[rainbowdreamer]

Why can't I get hold of a MINI Cooper S Auto demonstrator near the Coventry area?

Every dealer I contacted say they will not be putting one on.

Really want to try one.

[StevePSB]

Possibly because there is likely not going to be a big call for them this side of the Atlantic.

[asterix2112]

Hey I'm in America and had to buy the MCSa sight unseen, as Serling MINI of VA has none either. Got the drive the manual a bunch though. Just read all the reviews in this (Cooper S Automatic) forum. I have to thank all the detailed reviews by everyone, it's what pushed me into finally ordering mine. Sometimes in life you just got to say, What the f*** and go for it.

- John

[loveamini]

In So. Cal, I guess I am the lucky one because I tested 2 MCSA before I drove mine home, although kinda redundent since I bought the car before the test drive, but the MA wanted me to be sure that I like it.

[Kraigster414]

Quote: Originally Posted by asterix2112

Hey I'm in America and had to buy the MCSa sight unseen, as Serling MINI of VA has none either. Got the drive the manual a bunch though. Just read all the reviews in this (Cooper S Automatic) forum. I have to thank all the detailed reviews by everyone, it's what pushed me into finally ordering mine. Sometimes in life you just got to say, What the f*** and go for it.

- John

For anyone else interested in an MCSa in the DC or Baltimore Area, try Mini of Towson. Ask for Brad. He ordered two for his inventory. I got one of them. Don't know if the other is still unsold but you can ask. I really like the dealership although it is a bit of a "hike" from Northern VA.

[ScottyG]

Have you tried Robert Stern in Worcester? They had one about a month ago, not sure if it's still there.

[Shorty]

Scotty G's right, Robert Stern in Worcester have one

[Pembroke]

Loveamine,

What dealership in S. CA had a MCSA available for a test drive?

[loveamini]

Quote: Originally Posted by Pembroke

Loveamine,

What dealership in S. CA had a MCSA available for a test drive?

Sorry, haven't been on the forum for a while.

A friend just went to Crevier MINI in Santa Ana (where I bought mine), and test drove some MCSA and convertible just this weekend. Check them out first. Irvine MINI supposed to have 2 MCSA a couple of weeks ago, but the guy never called me, may be he sold them, you can call them and see.

[paulr]

Back in February I was able to test drive an MCSA at one of the dealers here in Chicago for a whole 10 minutes Seriously though, they were super accommodating as it was to be sold as soon as I got back!!

[sjbartnik]

I didn't realize they were so scarce! Here at Checkered Flag we have one in regular demo service for test drives. Come on down

Actually, the amusing part is that we don't have a manual transmission Cooper S demo car at the moment. Whoops!

[weinerdog]

....I've been checking out Minis for about a year now, and waiting for an Auto S to be available. Anyway, I got to take one for a spin this weekend, and was a few miles into a very enjoyable test drive when I exited the freeway to turn around and head back to the dealership. Upon stopping at the stop sign at the top of the off ramp, I heard a large thud when I hit the gas at the stop sign. It was the sound of the tranny dropping. They came to pick me up, and the employee who was showing me the different shifting modes had to wait for the tow truck. I had only used the steering wheel controls once on the freeway, and he assured me it was nothing I had done. A rather surreal experience. I have to admit it's put a pretty good damper on my enthusiasm for a Mini. Since I had no idea before the test drive of how the shifting could be controlled via the steering wheel or how this transmission might differ from previous automatic models, perhaps someone could enlighten me on whether I got really unlucky, or if the new MCSa type of transmission might have growing pains if it's engineered in a different way for previous models without the cool shifting modes. Now I'm throwing around the idea of a MC or MCS instead, or checking out a Scion tc......

[Kraigster414]

Quote: Originally Posted by weinerdog

....I've been checking out Minis for about a year now, and waiting for an Auto S to be available. Anyway, I got to take one for a spin this weekend, and was a few miles into a very enjoyable test drive when I exited the freeway to turn around and head back to the dealership. Upon stopping at the stop sign at the top of the off ramp, I heard a large thud when I hit the gas at the stop sign. It was the sound of the tranny dropping. They came to pick me up, and the employee who was showing me the different shifting modes had to wait for the tow truck. I had only used the steering wheel controls once on the freeway, and he assured me it was nothing I had done. A rather surreal experience. I have to admit it's put a pretty good damper on my enthusiasm for a Mini. Since I had no idea before the test drive of how the shifting could be controlled via the steering wheel or how this transmission might differ from previous automatic models, perhaps someone could enlighten me on whether I got really unlucky, or if the new MCSa type of transmission might have growing pains if it's engineered in a different way for previous models without the cool shifting modes. Now I'm throwing around the idea of a MC or MCS instead, or checking out a Scion tc......

