I know there will be a lot of "I got mine" threads soon, but it seems like it is still early days and a lot of people have questions about the new model. I picked mine up on Saturday and I'll try to answer any questions anyone has. This is my first MINI so I can't answer any comparison question, but otherwise I'll tell you what I can. Mine is a non-S Automatic with the Fully Loaded package, HUD, Rear View Camera, Sunroof, and probably some other options I'm forgetting. I've attached some pictures the salesperson had sent me. Its been raining since I picked it up so I haven't taken any pictures myself.

So far, I am really enjoying it. The ride and handling are really fun. The quality of interior is very nice. Its very comfortable and my 6' body has plenty of room.

Also, I want to say thanks to everyone on the forums. You were all a great source of information when I was trying to decide about my purchase.

 

Congrats!

 

Lucky you, they let you drive it away. Nice looking car, and the more I see those Loop wheels, the more I like them.

 

Congrats!! I like those seats, I sat in those when I was at the dealer, very nice. I also like the wheels, wish they made 17" in a similar pattern.

 

Very nice! I like the exterior color a lot. I also really like the seats. The wheels remind me of the "Flame Spoke" wheels that came on the R53 Checkmate in 2006 and were available as an option on models in later years. I always liked those.

 

nice my dealer said they don't know when they're going to be able to release them to customers

 

When I picked up the car, I noticed that the back half of the sunroof did not open. I thought I had seen somewhere that it was supposed to, but after both the salesperson and I fiddled with it and couldn't find a way to open it we decided that it was just for looks. However, when I was typing up the post I was looking at the MINI configurator and sure enough it specifically says that both halves are supposed to open (see attachment). It's the very last option under Audio & Tech.

I've contacted my salesperson and pointed out the issue and he's supposed to call me back after getting an answer from management. Its possible mine is just broken. Honestly, its not a huge issue for me if the back part doesn't open, but I do think the web site should be accurate. I'll update once I hear back.

 

for what it's worth I wouldn't get my hopes up. I recall seeing a post somewhere that one person's gripe with the new hardtop was that the rear part of the sunroof no longer opened

 

congrats! oh my i like those seats

 

ya, I've heard around that the rear does not open.

That is something that Mini should address or give some money back?

 

I'm liking that blue color and I ordered those seats in my Blazing Red. According to the configurator both ends tilt up.

 

I am wondering What kind gas do you need to put? Premium (89, 91 or 93) or regular(86)? I heard F56 (non-S) requires premium gas.

Thinking of trade in my wife's R56 (getting close to 7 years old/83000miles).
It was very reliable car and still going strong but worry about having issues suddenly haha (my wife's beetle did it before we bought mini. After 4 years, beetle almost broke everything). Only problem was thermostat a few months ago but I understand that the part was just plastic and some people have issues within 20k miles so I don't complain about it ^_^.
Honestly I prefer to avoid first year model but I feel like it's right time to trade in my wife's mini instead of possible huge repairing bills...

 

I looked at an F56 at my dealer yesterday and the first words out of his mouth were 'the rear half of the sunroof does not open!'

 

Congrats and welcome to the mini family. Enjoy your car!!!

 

Congratulations. You did good!

 

Use top tier gas, like Shell, 93 Premium. Definitely NOT regular.

Keep in mind, the cheap gas will cause problems down the line. If you want to use it, budget for the extra maintenance, which WON'T be covered under warranty, and WON'T be cheap.

Also, RTFM, at least twice. You'll find answers there...

 

The manual and the dealership both recommended at least 89. You could always put in higher if you want to. Given that its only around a 10 gallon tank, the different between a tank of 86 and a tank of 89 should be minimal.

 

My 2012 Buick LaCrosse which I just got rid of had a panoramic sunroof where the rear section was fixed as well. I have no problem with the rear section of the MINI sunroof being fixed. Although I can understand why some are upset at that.

 

Good advice, but also that advice to use "Top Tier" gasoline is important. See
http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html

 

Wow, I just did a Google search and found that Costco Warehouse is a Top-Tier Gasoline Retailer as of March, 2014. Best price in my area PLUS providing Top-Tier gas quality for my MINI.

 

"Top Tier" means that it contains recommended additives. That's good, but MINI also recommends alcohol-free gasoline. Around here, Costco sells only gasohol.

 

Except at a few gas stations that sell pure gasoline (marked "not for road use"), all the gas here has up to 10% alcohol. The pure gas is more expensive than premium, and it does NOT include the additives that are supposed top keep our engines happy. I occasionally fill up with it and also run it in the lawnmower and string trimmers.

 

To my knowledge all gas stations here in CT use a 10% alcohol blend. Stations used to switch to a summer blend without alcohol, but to my knowledge they no longer do that. 90/10 year round now.

 

Using 93 pay will off in the long run. Car will run better and you will get better mpg. With these small engines you will notice a difference with lower grades.

My wife's CM has the sun roof. I recommend you look for an aftermarket shade that clips in place on the inside or consider a non see through graphic or just roof color vinyl. There is a lot of heat produced from the sun and it can get hotter then the AC can handle.

 

Jbewley, I was told that the interior screen is a tighter weave than the R56. I got the impression that the F56 screen is an improvement as far as blocking out the sun and heat. I'll soon find out.