MINI2 - MINI Forum - View Single Post

Spy Car · Sep 24th, 2003, 08:41 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by drgrey

Despite many years of 911s, I no longer like to use a clutch. It might be ok once in a while, but for a daily driver on the Ventura Freeway, trying to get from Westlake Village to West LA or downtown on a Friday afternoon, my left knee aches just thinking about it! So, as of now, even if my wife isn't interested, I'm leaning toward the CVT. I want to spend a day with one and take it over the roads Spy mentioned, but I'd be surprised if I don't feel the same afterwards-the concept of that CVT is pretty terrific and I can understand why the posters who own that car rave about it. More later...

Good report Dr Grey.

I'm glad you had a good experience with the CVT. You read the long and useful "how to get the most out of a CVT" thread I assume? Some people around here think I want the CVT to fare poorly, nothing could be further from the truth.

If MINI is going to offer a non-manual version I really want it to be a good one. Most folks (including "all the usual suspects") who have the CVTs seem pretty happy (some even wildly happy) with the CVT and I'm glad for that (although to be fair, some people have ended up dissapointed with their CVTs and have gotten rid of them in favor of manuals--so the affection is not unanimous).

I'm not at all surprised that in that in traffic with no switchbacks, hills or lengthy straightaways the S would rate a 10 and the CVT a 9.2. That sounds about what I would expect (with the disadvantage of not having driven a CVT myself).

If you "no longer like to use a clutch" and you intend to use it primarily for the brutal commute from Westlake Village to West LA or downtown during rush hour then a CVT may be the best choice for you. I will caution that brutal freeway miles are not the MINIs strong suit (no matter what the transmission type).

There have been times I've been headed south on the 405 past LAX when even I have wondered if I might (for that moment) be happier in a Lexus. I hate to say it, because I could not love my MCS more---and considered MINIs to be one of the only future classic cars on the road today---but they are not the greatest freeway commuter cars.

I am somewhat afraid that when faced with the chore of beating it downtown on friday afternoon, that you will look out at the driveway and pick the Lexus every time. Let's face it that will be the more comfortable option. The MINI shows NONE of its advantages hogged up in freeway traffic.

Where the MINI will really show it's stuff is under exactly the opposite conditions you had on the test drive, that is out of traffic, with lots of switchbacks (the more the better), plenty of hills and the occasional patch of lengthy straightaways (remembering twisty is always best).

You have exactly the best and most optimal roadways in the world right in your backyard. Believe me in those canyons the sport-bikes pull over to let the MINIs pass. On MINI runs there have been several former 911 owners who claim the MINIs far surpass the Porsche on those roads.

Trust me, you feel like you are in a very expensive and exotic super-car under these conditions. The heart races as you mesh gears, and run through hair pins like you are on rails. The joy of these drives is very hard to convey without sounding over the top. Here the MCS really shines. Even in the moderate twists of Mullholland Hwy the car is a blast.

You have to figure out to what purpose you are really use the car. Is this going to be the freeway commuter car? A Lexus substitute?

Or is this the sports car you take out at every possible opportunity becase its just so much fun to drive? If you are like me, and you had a little time to spare, you may find yourself taking dying to take the MINI through the canyons to PCH when you want to get to West LA, and not suffer spiritual death on the 101/405 nightmare in the Lexus or more uncomfortably in the MINI.

When I go into the studios in Hollywood from Encino I don't take the freeway anymore Instead, I give myself a bit more time and take Mullholland Drive........and I arrive exhilarated (I mean happy happy happy), bubbling with life......just wishing the drive was a bit longer.

I hope you do take the chance to rent a MCS and get it out there on those backroads. Go alone and challenge yourself on some of the roads like Decker, Encinal, Stunt, and La Tuna. I think you will be amazed by the car. Then at least you will now what you may be passing on if you don't get the MCS.

A short test drive on a very hot (supercharger killing) day with passengers and the AC running, was a test under the worst of conditions and it still got a 10.

I would love to hear a report on the car under the best of conditions. I believe the car will blow your mind.

