Hello, my name is dan faust from salem mass. and I am a new member. I am purchasing a 2008 mini in the spring. Any help would great. My questions are:
1. Is the turbo ( S model) make that much of a difference?, I am getting a automatic.Would I need the power for the trans?
2. Sport seats seem alot better?
3. I heard run flats are hard, my choice is reg tires.( I dont mind a spare), but not a choice with the S model.
4. Im getting the $500 sport suspension
5. its going to be all black
6. your opinion on fog lights
I test drove 2 mini's and am blown away by this car. I also tried the 2-door accord coupe, jetta,toyota etc., the mini is it, hands down!!!
thank you ..............DAN

 

1. Yes - Yes, even an auto, you can feel the raw power
2. You gotta figure that part for yourself :-)
3. Runflats can be rough - yes you can substitute tires
4. Good choice
5. Good i guess :P
6. I have rear fogs and front fogs (standard) - the rear ones are just 100$ more


Welcome to NAM!

 

I think that most people with the S model that have non runflats carry a tire plug kit in the car with them. There really isn't room for a spare, but the plug kits work just as well. I changed the runflats on my MCS for regular tires and have been more than pleased with the outcome.

 

Dan, Welcome to NAM. (I could not resist).

You will enjoy the power of the turbo with the automatic. If you get an MC with the automatic, you will be happy too. It depends if your doing a lot of high speed passing and hill touring. You might have to push the automatic a little harder with the MC.

I like the sport seats in my MCSa with leatherette.

I put regular tires on my 16" winter wheels, no spare, I carry my AAA+++ card.

I will run the RF on my 17s for about 20K miles or I get sick of the noise and harsh road ride, then they are gone.

If a stiff ride bothers you, do not get the sport suspension, go standard then upgrade your springs to an after market set, check the various threads on NAM. You will get the gist of it.

I kinda miss the rear fogs, but I can live with it. I'm thinking of getting the lights and making them a dual set of brake lights. SUVs like to sniff at the MINI.

Good choice on getting the MINI, you will not be disappointed.

 

Hi Dan,

rockridge also from Mass. (Metrowest)

1) I have the turbo and love it. Motoring with a manual is more fun.
2) Sport seats are good. DOn't know what the regular seats feel like
3) Run flats giving stiff ride? It depends on what you are use to. I like them.
4) Are you going to be using it on the track? if not, it already rides pretty good. I did not buy this option, and so far, don't regret.
5) If you are a car detail nut, swirls show easy so good upkeep is a must.
6) Got to have the front & rears to insure your seen. I love em.

Since you are getting your mini in the spring, enjoy the configurator. I think I build 30-40 configs before I settled on 1.

 

thank you all for your input, the more I learn, the better prepared I will be. It is a lot of money to most of us. Thanks again, I will stay in touch.....DAN

 

Enjoy the journey, building what you want is a big part of the fun.