I think you were really unlucky. Stuff (I prefer to use another word) happens. I'll give you a similar story though. I drove my brand new 2005 MCSa home from the showroom with no air in the run flat and never knew it. I had a leaky valve. The dealer delivered to my home a brand new tire the next day. Needlestosay, they were very apologetic. Have I had any problems since? Not a one except for that darn "Service engine soon" light which hopefully will be taken care of soon.

I wouldn't let your experience dampen your enthusiasm for the MCSa. This is the first time I have ever heard anything like that. Plus, the same thing could have happened with any car/transmission, albeit rare.

[Sitcur]

Quote: Originally Posted by Pembroke

Loveamine,

What dealership in S. CA had a MCSA available for a test drive?

Universal City has several in stock for a test drive although I ordered mine from South Bay Mini in Torrance where they don't charge a premium over MSRP - Sept. Delivery.

[Jim Ray]

Quote: Originally Posted by weinerdog

....I've been checking out Minis for about a year now, and waiting for an Auto S to be available. Anyway, I got to take one for a spin this weekend, and was a few miles into a very enjoyable test drive when I exited the freeway to turn around and head back to the dealership. Upon stopping at the stop sign at the top of the off ramp, I heard a large thud when I hit the gas at the stop sign. It was the sound of the tranny dropping. They came to pick me up, and the employee who was showing me the different shifting modes had to wait for the tow truck. I had only used the steering wheel controls once on the freeway, and he assured me it was nothing I had done. A rather surreal experience. I have to admit it's put a pretty good damper on my enthusiasm for a Mini. Since I had no idea before the test drive of how the shifting could be controlled via the steering wheel or how this transmission might differ from previous automatic models, perhaps someone could enlighten me on whether I got really unlucky, or if the new MCSa type of transmission might have growing pains if it's engineered in a different way for previous models without the cool shifting modes. Now I'm throwing around the idea of a MC or MCS instead, or checking out a Scion tc......

Hi Weinerdog,

How about some more information please? What dealer was providing this demo? I would like to contact the service department and get a few more details of this transmission dropping .
This would be a good item to include in our thread of tips and hints.

Thanks, Jim

[weinerdog]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jim Ray

Hi Weinerdog,

How about some more information please? What dealer was providing this demo? I would like to contact the service department and get a few more details of this transmission dropping .
This would be a good item to include in our thread of tips and hints.

Thanks, Jim

Hi Jim,
I guess I should have included that. It was Motorwerks Mini in Edina(Minneapolis suburb). I'm a bit curious myself. The crazy thing is that they could still sell it at sticker if they wanted. Please let us know what you find out. All the folks there have been very friendly, so I wonder how forthright they'll be any info. Thanks....

[Jim Ray]

Quote: Originally Posted by weinerdog

Hi Jim,
I guess I should have included that. It was Motorwerks Mini in Edina(Minneapolis suburb). I'm a bit curious myself. The crazy thing is that they could still sell it at sticker if they wanted. Please let us know what you find out. All the folks there have been very friendly, so I wonder how forthright they'll be any info. Thanks....

Thanks, don't know if I will get any more info than you did, just curious. ALL people in Edina are friendly!

You must have been on the only hill in the area. I used to go to computer training there in the good ole days. When Cray, and Univac and Sperry brands meant something.

Stuff happens to all cars. We have been impressed with the level of service that we had from our dealer, even though ours have been relatively trouble free. No doubt that without the warranty and service, we would have had to really think about it. The people who live 350 miles from their dealer are to be commended.

At least with a transmission failure, you don't have to keep going back to see if they can duplicate it.

Thanks again, and let us know what you decide. I almost went the Scion Xb route, but the people involved with MINIs pulled us back into the fold.

[cooper_s_dreamer]

Best thing to do (if you desperately want to drive one first) is try a London or Brum dealer.

I know it's a bit of a trek, but bigger city dealers are more likely to run one as a demo!

Hope this helps!