Your first G_P driving impressions - do tell

[LMB]

Brilliant Jim.

You enjoy it my friend.

[DeadCanDanceR]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jim Ray (original)

Ok Stuart, you were right. Thank you for your encouragement, the GP is worth every penny and every sleepless night.

Picked up 0019 today at 1200, and took it to COSTCO for the first test. It passed the MegaPack of Diet Pepsi loading test with flying colors, and handled the curves of CA Highway 1 with no problems. I was impressed with the low end torque, and immediate power response. No high RPM trials, lots of time to get it up in revs after running in. No squeaks, no rattles, and MINI USA did a bangup job of prepairing the car.

A small item, but a nice touch are the GP floor mats. They will get replaced with black rubber for daily use, very sharp. I liked the black boot handle, and had not noticed before that the inside of the scoop is black. The MINI USA rep called it carbon fiber, but I would not place money on that. Carbon black would be more my guess.

I did scrape the front air dam a couple of times, I am just going to consider them consumables. It is a real car, and we are going to drive it like one.

John Cooper was gracious enough to autograph the Dash panel over the glove box, and that was worth the trip to California.

The first item placed on GP0019 was the MINI2.COM sticker on the rear window under the center brake light. Sneaked that on before the presentation ceremony.

Congratulations Jim! I'm looking forward to see some photos!!!

[Goonery]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jim Ray (original)

Ok Stuart, you were right. Thank you for your encouragement, the GP is worth every penny and every sleepless night.

Picked up 0019 today at 1200, and took it to COSTCO for the first test. It passed the MegaPack of Diet Pepsi loading test with flying colors, and handled the curves of CA Highway 1 with no problems. I was impressed with the low end torque, and immediate power response. No high RPM trials, lots of time to get it up in revs after running in. No squeaks, no rattles, and MINI USA did a bangup job of prepairing the car.

A small item, but a nice touch are the GP floor mats. They will get replaced with black rubber for daily use, very sharp. I liked the black boot handle, and had not noticed before that the inside of the scoop is black. The MINI USA rep called it carbon fiber, but I would not place money on that. Carbon black would be more my guess.

I did scrape the front air dam a couple of times, I am just going to consider them consumables. It is a real car, and we are going to drive it like one.

John Cooper was gracious enough to autograph the Dash panel over the glove box, and that was worth the trip to California.

The first item placed on GP0019 was the MINI2.COM sticker on the rear window under the center brake light. Sneaked that on before the presentation ceremony.

Now you know what its like

[zoooooom]

I find the GP handles sleeping policemen very well as the front lip is only at the sides and not in the centre like other mini's

[GBMINI]

Smoother ride than I expected ... but the lack of rear seats (and sound insulation) makes the road/tire noise really boom in the back at highway speeds ... I see a need for Dynamat!

[jakemax]

Quote: Originally Posted by GBMINI (original)

Snow tires will be tricky on the GP because of the JCW brake kit - a standard MINI 16" wheel won't fit.
You want smaller wheels for the winter so that the tire width is also narrower - but only one 16" MINI wheel is suitable (don't remember the number). In USA, tirerack can advise a couple of aftermarket 16" wheels.

I don't know if an 18" snow tire exists at all - but personally I'd want to change the wheel/tire combo to minimize the number of tire changes to the special GP wheels (so minimize the risk of wheel damage) - as well as the narrower tire issue.

And of course I'd choose aftermarket non-runflat snow tires; lots more choice at better prices.


There are also other reasons why it might not be good to take a GP through winter - it's lowered (less clearance), and the aero panels under the car might collect winter crud / salt / etc, risking rust. I think I'd have to get the panels removed and cleaned underneath, if I drive the GP through winter.

I have an '05 "S" for which I have sno tires on 15" wheels --- Can these be used on the GP Live in Buffalo, NY , Mucho white stuff [arriving mid Sept.]

Thanks

[jakemax]

I think it would be nice to know what Standard Equipment is NOT on the GP. I was surprised to find out there is no A/C, Cigarette lighter [to charge cell phone etc], glove box, rear wiper and who knows what else? I realize that it is a niche type of car, but no glove box?

[MOTOR'N]

Quote: Originally Posted by jakemax (original)

I think it would be nice to know what Standard Equipment is NOT on the GP. I was surprised to find out there is no A/C, Cigarette lighter [to charge cell phone etc], glove box, rear wiper and who knows what else? I realize that it is a niche type of car, but no glove box?

I believe that you have been misinformed, it is all there but the rear wiper and the actual
lighter. (the plug is still there)

[GBMINI]

The specs vary in different countries - USA does have A/C and glove box, it seems England doesn't get the glove box and I think A/C is an option there.

