[X Wing]

First of all, howdy!

I'm considering a MINI for my wife's next vehicle. (Which is to say, I'm pretty much sold on the idea, while my wife needs a bit more persuasion.)

We don't have kids (yet), and the rationalle behind this completely logical purchase would be a daily transportation for her for a few years. Afterwards, the MINI would become my winter transportation in lieu of my '88 Mazda 323 GTX. I already have a smashing summer driver.

So, having said that, here are our criteria:

1. Low cost. This pretty much rules out the Cooper S, as we are trying to come in around $20K.
2. Upgrades. Am I correct in assuming there is a turbo package available or soon to become available for the base Cooper?
3. Transmission. As a sports car guy, I must insist upon the manual. My wife is less enamoured, however. We have driven both the CVT and the manual, and I came away with mixed emotions on the CVT. Of course, I realize that the CVT has a limited upgrade path as well (I doubt it could handle any sort of FI), but it will be her car initially. How do the rest of the CVT owners like this tranny after having lived with it for a while? I also realize we may be able to work a better deal on the CVTs, as they seem to be languishing on the lot. Life is all about compromises.
4. Where to buy? We have a dealership here in Nashville. Thus far, they have been "decent" but not exemplirary. Cincinnati would not be too far a drive, and I have heard nothing but good things about them. Has anyone worked a below MSRP deal yet?

Thanks in advance for the input!

[X Wing]

Not one response to any of my questions... WTF?

Should I have posted this in a different forum?

[valnmike]

So you're looking at a car for your wife to drive. Okay, what does your wife want in a car? If she likes the MINI, then stand up and support that decision. But you should both research and understand the options (like the DSC -dynamic stability control) before you opt to purchase a MINI without them.

We have the MC with the CVT and we like it. When you test drove the CVT, did you try putting it in sport mode (SD indicated on the speedometer) or try manual shifting? Whenever I go from D to SD, to manual mode (while stopped) I notice that the transmission is indicating 2nd gear. Makes me think that the "economy" D mode does not automatically go all the way down to its lowest ratio. That might explain your lack of enthusiasm for the CVT. For us, the $1250 for the CVT is worth it. In total. we paid $250 over MSRP, but that included floor mats and the boot box organizer (which I recommend because it is so good at keeping things from flying around while taking the corners). -No big deal but better than nothing. I’ve read post where people have paid thousands over MSRP (usually in CA) and or have waited months and months for the car they ordered. If you have dealers with them on the lot in the configuration you want and at sticker, consider yourselves lucky to live where you do. And if you do get a MINI, I’d bet you trade in your smashing summer driver for the much more dashing MINI.

[X Wing]

Actually, I'm the one that likes the MINI... I'm just trying to get her to warm up to it.

Yes, I did use the CVT in Sport mode when I drove it. The difficulties I experienced were a function of the CVT itself. I.e., I couldn't get used to the rubber-band like lag that seemed to accompany aggressive driving. I also did not enjoy the fact that us Yanks get a pre-determined "shift" feel programmed into the CVT. To me, it seemed to defeat the purpose of having a CVT by intentionally deleting the smoothness inherent in such a design. And like you stated, shifting into Sport automatically dumps you into "2nd".

Hence, I asked for input from other CVT drivers to see if it was something they got used to or whether my "much-more-aggressive-than-your-average-motorist" driving style would leave me flat-footed in the long term.

I seriously doubt that any car, regardless of how great it is, could convince me to give up my Italia when it's warm enough to put the top down. Other cars have certainly tried and failed.

[ruthie]

I cannot answer your questions on the CVT because I have the manual shifter. But coming from a female's viewpoint, you can tell your wife that this car is not only a sporty car to drive, but graceful and comfortable, as well. I like the manual because I feel I have more control of the car. I love my Cooper. She'll love it too! The sun roof package and multi-functioning steering wheel are great and worth the extra moolah in my opinion. PS Put the racing stripes on later. Who knows? Once she has driven it for a while, maybe SHE'LL be the one who puts the racing stripes on!

[MINIAC]

Quote:

Originally posted by X Wing

Am I correct in assuming there is a turbo package available or soon to become available for the base Cooper?

The cost of fitting a turbo will be more than the price difference between the Cooper and 'S'. The CVT transmission will not be able to handle the increased torque of a turbo conversion, and the same may be true of the 5-speed tranny.

[X Wing]

I realize that a turbo will be more expensive long-term, but undoubtedly will have a larger power potential.

But I realize that any type of FI rules out the CVT.

[valnmike]

Quote:

Originally posted by X Wing
Actually, I'm the one that likes the MINI... I'm just trying to get her to warm up to it.

Yes, I did use the CVT in Sport mode when I drove it. The difficulties I experienced were a function of the CVT itself. I.e., I couldn't get used to the rubber-band like lag that seemed to accompany aggressive driving.

Did the model you drove also have the DSC? Regardless, try a drive with the traction control/DSC turned off. I think the computer is processing the throttle position information & tyre traction, and causing a hesitation in the process. That has been my experience.

As for my CVT experience, (with the DSC on) I have no objections for normal driving. But I am not trying to drive it in a rally either; just traffic. FWIW, I would have preferred the CVT to be smooth and not have the (superfluous) shift point feeling.