MINI Cooper - READ ONLY

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

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#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.
#2616 of 2671 One thing that struck me.... by andys120 Aug 27, 2008 (9:52 am)
was that for a car equipped with run-flats and Sport package the Cooper S I drove was pretty smooth over the pockmarked NH country roads, I didn't ride much harder than my non-Sport 528i with go-flats. The ride was a little jigglier due to the short wheelbase but that's what makes the Mini's reactions so quick. A lot of people might tire of that jiggly ride but old sports car guys like me accept it as the price you pay for really athletic handling. Did I tell you I really liked the steering and cornering? Replies to this message: blueguydotcom (Aug 27, 2008 10:11 am) sabrinae (Aug 27, 2008 10:20 am) blueguydotcom (Aug 27, 2008 10:39 am) ltq (Oct 30, 2008 8:18 am) Mr_Shiftright (Aug 27, 2008 10:57 am) plekto (Aug 27, 2008 4:11 pm) and 2 more...
#2617 of 2671 Re: One thing that struck me.... [andys120] by blueguydotcom Aug 27, 2008 (10:11 am)
Replying to: andys120 (Aug 27, 2008 9:52 am) Take a corner fast on a bumpy road...those wretched RFTs will bounce the car sideways. BMW has no idea how they've ruined their cars off-the-lot with RFTs. Replies to this message: sabrinae (Aug 27, 2008 10:20 am) blueguydotcom (Aug 27, 2008 10:39 am) ltq (Oct 30, 2008 8:18 am) Mr_Shiftright (Aug 27, 2008 10:57 am) plekto (Aug 27, 2008 4:11 pm) Mr_Shiftright (Aug 27, 2008 5:28 pm) bodble2 (Aug 27, 2008 7:12 pm)
#2618 of 2671 Re: One thing that struck me.... [blueguydotcom] by sabrinae Aug 27, 2008 (10:20 am)
Replying to: blueguydotcom (Aug 27, 2008 10:11 am) How do you deal with the lack of a spare. Any experiences out there? I can't imagine not being able to slap on the spare and taking the flat to be fixed. What do you do? Replies to this message: blueguydotcom (Aug 27, 2008 10:39 am) ltq (Oct 30, 2008 8:18 am)
#2619 of 2671 Re: One thing that struck me.... [sabrinae] by blueguydotcom Aug 27, 2008 (10:39 am)
Replying to: sabrinae (Aug 27, 2008 10:20 am) I removed my RFTs. Drive without a spare. I did the same with my 06 BMW. I've got roadside assistance through Amex, so if all goes wrong I call Amex to get me towed.
#2620 of 2671 Re: One thing that struck me.... [blueguydotcom] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Aug 27, 2008 (10:57 am)
Replying to: blueguydotcom (Aug 27, 2008 10:11 am) RFTs with sport suspension is BRUTAL on a Mini unless you are on a smooth flat track. Bumpy country roads or highway strips will drive you nuts. Replies to this message: plekto (Aug 27, 2008 4:11 pm) Mr_Shiftright (Aug 27, 2008 5:28 pm) bodble2 (Aug 27, 2008 7:12 pm)
#2621 of 2671 Re: Help [Mr_Shiftright] by sabrinae Aug 27, 2008 (12:33 pm)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Aug 27, 2008 8:35 am) I have decided against Turbocharged anything so the Volvo is out. It's the mini or a honda or a versa and I don't want the honda or a mini no matter how sensible they are.
#2622 of 2671 Re: One thing that struck me.... [Mr_Shiftright] by plekto Aug 27, 2008 (4:11 pm)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Aug 27, 2008 10:57 am) I second this. In fact, get a set of the original 15 inch rims if you can and stick high profile tires on it. The car isn't powerful enough or heavy enough to need more than good modern 13s, let alone even 15 inchers. 17 run flats is just silly. Really. Makes an amazing difference in comfort and ride as well as increases MPG on the highway. Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Aug 27, 2008 5:28 pm) bodble2 (Aug 27, 2008 7:12 pm)