Peace to all

Sep 24th, 2003, 08:41 PM	#50
Spy Car I miss Ruthie Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: City of the Angels Local Time: 04:46 PM Posts: 6,427 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by drgrey Despite many years of 911s, I no longer like to use a clutch. It might be ok once in a while, but for a daily driver on the Ventura Freeway, trying to get from Westlake Village to West LA or downtown on a Friday afternoon, my left knee aches just thinking about it! So, as of now, even if my wife isn't interested, I'm leaning toward the CVT. I want to spend a day with one and take it over the roads Spy mentioned, but I'd be surprised if I don't feel the same afterwards-the concept of that CVT is pretty terrific and I can understand why the posters who own that car rave about it. More later... Good report Dr Grey. I'm glad you had a good experience with the CVT. You read the long and useful "how to get the most out of a CVT" thread I assume? Some people around here think I want the CVT to fare poorly, nothing could be further from the truth. If MINI is going to offer a non-manual version I really want it to be a good one. Most folks (including "all the usual suspects") who have the CVTs seem pretty happy (some even wildly happy) with the CVT and I'm glad for that (although to be fair, some people have ended up dissapointed with their CVTs and have gotten rid of them in favor of manuals--so the affection is not unanimous). I'm not at all surprised that in that in traffic with no switchbacks, hills or lengthy straightaways the S would rate a 10 and the CVT a 9.2. That sounds about what I would expect (with the disadvantage of not having driven a CVT myself). If you "no longer like to use a clutch" and you intend to use it primarily for the brutal commute from Westlake Village to West LA or downtown during rush hour then a CVT may be the best choice for you. I will caution that brutal freeway miles are not the MINIs strong suit (no matter what the transmission type). There have been times I've been headed south on the 405 past LAX when even I have wondered if I might (for that moment) be happier in a Lexus. I hate to say it, because I could not love my MCS more---and considered MINIs to be one of the only future classic cars on the road today---but they are not the greatest freeway commuter cars. I am somewhat afraid that when faced with the chore of beating it downtown on friday afternoon, that you will look out at the driveway and pick the Lexus every time. Let's face it that will be the more comfortable option. The MINI shows NONE of its advantages hogged up in freeway traffic. Where the MINI will really show it's stuff is under exactly the opposite conditions you had on the test drive, that is out of traffic, with lots of switchbacks (the more the better), plenty of hills and the occasional patch of lengthy straightaways (remembering twisty is always best). You have exactly the best and most optimal roadways in the world right in your backyard. Believe me in those canyons the sport-bikes pull over to let the MINIs pass. On MINI runs there have been several former 911 owners who claim the MINIs far surpass the Porsche on those roads. Trust me, you feel like you are in a very expensive and exotic super-car under these conditions. The heart races as you mesh gears, and run through hair pins like you are on rails. The joy of these drives is very hard to convey without sounding over the top. Here the MCS really shines. Even in the moderate twists of Mullholland Hwy the car is a blast. You have to figure out to what purpose you are really use the car. Is this going to be the freeway commuter car? A Lexus substitute? Or is this the sports car you take out at every possible opportunity becase its just so much fun to drive? If you are like me, and you had a little time to spare, you may find yourself taking dying to take the MINI through the canyons to PCH when you want to get to West LA, and not suffer spiritual death on the 101/405 nightmare in the Lexus or more uncomfortably in the MINI. When I go into the studios in Hollywood from Encino I don't take the freeway anymore Instead, I give myself a bit more time and take Mullholland Drive........and I arrive exhilarated (I mean happy happy happy), bubbling with life......just wishing the drive was a bit longer. I hope you do take the chance to rent a MCS and get it out there on those backroads. Go alone and challenge yourself on some of the roads like Decker, Encinal, Stunt, and La Tuna. I think you will be amazed by the car. Then at least you will now what you may be passing on if you don't get the MCS. A short test drive on a very hot (supercharger killing) day with passengers and the AC running, was a test under the worst of conditions and it still got a 10. I would love to hear a report on the car under the best of conditions. I believe the car will blow your mind. Peace to all