Hello everyone I don't have a Cooper yet, but I really like the design of it and test drove an '04 a few days ago when I was shopping around for one. I just have a few questions that hopefully you people can answer to decide whether I will continue the search.

First is the acceleration. I did read ahead of time before the test drive that the acceleration was a little slow. But was it normal for the engine to rev up for about a second or two before the car would get moving? I think that was probably the biggest worry for me.

Another question I have is I noticed that some of the gauges are in different positions. The '04 I drove had the speedometer in the middle of the dashboard, but I noticed from other pictures that some models have the fuel gauge, and others I can't think of at the moment on the dashboard, and the speedometer above the steering wheel. Is there a specific model that only does this? and is it expensive to have it rewired so that the fuel gauge and others are placed on the dash while the speedometer is above the wheel? I find it a little awkward to have such a huge speedometer and especially positioned on the dashboard.

I've never really done any type of "upgrades" on a car before since the cars i've purchased in the past haven't been something I really wanted to begin with. Any help is greatly appreciated. I'm still deciding between the '04 cooper i found at a dealership or a '07 Yaris. My wallet tells me to get the Yaris, but my mind says cooper. :impatient

 

Mel -

The acceleration issue could be one of two main things: dsc or MC vs. MCS. Did you drive an MCS? That's the one w/ the supercharger. If so, and it felt slow or sluggish off the line, the DSC was probably on. Turn it off next time and take the revs up to about 4k and you'll leave a cloud of smoke and some nice black rubber lines on the pavement. *HINT: you might not want to do this while the salesguy/gal is in with you - but it's your choice.

If you were driving the plain ol' MC (non-supercharged MINI), then that's probably as good as it's ging to get. I don't know about the AutoTrannny cars. Anyone else out there got an AT they can talk about?

My speedo is in the center of the dash, and I've never had an issue w/it. The cockpit is so small and the gauge is so big, it's no problem. I think the different gauge setups are due to different options. Get it how you like it. I got used to mine pretty quickly.

I bought my 03 MCS last year used w/ only 15k miles on it. I put over 20k on it last year without a lick of trouble. I've been easy on the upgrades until July when it goes out of warranty. But I've found the advice on here to be informative and plentiful. You should have no trouble w/ most mods. Get really familiar w/this site - bookmark threads, print off things you like. This site changes so much every day. You may find it difficult to find a really cool post you just saw two days before.

Also, if there is a local owner's group where you are, join it! Meet other local MINI owners. They will be a great source of information. Plus, MINI owners rock!

Wallet vs mind? What about heart and soul? If it's an MCS, there is no question - dump the Yaris. You'll have a grin every day when you walkinto your garage - I guarantee it. The grin stays pasted on through entrance and exit ramps.

Anybody else? Can we convince Mel to get the MINI?

 

If you get the Nav system, then the speedo moves up next to the tach above the steering wheel.

I think you were driving an Auto, if you can drive a stick, try that too, as well as the Cooper "S", you'll have no problem with the accelleration of the "S", except that 1st gear is a little tall...........

 

I actually went back yesterday and ended up buying the cooper. ^^; It's just an auto MC. I don't really like stick, and the acceleration isn't as bad as I remembered the first time I drove it(for like 1 block -.-). Thats probably why I couldn't enjoy it as much, but when driving it home last night and this morning to work I really enjoyed it.

I also didn't notice there was a digital speedometer on the gauge on top of the wheel so that isn't a big deal with the one on the dash. I think the deal I got for it was decent too. It was only 17k for a 2004 MC with only 28k miles on it. That was the best offer I saw in So. Cal that was from a dealership. My only grip is that chip on the windshield I got from either last night or this morning. :( But yeah i'm one of you guys now. :D

 

Conrats on your MINI! Pics! we like pics!!!

I have the MC as well. I had the DDM Works CAI installed while attending MOTD and it does wonders to the acceleration for an MC. Then again, I drive it a little differently now so I can hear the MC growl under load

 

Congrats! Welcome to NAM and the wonderul world of MINI.

 

Congrats on the new Mini and welcome to NAM. It took a bit of time, but now, I love the dash configuration. It's one of the neat things about the Mini that makes it so unique.