Maybe you remember me. Lurking for a few months, 1st post just before Labor Day. On Labor Day we drove 3 Minis, a Cooper auto, an S manual and an S auto. Loved all 3, lust for the manual S but it'll also be the wife's every day commuter and she must have an automatic these days.

Since then we've driven pretty much everything we had any interest in. Loved the 335i coupe but it's crazy expensive nicely appointed and with nav. Liked the GTI and RS-32, especially the DSG tranny but the cars don't quite do it for us. Liked the Eos a lot but a C-300 can be had for the same money and it's much nicer. Also loved the C-350 and it's priced to sell compared to a 335i. But, you guessed it, we keep thinking Mini. In fact, the wife built her first in the configurator last night. I've built a gazillion. So tomorrow we'll drive the S auto again to see if it still stacks up against what is now looking like the second place finisher, the C-350. Doesn't that last sentence sound bizarre?

Now for some questions for those of you who have lived with Minis for a while. First, the sunroof. I've read all the threads and we've already driven cars with and without and think we prefer without because of the holey sunshade. Saturday's tester will have a sunroof. Those of you who love your sunroofs, tell me what to look for when we're out in the car. Are there elegant solutions to blocking the rays that don't involve tint or additional slip-in shades? Also, the car we'll drive has the auto climate control. I'm thinking one of the reasons we felt warmer in the sunroof cars is that I couldn't figure out how to set the auto AC to max. So, if you can describe how to do this (Mini controls are unique, you know?) maybe we'll feel more comfy with the AC.

If any of you wizened souls can think of anything else to look for or do while test driving let me know. My guess is if our test goes well and we still love the S after our 2nd drive, we'll order within a week or two. Part of me is surprised that the wife likes the Mini as much as she does, but damn, it's a fun car. Makes me smile almost as much as my Ducati.

 

I drove a cooper-s with a sunroof, and quickly decided it was not for me. Too much light / heat enters the cabin through the flimsy shade.

remember to try the sport button.

 

I live in Seattle, so that comes into play...This summer was my first sun roof experience. I do like it. I think it makes me feel like I have more space, and it's fun, adds a sense of freedom. Kept it open most of the time...and no exhaust comes in.
The sun was a bit much at times. I used the rim of the screen to block it sometimes and also threw a visor in the glove box. Visor seems to be the answer for me.

 

You can always get body colored or graphics in vinyl to cover the sunroof from http://www.aestheticreations.net/.

 

We've had sunroofs in all of our MINIs and wouldn't buy one without one. As for controlling the sun (here in hot So CA), we simply tint the roof with either dark or limo tint. It works great! We're going on our fourth MINI now and have never had one single problem with any of the sunroofs. LOVE'EM!

 

I'm not sure why people seem so set against tinting for the sunroof. Its the best of both worlds IMO.

 

I just have the stadard sunroof and so far I love it. It was near 100 degrees for the first couple weeks after I bought my car and it still didn't bother me. Most of the time I don't even have the shade pulled over it.

 

I never owned a convertible, excuse me... Cabrio,
until I bought my MINI.
It is the best.
Unlimited headroom when you want it.

I understand it is not for everyone.
For this guy, it most certainly is.

 

Super stole my thunder. I love my cabrio more than I ever thought I would. Even my wife (who thought I was out of my tiny mind for ordering one) now agrees that Basil is the most fun and best car we've ever owned. You might want to drive one just for comparison....