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MINI Cooper
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To chmeeee & someblondeguy- Thanks for the news/links. ;-)
So when is someone going to be taking delivery of a Mini? I remember reading in a previous post that launch date was today (22 March). Anyone heard more about that...?
Revka
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I managed to get to the local Mini dealer today just after they closed. I was unable to talk with a salesperson, so I couldn't tell if this was Day One or not, but at least my dealer was definitely open.
The dealer had 5 Minis. One was sitting outside, an Inca Blue Cooper 5-spd with 16" wheels, chrome, foglights, and heated seats. It had dealer plates on, no sticker and was parked like it was ready to go somewhere, so I'm assuming it was the dealer demo. That Inca Blue looks absolutely stunning outside...even better than under autoshow lighting. On the floor, there was another Inca Blue Cooper, a Cooper I forget the color of, an Electric Blue Cooper S, and a Chili Red Cooper. Again, I was unable to talk to any salespeople, but I have the feeling those were meant to be seen, sat in, and not purchased. I could be wrong.
Going to the dealer and once again seeing the car in person made me fall in love with it all over again. Even though it's the third occasion I've seen it in person, I was once again shocked at the short length when viewed from profile and at the midsize-car-like width when viewed from behind. It's so radically different looking in style and scale than anything else on the market here.
I can't wait to take that Blue 5-spd for a spin. I wonder if the dealer needs a lot boy?
Well, there goes the chances of getting them at MSRP! C'mon people! STOP PAYING OVER MSRP!!!!
It totally makes car dealerships $! Do we want car dealerships to make $? NO!
As far as I know they will be charging MSRP on their MINI's - I know I will get my S at MSRP - I'm a regular customer of the BMW dealer - this dealer doesn't mark anything up - M3's M5's, Z8's - everything goes for MSRP.
People will pay those prices, especially for the "Next Big Thing", - remember the New Beetle back in 98? People were paying way over MSRP for one of those early on. They aren't morons - they want what they want and are willing/ able to pay for it.
Wait for all the "Next Big Thing" stuff and waiting lists to clear out - you'll eventually be able to get a deal on a MINI in Cali - no time soon though.
Anyone want to buy my fully loaded (except Nav) Cooper S for say $35K ??? - you can order it any way you like!!! Delivery in July or August !!!
This could be interesting - donning my flame suit.
You are just saying these people are not morons because you want to swindle them your self.
Seriously though, if they are not morons then they are wasteful fools. Can you be so anxious to buy something that you will pay 15k over what you should instead of just waiting a little while or shopping around??? I know the answer is yes, but it just seems really dumb.
I sat in a Cooper S parked outside and wasn't happy with the interior materials. I hate when they try to make plastic mimic metal. The design begs to be touched, but as soon as you do, it just feels cheap and plastic. Being built under BMW I had higher expectations.
I happen to really like the interior and faux metal trim. You don't have to settle for the "alloy pantina" - as it's called, fake metal trim if you don't want to. You can stick with the normal plastic.
Also, the leatherette is pretty convincing at mimicking real leather. I saved myself about $2000 Cdn opting for the leatherette instead of the real thing.
My only dislike was the very limited visibility using the rearview mirror. I suppose it would be improved by removing the back seat headrests... but at least it will block the SUV headlights behind me.
Are these cars being sold above MSRP in IL? Anyone know or bought one in IL?
That could be why you had a problem.
I'm just afraid of what will happen if I trade in a Mini in 4 years that I paid 25K for, when a new 2006 Mini will likely sell for list by that point. A good way to take a (small, but still frustrating) bath at trade-in time.
* anyone know of plans to introduce optional CVT on the Cooper S?
* anyone have the latest skinny on the Alpina 200hp version?
* anyone know of changes/additions planned for 2004 models?
Thanks!
* anyone know of plans to introduce optional CVT on the Cooper S?
* anyone have the latest skinny on the Alpina 200hp version?
