OT: Think I'll try a MINI
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,688
Likes: 550
From: I should be in TNT for Carnival!
Let's see, part german, part japanese, part this, part that, = ....
I just bought an extended warranty on wife's 09 S today. Why? A toyota with MINI (r56) issues is called a LEMON!:roll eyes:
Anyways, it's a PIA car, but a fun one....and a happy wife is a happy life..
Checking the oil...well you need a degree. Last time I went to the dealer I complained about not being able to read the dipstick. He replied, no problemo and proceeded to show me how, saying it was alright. Yeah right, two hours later he calls me and says sir, I was wrong, you car was 2 qts low. :roll eyes:
Read up on death rattle, hpf fuel pump, time chain tensioner, OMG CARBON build up, and on and on...
interference engine....
Oh, change the brakes and rotors couple weeks back, pretty easy, except for the PIA brake sensor. Pelican has good info...
Take a read..http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...e-loyalty.html
Buy the best R53 (SC) that you can find, the 2007+ has a ton of annoyances.
If I had to buy one for myself, I would look at something like this...http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...ed-manual.html
Coming from a 993, don't buy a Justa, buy an S...
I just bought an extended warranty on wife's 09 S today. Why? A toyota with MINI (r56) issues is called a LEMON!:roll eyes:
Anyways, it's a PIA car, but a fun one....and a happy wife is a happy life..
Checking the oil...well you need a degree. Last time I went to the dealer I complained about not being able to read the dipstick. He replied, no problemo and proceeded to show me how, saying it was alright. Yeah right, two hours later he calls me and says sir, I was wrong, you car was 2 qts low. :roll eyes:
Read up on death rattle, hpf fuel pump, time chain tensioner, OMG CARBON build up, and on and on...
interference engine....Oh, change the brakes and rotors couple weeks back, pretty easy, except for the PIA brake sensor. Pelican has good info...
Take a read..http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...e-loyalty.html
Buy the best R53 (SC) that you can find, the 2007+ has a ton of annoyances.
If I had to buy one for myself, I would look at something like this...http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...ed-manual.html
Coming from a 993, don't buy a Justa, buy an S...
Last edited by TRINITONY; Nov 28, 2012 at 09:30 AM.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 43
From: Baltimore, Md
My wife bought a new 2002 Cooper S and she still talks about the car. She put 100k + on it and only had an issue with a radiator fan. I also thoroughly enjoyed driving it. It was like driving a roller skate.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,688
Likes: 550
From: I should be in TNT for Carnival!
Think the time has come to let the 968 go and get a new DD. Driving a ton of highway miles for work so I need a little something with less miles and newer, I think. Any reason I shouldn't get a 2010 Cooper S? Anybody have pics of one beside a 993? (because we all like pics)
I like the FR-S I drove, but buying a new car to put so many miles on doesn't seem ideal. Considered a couple other things, but the practicality and fun and gas mileage of the MINI seem hard to beat.
Thanks for any thoughts.
-Bart
PS - The 993 will definitely be staying.
I like the FR-S I drove, but buying a new car to put so many miles on doesn't seem ideal. Considered a couple other things, but the practicality and fun and gas mileage of the MINI seem hard to beat.
Thanks for any thoughts.
-Bart
PS - The 993 will definitely be staying.
more listers MINIs and pics in this thread...
https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...got-one-6.html
Last edited by TRINITONY; Nov 28, 2012 at 09:32 AM.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,471
Likes: 209
From: Tacoma, WA
We have a 08 MCS my wife ordered it with just about every option out there. The car was stupid expensive $38k+. But it has been super reliable, gets awesome gas milage (almost 600mi a tank) and it really fun to drive. I love the gearing and gearbox, it's so slick.
Weirdly, I get more looks and comments in the MINI then in the 911, and no one thinks you are a A-hole in the MINI!
They are great cars and great for long commutes.
One suggestion, get the comfort access, and NAV with traffic, it has saved us a ton of times.
Weirdly, I get more looks and comments in the MINI then in the 911, and no one thinks you are a A-hole in the MINI!
