F55/F56 Sooo I started a fight online defending Minis
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,965
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From: In the here and now, for now.
Zip, you hit the nail on the head nicely what a mutual acquaintance couldn't say nicely getting him banned as a result. Well said. My li'l R52 gets driven in a sporty manner but also gets taken care of like it was a triple crown winner just so I, with great hope, don't have to consider a replacement.
Zip, you hit the nail on the head nicely what a mutual acquaintance couldn't say nicely getting him banned as a result. Well said. My li'l R52 gets driven in a sporty manner but also gets taken care of like it was a triple crown winner just so I, with great hope, don't have to consider a replacement.
I know cars change, but to turn mini into a "lifestyle brand" implies they have the sports creed...and that frankly seems to be weakening.
There will always be modders, and tuners I hope (as long as makes don't use the DMCA to kill it, but that is a different debate), since many of us want more than just common.....and in mainstreaming MINI, what was once uncommon has become common.
I'm not saying the gen3 cars are bad cars in any way...they just lack something...the special sauce if you will, that made the earlier car so unique.
Mazda has somehow kept the Mazda Miata, aka, the rx-5, realivant and well loved for many years, maybe I was expecting MINI to try to do much the same. No horsepower war's, just make an awesome car, that is reliable, handles great, is priced competitively, and stands the test of time.
Some might ask, "why is ZippyNH still here" since I have sold my car...simple reason, I want to help other gen1 owners keep their cars alive, and on the road...within reason, I still pop in, and expect too the forseable future....
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,965
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From: In the here and now, for now.
You have a great deal to share and share it well, you do. I understand BMW owns the TR marque. Hope upon hope always in the back of my mind they might someday introduce a new version of the TR2 or 3. My very first car was a TR wherein I cut my autoX and rally teeth. Beyond that, would that I had kept that Curta pepper grinder bought from a guy for $25.
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 164
Likes: 3
From: Maryland
I agree with Zippy 100%. MINI is dumbing down the brand in order to attract people who would otherwise buy a Camry. The new gen is eschewing all the fun-to-drive aspects of an enthusiast brand in favor of gimmicks that are unnecessary and silly.
The fact that the 2016 model will not even have a Sport Suspension option tells you all you need to know about the brand's focus and audience going forward.
The fact that the 2016 model will not even have a Sport Suspension option tells you all you need to know about the brand's focus and audience going forward.
2. Our 2016 F55 is the most fun car I have ever driven.
3. We love our F55 and wouldn't trade it for anything. It's okay for cars to evolve. The four doors is what made it the best car for us and it still puts a smile on my face when I drive it, even in the crap traffic that is the life of a commuter in Maryland. When I'm stuck in traffic, I love the refined interior. When I'm on back country roads, I love the zip.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,965
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From: In the here and now, for now.
This guy is spamming me with threats of violence and physical harm. Says he wants to "meet me" at the club Xmas party. I'm pretty sure the club he refers to is Metroplex MINI in DFW, however, I moved near Phoenix in March 2013. I've been to DFW a total of one time since. I'm not even a member of any MINI club!
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2015
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This guy is spamming me with threats of violence and physical harm. Says he wants to "meet me" at the club Xmas party. I'm pretty sure the club he refers to is Metroplex MINI in DFW, however, I moved near Phoenix in March 2013. I've been to DFW a total of one time since. I'm not even a member of any MINI club!
This is the height of immaturity. Feeding this person has grown to a life of it's own. I can't imagine letting it get to this level.
The New Mini has changed just enough to make me want one. I realize many original owners are disappointed, but it really just comes down to individual taste. It's not about one being better than another.
I like the GTI, it was on my list, but like the F56 better.
Coordinator :: Gulf Coast & Panhandle MINIs
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 12,662
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From: In the Tube
Zip, you hit the nail on the head nicely what a mutual acquaintance couldn't say nicely getting him banned as a result. Well said. My li'l R52 gets driven in a sporty manner but also gets taken care of like it was a triple crown winner just so I, with great hope, don't have to consider a replacement.
