ahem. My name is Steve. After admiring the MINI Cooper for years, I recently visited the dealership in St. Louis, MO. Just to look and gather information. They say my new MINI will be here in 8-10 weeks. I am giddy with anticipation. I have too many questions to ask in one post so I'll lurk about for a while and see what I can learn before tugging at sleeves.

 

Welcome to the madness! I snatched up a used one a couple years ago and have been making excuses to drive it ever since. Soooo much fun...

 

I started with a used one because I wanted an "out" if I didn't like it. Well, I LOVE IT!!! So, I ordered a new one like I wanted to at the start. After a year and a half of driving a Mini convertible, I hardly ride my motorcycle! So it's up for sale too!

 

Steve,
I am 55 years old and taking delivery of our first MINI by the end of this month. We ordered on July 18th. The wait has been the hardest part. You are so right in gathering all the information you can, I did and don't regret it but I have become obsessed. It has driven my wife crazy. One last thing, take the negative comments with a huge grain of salt, I do!!!!

 

I've been driving Toyotas for 35 years so the move to MINI is a big one for me. But the fun factor was too much to resist.

I have a question: Will the new minis come with those little temp spare tires? If so, can I fit a real tire in the same storage compartment?

 

smays,

Unfortunately, MINI does not give you a spare. You get 4 runflats.

 

Really? Not familiar with runflats. Will research. Thanks.

 

The base Mini Cooper hatch with 15" tires that we ordered has a compact spare tire. Go to 16" tires or larger and you'll get runflats and no spare.

We went with the base 15" tire package for maximum durability over Seattle's potholed streets.

 

I've only ready a dozen or so threads here but the consensus seems to be go with real tires instead of run-flats. But the various recommendations on which brand/size is dizzying. I'm wondering if I'll get any useful suggestions on this point from my dealer. My car doesn't arrive until November.

 

I don't have them so I cannot say, but some people love them, so I would plan on giving them a real chance before giving up on them.

They are expensive and don't last long, but if you've got the bucks, might be convenient.

 

Thanks Number Six. That's sound advice. I should probably ease into my new MINI existence and learn as I go.

 

Welcome to the club smays. I got mine a few months ago and love her to death. It all started a couple years ago when a friend gave me a ride and I was hooked ever since.

Run Flats ride rough but hey they Run Flat so they have to be durable. I'm personally looking into losing the RF when time for new tires and buying a full size spare. With Tire technology today how often do you have tire problems anyways?

 

I went to a dealer last month just to look and gather information and took delivery 2 days later....LOL

 

They say once you drive one your hooked. That's why I didn't drive my buddies a couple years ago and waited until the time was right. Because I knew I would buy one, once I drove it.

 

I had no intention of buying when I walked into the MC dealer in St. Louis. I asked if they had someone who could answer a few questions. Here's the salesperson they sent out.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink

 

Smays,

Just so you are aware MINI calls them Motoring Advisors. If she was my MA, I might have prolonged my purchase even further just to get to see her more often. (LOL)
BTW my wife was hooked 5 years ago after she test drove a Hardtop. She forbid me from visiting a MINI Showroom as she said we can't afford it. She was right but now is a totally different story.

 

"Motoring Advisor" Got it. Kate really didn't seem like a "salesperson" and now I know why. She was very good at her job. I was this close to ordering two.

 

Hey, you can always go back for another, and another or maybe just check them out