MINI2

sketcher · May 3rd, 2003, 12:39 AM

The time has come for me to buy a new car and guess which one I have in mind? That's right! The Toyota Matrix! Just kidding. It's actually a 2nd or 3rd choice but I really, really, really, really, REALLY want to get a Mini Cooper. The deciding factor is if I can afford it

Anyhoo, I was daydreaming on the Mini Canada website in the section of building the Mini. I noticed 2 things:

1) Standard transmission is standard. Does that mean I can't get automatic (I'm a complete dunce when it comes to standard driving)

2) I want to get the light blue paint, not Indi Blue (it's nice but I instantly fell in love with the light blue colour), but it's not an option. Does this mean it's unavailable? I'm crossing my fingers hoping it's only an error on the site. That can happen, can't it?

Please say it isn't so!

godzappa · May 3rd, 2003, 12:46 AM

Hi Sketcher

The Electric Blue is only avail. for the Cooper S. There is apparently going to be a new Blue coming with the 2004 models in Sep/October but nothing for sure yet.

You can get Automatic Mini Coopers, in fact thats what we have ordered, the Mini uses a really cool tranny called CVT, the new auto Minis will also come with paddle shifters. The CVT transmission though is 1290 CDN so you are looking at around 26k for a Mini Cooper with CVT and 27k if you want metalic paint.

The Mini is afew grand more than a Matrix, but, after seeing both in person and driving the MC, theres NO contest.

Good luck with whatever car you go with

James

Silvercooper · May 3rd, 2003, 12:47 AM

Well maybe your dream will come true, I read somewhere that Electric blue will soon be available on the Cooper.

HarryHBMCC · May 3rd, 2003, 12:54 AM

As has been said above, EB may be on the base Cooper soon. I prefer the dark IndiBlue myself, but that's just my personal preference!

The CVT is not your regular automatic transmission, using belts and pulleys instead of a fluid torque converter but it does what you want, doing the 'gear shifting' for you so to speak though there are no 'gears', really. You can paddle shift through 6 simulated gears if you want to.

I test drove the Matrix/Vibe before the MINI Cooper and while the former is not a bad little tall wagon/crossover, it does not come even remotely close to the handling, style and fun of the MINI Cooper, which is a hatchback sports coupe. In many ways, I'm not sure why I cross-shopped them, except that both are hatchbacks; that's about where the similarities end.

Harry

sketcher · May 3rd, 2003, 12:56 AM

Replies so soon! Thanks!

I just took a second look at the site and tried the Cooper S and noticed Electric Blue (I learned a new word today!) is only available for that. All I can say is 'AAAUUGGGHH!'.

Silvercooper, I hope what you say comes true. I really, really love that colour. If I could, I would marry it! I'm in a bind because I don't want black, I don't want red, and I never liked white or yellow on any car.

What are paddle shifters?

Humourl3ss · May 3rd, 2003, 06:33 AM

Paddle shifters are the small thumb-operated buttons located just above the buttons for the horn on cars with "manumatic" (and often CV) transmissions.

They tend to be implemented in one of two ways: push/pull for gear down/gear up or left/right for down/up or up/down.

Not as much fun as a standard manual tranny, but it allows you to entertain certain F1 fantasies.

-CW

Paul · May 3rd, 2003, 07:24 AM

MINI paddle shifters: pull towards you to switch up, push away to shift down...

Click on the thumbnails to enlarge:

MiniMan7 · May 3rd, 2003, 07:30 AM

I think they did a horrible job on the paddle shifters.

Humourl3ss · May 3rd, 2003, 07:58 AM

Horrible in what way? In terms of aesthetics or function? I rather like the way they look....

-CW

MiniMan7 · May 3rd, 2003, 08:01 AM

In terms of everything.

I think they should've made it an actual paddle behind each spoke of the wheel. One on the right, and one on the left. You get my idea?

These paddles are nothing like the ones in the bimmers. The bimmer ones are way better!

Humourl3ss · May 3rd, 2003, 08:19 AM

Ahh, okay. I see what you mean.

You're right, the paddles on some cars (with their buttery smooth rubberized coating) are far better from a "feel" standpoint than the buttons on a MINI's CVT shifter.

I still like the sculpted effect on the MC's paddles though.

-CW

MiniMan7 · May 3rd, 2003, 08:05 PM

It is still nice, don't get me wrong, but I think they could've done a better job.

May 3rd, 2003, 12:39 AM	#1
sketcher MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Local Time: 03:02 AM Posts: 82 Offline	Light blue colour not available? The time has come for me to buy a new car and guess which one I have in mind? That's right! The Toyota Matrix! Just kidding. It's actually a 2nd or 3rd choice but I really, really, really, really, REALLY want to get a Mini Cooper. The deciding factor is if I can afford it Anyhoo, I was daydreaming on the Mini Canada website in the section of building the Mini. I noticed 2 things: 1) Standard transmission is standard. Does that mean I can't get automatic (I'm a complete dunce when it comes to standard driving) 2) I want to get the light blue paint, not Indi Blue (it's nice but I instantly fell in love with the light blue colour), but it's not an option. Does this mean it's unavailable? I'm crossing my fingers hoping it's only an error on the site. That can happen, can't it? Please say it isn't so!