"Chief Charlie" found out this weekend that the alarm pre-wiring is missing from our GPs - even though we were assured they would be pre-wired! Not sure how expensive an alarm install will cost if wiring is needed too.

UK GP buyers - do you have alarm pre-wiring?

[mGP]

Quote: Originally Posted by GBMINI (original)

The specs vary in different countries - USA does have A/C and glove box, it seems England doesn't get the glove box and I think A/C is an option there.

"Chief Charlie" found out this weekend that the alarm pre-wiring is missing from our GPs - even though we were assured they would be pre-wired! Not sure how expensive an alarm install will cost if wiring is needed too.

UK GP buyers - do you have alarm pre-wiring?

Not sure If Mini itself knows!!
Went in to see parts yesterday to get a qoute for an alarm (and xenons -just a thought), after waiting half an hour just to get acknowleged I aksed for a quote; Parts Guy (SCOTTHALL WATFORD) comes back (15 Mins Later) and says there is no such thing/never heard of an alarm retro-fit, I assure him there is such a thing, another 15 mins later; he comes back giving it all attitude "all minis (ONE included) come with an alarm standard" (WTF) , "you've given me no information about the car VIN/Chassis no" ITS A GP f-f-s!!!
End conclusion; walked out none the wiser, feeling very disheartened, and verry P****d off. Still am. It's put a big downer on my whole mini experience, if these are the kind aftersales people you have to deal; i'd rather not bother.
(If anyone can reccomend a good dealer/services in Hertfordshire please PM me)
Sorry if i went a bit overboard on the alarm subject but this has been annoying me since 11am yesterday and i need to let off some steam.

[spud130475]

Quote: Originally Posted by GBMINI (original)

The specs vary in different countries - USA does have A/C and glove box, it seems England doesn't get the glove box and I think A/C is an option there.

"Chief Charlie" found out this weekend that the alarm pre-wiring is missing from our GPs - even though we were assured they would be pre-wired! Not sure how expensive an alarm install will cost if wiring is needed too.

UK GP buyers - do you have alarm pre-wiring?

We get A/C & DSC but no glovebox
Not sure yet about alarm pre wire MINI UK have sent a technical bulletin to uk dealers about what parts are needed to put alarm on, I believe cost is about £600

[BIGMINIBAZ]

I took delivery of GP1109 on Friday. I used to listen to loud music but prefer the whine, crackle and pop now! If I had seats, i wouldn't be able to hear this! Blistering quick and a handfull at warp factor speeds,cornering sideways is easily acheived. Having the mountain road (no speed limit) means you can really open it up! Roadholding is absolutely pin sharp, cornering speeds are amazing. Some roads being like they are on the island are a bit bumpy but the scenery makes up for that! Can't fault a single things the wait was worth it, I absolutely love it. To those waiting, you will not be dissapointed.

Just a thought here, my insurance company insisted on either a Tracker or an alarm being fitted. Though we don't have car theft here. I'm going for the Tracker or i-mob as most people ignore alarms wailing.

Strange, but no Mini owners wave here? Must be a UK thing?

[zoooooom]

Quote: Originally Posted by GBMINI (original)

The specs vary in different countries - USA does have A/C and glove box, it seems England doesn't get the glove box and I think A/C is an option there.

"Chief Charlie" found out this weekend that the alarm pre-wiring is missing from our GPs - even though we were assured they would be pre-wired! Not sure how expensive an alarm install will cost if wiring is needed too.

UK GP buyers - do you have alarm pre-wiring?

Quote: Originally Posted by spud130475 (original)

We get A/C & DSC but no glovebox
Not sure yet about alarm pre wire MINI UK have sent a technical bulletin to uk dealers about what parts are needed to put alarm on, I believe cost is about £600

SCOTLAND get the same spec as England

[ASTON]

Quote: Originally Posted by zoooooom (original)

SCOTLAND get the same spec as England

so does Wales

[salocin]

UK Spec as follows...(including the Democratic Republic of Wales)

• 18" light alloy wheels
• 3- spoke sports leather steering wheel with multifunction
• Aero kit consisting of front and rear aprons, side skirts & underside paneling
• Anthracite roof lining
• Darkened Glass in rear side windows & rear screen
• Dynamic Stability Control
• Floor mats in velour
• Interior lights pack
• JCW engine kit.
• JCW front disc brakes
• Limited slip differential
• JCW sports suspension
• Manual air conditioning
• On board computer
• Radio BOOST with CD player
• Unique rear wing spoiler
• Recaro heated sport seats in leather
• Unique thunder blue metallic paintwork
• White indicators

Hope this helps!