Hello everyone!
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
From: San Mateo, CA
Hello everyone!
Hello NAM! Ive recently test drove a mini hardtop s at Monrovia mini and what a great feeling coming from a 2002 accord value package !
I have been abusing my mule accord for the past 7 year and with an upcoming promotion in July I think it's time for me to be irresponsible with money while I still can.
Assuming i get that 1.9% and a 750 test drive voucher, I plan on buying a manual hardtop s in British racing green. I will not be driving the mini aggressively but I still wanted the S just in case I need the extra power..
After reading thru this site as well as google, I was somewhat relieved to see users of the second generation mini generally experience less problems than first gen minis. With most folks able to fix their cold start, o2 sensor issue with their dealership, the only issue I see right now is the mix clutch life everyone is having. Are the stock clutch for average daily commute driver known to wear out easily ?
What are people's opinion on black leatherette or beige leather? Surprisingly the car sales person said leatherette is better for its durability.
Most folks here likes the xenon headlights and the HK sound upgrade. Anyone here object due to potential high replacement repair cost in the future?
Are aftermarket chrome exterior interior kits better and cheaper than factory ones? Does the same apply to bonnet stripe, chrome bonnet hoods and arm rest?
Nice to meet you all! I am really looking forward to driving the mini!
I have been abusing my mule accord for the past 7 year and with an upcoming promotion in July I think it's time for me to be irresponsible with money while I still can.
Assuming i get that 1.9% and a 750 test drive voucher, I plan on buying a manual hardtop s in British racing green. I will not be driving the mini aggressively but I still wanted the S just in case I need the extra power..
After reading thru this site as well as google, I was somewhat relieved to see users of the second generation mini generally experience less problems than first gen minis. With most folks able to fix their cold start, o2 sensor issue with their dealership, the only issue I see right now is the mix clutch life everyone is having. Are the stock clutch for average daily commute driver known to wear out easily ?
What are people's opinion on black leatherette or beige leather? Surprisingly the car sales person said leatherette is better for its durability.
Most folks here likes the xenon headlights and the HK sound upgrade. Anyone here object due to potential high replacement repair cost in the future?
Are aftermarket chrome exterior interior kits better and cheaper than factory ones? Does the same apply to bonnet stripe, chrome bonnet hoods and arm rest?
Nice to meet you all! I am really looking forward to driving the mini!
Welcome, and good luck with your purchase.
I'm not surprised they say leatherette is better wearing than leather. European cars tend to have a higher quality vinyl than you may be used to. My boss has vinyl in his 325, and thinks it's leather. I don't have the heart to break it to him - he's so proud of that car. I really don't have a preference on the two, since I prefer cloth. Most will say the leather breathes better, and that's true. But on a hot summer day, your back will be soaked either way - especially if you get a sunroof.
Go with OEM chrome, if you must. I bought the factory chrome line interior, plus some extra aftermarket interior pieces for my car. The factory stuff is superior in every way, and well worth the extra price. If you go with that eBay stuff, just think about the last Chrysler 300 you saw with the pillar trim, and tacky grill. That could be you!
I went with an aftermarket stripe kit, because I couldn't justify the cost of factory. The factory stripe (for first gen, at least) curves inward at the grill. That's the only difference I know of. Mine went on nice, and look great to me. Plus aftermarket gives more options, if you want something a little different.
I don't have either the xennon or HK sound. I will say that the cost of an upgraded sound system versus the HK option is not as wide as trying to retro the xennons (the correct way) down the road. So if you have to choose, skip on the HK. I have a JCW sound kit, so my radio stays off anyhow. For first generation owners, I actually hear people are dis-satisfied with the HK. But that may have changed on the new models.
I'm not surprised they say leatherette is better wearing than leather. European cars tend to have a higher quality vinyl than you may be used to. My boss has vinyl in his 325, and thinks it's leather. I don't have the heart to break it to him - he's so proud of that car. I really don't have a preference on the two, since I prefer cloth. Most will say the leather breathes better, and that's true. But on a hot summer day, your back will be soaked either way - especially if you get a sunroof.
Go with OEM chrome, if you must. I bought the factory chrome line interior, plus some extra aftermarket interior pieces for my car. The factory stuff is superior in every way, and well worth the extra price. If you go with that eBay stuff, just think about the last Chrysler 300 you saw with the pillar trim, and tacky grill. That could be you!
I went with an aftermarket stripe kit, because I couldn't justify the cost of factory. The factory stripe (for first gen, at least) curves inward at the grill. That's the only difference I know of. Mine went on nice, and look great to me. Plus aftermarket gives more options, if you want something a little different.
I don't have either the xennon or HK sound. I will say that the cost of an upgraded sound system versus the HK option is not as wide as trying to retro the xennons (the correct way) down the road. So if you have to choose, skip on the HK. I have a JCW sound kit, so my radio stays off anyhow. For first generation owners, I actually hear people are dis-satisfied with the HK. But that may have changed on the new models.
Good luck welcome to the Minisanity. Post some pics and WAVE
You might have this backwards.
After reading thru this site as well as google, I was somewhat relieved to see users of the second generation mini generally experience less problems than first gen minis
