New Member, needing some reassurance
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New Member, needing some reassurance
Hi, everybody
I am a new owner of a Mini Cooper. Actually, I guess I'm really a new lessor since a lease is the only way I could afford to get myself into a Mini at this time. I was lucky not to have to wait for my Mini since the dealer had an Automatic, Pepper White w/Black top in stock and it had no options. The only option I wanted was a sunroof and they installed that for me. It's not flat to the roof like a factory install would have been, but I have no problem with the aesthetics of it and so far (in the two days I've had it) operation seems fine.
Before I decided to get a Mini I'd read that the ride could be a little "choppy". I have a Mini Cooper (not an S) and I'm finding the ride to be bouncy. This is the first new car I've ever had, and I'll admit I'm a little paranoid. It would be a big help if someone could let me know that this is normal. Also that "jerkiness" is normal. It seems to jerk a little sometimes in stop and go situations or doing things like backing out of the driveway and driving away or doing three point turns.
If these things are not normal, back to the dealer I go for an explanation.
If these things ARE normal, some reassurance would help me to start adapting to this new car more quickly.
Thanks in advance.
Also, I'm surprised at how much in the minority I am. Almost everywhere I look online, people are talking about their Mini Cooper S. Maybe at the end of the three year lease I'll be more of a "car person" and I'll be ready for an S!
I skimmed through this board and it seems like there's a lot of great information being shared here. Before getting a Mini, I had very little interest in what kind of car I drove. Now that I have "Mini Fever" I think my interest is picking up. I don't know anything technical about cars at all, but I have a feeling that might be changing as I read about everyone's Minis on this board. I also never thought I'd be the kind of person to name a car or to get personalized license plates. Having a Mini, though, is making me reconsider both of those things. I never, ever, would have thought that a car would ever affect me this way!
Anyway, thanks again in advance to any information anyone can provide.
-Michele
I am a new owner of a Mini Cooper. Actually, I guess I'm really a new lessor since a lease is the only way I could afford to get myself into a Mini at this time. I was lucky not to have to wait for my Mini since the dealer had an Automatic, Pepper White w/Black top in stock and it had no options. The only option I wanted was a sunroof and they installed that for me. It's not flat to the roof like a factory install would have been, but I have no problem with the aesthetics of it and so far (in the two days I've had it) operation seems fine.
Before I decided to get a Mini I'd read that the ride could be a little "choppy". I have a Mini Cooper (not an S) and I'm finding the ride to be bouncy. This is the first new car I've ever had, and I'll admit I'm a little paranoid. It would be a big help if someone could let me know that this is normal. Also that "jerkiness" is normal. It seems to jerk a little sometimes in stop and go situations or doing things like backing out of the driveway and driving away or doing three point turns.
If these things are not normal, back to the dealer I go for an explanation.
If these things ARE normal, some reassurance would help me to start adapting to this new car more quickly.
Thanks in advance.
Also, I'm surprised at how much in the minority I am. Almost everywhere I look online, people are talking about their Mini Cooper S. Maybe at the end of the three year lease I'll be more of a "car person" and I'll be ready for an S!
I skimmed through this board and it seems like there's a lot of great information being shared here. Before getting a Mini, I had very little interest in what kind of car I drove. Now that I have "Mini Fever" I think my interest is picking up. I don't know anything technical about cars at all, but I have a feeling that might be changing as I read about everyone's Minis on this board. I also never thought I'd be the kind of person to name a car or to get personalized license plates. Having a Mini, though, is making me reconsider both of those things. I never, ever, would have thought that a car would ever affect me this way!
Anyway, thanks again in advance to any information anyone can provide.
-Michele
Well welcome to the mini family!
I too am a MC CVT leaser! As for the bouncing, do you notice it when driving steadily like on the highway? If so I notice a slow gentle bounce of the car when driving on the highway as well.
I too am a MC CVT leaser! As for the bouncing, do you notice it when driving steadily like on the highway? If so I notice a slow gentle bounce of the car when driving on the highway as well.
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Yes, a gentle bounce on the highway
Originally Posted by mdsbrain
Well welcome to the mini family!
I too am a MC CVT leaser! As for the bouncing, do you notice it when driving steadily like on the highway? If so I notice a slow gentle bounce of the car when driving on the highway as well.
I too am a MC CVT leaser! As for the bouncing, do you notice it when driving steadily like on the highway? If so I notice a slow gentle bounce of the car when driving on the highway as well.
Thanks for the welcome and for the reply. It makes me feel better to know this gentle bouncing is not abnormal!
-Michele
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
waveovrwave,
Aloha and welcome to NAM.
Congrats on getting your MC. Doesn't matter if leased or not.
