Potential owner...

[qccq]

Hi everyone!

This is my first post, great forum here!

Ok here's the deal, I've always been an Audi guy, currently own a '90 Coupe and an '01.5 S4 with suspension mods. Both are quattros and I love it. However, lately I've been having naughty thoughts of selling the S4 to get a Cooper S, the reason being I'm frustrated that I can't use its performance 90% of the time, and it's not even chipped! That and its heft and sub-par gas mileage made me realized that it's probably more fun hauling ass in a small car with adquate power and great handling, than having to restrain myself all the time driving a more powerful car.

So I looked around and the only car I like other than my S4 is the MCS. I've even driven e46 M3s and that didn't make me want one as badly as the Mini. It's like a virus or something

I test drove one for the 2nd time last Friday, and boy was it fun. I was surprised that the '05 car felt quite a bit more powerful than the '04 car I drove last summer, and honestly I like the new steering wheel better. I also liked the supercharged engine sound a lot, not sure if it'll get tiring, and the exhaust popping sound was so cool. Plus I couldn't believe how responsive the rear end was, it came out as soon as I lifted in a fast turn from initial understeer, which was partly due to crappy Goodyear Eagle tires. Now here're my questions:

1. Does anyone here drive an '05 with factory LSD yet? How does it compare to cars without? I'm pretty sure I want it if I buy one, but I want to get hear some of your opinions.

2. Is the JCW package worth the extra $5k (I'm in Canada)? The standard S seems pretty peppy already. I understand this is quite a bit cheaper than if I were to purchase the kit at a later date. Or should I just save that money and get aftermarket mods instead?

3. The run-flats I drove on last summer were crap, the ride was harsh without the extra grip I was expecting from a hard tire, and they're $$$ to replace. I'd definitely get better tires. Since the MCS has no space for a spare tire, what do you guys do?

4. The front seats space are great, but the rear is pretty cramped, well pretty much what I expected. I don't usually haul too much stuff or people around, but it has to fit my sports gears like golf clubs and soccer (football for out European friends ) stuff. Do you guys feel it's a reasonable car for daily use?

5. Has anyone gone from a much more powerful car (ie. M3/M5, AMGs, Audi S/RS cars...) to a MCS? Do you have any regrets? Or am I just going crazy for either having thoughts of leaving my highly competent S4, or doubting the Mini's ability?

6. One of my best friend already told me he'll lose all respect for me if I get a Mini, and will have serious doubt about my sexuality. Should I be worried?

Thanks in advance for answering my questions, please help out a confused car guy!

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by qccq

4. The front seats space are great, but the rear is pretty cramped, well pretty much what I expected. I don't usually haul too much stuff or people around, but it has to fit my sports gears like golf clubs and soccer (football for out European friends ) stuff. Do you guys feel it's a reasonable car for daily use?

6. One of my best friend already told me he'll lose all respect for me if I get a Mini, and will have serious doubt about my sexuality. Should I be worried?

Welcome to Mini2

I can't answer most of your questions as I run a standard Cooper, but I can answer these two:

4. There's plenty of room. We find it a bit of a joke trying to fit as much in as possible when we go out at the weekend (and leave a big estate car at home - I only want to drive the MINI at the weekend!). The three of us went food shopping in it this weekend and spent a total of £146 and got it all in I couldn't imagine that golf clubs and football kit are going to cause any bother.

6. How little understanding they have of a Cooper S Get the car and then take them out in it and, if you really have to, frighten them silly (on the track, of course) Then ask them if they still have a problem with it I bet you start a MINI owning trend amongst your friends

Tigger.

[chaincooperS]

Welcome! Let me see what I can do here for you...

1. I have a 2005 with factory LSD. It definitely helps in the corners - everyone I talk to that has had a MINI without LSD wishes they had it. Its a $500 option - toss it on there.

2. The JCW package is completely your preference. Definitely gives the car a bit more pep, but the extra couple g's is a little steep. If you want more performace, go for it. I personally didn't go for it based on cost. The JCW seats though....if you can get those, I'd go for those...

3. Run flats can be crap. I break mine loose a lot, the ride is a little harsh, but wtf. They are expensive. Some folks have opted for non-runflats and throw a can of slime in the boot with a compressor. I personally will just keep the runflats.

4. Don't expect to put a human in the back seat, but you won't believe what you can get in the back with the seats folded flat. golf bags? no problem. I put a ton of stuff in there on my last warehouse club run. no worries man, its my daily driver.

