Hey guys, just found this forum about MINI's, and I have to say it is really a great place. As the title states, I am hopeful new MINI owner. I have been looking at new cars for a while and it really for a while looked like I was going to end up with an 04 or 05 M3. Having reconsidered because of the 43k price tag for a used one that is in ample condition and low mileage. I was lost for a while till I saw a lone MINI drive by me on the freeway the other day and it just clicked. MINI COOPER!! It just seemed so right. Small,cute, has atittude, is quite unique. I have been driving a 1995 BMW 318i for the last 3 years so I will feel right at home with our awesome four bangers. It just feels about time to move on from the 318. It's quite a heavy car for a four banger so it is very slow. One of my many questions to come is, will I be able to tell much a difference from a RWD car to a FWD car? I've driven BMW's since I got my license which was 3 years ago.. Having just driven the entire break in period for my dad's 09 M5 (he was out of town ) I am very used to the RWD cars and how they react when you push them. Since the MINI's handling is second to none I wouldn't think that there will be that much of a difference. I am looking into purchasing a MCS. I will probably be ordering in Dec/Jan. I have seen on the website for Mini, the "sport" package that will be available in January. Do you think that the sport package will be worth it? What pointers would you guys give a BMW owner looking to migrate to MINI?

 

Welcome to NAM and cool that you want a MINI. You'll love the handling with FWD, especially on the twisties. Happy hunting!


CROC 411

 

Welcome.

It's too late for you now.

You have been assimilated.

 

I just got my 2009 JCW red with black top/black sports stripes last Tuesday Sept 2nd. I traded in a 98 Corvette on it. I was lucky because I found this Mini JCW sitting on the showroom floor. I did not hesitate getting it. I could not like it more then I do. It is way more nimble and responsive then my corvette was. It just feels good to drive it. I have not really got on the power yet because of no miles. It only had ten when I got it. Because of the Huricane type weather here in Daytona I have not driven it at all today. I test drove a S model and liked it. I never drove this JCW until I bought it. Wow, what a rocket. I think you will like owning a Mini. I know I do.
Ronnie

 

Here are Photographs of my Mini
Ronnie

 

hey guys thanks for all the responses. I have a few questions. Firstly, what options do you guys think are worth it/aren't worth it. I was planning on ordering my mini with premium/cold and xenon's. I am on the fence about the hifi sound system.. Some people have said it is really good, some have said it is just ok.. also my other question is (going to sound like a real big noob) but since this is going to be my first time buying a car NEW, what outdoor expenses are there and roughly how much should I be adding to my MSRP to get out the door? thanks for all your guys help- Jon.

 

Welcome to NAM, Dookie. If you haven't yet done so, be sure to visit MINIUSA's website and spec out your own MINI. You can noodle around until you get exactly what you'd like, then print it out for your dealership to order.

If your local dealership doesn't sell at MSRP, find one that does, order through them, and fly to pick up your MINI and drive it home. Many have done that since 2002.

Best wishes!

 

thanks for the quick reply MINIclo, I have priced one out and have found one that will sell for msrp and also know some people who work for a bmw dealer down in arizona, I know that they can get deals on BMW's as they just did for my cousin with an x3, but can they deal at all on mini's?

 

Only a few folks have ever managed to get a MINI at below MSRP, from what I have read on this site over the years. Because they get such good mileage, they are in more demand than ever, so getting one at MSRP is a fair deal. Use whatever connections you have to get one at the best price. Have fun with it!

 

Welcome!

Get a mini, you WILL NOT regret it.

 

I was very suspicious of the front wheel drive aspect of the Mini's. I come from a long history of BMW cars and motorcycles. '87 535is, '97 328i, '97 M3, '01 M5, etc.

But, I drove the Mini Cooper S, and sure there is definitely torque steer, but it's controllable and I have no problem at all with the handling characteristics. I will be doing more study of front wheel drive characteristics as it applies to performance driving, but I don't have any inherent reservations after I test drove about 5 MCS.

The car seems built to a very high standard and to me, feels very BMW-esque, in a good way.

It also feels larger than you would think. And it's a blast!

 

hey guys just got back from the mini dealer, was just snooping around and other than being appaled by a 39k 08JCW.. I was really surprised by a 2000$$ "market adjustment".. Is this at all dealers? I went to East bay MIni in Ca .. Is this dealer known to be a over priced dealer? Any answers to this would be great.. Thanks -Jon

 

Welcome Dookiepower, and to the obsession. Here is a link to dealers and markups/MSRP though for Cubmans it might help.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=151293

It might be best to call around. I know a few months ago I found a dealer out East that did not charge a markup and would ship anywhere in the US for $500 so that might be a good deal (though I decided to stay local and have a bit more wait time).

Good luck and enjoy the process.

 

Hey, another quick question, I can't seem to find it on the MINI website, but how much is it to have a custom color mixed and sprayed?1500?

 

I'm also a newbie...just ordered an MCS, silver top to bottom, lots of goodies. I drove one for 4 years in the early 70's in the UK. They're a blast and the new ones are awesome!!

Get on their website and work through all the options. I did MCS, no sun roof, cold weather package, convenience pack, 17 inch flame spoke wheels, JCS aero kit (the factory one is cool to), manual tranny, leather lounge inside, JCW exhaust, multi-function steering wheel, anthrasite headliner, armrest, color line inside dark gray, brushed alloy, xenon headlights, auto air, rear fog lamps (way cool...like in EU), extra sound, white turn signals. Didn't get the performance package but got the stabilizer bars.

This will sound weird but this is the closest I could get to riding a motorcycle and still have four wheels. I came off my triumph several years ago. After the broken arm and watching the body bruises and road rash come and go the wife laid down the law.