MINI Cooper - READ ONLY

2671 messages, Last post on Mar 31, 2009 at 1:03 PM

You are in the Hatchbacks - Archived Discussions Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer

This discussion is ARCHIVED. To reactivate the discussion, post a request in the Lost? Ask the Hatchbacks Host for directions! discussion.

What is this discussion about? MINI Cooper, Hatchback

Outline

Messages Page 262 of 268: 1; ...; 259; 260; 261; 262; 263; 264; 265; ...; 268; Prev; Next; Last

#2606 of 2671 Re: Paddles [joem5] by sabrinae Aug 27, 2008 (7:29 am)
Replying to: joem5 (Aug 27, 2008 7:12 am) As long as the paddles don't get in the way I'm cool. As for the flag, I live in a small town in Texas, are minis bullet proof I think I will put them on the wing mirrors too.
#2607 of 2671 Re: Help [bodble2] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Aug 27, 2008 (7:39 am)
Replying to: bodble2 (Aug 26, 2008 10:35 pm) No problem for me. I immediately red line any vehicle I own I thought the paddle shifter was okay if you like that sort of thing. As you say, it's not a "real" manual transmission controlled by electronics, it's still an automatic and you aren't doing anything much different than the person with the 1965 Buick shoving the gear lever from L to D. The British flag is okay because as the driver you don't have to look at it every day. Graphics can get "old" and you can't ever sell it to a Frenchman. Replies to this message: sabrinae (Aug 27, 2008 8:22 am) Mr_Shiftright (Aug 27, 2008 8:35 am) sabrinae (Aug 27, 2008 12:33 pm) bodble2 (Aug 27, 2008 8:38 am) andys120 (Aug 27, 2008 8:40 am) Mr_Shiftright (Aug 27, 2008 8:55 am) blueguydotcom (Aug 27, 2008 8:57 am)
#2608 of 2671 Re: Help [Mr_Shiftright] by sabrinae Aug 27, 2008 (8:22 am)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Aug 27, 2008 7:39 am) Thanks, that's a really good point. No graphics then, well maybe the rear view mirror. So I get a cooper automatic with no frills. Is the S worth sacrificing the gas mileage to get it instead? Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Aug 27, 2008 8:35 am) sabrinae (Aug 27, 2008 12:33 pm) bodble2 (Aug 27, 2008 8:38 am) andys120 (Aug 27, 2008 8:40 am) Mr_Shiftright (Aug 27, 2008 8:55 am) blueguydotcom (Aug 27, 2008 8:57 am)
#2609 of 2671 Re: Help [blueguydotcom] by bodble2 Aug 27, 2008 (8:34 am)
Replying to: blueguydotcom (Aug 27, 2008 5:58 am) Yeah, I agree all manumatics are gimmicky. After the first week, you would only play with them once in awhile when you get bored.
#2610 of 2671 Re: Help [sabrinae] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Aug 27, 2008 (8:35 am)
Replying to: sabrinae (Aug 27, 2008 8:22 am) Depends on whether you are a "spirited" driver. The S has all this extra power, but do you use it? The S is a turbo car. Depending on your age, status, etc, this might also afffect insurance rates. Replies to this message: sabrinae (Aug 27, 2008 12:33 pm)
#2611 of 2671 Run-flat tires by kyfdx HOST Aug 27, 2008 (8:37 am)
All -S- models have them... base models don't, unless you go for upgraded wheels... That may be an issue.. If you don't get an -S-, I recommend the sport seats as an option for $250 (standard on the -S-).
#2612 of 2671 Re: Help [sabrinae] by bodble2 Aug 27, 2008 (8:38 am)
Replying to: sabrinae (Aug 27, 2008 8:22 am) "Is the S worth sacrificing the gas mileage to get it instead?" Depends on several factors. Are you an aggressive driver? Do you regularly carry more than 1 passenger? Do you carry heavy cargo? Are there hills where you drive? If you say no to all, or even most, of the above, then the Base would probably be ok.
#2613 of 2671 Re: Help [sabrinae] by andys120 Aug 27, 2008 (8:40 am)
Replying to: sabrinae (Aug 27, 2008 8:22 am) I just got back from a twenty-minute test drive of a 2006 Cooper S/Steptronic. The car was a blast to drive but I have to say it would've been even better with a standard. Problem w the Autobox in this car is that there's a built in lag before the boost builds up added to the normal lag for the torque converter to hook up. This can result in a certain amount of snatchiness in the way the drivetrain responds. Read the Edmund's long term test and try to get a long drive before deciding. This car is definitely on my shopping list, I'm certain you could learn to drive it it certain ways to counter the defects of the drivetrain and get used to the fairly idiosyncratic controls and instruments (no temp guage in a Supercharged car?) I found it fling-able in the way that my '83 GTI was something I doubt you could say about many modern cars. FWIW, I found it easier to use the lever rather than the paddles even though the up/down shift positions are backwards of what they should be. Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Aug 27, 2008 8:55 am)
#2614 of 2671 Re: Help [andys120] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Aug 27, 2008 (8:55 am)
Replying to: andys120 (Aug 27, 2008 8:40 am) I drove the base, and the S turbo and the older S supercharged and older base models and they are all different in their characteristics. Id consider a base model 6 speed, but the base model automatic did nothing for me. Also the older base model engine is rough and weak, I didn't like it at all. (pre vanos) Turbo cars are not everyone's cup of tea. I really liked the older supercharged engine better, especially at lower speeds.
#2615 of 2671 Re: Help [sabrinae] by blueguydotcom Aug 27, 2008 (8:57 am)
Replying to: sabrinae (Aug 27, 2008 8:22 am) Have you tried the Clubman? If the Cooper feels rough, try a Clubman. You'll be amazed at the difference in how the car handles bad roads compared to the Cooper.