Hello all,

I don't have a mini yet, still driving a v8 suv. I've been lusting after minis for a while and annoying the mrs. in the process. Finally she says "let's go drive one", hoping that my large frame will not fit and the lusting will end. Very wrong! Now I really want one! The object of my automotive lust is an S convertible (cool blue) with a manual. This will be my everyday car, with fairly regular trips to jobsites 75 - 100 miles from the office year round. I am concerned that the ride and noise on a daily basis might be grounds for buyers remorse after a while.... Any input from current owners? Also, are any dealers selling at less than MSRP, or are these things too popular? Thanks!

 

Many dealers charge an "additional dealer markup" , but if you search around there are some that sell at MSRP (beware of those that claim to sell at MSRP and then have "required accessories" such as the $750 alarm ).

I'm sure there will be MINI owners in your neck of the woods that can steer you in the right direction.

I commute 80 miles a day, so I rented a MCS (non-convertible) for a week b4 ordering mine - nicer to drive than my SUV - especially when I get rid of the run flats.

 

Good pick homerwest! You're almost exactly where I was about a month and a half ago. I'm still driving the V8 SUV, but the MCSC should arrive within a month. by the way - my frame reaches 6'7" and I also was thrilled that I fit so well.

As I'm not yet an owner, I can't speak with much authority, but I certainly considered those same issues. As I reside in Houston, outside of the one or two parts of town notorious for potholes, I decided the ride shouldn't be a problem and am getting 17's (but not the runflats). I'd consider the quality of the roads where you live and then figure out if its worth it anyway.

If you're still pondering in a month and a few days, I'll let you know my observations thus far.

As for price - seems that it varies significantly by region with the coasts sometimes having perhaps a small premium above MSRP with the interior a bit better off. From all that I hear, negotiation doesn't get too far - perhaps some free mats or a reduction on any dealer fees.

Good luck!

 

Hi and welcome! I am a new mini owner and my job (sales) requires constant driving. With the mini I do feel every bump in the road but it's not noisy, maybe because my stereo is up so loud! But I bought mine for the fast, fun factor and I am thrilled, no buyers remorse, only giant smiles!! But I did have the same thoughts you are having....will I regret this after much driving? My answer is no, the more you drive, the more you fall in love with the mini!

 

I got a 2006 MCS convertible in Feb. 2006. I'm in sales, have about 14,000 miles on it so far. I love it. The only regret I have is that I waited so long to buy and that my "burble" has gone away

 

Welcome. I have a hard top but have on two occasions had a Cabrio as a loaner. I had a blast in it. It is a bit louder in the cabin with the top up. I liked the sunroof feature of the Cabrio as well. The only downside was limited visibility out the rear window with the top up, but the park distance control was nice to tell you when you were inching too close to something. Check out the Cabrio Threads for more info.

 

Welcome homerwest... I don't have a Cabrio, but I do drive a MCS. I also have a Ford F250 4x4 Powerstroke that was my daily driver. I drive about 70 miles a day and going from the Ford to the Mini was a great move on my part. Not only is it more economical, but driving to work now is much more enjoyable.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

Thanks for all your replies! I have also been talking to people that I see driving minis, and the response has been pretty uniformly positive. The mrs. has stated that there will be no purchase of a new car until the work on the backyard is done - hired the contractor last weekend. I figure if I order the MCSC this weekend, it should be in about the time the yard is done!

Anybody want to buy a used SUV? It's very nice, you know....

 

Finally left the fence - ordered Basil a couple of days ago. Cool blue, blue top, grey cloth inside, premium and convenience packages. Now the waiting begins in earnest....

Thanks again!

 

Congrats! You'll love it for sure!