* anyone know of changes/additions planned for 2004 models?
Thanks. TAke care.
Joe W.
Alpina is developing a 200 Bhp Mini Cooper S capable of outgunning the Subaru Impreza WRX. Based on the 155 Bhp supercharged Cooper S, the Alpina uses longer stroke, to stretch the standard 1.6 Litre to approx 1.8 Litre, while increased blower pressure & freer-flowing exhaust will also help boost the torque & power. BMW has access to Mini engineering drawings & an early production prototype. Insiders also claim the Cooper S 6 speed Getrag gearbox is capable of absorbing the 200 Bhp. "
-- from the BMW Owners Club of Hong Kong http://www.bmwclub.org.hk/news/alpinamini/mini.htm (includes a photo of an Alpina-detailed mini)
From what I can tell, this little blurb is fairly old (at least a year), and I haven't been able to dig up anything more recent.
Yes. It won't be available til the 2003 models come out. (September 2002).
* anyone know of changes/additions planned for 2004 models?
I heard that the 2003 models will come with an arm rest. Currently, Mini's do not.
The run flat 16" tires transmit a great deal of impact harshness on bumpy roads. 17" wheels will be worse... and if you don't have to get the complete package to get the other options that I wanted (xenons, fogs)...
2)The salesguy claimed high sixes for 0-60. Whatever. With three people in the car I thought the acceleration wasn't breathtaking but very well balanced with the ability of the suspension. Nice solid no waiting pull. I liked the motor A LOT. The 6 spd. stick was great. Light and well defined, like a Honda, but with a notchiness that I thought was just fine, like a Miata. Clutch takeup was short but progressive and light. Nice...
3)Tires were harsh. OK. The car felt light and tossable. I see it winning it's Autocross class. A real ball to drive, very little body roll. Sticks well as far as I could tell.
4)Interior. Loved it. Pictures don't do it justice, make everything seem smaller than it is. That styalized silver interior door handle is actually quite thick! The golf ball on the shifter almost filled my palm. Everything about the interior felt very substantial. Panoramic roof? A must have feature. Much simpler than the roof on the C-Coupe. The interior mesh shades are hand operated. I figure, fewer motors to break. Head room is great!!!! Didn't get a chance to sit in the back, so I can't talk on rear knee room. Drivers perch was superb. Good leg room in front, seats felt great (can't remember how the seat bolstering felt...) The Leatherette is the ticket! Looked good, felt good. I also sat in an S that had the two tone blue interior. Matching blue rugs. Looks great! Not worth it to me. IMHO.
hmmm... what else?
Oh yeah, I liked it a lot!!!
Actually exceeded my expectations. It really reminded me of the mid-80's VW GTI's. But better.
I've driven the GTI 1.8T, Mercedes C-Coupe(twice), Subaru WRX(wagon and sedan), and the Acura RSX. More Tourque than the RSX, better interior than the WRX, as quick as the C-Coupe and should handle better due to the bmw sourced suspension bits as well as less weight, and if you really like the GTI, take a look at this car. Greater power and tourque to weight ratios than everything except the WRX. Should cost less than a WRX even with a couple of options and you can safely hand brake turn. Maybe that's apples and oranges. Maybe I like oranges better.
Can someone who has driven a non-S please post their driving impressions? I am most interested in the handling with the standard 15" wheels. I will be commuting over 75 miles each day and don't want a bone-jarring ride but do want decent handling. Thanks.
The Cooper has a full chrome grill and the Cooper S has chrome on the outside and the three inside slats are body color. I have not seen anything for the 2003 Cooper S that says the grill will be changed."
So you see, they didn't rule out a CVT in 2003, but implied it wouldn't have one. Where has anyone gotten the info that CVT will be an option on the "S" in 2003?
I took the mini on an extended test drive in Illinois on main roads, through a subdivision, and on the interstate. To get the experience of the car, I turned off the climate control and radio. I alternated between having the sunroof open and closed (it was sunny and 65 degrees last Saturday). Here are my thoughts...
