Hi, found the site a few days ago when I started looking for more info on the MINIs. First off after lurking for a few days I have to say this site is a wealth of knowledge and seems to have a good group of people. After getting rid of my sportbike at the beginning of last year I've been looking for a fun summer ride. My girlfriend didn't like riding on the bike because of her Ex was a real butt munch with her on the back. No matter how good I rode I could feel her getting squirmy in the back which made for a very uncomfortable ride. Since then I've been looking at convertibles and was considering getting a used Jeep. But the gas mileage was something that was a BIG turn off for me. But having the top down and doors off reminded me of the freedom I had while I was on the bike. Well last week I came across the MINI convertible, I don't know why I didn't look into these beauties earlier, mainly because I thought they were more expensive. Well yes the new ones are, but a used 05-06 is right about the price range I was looking at. Tonight I'm going to stop by a local car dealer and do a test drive of a coupe, not sure the specifics but I saw it on my way to a photo shoot last night so I figured tonight I'll stop by and drive it. It won't be a convertible but at least it will give me an idea of what the car drives like. It probably won't be till late next week or the week after before I'll be able to test drive both a Mini standard and a Mini S. Just was wondering what the take was on them. I'm guessing it's worth the extra $ for the S. The only issue I do see with getting a MINI is that there are no dealers that are local to me. Though on the MINI site they said that in July there will be one opening in Allentown which is about 30-40 min north of me which is not TOO bad but was hoping for something closer for when I have to leave the car for service. I called a few local shops in the area but they stated they didn't work on MINIs. Is this normal, where does everyone else get their service done? How hard are regular services on a MINI? I usually do my brakes, and oil changes myself. But with how compact the MINI is I was afraid of changing the oil might need a contortionist. I did see some photos on the site of an oil change but it listed an R#. What is that? I think from searching the R52 is for the convertible pre 08 correct? OK enough questions for one post. Thanks in advance,
1. If you're coming from a sport bike, I have to imagine you'll want an S, but it doesn't hurt to drive both models for yourself. 2. I live in San Diego and even I have to drive 30-40 minutes to get to the one dealer in the county, so you'll be fine (we're finally getting a 2nd dealer this summer). Independent shops with Mini knowledge are few, but Helix is in PA somewhere. Of course PA is pretty big so they may be nowhere near you. (Allentown is PA, right?) 3. Brakes and oil changes shouldn't be an issue, and there are definitely people doing a lot more than that. I know a few people have replaced heater cores, for instance (while I paid several hundred dollars at the dealer...). Plus many people do suspension and engine mods in their driveways, too. Whatever you may run into, you'll find someone around here or other sites with the help you need. 4. Not to dissuade you from a Mini, but have you considered an S2000? Lightly used models are easy to find for well under $20,000.
That is not a bad drive to the dealership. Mine is about the same and you can get a loner if they need to keep the car. As far as the "S" or the "non S" goes, that is up to the individual. Both shine in their own way and it is just a matter of which one fills your needs. The R# pertains to the model and generation. It is mostly a factory code, but we all use it, so we know what type we are talking about. It's a MINI thing. Jim
Welcome to MA. The S is similar to the cooper, it just comes with a bigger smile. Now the JCW has a smile that starts to hurt. Anyway you go, the grin stays a long time.
For many of use the purchase of a MINI is anything but rational decision. So if you find yourself being drawn but your not sure why -- Just buy it -- you have been infected with "MINI Mania"!
Howdy! I concur on test driving both but methinks with your bike background you may like the S more, but then again I've been wrong before lol. M/A is a lively and friendly bunch with tons of people ready to help and you generally get responses to questions pretty quick, if you can't find a post on point. Keep us posted!
Tonight's the night, I have 2 cars that are local that I'm going to test drive. One is a hard top and the other is a convertible. Can't wait till after work.
Ron: I think I might be following your philosophy. I stopped by the local dealer that had one of the Mini's listed online. When I got there and asked the salesman to test drive the car he told me that the car had sold the other day. I was on my way to the 2nd dealer when I ran into traffic and wouldn't have made it in time to get to my class tonight, so I bagged the 2nd test drive. After my Tae class tonight I went to a dealer that was about 15 from my class, it was a hard top and I have had my eyes on a Covertible but thought I would just give it a look. The dealer was closed when I got there, but just walking around the car I fell in love: A Chili Red 06 MCS. I'm going to call them tomorrow and setup a time so I can take her for a ride and see how she runs. Who knows by this weekend I might be joining the multitude of MINI owners.
Looks like a clean slate to work with, as in looks very stock with the desirable Xenon headlights. If it is sound would sure make a nice platform to start with.
Good luck with the 06 MCS. When you check it out, look for any oil leaks around the oil pan. If you see something that's concerning, get the dealer to agree to replace it with a new gasket. There's an improved design change. If you have to pay for it down the road, it can be expensive.