often times dealers will refer people to the clubs as well.
thanks
g
There are Mini Dealers located in Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston.
Took me several days to find them...had trouble getting into miniusa.com
To noblecomputing - Congratulations! We look forward to hearing all about your delivary experience....
Happy motoring!
Revka
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Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
Anyway, no way should you pay anything ABOVE sticker. A little time on the phone and you can save a lot.
Matt
As far as waits, mine was only 4 months plus a week when Mini of Mountain View as quoting over two years wait for an "S" with a $2500 markup. But that was over a year ago so the times don't really compare.
Anyway, in a nutshell, it has sensors that sense the direction the car is going, and compares it to what the steering wheel/you want it to do, and if it senses a difference, it'll brake wheels independantly to correct it. Under normal driving you shouldn't notice it at all, however the most common time that it comes into play is going into a corner too fast for conditions (rain/snow/bad tires) it will in theory keep the car in the line you want, instead of you ending up in a ditch or in the grass.
People ocasionally find it annoying when driving the cars near the limit, as it can suck power and performance, but it can be turned off via the toggle switch, if you like. On an MCS however, it gets combined into the traction control function (ASC+T), which stops the wheels from spinning, so you'd turn both of them off with the one toggle.
Also, if you really like the R90 wheels, then go for it, but they're quite expensive, especially if you have them dealer installed, and you might find you like some aftermarket wheels better for less money. Just my thoughts...
I pass people on country roads in my Cooper all the time, no problem at all. I just downshift to 3rd and I have plenty of power to go from 60MPH to very 90MPH quickly. Some people don't like to downshift one gear when they pass, let alone two gears, and for them the Cooper will be a disappointment even though the Cooper in 3rd gear at 60MPH has more power than an S in 6th at the same speed. Some people expect power in gear at any point, and the S's supercharger gives you that with near max torque from 2500RPMs on up while the 16 valve naturally aspirated Cooper needs to keep the revs up above 4000 for good power.
I love the sound of my Cooper when revved high but I also like the fact that it gives better mileage when just cruising. I prefer the looks of the Cooper's spoiler, hood and side boards but looks are just personal preference. At the time that I bought, my favorite dark blue colour was only available on the Cooper too but you can get it on the S now.
All that said, the S isn't much more expensive than the Cooper. If you can afford it, I think the S is definitely more bang for the buck. In my case, the Cooper had already pushed me over my budget so the S was out of the question but for many, the price difference really isn't that much at all.
Properly done, they are a superior head light, although most people buy them because they like the cool bluish tinge to the headlights, although if all you are after is the "look", you can buy blue-tinted halogen bulbs. Xenons also hold the promise never to burn out and be completely maintenance fre, but the initial systems have had some failures and when something like the ballast burns out, it is big bucks, not a simple bulb replacement. Many HID systems also have self-leveling features, although I don't know about the Mini's HIDs.
Consumer Reports looked at HIDs a while back and found very wide variability in how they were implemented - on some cars, HIDs weren't as good as conventional halogens. I don't have any info on Mini HIDs, but as HIDs go, $500 is relatively cheap for HIDs, so I'd probably give them a try. I'm sure the folks who have them think they're great and the folks that don't think they're not worth the money. OTOH, if you're happy with the halogens, why not save the money?
- Mark
All MINIs actually have self levelling headlights, they're kinda fun to play with. (MINI even tells you this on some paperwork and their website). The other perk of Xenon's as I said is the headlight washers, which is sorta cool.
My view on Xenons, if you live somewhere where its dark, get them. If you run around well lit roads in the city and populated suburbs, you probably won't notice a difference. Also, the blueness of the Xenons means it makes the other bulbs look horribly yellow, so its best to spend $20 or so replacing the other bulbs on the front of the car with blue tint as well.
I have my heart set on the 2003 base cooper. I know it's automatic, but I'm willing to live with the downgrade in power. I would appreciate it if you could answer my (probably stupid) questions below.
Does anybody know what the wait time is these days to get a new base in the bay area? Also, I read on this board that the dealer in Pleasanton is offering MSRP, while others are marking up. Is this correct?
About the options, should I stay with the 15" wheels or get the 16""? I read somewhere that the ride is not as smooth with the 16". Should I get the sunroof as I've read somewhere else that it doesn't really do a good job of blocking out the sun when closed. I guess the premium package would best suit me.
One last question. I know this car is perfectly fine as a commute car everyday and of course, fun on the weekends. But how about long road trips?
Thanks all!
