[sav112]

Could be that BMW were trying to catch the essence of the old Original Mini, everyone that I was in either rattled, smelled of oil, broken bits or bits just falling off but fun all the same. Back then the fun was just making it to places.... Yeah cars were that bad.


My mate had a cure he bought a big bore twin exhausts and some silly Twin carburettors and this from a guy that has owned some seriously flashy cars, it still brings a smile to his face because it went like stink……and therefore the rattles didn’t come into it.

Mind this was fifteen years ago. If I buy a fifteen thousand supper Mini I would think rattles would be an option not as standard. When I take the new one out for a test drive I’ll watch out for rattles.

[BRG/Blk Cooper S]

Quote: Originally Posted by Scrogg (original)

Thankfully, you are in a very, very small minority in thinking this.

Shame you didn't wait until actually seeing/experiencing/driving the new car before deciding though!

Small minority - a very, very small one?
Looking at the comments/polls on this forum I can't imagine how you have possibly come to the conclusion that most people think the new Mini is lovely..

I have seen it in the flesh and despite having the opportunity to drive both the Cooper and Cooper S I politely declined.
I guess we can just wait 12 months and see how the sales figures are doing Vs how strong the values are for 1st gen models.

Cheers, Geoff.

[GR33NIE]

I personally think the bonnet looks alot cheaper than the old one, I know the design is different but the underneath I saw on the new S at the weekend had no sound dead'in or anything, looked pretty flimsy

[Jon Chalk]

Quote: Originally Posted by GR33NIE (original)

I personally think the bonnet looks alot cheaper than the old one, I know the design is different but the underneath I saw on the new S at the weekend had no sound dead'in or anything, looked pretty flimsy

Bonnets now have to be crumple zones for pedestrians, so they can't be too rigid & must absorb impacts more slowly over a greater distance to the engine block.

Could ask Paul to compare in his daily "living with new S" column?

[Olly.]

Quote: Originally Posted by drainaudio (original)

Small minority - a very, very small one?
Looking at the comments/polls on this forum I can't imagine how you have possibly come to the conclusion that most people think the new Mini is lovely..

I have seen it in the flesh and despite having the opportunity to drive both the Cooper and Cooper S I politely declined.
I guess we can just wait 12 months and see how the sales figures are doing Vs how strong the values are for 1st gen models.

Cheers, Geoff.

Geoff, The polls suggest that more people like it than dislike it - http://www.mini2.com/forum/general-discussion/130795-r56-poll-love-dislike.html#

Considering the reviews this car is getting in the press, sales are bound to go up.

[mooneymini]

I went to see the R56 on saturday and test drove it last night. I was overly impressed.
Breaking felt good, the sports suspension felt a lot better than my old 51 plate and the improved engine with better mpg appeals to me alot.
I loved the look of the interior, especially the half leather seats. They look much more funky. Loving the fact that the sun roof opens back as well as front now.
I test drove it in the dark, so i really noticed the problems with the lights. They were the standard halogen lights and as soon as they are on full beam the ground is not very visible. Xenons would be a must have option now.
I noticed the black indicator stalks. Looks much less funky than the silver coloured ones. It kind of bothers me, but the rest of the interior mostly makes up for it. Loving the led lights inside and all the toggle switches. Although if you dont go for a sunroof you have one missing from the ceiling. The toggle switches have a better feel to them. I didnt notice that they hadnt got the lights on the end of them, but that doesnt bother me.
I though that the new bonnet would bother me, but it doesnt.
The rear glass pane which is no longer curved doesnt look good with standard clear glass but with the darkened glass option it is hardly noticable, and the curved c pillar is nicly styled.
The way they have designed the speedo with the sat nav makes me really want to spec with sat nav as it to me looks like the cleverest peice of design in the whole car. But is it worth £1500?
The outside plastic trim is still a problem, just like it has been in the previous shape, but as always you can change that with the aero kit or colour coding.
So overall, any bits that have changed for the worse, are easily sorted or dont really compare to the improvements made.
I was expecting to hate this car, ever since i saw the first pictures. But sitting in it. It felt so strong and opening the boot and shutting the doors it all felt so well built.
My main reason for wanting one will be not to have a discontinued model.... if thats what you can call it.

[sav112]

there should be some good deals on the old 1st Gen Cars now with alot i guess trading in for the better new one.

out of interest what a falks getting for there old mini's in the trade in?

[Scrogg]

Quote: Originally Posted by sav112 (original)

out of interest what a falks getting for there old mini's in the trade in?

Was about to suggest you might be better off starting a separate thread about this, and then I realised, you already have!

[Prowse]

Quote: Originally Posted by mooneymini (original)

...My main reason for wanting one will be not to have a discontinued model.... if thats what you can call it.

That's called "Keeping up with the Jones'.

I respect your honesty, just don't be blinded by 'newer = better', in many cases on the new MINI 'newer = cheaper', and that's just a shame, though the bean-counters at MINI HQ, will be delighted.

[BRG-Mini-One]

I bet that moving the foglights into the sidelights lowered costs... Less wiring and only materials and holders needed in one place instead of two.

[MINICooperMurph]

Quote: Originally Posted by BRG-Mini-One (original)

I bet that moving the foglights into the sidelights lowered costs... Less wiring and only materials and holders needed in one place instead of two.

I would go along with that! Thats why indicators are in the wing mirrors these days

[goodingm]

Mine so far is pretty rattle free,but the acceleration ,sound and handling make up for any rattles. SAV112 comments are pretty crap, he and his mate seem pretty anal. I had the original mini and whilst it was fun it was a bag od you know what, no comparison to the R53 in any way. Cars from 30 year s whilst they may be good for enthusiasts bear no comparison with
cars today. SAV112 should drive a new mini rather than listen to his mate.

[Mike Clarke]

Quote: Originally Posted by Prowse (original)

That's called "Keeping up with the Jones'.

I respect your honesty, just don't be blinded by 'newer = better', in many cases on the new MINI 'newer = cheaper', and that's just a shame, though the bean-counters at MINI HQ, will be delighted.

But does cheaper mean poorer quality?
Could you perhaps give us some examples of just where newer = cheaper and whether or not in each case the quality is better or worse.

[sav112]

Goodingm- Trust me I've been in more original minis and types than I care to list in fact. They were all great fun but as you put it crap. That’s my point but you missed it - Cars don’t rattle now but a few of the lads say there BMW ones did and I’d find that poor today!

I was close to buying a few originals but didn't as they were rust buckets, poor quality and had seen to many Sub- frames off. The new mini I was in the first time gave me a shock

Was it the speed - Nope?
Was it the styling? Nope?

It was the thud the door made when it closed! The quality over the original was evident an idiot could point that out. I grew up in them, had a few scary moments and loved every minute. I feel I could live with the new one because it was not the original.

[*Vikki*]

saw a R56 silver Cooper today in Silver with wait for it the first seen AERO KIT on it and clear lenses all around.

[mooneymini]

yees! I like