Hey Everyone:

I Currently have a 2005 GTO and test drove a new 2007 MCS and have to say I was t[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]horoughly [/SIZE][/FONT]impressed, I also drove a GTI the same day and was not very impressed. Nicer interior but it felt 600lbs heavier and near as nimble but about the same speed.

I know some people may consider going from a 400hp Grand Tourer as a down-grade but honestly in San Diego The Goat doesen't have room to stretch her legs. Plus 17mpg (mixed) is killing me, I have about a $300 gas bill a month, and 29/36 on a Cooper S is very appealing. Other considerations would be a new G8 when they come back (I love how Holden makes cars) but honestly I don't need another 4000lb car or the gas bill that accomponies it.

Don't get me wrong I love the Goat but I'm soon getting out of the Navy and need a car that can handle what Old Man Winter throughs at her. Plus gas at near $3.50 range is a large consideration.

I do have a couple of questions though:
1. I'm assuming everyone is paying MSRP, is there any dealers that will give the military a break?
2. Is the JCW Brake Kit worth the extra money? What is the size diffrence, and stopping diffrence (I did search I swear)?
3. The Sports suspension is slightly bigger sways and increased damping rates, I'm planning on lowering the MINI slightly (no more than 1.5'') should I save the $500 and go aftermarket w/ new Sways or is the damping rates drastic enough to warrent the kit?
4. Is there a 4 Lamp Bar comming out anytime soon I love the thow back look? I know it interfered with the air-flow on the R53 but with the intercooler lower on the R56 is there any plans or has anyone heard anything?

So in closing looking forward to a new forum and I'm excited about the R56, I swore I would never go back to FWD but the MINI is pretty damn good. I'll miss the goat and a high 12 second car (full exhast, intake and tune), but as time change so do our rides. So make mine BRG w/ a White roof and Union Jack it!!

Cheers,

ShawnG1313

 

Welcome to NAM. I am also a Navy Vet!!! You will not be upset with the MINI it is a great and fun to drive car. By the way great color combo!!! I do not know about the brake kit, however, I do know that you will get better mileage as long as you want to that is.
Keep us in the loop and when you finally take delivery post some pictures.
Have a fine Navy Day!!!!

- KP

 

Congratulations on your decision, and welcome to NAM. If you're planning to get an 07 Mini, there possibly won't be much information or experience concerning mods. They're too new, and quite a different car from the previous design. Everyone else with 07's is probably feeling their way around with mods also.

I have an 06 MCS-JCW, and I LOVE those brakes, as well as everything else about the car.

 

Welcome to NAM, Shawn! I think there is a military discount, but someone in the service will have to fill you in on the details. There's a great group of MINI enthusiasts in San Diego: WCM (West Coast MINIs). Here is the link to their site. Don't be put off by the old dates on it, as it is a static site. You can email Don Davis to find about about their fun runs and events.

 

Welcome to NAM! I know what you are talking about. My father owns a 2006 GTO, right now. He hardly drives it anymore. The gas price is harsh, even worse were you live in SD. Driving around SD will be a lot better in a Mini. The goat needs a more open home. SD is often packed with traffic and narrow streets. Hope you find a good home for your goat. My father tried to sell his, but the resll value is very bad on them. Another plus the mini offers. I think he paid 32k and he listed if for 24k and it got no intrest. Shocking since it only has 4k miles. Good Luck and Hope you Join the Mini Family.

 

Welcome to NAM! You know you want the MINI!!

 

Hubie's MCS did an 11.26 official time! Welcome to a car world that can actually turn corners at the same time!

 

As to the 4 lamp bar question. I don't know if it fits the redesign of the 07' But Alta MINI Performance has a 4 light bar.

 

Welcome 2 Nam!

 

A turbo uses air from the exhaust to function. A four lamp light bar should have no problem on a R56.

 

Welcome and your going to have a blast!

 

A turbo might use the exhaust to function, but you also have to take into consideration the rest of the turbo system, namely the intercooler. Having a four light bar sit in the area where external air comes in over the I/C isn't the best of ideas. If anything, I'd just go with the stock driving lights since they sit higher and don't impede the air flow over the I/C.

GotMINI

 

Welcome to NAM!!! Thank you for your service to our country. After you get your Mini,and you know you will, be sure to post pics.



06MCS/DS/B/Bbonnetstripes/Whalen8ballshiftmachine

 

Woo woo! Great current choice and even better future car. You will love the MINI and the NAM community.

They had a review of the JCW brake kit over on motoringfile.com a while back, and as I recall they liked it on the R53. I think that the R56 has essentially the JCW kit as standard (size-wise), so the brakes should be pretty good. There will be incredible after market kits (like the tasty detroit tuned BBK) for the R56 soon enough, so don't let that hold you back. Our suppliers are pretty awesome and tweaking the cars is one of the joys of owning such a sensible and fun automobile. Why spend $ on gas when you can spend $ on performance parts?