The "choppy" ride of the MINI described in reviews is largely from the runflat tires that are an option for the MC. If your MC comes with 15" stock wheels then your continental 175/65-15 tires are non runflat and have a smoother slightly bouncy ride. This is for comfort and the ride quality you describe is normal. If you have runflat tires (16" wheels) then that would be a stiffer harder ride- like it is bumpy except on smooth roads.
Jerkiness sometimes happens on deceleration and acceleration- the throttle control is done by computer so there are times when it is not as smooth as with a mechanical mechanism as in other cars. It's usually mild and ok as long as you don't get stalling.
MC owners are not in the "minority" per se. On NAM many of the members that are more vocal and active are those with MCS but there are also many that are devout MC owners. Any modifications of an appearance, suspension, tire and wheel, audio system, or interior nature can be done for either MC or MCS. More upgrades are available for the MCS to add power.
For most MC owners the base 115 HP is enough power. Cold air intake, cat-back exhaust upgrades, rebored throttle body, or ECU software mods are all specific to the MC and do add some power.
The character of the MINI whether MC or MCS is still the same. With the MC you get great handling, safety, comfort, and very good gas mileage for a decent price. If you an the CVT transmission then it is convenient and an option not previously available for MCS owners until the arrival next month of the automatic MCS (still not the CVT transmission).
See if you can find your local MINI club and get out for a drive or event.
Aloha and welcome to NAM.
Congrats on getting your MC. Doesn't matter if leased or not.
The "choppy" ride of the MINI described in reviews is largely from the runflat tires that are an option for the MC. If your MC comes with 15" stock wheels then your continental 175/65-15 tires are non runflat and have a smoother slightly bouncy ride. This is for comfort and the ride quality you describe is normal. If you have runflat tires (16" wheels) then that would be a stiffer harder ride- like it is bumpy except on smooth roads.
Jerkiness sometimes happens on deceleration and acceleration- the throttle control is done by computer so there are times when it is not as smooth as with a mechanical mechanism as in other cars. It's usually mild and ok as long as you don't get stalling.
MC owners are not in the "minority" per se. On NAM many of the members that are more vocal and active are those with MCS but there are also many that are devout MC owners. Any modifications of an appearance, suspension, tire and wheel, audio system, or interior nature can be done for either MC or MCS. More upgrades are available for the MCS to add power.
For most MC owners the base 115 HP is enough power. Cold air intake, cat-back exhaust upgrades, rebored throttle body, or ECU software mods are all specific to the MC and do add some power.
The character of the MINI whether MC or MCS is still the same. With the MC you get great handling, safety, comfort, and very good gas mileage for a decent price. If you an the CVT transmission then it is convenient and an option not previously available for MCS owners until the arrival next month of the automatic MCS (still not the CVT transmission).
See if you can find your local MINI club and get out for a drive or event.
Originally Posted by waveovrwave
Hi, everybody
I am a new owner of a Mini Cooper. Actually, I guess I'm really a new lessor since a lease is the only way I could afford to get myself into a Mini at this time. I was lucky not to have to wait for my Mini since the dealer had an Automatic, Pepper White w/Black top in stock and it had no options. The only option I wanted was a sunroof and they installed that for me. It's not flat to the roof like a factory install would have been, but I have no problem with the aesthetics of it and so far (in the two days I've had it) operation seems fine.
Before I decided to get a Mini I'd read that the ride could be a little "choppy". I have a Mini Cooper (not an S) and I'm finding the ride to be bouncy. This is the first new car I've ever had, and I'll admit I'm a little paranoid. It would be a big help if someone could let me know that this is normal. Also that "jerkiness" is normal. It seems to jerk a little sometimes in stop and go situations or doing things like backing out of the driveway and driving away or doing three point turns.
If these things are not normal, back to the dealer I go for an explanation.
If these things ARE normal, some reassurance would help me to start adapting to this new car more quickly.
Thanks in advance.
Also, I'm surprised at how much in the minority I am. Almost everywhere I look online, people are talking about their Mini Cooper S. Maybe at the end of the three year lease I'll be more of a "car person" and I'll be ready for an S!
I skimmed through this board and it seems like there's a lot of great information being shared here. Before getting a Mini, I had very little interest in what kind of car I drove. Now that I have "Mini Fever" I think my interest is picking up. I don't know anything technical about cars at all, but I have a feeling that might be changing as I read about everyone's Minis on this board. I also never thought I'd be the kind of person to name a car or to get personalized license plates. Having a Mini, though, is making me reconsider both of those things. I never, ever, would have thought that a car would ever affect me this way!
Anyway, thanks again in advance to any information anyone can provide.