May 3rd, 2003, 12:54 AM	#4 (permalink)
HarryHBMCC MINI2 Master Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Guelph, Ontario, Can Local Time: 02:02 AM Posts: 2,686 Offline	As has been said above, EB may be on the base Cooper soon. I prefer the dark IndiBlue myself, but that's just my personal preference! The CVT is not your regular automatic transmission, using belts and pulleys instead of a fluid torque converter but it does what you want, doing the 'gear shifting' for you so to speak though there are no 'gears', really. You can paddle shift through 6 simulated gears if you want to. I test drove the Matrix/Vibe before the MINI Cooper and while the former is not a bad little tall wagon/crossover, it does not come even remotely close to the handling, style and fun of the MINI Cooper, which is a hatchback sports coupe. In many ways, I'm not sure why I cross-shopped them, except that both are hatchbacks; that's about where the similarities end. Harry MINI Cooper Cabrio: now the car with go cart handling really feels like an open go cart! "... the only man that can come home at 3 am in the morning without getting into trouble with his spouse is the owner of a British sports car!" -- Phil Bailey

May 3rd, 2003, 12:56 AM	#5 (permalink)
sketcher MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Local Time: 03:02 AM Posts: 82 Offline	Replies so soon! Thanks! I just took a second look at the site and tried the Cooper S and noticed Electric Blue (I learned a new word today!) is only available for that. All I can say is 'AAAUUGGGHH!'. Silvercooper, I hope what you say comes true. I really, really love that colour. If I could, I would marry it! I'm in a bind because I don't want black, I don't want red, and I never liked white or yellow on any car. What are paddle shifters? 2003 chili red/black roof/automatic/heated seats/personalized license plate

May 3rd, 2003, 06:33 AM	#6 (permalink)
Humourl3ss Now With More Cowbell Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Canada City Local Time: 03:02 AM Posts: 1,767 Offline	Paddle shifters are the small thumb-operated buttons located just above the buttons for the horn on cars with "manumatic" (and often CV) transmissions. They tend to be implemented in one of two ways: push/pull for gear down/gear up or left/right for down/up or up/down. Not as much fun as a standard manual tranny, but it allows you to entertain certain F1 fantasies. -CW Global Moderator

May 3rd, 2003, 07:30 AM	#8 (permalink)
MiniMan7 Let's Motor. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hamilton, Ontario Local Time: 04:02 AM Posts: 2,897 Offline	I think they did a horrible job on the paddle shifters. http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/16791/32165.jpg

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May 3rd, 2003, 12:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
godzappa MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: St. Catherines, Onta Local Time: 03:02 AM Posts: 108 Offline	Hi Sketcher The Electric Blue is only avail. for the Cooper S. There is apparently going to be a new Blue coming with the 2004 models in Sep/October but nothing for sure yet. You can get Automatic Mini Coopers, in fact thats what we have ordered, the Mini uses a really cool tranny called CVT, the new auto Minis will also come with paddle shifters. The CVT transmission though is 1290 CDN so you are looking at around 26k for a Mini Cooper with CVT and 27k if you want metalic paint. The Mini is afew grand more than a Matrix, but, after seeing both in person and driving the MC, theres NO contest. Good luck with whatever car you go with James

May 3rd, 2003, 12:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
Silvercooper MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2002 Location: Montreal Local Time: 03:02 AM Posts: 252 Offline	Well maybe your dream will come true, I read somewhere that Electric blue will soon be available on the Cooper.

May 3rd, 2003, 07:24 AM	#7 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 08:02 AM Posts: 40,553 Offline	MINI paddle shifters: pull towards you to switch up, push away to shift down... Click on the thumbnails to enlarge:

May 3rd, 2003, 07:58 AM	#9 (permalink)
Humourl3ss Now With More Cowbell Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Canada City Local Time: 03:02 AM Posts: 1,767 Offline	Horrible in what way? In terms of aesthetics or function? I rather like the way they look.... -CW Global Moderator

May 3rd, 2003, 08:01 AM	#10 (permalink)
MiniMan7 Let's Motor. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hamilton, Ontario Local Time: 04:02 AM Posts: 2,897 Offline	In terms of everything. I think they should've made it an actual paddle behind each spoke of the wheel. One on the right, and one on the left. You get my idea? These paddles are nothing like the ones in the bimmers. The bimmer ones are way better! http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/16791/32165.jpg

May 3rd, 2003, 08:19 AM	#11 (permalink)
Humourl3ss Now With More Cowbell Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Canada City Local Time: 03:02 AM Posts: 1,767 Offline	Ahh, okay. I see what you mean. You're right, the paddles on some cars (with their buttery smooth rubberized coating) are far better from a "feel" standpoint than the buttons on a MINI's CVT shifter. I still like the sculpted effect on the MC's paddles though. -CW Global Moderator

May 3rd, 2003, 08:05 PM	#12 (permalink)
MiniMan7 Let's Motor. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hamilton, Ontario Local Time: 04:02 AM Posts: 2,897 Offline	It is still nice, don't get me wrong, but I think they could've done a better job. http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/16791/32165.jpg

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