5. The MCS is quite a blast. Corners like a train. I've driven the gammet (e36 m3's, boxsters, audis), and they're all fun, dont' get me wrong. I really don't think you'll regret the MCS - its as satisfying or more satisfying than your aforementioned vehicles. You can enjoy a MINI around town too, and open it up more when you get outside the city.

6. Yeh, I clear all my purchases with my friends too. Screw 'em, its your car.

Quote: Originally Posted by qccq

1. Does anyone here drive an '05 with factory LSD yet? How does it compare to cars without? I'm pretty sure I want it if I buy one, but I want to get hear some of your opinions.

2. Is the JCW package worth the extra $5k (I'm in Canada)? The standard S seems pretty peppy already. I understand this is quite a bit cheaper than if I were to purchase the kit at a later date. Or should I just save that money and get aftermarket mods instead?

3. The run-flats I drove on last summer were crap, the ride was harsh without the extra grip I was expecting from a hard tire, and they're $$$ to replace. I'd definitely get better tires. Since the MCS has no space for a spare tire, what do you guys do?

4. The front seats space are great, but the rear is pretty cramped, well pretty much what I expected. I don't usually haul too much stuff or people around, but it has to fit my sports gears like golf clubs and soccer (football for out European friends ) stuff. Do you guys feel it's a reasonable car for daily use?

5. Has anyone gone from a much more powerful car (ie. M3/M5, AMGs, Audi S/RS cars...) to a MCS? Do you have any regrets? Or am I just going crazy for either having thoughts of leaving my highly competent S4, or doubting the Mini's ability?

6. One of my best friend already told me he'll lose all respect for me if I get a Mini, and will have serious doubt about my sexuality. Should I be worried?

Thanks in advance for answering my questions, please help out a confused car guy!

[qccq]

Quote: Originally Posted by chaincooperS

Welcome! Let me see what I can do here for you...

1. I have a 2005 with factory LSD. It definitely helps in the corners - everyone I talk to that has had a MINI without LSD wishes they had it. Its a $500 option - toss it on there.

2. The JCW package is completely your preference. Definitely gives the car a bit more pep, but the extra couple g's is a little steep. If you want more performace, go for it. I personally didn't go for it based on cost. The JCW seats though....if you can get those, I'd go for those...

4. Don't expect to put a human in the back seat, but you won't believe what you can get in the back with the seats folded flat. golf bags? no problem. I put a ton of stuff in there on my last warehouse club run. no worries man, its my daily driver.

5. The MCS is quite a blast. Corners like a train. I've driven the gammet (e36 m3's, boxsters, audis), and they're all fun, dont' get me wrong. I really don't think you'll regret the MCS - its as satisfying or more satisfying than your aforementioned vehicles. You can enjoy a MINI around town too, and open it up more when you get outside the city.

6. Yeh, I clear all my purchases with my friends too. Screw 'em, its your car.

Thanks for your responses!

The LSD is definitely on my virtual option list!

It's too bad North America always gets the short end of the stick when it comes to sport seat options. I guess I'll just save money by getting gripier cloth seats then!

And you're right, who cares what my friends think!

[nylo]

can't help with most, but
4. I play (field) hockey, and with one of the seats down, I can fit in 2 hockey girls plus me, all three kits bags plus 3 stick bags. Yeah it's a bit of a squeeze, but if you want sensible, by yourself a brown Rover (except you can't now, coz they've gone bust. Damn, looks like the MINI after all!! )

Can't vouch for golf clubs, but certainly soccer stuff should be grand- I took our club for training last year, which meant I ended up carrying bibs, balls and cones, plus my own stick bag everywhere I went, and it was fine...

6. Course the MINI is a gay car, would you not be happy if you looked as sexy as that?!

[chaincooperS]

Yo -

I have the cloth seats (space grey/black) and they look great. Grip nice too. I like them more than leatherette (parents have that, don't like it), and leather isn't worth the coin in my opinion.

Quote: Originally Posted by qccq

Thanks for your responses!

The LSD is definitely on my virtual option list!

It's too bad North America always gets the short end of the stick when it comes to sport seat options. I guess I'll just save money by getting gripier cloth seats then!

And you're right, who cares what my friends think!

[Stoupha]

This car is all about fun and remembering that driving is such a laugh ! Buy one,pack your favourite cds in and go drive. When I was a kid I used to walk to the top of a tall hill,sit on my skateboard and yell all the way downhill,the Mini makes me do the same(Yes,I do get some strange looks from fellow drivers.... )