Hi all, just returned from a 3600 mile trip, New Orleans, Naples Fl and back thru Atlanta to Iowa. I now have 4100 miles on Max and wanted to pass on some observations.
Given a dollar for every What is it? followed by Who makes it? I would have the car paid for. Big city or small, same questions.
Everyone loves the MINI, not one bad comment.
The sport suspension is great, HOWEVER you will feel all the bad bumps a Crown Vic laughs at.
80 mph with the air on will yiels about 30 mpg.
You will love the way the supercharger sounds above 4000 rpm, it gets that F1 whine and you are gone!
Many thanks yous to the paint boys. Given the option between a semi on the right and an orange barrel on the left, I opted for the barrel which was last seen cart wheeling somewhere stage left. Exiting for fuel and a look see I found marks similar to black heel marks on the vynal floor. Using spit and fingers...presto! The scuffing was gone w/no mark! No damage to Max.
The leatherette seats are ok but...I found 2 white/blue stripe beach towels at Target and covered the seats. No more sticking/moist feel. However we were in them for 12 hours straight and you do get sore after a couple of days. I felt that the left leg bolster could be a little less firm, it hits the thleg harder than the right side.
I started to have indications of cold start problems the last couple of days. I have not yet read Kens comments on that, I intend to notify MINIUSA of the developement.
Finally...in 10 days and 11 states I saw NO ONE out with their MINI. HELLO??? Get out and Play. I had an absolute ball. Do not be shy. People will drool and ask questions, expect it for a long time. I am convinced we are a lucky group of owners.
Mike
Orange Barrels, Vacation, Findings 
