I am becoming a drag to friends and family complaining about my 2005 mcs, so I thought I would just post my issues and hope for a helpful opinion!
I bought the car off the lot in 24 hours, gave them my perfectly fine 97 Golf and over paid on top of that! So I missed making my own and don't even know if I would have ever selected red!

I have the chili-red with the sport seats. wish I had leather. the sports seats are always dirty and look crudy! The dealer tried cleaning and said there wasn't much to do?? (Studio City CA)

Stupid run-flats make the road oh so bumpy

didn't get the up graded sound system

On a real tight budget, which further angers me whenever an SUV says thery get 16 miles in the city compared to my 18!!

 

So I missed making my own and don't even know if I would have ever selected red!

Cant say much about that. Others will say differently but MINIs are supposed to be red

Stupid run-flats make the road oh so bumpy

Goes with freedom on not needing a spare, but might also be the harsher suspension.

didn't get the up graded sound system

No biggie. Some ppl like the HK, some don't. You can always buy a new radio.

... SUV says thery get 16 miles in the city compared to my 18!!

Thats a good gripe. Thats pretty low. Are you out of the break-in period? Should be close to mid-20s all around driving I think. Actually, I can also say that its CHEAPER to put gas in my "SUV" since it takes regular and the MINI take at least 91 Octane premium. Go figure. Its cheaper to drive the SUV.

It good to vent ...

 

It could be worse... You could NOT have a MINI!!!!

 

Look on the brightside, your soul is thanking you for not having to drive a golf anymore that was sapping away at it slowly.

[EDIT] So far, I've only gotten 20 MPG. I'm not complaining though. It really doesn't matter all that much to me and I doubt it does to you either since you have an SUV.

If you had leather, you'd probably be complaining about the fact that your leather is bagging and getting all stretched out. So both ways, you'd be complaining except with the leatherette, you saved $1700.

I have the HK and I'm not sure if I should've spent the $500. The bass comes through all weird and it buzzes or something on high bass music.

 

Sorry to hear that you are having a tough time. Stick with it, eh?
- Research non-run flat tires, even cheapish ones with steelies or some holeys. It makes a world of difference. Don't forget the flat tire goo in the boot!

- Mileage WILL improve. Wait for that. I have almost as much fun "driving the gauge" as I do on my on-ramp escapades. If I mix some highway stuff I can easily get 25 mpg all the time. I'm going to go to a couple of races this year so I'll let you know what kind of mileage my 36K mile MCS gets on the highway (and on the way to a race, heh) I bet that I can get a steady 35 for sure.

- Paid too much? Don't let it get to you. Consider it a lesson in how to buy a hot car. Next time you'll do better. For now just enjoy the ride.

- No HK? Well, that's a tough one, but if it really bothers you, research what a decent after market set-up will set you back. If you are very concerned about maintaining a perfect warranty record, make sure that the shop is experienced with MINIs and that their work is top notch. The electrical systems on these cars are very complex, who-wee they are. You can always put up with the stock system (it's not that bad - have you set it up for maximum listening pleasure?) Oh yeah and at least you get the automatic level increase (speed dependant) - it's mysteriously deleted in the HK system, so there! You rock!

Relax if you can and think about some simple, inexpensive mods for the car (CAI, maybe a rear sway bar or a nice roof decal -- make it your own) and then you will love the vehicle again.

 

Hmmmmm

 

take a deep breath and try to let the MINI fan in you come out.
(I know it is in there or you wouldn't have found yourself on a MINI lot)

Red is cool (Oh ... I am partial ... see how you can customise it for YOU)

Leather is not "all that". I don't put leather in any of my "sporty cars" as it can be slippery (also cold if you dont get them heated.)

I have an answer to you seats. ONLY to be done when you can leave the car windows / doors open on a nice dry day !
I have the same issue. always seem to chase the spots around every time I cleaned them but this works...
Ues a spray on upholstery cleaner (I use Turtle Wax "Power Out") spray on not a bunch but a even foam then mist witt some plain water (I have a spray bottle) about as much as if you were cleaning windows. Now gently use the brush that comes on the can and rub a bit. With a very damp (OK wet) clean cloth work the foam away, your seats will be evenly WET. Now with a clean dry cloth (I find the kitchen towell that my wife JUST washed best) rub as dry as you can. Now leave it alone to air dry.
The seats will be B E A U T I F U L
seats are always dirty and look crudy! The dealer tried cleaning and said there wasn't much to do?? (Studio City CA)

Eventually you will need tires ... at that time get real tires, put a can of Fix A Flat and a tubles tire repair kit in your car. You will then find a new LOVE for your MINI as it will seem like a new car.

As for the sound system, I did get the HK and it is good but you can duplicate or even better that without a ton of $$$ (what sound "system" did you have in the VW ???)

Mileage will improve.. and if you want to conserve while on the freeway travel at a "sane speed" and you will be amazed.
I have ALL KINDS of options for HP and overall frwy & city I am at an average of 28 MPG. (on a recent trip 400 mile on the freeway at 75 MPH I averaged 38 MPG). In town HAVING FUN your mileage will be bad.

You have friends and support HERE.
A local club could be real fun.

Please let us know how you feel with some time in you car.

Happy Motoring