-Michele
I am a new owner of a Mini Cooper. Actually, I guess I'm really a new lessor since a lease is the only way I could afford to get myself into a Mini at this time. I was lucky not to have to wait for my Mini since the dealer had an Automatic, Pepper White w/Black top in stock and it had no options. The only option I wanted was a sunroof and they installed that for me. It's not flat to the roof like a factory install would have been, but I have no problem with the aesthetics of it and so far (in the two days I've had it) operation seems fine.
Before I decided to get a Mini I'd read that the ride could be a little "choppy". I have a Mini Cooper (not an S) and I'm finding the ride to be bouncy. This is the first new car I've ever had, and I'll admit I'm a little paranoid. It would be a big help if someone could let me know that this is normal. Also that "jerkiness" is normal. It seems to jerk a little sometimes in stop and go situations or doing things like backing out of the driveway and driving away or doing three point turns.
If these things are not normal, back to the dealer I go for an explanation.
If these things ARE normal, some reassurance would help me to start adapting to this new car more quickly.
Thanks in advance.
Also, I'm surprised at how much in the minority I am. Almost everywhere I look online, people are talking about their Mini Cooper S. Maybe at the end of the three year lease I'll be more of a "car person" and I'll be ready for an S!
I skimmed through this board and it seems like there's a lot of great information being shared here. Before getting a Mini, I had very little interest in what kind of car I drove. Now that I have "Mini Fever" I think my interest is picking up. I don't know anything technical about cars at all, but I have a feeling that might be changing as I read about everyone's Minis on this board. I also never thought I'd be the kind of person to name a car or to get personalized license plates. Having a Mini, though, is making me reconsider both of those things. I never, ever, would have thought that a car would ever affect me this way!
Anyway, thanks again in advance to any information anyone can provide.
-Michele
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 980
Likes: 1
From: Downtown Denver
Hi! I have an '05 Astro blk/white MC on the boat right now, and I don't feel intimidated by the S group at all... I've always been into naturally-aspirated engines anyway (1st car was a 1988 VW GTI 16v), plus I get my car twice as fast as an S!:smile:
As far as choppy rides goes, I'm still deciding whether to go with 18in or 17in wheels. 18s will only exaggerate any existing choppiness. Although I'm going with the H-sport springs go give it a smoother ride with some solid feel for the twisties. Should help a bit.
Good Luck!
As far as choppy rides goes, I'm still deciding whether to go with 18in or 17in wheels. 18s will only exaggerate any existing choppiness. Although I'm going with the H-sport springs go give it a smoother ride with some solid feel for the twisties. Should help a bit.
Good Luck!
Last edited by sandtoast500; Dec 18, 2004 at 12:23 PM. Reason: aspirated
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 892
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From: Charleston, SC
Welcome to MINI!!!
The only thing that matters is that you have a MINI
It makes no difference if you drive an MC or an MCS. You will always be welcome to the group. You would be surprised what you can do to the MC.
You have gotten your self into a sportscar class now and the ride is not going to be as comfortable as you may have been used to in the past. The ride will be more stiff and you will feel the road a whole lot more, that is what I love about this car!!!
Enjoy your MINI and we hope to see you here on NAM more!
Minihune is right, find a local club and get together with them when you can. it is a lot of fun to get together with other MINI owners. If you scroll to the bottom of the forum page you will see the links to forums for different regions of the country.
Motor on
Chris
The only thing that matters is that you have a MINI
It makes no difference if you drive an MC or an MCS. You will always be welcome to the group. You would be surprised what you can do to the MC.
You have gotten your self into a sportscar class now and the ride is not going to be as comfortable as you may have been used to in the past. The ride will be more stiff and you will feel the road a whole lot more, that is what I love about this car!!!
Enjoy your MINI and we hope to see you here on NAM more!
Minihune is right, find a local club and get together with them when you can. it is a lot of fun to get together with other MINI owners. If you scroll to the bottom of the forum page you will see the links to forums for different regions of the country.
Motor on
Chris
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 38,578
Likes: 2
Hi waveovrwave....welcome! I'm one of those devoted MC owners and, yes, we're here all right. It is a funny phenomenon really...at our local club meetings, about 1 in 6 cars are MCs. We're all one big motoring family, though.
My ride is a little bouncy, too, especially on certain roads. If I'm understanding you correctly, this would be normal (...and even desirable). I have 15" wheels with (my second set of) Conti 175/65-15 tires and a standard suspension....about the "softest" setup you'll find (...I have passengers all the time) but its still very tight. MINIs are just designed this way, so, while it may take some getting used to, enjoy it!!!
IMO, Coopers really benefit from lightweight wheels...my Coopers crazy quick and prefectly suited for the driving I do. I LOVE IT!!!!!
btw, one of my buddies who owns (...and has restored) two classic Minis, has a PW/B CVT Cooper, too, as his daily driver!!
