Hi all,

I've just joined as a prospective MINI owner. I'm looking for a sporty convertible that'll carry my family once in awhile. It's a second car for commuting and when Mom has taken The Van to go shopping.

I'm thinking of a JCW S convertible. Any advice?

Stupid questions:
1) What octane gas is required for a JCW? Without the JCW?
2) Is cruise control available without the fancy $500 steering wheel?
3) Any comments on MINI of Mountain View (CA, that is)?

Tony

 

1. 91 minimum.
2. No
3. I bought my car there. Everything about the experience was great! From driving one, deciding options, ordering, tracking the order. My motoring adviser always kept me up to date, especially when my car was delayed at the port a couple weeks. I have not been back for any service work yet so I can't comment on that part.

 

The multifunction steering wheel is a $250 option (included with some of the packages).

If by fancy $500 steering wheel you mean the JCW, it is $585 MSRP but available online for less than $400. It doesn't come included with cruise control (which is a separate option).

 

I've been trying to get a test drive thru MINI of Mountain View by scheduling it through their web site. However, they don't seem to respond. Is business really that good? Are they more responsive after you've given them money?

Concerned,
Tony

 

Welcome to the forums!

I didn't buy at MT View Mini, I went there on 3 separate occasions and no one wanted to help me. My last trip there I called East Bay Mini from the MT View Mini lobby and asked if they could help me instead. I think they probably have a lot of business so they couldn't care less (just my assumption).

East Bay however was 180 degrees different. Very friendly staff, very helpful and knowledgeable. That's just my experience, I know I've heard that others are very satisfied with MT View Mini so .. guess it's a roll of the dice

 

We test drove at MoMV just went down and stood in line. I purchased my mini there, but I think overall all the MAs are dicks. Uninterested, don't care if they sell a car or not. I didn't research enough about EBB mini, had I known there was a friendly helpfull dealership, I woulda been there in a flash. As it stands they'll be getting my service appts.

 

I'm pleased to report that I got my test drive. Took the family (in the rain) and got a short drive in. Wife hated it, but was very happy for me to drive it. ;-)

The kids loved it.

Now, I just have to pull the trigger...

 

Might need a new wife! How can she possibly hate a Mini? Next time, let her do the test drive. My wife was so so about the Mini, until she drove my Mini last weekend and now it's all she talks about.

 

Not only did I let her do the drive, but I let her start it off. She *hates* driving a stick. I won't have anything else as my daily driver, of course. ;-)

She also hated the performance. This was an MCS, and when she put her foot down just a little bit, it actually accelerated. Scared her to death.
;-)

She's never like my current Miata either, so I'm not holding out a whole lotta hope. But as long as she's ok with me getting it, I'm not going to sweat it.

 

Ok, trigger pulled. Ordered through Mini of SF, as MoMV wasn't being competitive on price.

More here as I get it...

 

I would like to recommand you go to Nick Alexzander at Alameda (CA). Have a lot of Mini in thier stock