It took me a while to get used to the speedometer in the middle of the dash, my eyes kept going to the tach. For me, the toggle switches are cool, but it would take me some time to memorize what they are for and where they are located. I don't like looking down in rush hour traffic here as the commute is like the world's longest slinky with a lot of sudden slow downs and stops...
I was very comfortable in the seat and impressed with the interior space. I'm a medium sized guy (5'10") and felt very comfortable. The ability to get the seat exactly how I like it was key.
I like the perkiness of the engine. I know that the reviewers have said the non-C is somewhat slow to accelerate, but I didn't feel that way. I was able to accelerate quickly on the interstate ramp and to pass a couple of cars. The shift was clean and perfect in my opinion. The clutch is excellent (you don't need to floor it to shift).
The sunroof became a must for me after this drive. The wind sound is tolerable but with the sunroof open and the windows down it felt like I was driving my old '76 MGB. That is a very high compliment in my book.
I could easily see myself driving a MINI to work and back. I think it would be fun. I am going to drive an S to see the difference. However for $19k out the door the regular MINI works for me. I want it in British Racing Green with no stripes.
Tetonman
The new Mini looks very nice. The chrome exterior trimming is extremely sharp; I don't know how it'll weather or look when the car is dirty, but in new condition it lends the Mini a pretty classy appearance.
It is, however, very small and I think this will rule it out as an option in the minds of many potential owners. It looked small on the roads of Paris, which were largely bereft of Cadillac Escalades. I'd hate to imagine what would happen to a mini in a collision with the average American sedan, SUV or pickup truck.
It sits low to the ground with wheels spread out about as close to the corners of the car as I have seen in any car. The impression, even without sitting in it, is that the car would handle extremely well. In terms of wheelbase vs cabin design, as well as exterior design, the Mini actually reminds me of a Chrysler PT Cruiser on a number of levels. It's like a smaller, lighter and more nimble PT.
My opinion is that the car will do well, but I don't see it dominating the automotive landscape of the U.S. given its size; I would not feel very secure driving it. After the dust has settled, I expect the mini to remain a dominant car throughout Europe, and an "interesting" car in the U.S. Also, it should be said that I saw many, many Minis in the cities, but none outside of the cities nor on open high speed highways between cities. That gave the impression of the Mini being a great city car.
(I submitted an email enquiry on miniusa.com and got a not very helpful response - explaining that the Cooper S was for "enthusiasts", that manual was required for best performance, etc, etc.)
I would definitely opt for the S with CVT - best combination of power (for open road, low traffic conditions) and convenience (for agonizing stop-and-go rush hour traffic).
How many other people here would be interested in the S with CVT?
I finally got to see a MINI in person a couple days ago behind the BMW dealer, they had 17 back there. My MINI dealer will not be open until Monday due to construction delays - I have an appointment at 9:30 Monday morning. I could pick a non S MINI out next week and take it home on the spot - they have about 30 in stock for their late opening day. They said I could buy a non S now and trade it in on my S when it comes in in July or August and get what I paid for it in trade. I think I'll pass on that, a friend of mine is going to take the dealer up on that deal.
Honestly - my first reaction to the MINI is lukewarm - maybe a test drive will change that.
Ciao,
Larry
CVT is similar -in that it is a very efficient transmission that has no performance penalty versus a manual transmission in the same car. The Audi A4 CVT I drove had none of the sluggishness you'd expect off the line in a typical 4 cyl automatic transmission car. The CVT A4 was just as responsive off the line as the manual trans A4 I drove - if not more responsive - CVT technology is made for the MINI - S or non-S. I'm really looking forward to testing a MINI with CVT when they are available. CVT is the perfect solution for someone living in a crowded urban area that wants the performance of a manual transmission without a clutch.