My ride is a little bouncy, too, especially on certain roads. If I'm understanding you correctly, this would be normal (...and even desirable). I have 15" wheels with (my second set of) Conti 175/65-15 tires and a standard suspension....about the "softest" setup you'll find (...I have passengers all the time) but its still very tight. MINIs are just designed this way, so, while it may take some getting used to, enjoy it!!!
IMO, Coopers really benefit from lightweight wheels...my Coopers crazy quick and prefectly suited for the driving I do. I LOVE IT!!!!!
btw, one of my buddies who owns (...and has restored) two classic Minis, has a PW/B CVT Cooper, too, as his daily driver!!
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Thanks for all the info. Now I'm reassured!
Hey, everybody, thanks for taking the time to reply.
Minihune, your explanation in particular was helpful for a non-car person to understand things better.
All of you offered good stuff and it already makes me feel more confident that I've made the right car choice and that it's okay that I've already gone and started loving my Mini, bounciness and all. This weekend I had a whole bunch of places to go and by Sunday morning, Day 4 of having my Mini, the bounciness and jerkiness were non-issues and I'd gotten used to them. What I still have to adjust to is how in the blink of an eye I can suddenly be doing 75 mph and not even feel it. Holy moly.
Again, thanks for all the welcomes and good info!
Happy Holidays everybody, and Happy Motoring!
-Michele
Minihune, your explanation in particular was helpful for a non-car person to understand things better.
All of you offered good stuff and it already makes me feel more confident that I've made the right car choice and that it's okay that I've already gone and started loving my Mini, bounciness and all. This weekend I had a whole bunch of places to go and by Sunday morning, Day 4 of having my Mini, the bounciness and jerkiness were non-issues and I'd gotten used to them. What I still have to adjust to is how in the blink of an eye I can suddenly be doing 75 mph and not even feel it. Holy moly.
Again, thanks for all the welcomes and good info!
Happy Holidays everybody, and Happy Motoring!
-Michele
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 415
Likes: 14
Don't feel slighted about not having an "S". A friend of mine has a regular MINI (and he can afford about anything he wants - Ferrari 328 in his garage). The car still has all the great attributes except it's just not as quick to accelerate.
One of the nice things about a MINI is that you can have a car w/o any extra cost options and still have a well equipped and unique car, thanks to the color combinations available.
Pepper white and black, btw, is a great combination.
Dave
One of the nice things about a MINI is that you can have a car w/o any extra cost options and still have a well equipped and unique car, thanks to the color combinations available.
Pepper white and black, btw, is a great combination.
Dave
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,130
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From: Lakeside, CA
Originally Posted by waveovrwave
Hi, everybody
I am a new owner of a Mini Cooper. Actually, I guess I'm really a new lessor since a lease is the only way I could afford to get myself into a Mini at this time. I was lucky not to have to wait for my Mini since the dealer had an Automatic, Pepper White w/Black top in stock and it had no options. The only option I wanted was a sunroof and they installed that for me. It's not flat to the roof like a factory install would have been, but I have no problem with the aesthetics of it and so far (in the two days I've had it) operation seems fine.
-Michele
I am a new owner of a Mini Cooper. Actually, I guess I'm really a new lessor since a lease is the only way I could afford to get myself into a Mini at this time. I was lucky not to have to wait for my Mini since the dealer had an Automatic, Pepper White w/Black top in stock and it had no options. The only option I wanted was a sunroof and they installed that for me. It's not flat to the roof like a factory install would have been, but I have no problem with the aesthetics of it and so far (in the two days I've had it) operation seems fine.
-Michele
If I was buying today I would buy the MCS in Pepper White w/Black top and no sunroof. I really like that combination. but I love the S. Earl
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 132
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The "bounciness" that you have referred to is normal. You can't have a car that handles as well as a MINI with a rde like a Cadillac. Every car is a compromise. MINI has decided to give much better handling at the expense of a slightly rougher ride. Those of us that appreciate the way the MINI handles think they did the right thing!
As for the jerkiness, remember that the CVT in your MINI does not have a torque converter, but rather an automatic clutch. Sometimes this may cause the car to be more jerky than a car with a torque converter will be. This is especially noticeable if you hit the gas quickly and then immediately let off. You would get the same sort of jerk in a manual transmission. Again it is a compromise. The performance and economy is better with the automatic clutch rather than a torque converter at the expense of some jerkiness under certain conditions.
Hope that helps,
As for the jerkiness, remember that the CVT in your MINI does not have a torque converter, but rather an automatic clutch. Sometimes this may cause the car to be more jerky than a car with a torque converter will be. This is especially noticeable if you hit the gas quickly and then immediately let off. You would get the same sort of jerk in a manual transmission. Again it is a compromise. The performance and economy is better with the automatic clutch rather than a torque converter at the expense of some jerkiness under certain conditions.
Hope that helps,
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