Alright, that helps me breath a little easier, I have read tons of reviews on sites, and it seems that there are very few and isolated problematic MINI's out there. I think I'm ALMOST convinced, considering the fun to drive factor, and the fact that doing 70 during the test drive, the current MPG display read between 45 and 55 MPG...speaking of which, is this display accurate, they tend to differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, I know the one on my truck is accurate within .1 mpg

 

I have found it to be accurate. Especially the range feature. I turn that on when my fuel light comes on, and that has been dead accurate.

 

Since I'm kind of on the subject, what kind of information can be displayed on the tach and speedometer screens?

 

On mine, I can choose outside temp, range, current mileage, and total average mileage, in the tach screen. On my speedo I can choose total miles or trip miles.

I have the chrono package for the guages.

 

That is everything I wanted it to display, is it easy to switch between modes?

 

You'll like the MINI. Quality issues vary greatly, mine has not been perfect but has been above average IMO. Some people have had laundry lists of problems, other's cars have been exemplary. There are some still 'unresolved' issues that will crop up once again eventually after being fixed, most notably the power steering fan and power steering pump, since these parts have not been redesigned to address their failings. I intend on keeping mine for quite some time, as it is such a fun car to drive and pretty cheap to keep.

It also tucks nicely between my two diesel trucks.

 

Just clicking a button on the back of the left hand stalk on the steering column. Each click rotates to a different display.

 

I have another quick question, when it comes to seeing on my computer screen, I'm mildly color blind, but in person, its not that bad, at night, is the illumination on the speedo and tach red or more of an amber color?

 

Also, since I am leaning more and more towards this little go-kart, is 16,000 for an 05 MC manual transmition, sun roof, heated seats, on board computer, DSC, fog lights, auto climate control, steering wheel controls and lord knows what else with 35,000 miles on it a good buy?

 

edit

 

Orange in color, but it's against a black background for the readouts.

A very good buy!

 

My last vehicle was a 99 Silverado that i modded to the max. Really liked the Mini till I drove it. I loved it, so I had to get it. Still was cheaper going to 93 from cheaper gas-made up for it in the mileage increase. Theres so much you can do to em, if thats what you like.

 

With the seats folded down, is there enough room in the back to house a couple of large duffle bags and 2 full laundry bags? This is very important that these things fit, since this is my most common cargo when hauling my girlfriend and I to and from college.

 

Well, I'm going to go for another test drive tomorow afternoon, so we'll see where that leaves me.

 

We (two of us) drove from MA down to FL two months ago. We packed two coolers and bags of food to eat for the way down, along with food to cook for the whole week, two LARGE suitcases, couple more bags with shoes and hair products (hers), pillows and blankets, and bags with movies and games for portable electronics. We even had enough room to sleep comfortably several times (didnt stop at any hotel). Both ways it was about 28 hrs. All depends on how you stack everything.

 

Well, I couldn't resist that little car, I'm not the proud owner of an 05 MC Pure Silve w/ black roof. Cold Weather, Premium and Sport packages. I parked it right next to the truck tonight, and I couldn't help but laugh. I hope to have many good years out of my little mini!

 

I was going to say, with the rear seats folded down in my car (04 MC) I can fit an entire 5 piece Gretsch USA Maple drum kit (that's with a 22" kick drum), hardware for hats, 2 crashes and two rides, all my cymbals, my throne, my case for my single kick pedal, a backpack, bottles of water and two guitars in hardshell cases in the back and still shut the hatch without any issues.

(ie, that's a whole lot of schtuff)

Then I scrolled down and saw that you decided to get it!
You'll be able to fit plenty in the car, especially with the rear seats down.

 

Hey I don't want to narrow your mind set on JUST getting a mini, there are other cars out there that you might like.. the best way to find out is to go for a test drive...

i love my mini, alot of other people do. but it might not be the car for you. so take your time and go test drive cars :P!!! here are some cars that i considered.. 350z, s2000, volvo s40 (looks sexy when you take off the front grille and replace it with a mesh grille),

but the mini has good handling, unique look, and cmon.. it's a mini..

the 07's are a very nice ride, very quiet when going at high speeds..(which should be done on a track!!!), I love my car because it feels very elegant and yet is very fun to drive with the moon roof open and windows down :P

goodluck!

 

So you got it, right? Congratulations.

 

Congrats! You'll love it. I like parking next to big huge trucks, too. It's especially fun to pull up to the pumps next to them, and see them still pumping when I leave and know I won't be back for at least 400 miles.

 

Congrats on your new purchase!!

 

Well, with the rear seats down, I fit our 2 bags, 2 laundry baskets, a cooler and some other groceries all without blocking an inch of any of the windows, this is going to work out great! plus, I averaged 33 mpg since I bought it, and driving to school I spent 1/4 of a 13 gallon tank, instead of the 1/4 of a 40 gallon tank that the truck went through!

 

Glad to hear you're liking it! People are always surprised at the amount of crap I can fit in the boot. $40+ for a fillup always hurts (my old car had about the same size tank), but it's nice to know I won't be back for 400+ miles.

 

Congrats on the purchase! May you have many happy miles of motoring!

 

I did the calculations and figured out, even with running the premium our mini's love, this car costs less than half the price of what the truck does to drive the same distance, and, I havn't done an oil change yet, what is everyone's average price for an oil change? And please include where you have it done or if you do it yourself.