Glad to hear you thought the non-S had enough power. Did the one you drive have 15 or 16" wheels and tires? I am on the fence about the 16" run flats as I have read some reports that they really roughen the ride without adding much to the handling. Thanks again. Anyone else who has taken a test drive, please post your thoughts.
The car is great - It's a non "S" 5sp, with 15" wheels. Very comfortable (I'm 5'10"). I highly recommend the leather seating, and the premium package (sun roof, auto climate control). The seats are fantastic. My commute of 50 miles / day is a true joy - and that does include traffic jams. This car is truly a big car inside - you will lose perspective that it's a 2400lb small car. Back seat is cramped - but ok for my kids. As for color, I think the British racing green is the best - but the dark blue looked great as well. My only complaint (ok i have 2) is the key. It's huge! I like BWM or Land Rover's switch blade style better. Also, I wish it had an arm rest for the inside arm.
Performance with the base engine is fine - it's similiar to a Honda Civic in accelleration. I traded in my 99 Cobra Mustang in for this -so that'll tell you that I'm not crying over performance.
"Let's Motor"
Revka
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Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards
I'm particularly curious to know whether it's the same as the tech now being used by Audi in the A4 and A6, which reportedly is spectacularly good - rickrover mentioned his Audi test drive experience above, and it's easy to find test drive reports on the web which are similarly glowing.
Here's a link to a Popular Mechanics article in which a few scant details of the Audi CVT are mentioned: http://popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars_trucks/2001/12/new_cars_jan_2002/index4.phtml
The relevant excerpt is:
"
But the real story is the Multitronic continuously variable transmission. Unsatisfied with the van Doorne-licensed CVTs that have been used in some other cars, Audi has reinvented the CVT. Audi uses a pull-style belt made of hundreds of sheetmetal links, rather than the van Doorne pusher belt. Several innovative technologies in the transmission allow the use of lower hydraulic pressures, making for lower pumping losses and increased fuel economy. With a lower low gear and a higher high gear ratio, the Multitronic gives better acceleration (1.5 seconds quicker from 0 to 60) than a conventional automatic, and better highway economy as well. This gearless automatic of the future is lighter in weight, simpler in construction and smaller in volume than the geared automatic it displaces. Available with the V6 engine, the Multitronic delivers the acceleration time noted above and carries a fuel economy rating of 19 city/25 highway. Audi executives predict the Multitronic will be the transmission of choice as supplies increase."
So what's the "van Doorne licensed CVT" that Audi didn't like? Is the CVT in the Mini Cooper a van Doorne, or more advanced, like the Audi?
Has anyone testdrove both the Audi CVT and the Mini Cooper CVT? That would be the true litmus test: does the Mini CVT feel as smooth and perform as well as the Audi version?
http://www.roadandtrack.com/technical/articleDisplay.asp?articleID=22
The interior is very nice and larger than you would think. I'm 6'2" tall and I have plenty of room. I wouldn't want to sit in the back though. The base sound system sounds good, haven't heard the harmon kardon system yet. If anyone has questions about the car please ask.
P.S. I only paid $14,500 for the car.
http://www.mini2.com
It was only for a Cooper, and not the 'S'.
That's depressing.
Why the hell wouldn't they offer it? If the CVT is good (as good as the Audi implementation) then it will offer equivalent performance to the manual transmission, but also the incredibly attractive option of forgetting all about shifting in stop and go rush hour traffic. You get the best of both worlds.
I can only think of 2 reasons for not offering CVT on the S:
(1) The Mini CVT is not as good as the Audi (hence falls short of equalling manual transmission performance);
(2) BMW doesn't think the S with CVT would sell in significant numbers.
I'll be very interested to see detailed performance comparisons between the Cooper CVT and Cooper manual -- that should settle the issue in (1). But whether (2) is true, I have no idea. Personally I think the S with CVT would sell like hotcakes, unless Mini's CVT implementation falls way short of ideal.
I'm in total agreement about an S with CVT being a perfect city car.