Hello everyone! I'm thinking about buying a 2007 Mini S. It will be the first new car I've ever bought. I "built" one on Mini's website with all of the options I want. The problem is, as I understand it, the 2007 models won't hit the showrooms until 2/19/07 so I can't actually test drive one until then. I've never driven or rode in a Mini so I don't know if it will be comfortable to me or not. I have a few (million) questions that I hope you can all help me with.

I've read that the 2007 model is a little longer and wider than the previous models. True? False?

Other than being aluminum and turbocharged rather than supercharged, is the engine in the 2007 model totally different from the previous models? If so are there any known issues with it?

What the heck does GP mean? I've racked my brain and I can't figure it out...

I read that the 2007 S model is estimated to get around 32-34 MPG on the highway but the EPA results aren't out yet. What do those of you with 2006 MC S's get?

For those who have ordered a new Mini, what is the average time from placing the order to receiving the car?

How is Mini with warranty work?

How does Mini handle modified Minis that have been modded? Do they void the warranty or do they just not care unless it's a dangerous mod?

Any feedback on Checkered Flag Mini in Virginia Beach? I know a few of their other brand dealerships can be absolute snobs/jerks but they are the only one reasonably close to me.

I've heard from unreliable sources that Minis didn't do so well in Federal crash tests. Mini's website makes them appear to be very safe, are they? I'm kind of attached to my limbs and life ya know...

I read a little hear about strut tower cracking and mushrooming and the potential causes of it. Is this something Mini would repair under warranty?

What exactly is the JCW "package" listed on Mini's website? I know it's John Cooper Works...

Are the ragtops overly noisy at highway speeds with the top up? How about hardtops?

Generally speaking, what do you think of the quality, fit and finish of your Mini?

That's probably enough questions for now. I like to thoroughly investigate any large purchase I make but with this potentially being my first new car, I'm nervous as heck! Thanks for your help in advance!

Jeff

 

Whew! That's a heckuva first post!

This can answer all the questions you've asked:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/search.php

I'm sure people will chime in on various questions you've asked, but all of them have been asked before (and most were answered)

My answer to all your questions. Shuddup and place your order for your 07 S model! You'll be extremely happy!

 

Actually I'll try to answer some of them for ya


1. longer & wider - barely.

2. engine. yes, totally different. known issues - too early to know.

3. GP grand prix??

4. varies greatly on your right foot.

5. depends on where in the US you are. from ~7-14 weeks

6. pretty good for 4 years 50k miles.

7. varies from dealership to dealership

8. dunno anything about that dealership. search for the name on here you might find something

9. You can view the crash test results yourself - http://www.safercar.gov/

10. doubtful, but search for mushrooming for more info.

11. JCW - wickidizes your MINI

12. personal taste. convertible much more noisy than hardtop

13. depends on what you are used to.

 

1966...

Hello and welcome! I'll just say this much: I've got a 2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible and I'm very pleased with it. Great quality build, not too much noise with top up OR down (however...if you get a convertible, for God's sake...get the wind deflector...you can get them for a fairly good price on Ebay from sellers like Morristown MINI).

Also, I'll say that I'm a big fan of JCW kits...be it for the MINI Cooper OR the Sound Kit for the MINI Cooper S. Great performance enhancers.

Best of luck with decision. Whatever MINI you end up getting, you'll be happy!

Chuck