[mark-o]

...Show off.



Congrats JCWCOMP62!
...secretly jealous but comforted by the knowledge that I'll be putting down my deposit very soon.

-M

[I Am Canadian]

Quote: Originally Posted by mr.abulia (original)

Hey Canadian, how was your test drive? Any pics?

Meanwhile, the auto trader has COMPLETELY screwed me over. My ad is not online.

Sorry for the delay Mr. A. Busy work day for me in Calgary today after road testing #44 yesterday in perfect weather. First off, sorry about the trader ad. You know, I searched for your car a couple of times and never found it. I should have advised you of that earlier.

PICS & COLORS
I'll post a couple of pics when I return home. Got some snaps of all three CP colors together at MINI Crowfoot's u/g garage. Too dark down there for quality photos though. But, after seeing all three colors in the flesh I can confirm that I made the right decision for me. My CR/W pops out in such a traditional way and totally kicks ***** with the aerokit and the must have foils. My opinion on the other two amazing colors is also good, they just aren't for me. The hyper blue and black was much lighter in color than the picture you posted. It was definitely my second favorite. Black stripes are a must on the HB that will make it look killer. The Astro Black is going to become a classic MINI color like Carbon Black on the M3, it is very rich and deep metallic. On the CP though it is such a stealth color choice. One doesn't really notice the agressiveness of the aerokit as it seems washed out by the black plastic trim pieces. Surely, when polished, it will smoke the eyes. I just can't handle the thought of two black vehicles. I have Carbon Black as an individual color on my X5 and that is enough work keeping glossy.

ROAD TEST
Had the vehicle for over an hour. The only other JCW I test drove previously to mine was a MINI Crowfoot salesmans who had his 2005 JCW with suspension for sale. They basically were identical riding to me. So, the typical JCW driving experience feedback you have all heard before is the same. In two words, LIMITLESS POWER. Awesome to say the least. The handling goes without saying. Ride quality was well above where I thought it would be. On frost heaved pavement and uneven roads I just got bounced a little with next to no road noise. Close to the end of my ride I received a huge grin and thumbs-up from an old timer passing by, I think the car really made his day. For me, the grin on my face hasn't left.

INTERIOR
Earlier in this thread I posted about how I got over the lack of limited edition badging by just understanding that the Competiton Package is just a package. Glad I did because it is more about JCW than a limited production package. Thanks to Mike for pointing that out to me. So, the silly tachometer label is cute, no more no less. You can see that it is just a sticker. What counts are those two JCW badges that all JCW owners earn. For the CP owners, we can just be proud of the great deal we all got when purchasing our JCW's.

Initially I wasn't too excited about the carbon fibre knob and brake being included, that wasn't a big selling feature to me. That said, after driving #44 the big positive surprise for me was the shift knob. It is the perfect fit for me. Very ergonomic and totally in sync with that 6 speed. On the negative, I did find the thick steering wheel to be a bit too squishy. Was hoping for something more solid. This will be my first vehicle with alcantara. The knob and wheel will likely see some wear, but they won't freeze bare hands in the winter . There is a good website the deals with automobile alacantara care & maintenance that I will search for.

That is my rant from the Air Canada lounge in Calgary. I'll post the pics, if they are any good, later. My plan has me flying back to Calgary next week with my wife to give her a ride and close the deal. One last thing, for most of us on the verge of buying our JCW CPs, we can all agree to being possessed by MINI as we live our days. Well last night after the road test I had three dreams about this damn car. I was detailing in one, driving another and prowling a show and shine in the last. I never remember my dreams and they are rarely about cars. So I think this is a very positive sign that after numerous years of waiting and wanting....the MINI bug has finally taken hold. Man am I happy about that.

[MINNOW]

Quote: Originally Posted by I Am Canadian (original)

One last thing, for most of us on the verge of buying our JCW CPs, we can all agree to being possessed by MINI as we live our days. Well last night after the road test I had three dreams about this damn car. I was detailing in one, driving another and prowling a show and shine in the last. I never remember my dreams and they are rarely about cars. So I think this is a very positive sign that after numerous years of waiting and wanting....the MINI bug has finally taken hold. Man am I happy about that.

Yep... sounds like the car owns you!
See you around the streets of E-town.

[mr.abulia]

Have a safe flight, Canadian! (though why you would fly from Edmonton to Calgary I'll never know... it's probably faster to drive when all is said and done!!! ) I'm glad the drive went well and left you with the knowledge that you've made the right choice. I've dealt with the autotrader folks, and my car is now listed in Vancouver, so hopefully I will still be able to get into the hyper blue car! I've been dreaming about it too, and have actually found myself being somewhat disappointed when I climb into my Carrera. Now how's that for screwed up?

I'm glad you liked the shift knob, and can understand your feelings on the wheel: I like thick wheels, but the last time I tried an alcantara JCW wheel I did find it a little disconcerting that it squished like that. My thoughts are that I'll try it out, and switch to the all leather one if its a problem. I'm pretty sure we can always get something for them on e-bay. I'm now looking forward to the shifter to see what the fuss is about.

Now I'll just have to wait patiently for the pictures. I can never see enough pictures

[I Am Canadian]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINNOW (original)

Yep... sounds like the car owns you!
See you around the streets of E-town.

You have me figured out. Keep an eye out starting October.

Quote: Originally Posted by mr.abulia (original)

Have a safe flight, Canadian! (though why you would fly from Edmonton to Calgary I'll never know... it's probably faster to drive when all is said and done!!! ) I'm glad the drive went well and left you with the knowledge that you've made the right choice. I've dealt with the autotrader folks, and my car is now listed in Vancouver, so hopefully I will still be able to get into the hyper blue car! I've been dreaming about it too, and have actually found myself being somewhat disappointed when I climb into my Carrera. Now how's that for screwed up?

Now I'll just have to wait patiently for the pictures. I can never see enough pictures

Just arrived home. Sometimes it is faster to drive. When the weather sucks, flying is always better. The QE2 can be nasty. But one thing is for sure, a CR/W will be heading north in a week or two. Glad there is resolution to your ad. I previewed the pics I took, they mostly suck, but I will post them tomorrow.

[bok]

let us know when you go to pic it up, maybe some of us amateur photogs can come up and get some pics of you and your new baby

[faster,Tobias!]

Great story, I Am. It certainly sounds like you have the Issigonis Fever! But I think if I could read just once that somebody (anybody) hated their CE I would feel a tad better . Enjoy your new motor, and if you can't find a pack of MINI's in Edmonton to run with, you are more than welcome to join the Calgarians.

[I Am Canadian]

Woot woot! More pictures. Take note of the new foils on my ride. That u/g garage in Calgary is not a good photo studio.

[mr.abulia]

You're not joking... that's a terrible photo studio! Still, #44 is looking pretty good. The foils do make all the difference!!!!

[Humourl3ss]

I'll close this one now, seeing as we have one new thread without the banter