They are great cars and great for long commutes.
One suggestion, get the comfort access, and NAV with traffic, it has saved us a ton of times.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,872
Likes: 6
From: Michigan
As you know my wife's Mini is for sale. (not an S though) It has been a reliable car and fun to drive...great mileage 38 avg. I also like it for it's upright windscreen and quirky dynamics...not a Porsche but different like one.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 397
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco, CA
I was looking at used Clubman S when I was shopping for a new DD. They are just too expensive and ended up buying a new Golf TDi.
A friend had a Copper S and the engine lost compression at 90k. Another friend also had some engine issues with her high mileage Cooper. My mechanic is not a big fan of those because it is quite difficult to work on. So I'm not sure if I will get a Mini as a DD to put a lot of miles on.
The TDi is the perfect car in many ways. It's quiet, fuel efficient, comfortable, good handling. At the same time, I regret my decision every time I drive it because it is just so BORING. It is the most rational decision to get the TDi, but being rational is no fun. We would be all driving Honda Fit's instead of something with the engine at the wrong end. If I don't have a long commute to work and Michigan winter to deal with, I would consider another P-Car as a DD. A 964, 996, Cayman would all do nicely. Would love to have a 944 and put a huge turbo in it.
A friend had a Copper S and the engine lost compression at 90k. Another friend also had some engine issues with her high mileage Cooper. My mechanic is not a big fan of those because it is quite difficult to work on. So I'm not sure if I will get a Mini as a DD to put a lot of miles on.
The TDi is the perfect car in many ways. It's quiet, fuel efficient, comfortable, good handling. At the same time, I regret my decision every time I drive it because it is just so BORING. It is the most rational decision to get the TDi, but being rational is no fun. We would be all driving Honda Fit's instead of something with the engine at the wrong end. If I don't have a long commute to work and Michigan winter to deal with, I would consider another P-Car as a DD. A 964, 996, Cayman would all do nicely. Would love to have a 944 and put a huge turbo in it.
Last edited by 993KT; Nov 28, 2012 at 11:17 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,817
Likes: 2
From: Alberta, Canada
The one time I looked at a new mini I struggled with the value equation. To get any room and performance I had to look at the Clubman S which was $45k up here! Couple that with some questionable reliability issues and questionable service from the dealer and I kept looking. They do have the most stylish interiors though. For a small commuter car I would certainly look at a Mazda 3.
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Thread Starter
Race Car
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,599
Likes: 3
From: Alabama
...Checking the oil...well you need a degree. Last time I went to the dealer I complained about not being able to read the dipstick. He replied, no problemo and proceeded to show me how, saying it was alright. Yeah right, two hours later he calls me and says sir, I was wrong, you car was 2 qts low. :roll eyes:
...
...
http://www.cravenspeed.com/mini-dipstick/
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,688
Likes: 550
From: I should be in TNT for Carnival!
cute cars...
Pro
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 662
Likes: 2
[QUOTE=NC TRACKRAT;10030607]IMHO, the 2005-2006 MCS s/c cars are the way to go vs. the turbos."
Have not driven the turbo version, only our S/C. What is it you prefer about the S/C (aside from the whine as it spools up)?
Gordo
Have not driven the turbo version, only our S/C. What is it you prefer about the S/C (aside from the whine as it spools up)?
Gordo
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,114
Likes: 583
From: Winston-Salem, NC
The turbos have given more problems than the S/C version. The 2005-2006 MCS has better gear ratios than the earlier versions, some have LSD. Don't get the CVT auto...get the 6 speed manual. For those who contemplate tracking one, the non-sunroof versions weigh 80 lb. less. For me, the less gizmos, the better. That's the nice thing about MINI's in general. If you're going to order one, you can get as basic or as exotic as you wish.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 138
From: Greater Seattle area
The '05 and '06 JCW coupes (R53) are very special cars. Great DD's and no reliability issues with the Tritec engine compared to the prince engine that the R56's have. Get one with LSD and its a bonus.
See PM that I've sent.
See PM that I've sent.