Anyway, Depending on which transmission you choose will probably determine your wait time, Remember you can probably find the car you want on a lot on the east coast or midwest if you're willing to be flexible on colors and drive or ship it back. Not being in the Bay Area I don't know about wait times, but you should be able to call them and get the info quickly, just ignore any sales BS they have and ask how long it'd take to get a whatever spec'd cooper and what the cost out the door would be.
15" aren't runflats. They're also way different looking. The runflats make the 16"s stiffer, but unless you're driving in areas prone to potholes, you probably want the better handling of the stiffer tires. Choose based on looks first, the 16"s are expensive and the tires cost more, (especially if you replace them with runflats again, which you don't need to).
The sunroof is great. I really like it, and it doesn't block out sun totally, since the shade is perforated, but it is tinted, so its not bad. I'd be against it if you had to park outside often in AZ or TX, but its nice when its in the 70's, which is probably where you'll be most of the time. Its also very nice on warmer evenings.
Edmunds.com editors seems to in general hate the car as a long trip car, I find it works fine. I've taken many 500 mile trips (I personally get bored of driving more then 8-10 hours, anyone who likes it should be a long distance trucker) and its fine. Its difficult to fit everything for more then a few days if you have people in the backseats, but otherwise it works fine. Get Cruise (the Multi-Function Steering Wheel) alone or in a package, and you should be pretty well happy. The nice gas milage is good too.
Anyone else with children find the same problems? Any solutions? We REALLY don't want to give up the Cooper, but may have no choice.
newbie - might be something to think about if this applies to you also. As for wheels, go with the 16's. If for nothing else, they just look a whole lot better than the 15's.
Which baby seat did you get? I have no info on this subject, but I thought MINI had one, that was a bit expensive. is that the one you got? Logically that should fit better...
Oh and the runflats are worse for handling. If you desire better handling and have AAA get some performance rubber.
Since you can't try out different brands of newborn carriers I don't have much advice other than you'll be surprised how quickly your baby outgrows them!
Also, since the next step in seats is a rear-facing reclining seat I'd definitely recommend shopping around for one that fits best.
keith r.
One of the things that bugs me about the Cooper is that it doesn't sound 'british' enough and I've been looking into aftermarket exhaust systems. The big problem is that all the systems I've seen look too ricey for me. I've still not heard any of these systems either. I had a Boorla SS system on my old Miata and I always felt it made the car sound very raspy and nice (dare I say 'british') - not rumbly or tin-can sounding like the ricey systems I hear on cars nowadays. Anyone do an exhaust yet?
keith r.
The 15" tires give a slightly softer ride but just slightly. It isn't night and day. The car is tightly sprung so it rides good and tight, regardless of the tires used.
From the factory, the MINI only comes with runflats if you get 16" size. You can replace them with other tires of course.
In general, I don't think the handling with the runflats is bad. Racing R compound tires have stiff sidewalls and they handle well so stiff sidewalls by design are not the problem. Also in general, they aren't as heavy as people say either. Some brands are very heavy, others are not. Like all things, different brands get you different things. I have the Goodyear Eagle 16" NCT5 performance tires and while they aren't perfect (squeal on high speed cornering, especially when hot) they are good and are lighter than some non-runflats. The 17" Goodyear Eagle All-seasons, OTOH, are terribly heavy. Since there are only limited models available you don't have a lot of choice if you like runflats but there are some good runflats available.
Many of the simple options are available aftermarket. Chrome strips are available, but to replace with painted, its more of a deal, since you need to match the color. Other things can be done, but are expensive, such at the on board computer or the Multi-Function Wheel. In general I don't think you'll be happy if you skip and option you like, because it will definetly cost more to get it aftermarket.
I haven't listened to exhausts much, but it does seem that aftermarket exhausts tend on the ricey side of things. If you're getting an S, perhaps you should look at the John Cooper Works exhaust (I'm not sure if its available without the kit, but maybe someone will sell it) its Europe legal, which is much quieter, but still louder then stock. Also in europe John Cooper makes a kit for the Cooper, so you could import that exhaust if you can decide you like it.
:-)
Kennyshih & injunguy - Good luck, and please keep us posted on your purchases. Happy shopping!
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
However, I didn't realize that body kit with that particular color would look so great.
Guess I've got some test driving to do.
I think if you test drive you'll find out, but with the aero kit, and JCW (if you get it) you're looking at over $30K for a MINI with close to no options, which seems pretty insane and counter to MINI's logic. Decide if you want a sports car, (350Z is the only one of the list, AWD rally car (WRX/STI and EVO) halfbread kid hauling 'sportscar' (RX-8) or the MINI. That, unlike price, should help your shopping I would think.
Deciding between the cars is difficult, though I'm glad that all these options are available for around the same relative price range.
Too bad there's no such thing as the perfect car.
I am wondering if any $500 discounts from MSRP are available from any Florida dealer as they are elsewhere. Is there some way around the dlr svc. chg of $300 to #400 which looks to me to be additionl dlr profit. I think cars are more plentiful as the Tampa dlr had 30 cars on the lot 3 weeks ago.Thank you BJL
Thanks
I don't think any of the All Seasons are good in snow. Adequate would be best. If you're thinking of driving in NY, it'd depend what part of the state you were in. Certainly you're worse off then your Forester on any all seasons. As discussed before, the performance tires are awful in snow, downright dangerous. Spending the extra money on snow tires isn't a big investment, because you have to replace the all season tires every 2 years anyway, if you buy snows, all you've invested extra is maybe $500 or so on an extra set of alloys, you just run the summer tires less, and they last longer.
Revka
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Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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Revka
We'll have to see. I hope its comes out earlier. MINI has been pretty consistant with changing model years as of Sept, so perhaps they'll release it for next summer and make it an '04. That'd make more sense, just like they released Diesel's this summer in Europe as the new thing for '03.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
- Mark
don't give in on both items. take your business elsewhere. and remember, Mini is associated with BMW dealers. never gonna get a great experience....:(
years later for only 11% less than I paid. That's because there was still a waiting list, so used model resale value was phenomenal (their's always somebody that can't wait). If I had bought a Buick Rendevous or Ford Exploder, I could have paid far less then MSRP, only to lose a lot more money when I sold it. Those vehicles lose value almost twice as quickly. A good reference tool is Edmunds "True Cost to Own" feature on this website.
Then again, you could end up kicking yourself if the MINI were to turn out like the PT Cruiser. Initial buyers paid premiums. Within a year, you could deal way below MSRP. I don't think this will happen to the MINI anytime soon.
Either way, MINIs are still selling for MSRP in most areas, still above MSRP in others. Until dealers have lots full of them rotting away there is no reason for the price to drop. I think you'll be waiting a good while for that to happen, Justin. Your best bet might be to wait for the new Peugeot engined models to come out in a few years; the last model year of the Pentagon engine might be less desirable, or might be moreso, who knows.
Things are worth what people will pay for them. Expecting to get a deal on every car is artificial -- that just means they price it above what they expect to get. If it is priced right, no bargaining is necessary.
Right now, practically all north american cars are priced with incentives built in so you think you are getting a good deal and you don't have to bargain down much when in fact, you are really paying the price they've already set for you. They may be losing money at the moment but don't kid yourself: they aren't stupid. Same thing with the 0% deals, they are often instead of incentives or with reduced incentivies.
If you want a MINI now, you'll have to pay what they're asking or find a used one.
Oh, and so far I've found MINI service (BMW service, really) to be quite good. Funny thing is our family car is a Saturn wagon and guess who I saw working at the Saturn service department yesterday when taking that car in for an oil change? One of the guys who used to work for BMW...
I think your best option is talking to MINIUSA. Unless your dealer actually had the car, its not really their fault it got destroyed, so you can't expect much from them. MINIUSA on the other hand has powers to do lots of things and could be quite helpful.
Personally, I wouldn't pay $2K over MSRP just because you can do better. All the east coast dealers and as far west as some chicago ones (and UT I believe) have cars in stock. I'd expect MINI to either, give you a build date ASAP (like next week, though Sept 1st starts the '04 cars, so you might want to wait 2 weeks), or assist you in getting as close to possible a car off the lot somewhere. It costs about $1500 to ship enclosed from the east coast, which is an option if MINI hadn't screwed up (cheaper then $2K and a long wait at your local dealer). Since MINI is moving cars across the country, it shouldn't be too difficult for them to move a car if necessary, though they might not go across the country. Call the ASK-MINI number and see what you get.
Sorry for the delay in responding, I was on vacation. And Don't get a Beetle. For one, they're just too popular, they're not holding their value, for 2, you dreamed about the MINI, you should get it. For 3, as someone said, a Beetle is a Golf in a party frock, a MINI is an actual car from the ground up. But i'm biased.
I don't see exactly how the MINI is the same price, by US pricing, a 350Z performance is $30K and the JCW S is $20K + your $2750...
You're not out of your mind, and I think a test drive is in order, but they're not really the same car. RWD sports car (~270hp) vs the MINI (~200) and the 350's only a few hundred lbs more.. What do you actually like about the Z? in my view, besides the drive-train issues, the MINI is nicer (BMW design vs Nissan), Cheaper, probably will have higher residual value, and is more pratical, you can fit large boxes and such in the back since its square, not slanted. And the less HP probably will cause your insurance to be cheaper.