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 245
Likes: 10
After driving my 2012 Justa and moving into a new 2015 Cooper, I began to wonder if I did the right thing. Sure, I have a ton of bells and whistles, but some of that "raw Mini" is gone. To satisfy my purchase, I merely go out and drive the new one. No, it doesn't rev like the old one, but I don't need to. The torque on this 3 cylinder makes it a joy in traffic-it really pulls-- and the snick snick of the 6 speed manual is delightful. I have the dynamic dampers and though not a go cart, it out handles my stock 2012. Of course I now have 17" wheels with 45 series which helps. I always loved BMW's but disliked the dicks that drove them. Now I can enjoy my Mini BMW and not be a ****. What's not to love?
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 165
From: Bonita Springs Florida
I steer clear of internet disputes. Makes zero sense as many of those that indulge are bereft of logical or rational thought.
Since the 2015 MCS is the first MINI I've ever owned or driven, I can't comment on past series comparisons. I can however say the 2015 is the most fun car I've ever owned (and it's parked next to a 2015 C7).
I've been a Corvette guy for many years and perhaps that's a frame of reference I can use. The older Corvettes were great cars and fun to own and drive. In some instances I miss the styling and engineering on some of the older models. However, I have found that each time I traded up for a newer model, the improvements always trumped the older model I traded/sold.
While I occasionally wax nostalgic for the C2 or C3, each time I revisit one in person (beyond the looks), I find everything else sorely lacking in comparison to the new.
Again, that's just me (along with a large group of previous generation owners). That's not to say there isn't a huge following for each older generation that believe the older model is far superior to anything that came after it (and it would be a fool's errand to attempt to change their minds).
I choose to celebrate the entire line of cars produced and let each person choose and enjoy their "favorite". As long as sales and profits continue for any line of car a manufacturer will continue improve, change and restyle that line. If they misstep, and sales fall off, they will generally reboot or go out of business.
Since the 2015 MCS is the first MINI I've ever owned or driven, I can't comment on past series comparisons. I can however say the 2015 is the most fun car I've ever owned (and it's parked next to a 2015 C7).
I've been a Corvette guy for many years and perhaps that's a frame of reference I can use. The older Corvettes were great cars and fun to own and drive. In some instances I miss the styling and engineering on some of the older models. However, I have found that each time I traded up for a newer model, the improvements always trumped the older model I traded/sold.
While I occasionally wax nostalgic for the C2 or C3, each time I revisit one in person (beyond the looks), I find everything else sorely lacking in comparison to the new.
Again, that's just me (along with a large group of previous generation owners). That's not to say there isn't a huge following for each older generation that believe the older model is far superior to anything that came after it (and it would be a fool's errand to attempt to change their minds).
I choose to celebrate the entire line of cars produced and let each person choose and enjoy their "favorite". As long as sales and profits continue for any line of car a manufacturer will continue improve, change and restyle that line. If they misstep, and sales fall off, they will generally reboot or go out of business.
Last edited by USA-RET; Nov 26, 2015 at 07:53 AM. Reason: Pix of cars
I agree with you. You're pretty smart for an Army guy! 
Just kidding, retired USAF here. I too am a Corvette guy at heart, but can and do appreciate most cars. Except the Lada... never did like those, and the Yugo.... well there are probably quite a few I do not like. I also agree with you about the progressive generations. Would love a C7, but they've priced themselves out of retirement pay range. I never got past the C5 myself. Now all I have is my '96 GS clone. Spent too much time, money, and work to get it like I wanted it to get rid of. Much like my '07 MCS, but I did trade the Mini into a '15 MCS. Guess there's always a chance I might get rid of the Vette, but at 70K miles it's still got a lot of life left in it. Besides I don't think my Grandson would let me get rid of it.
I didn't care for the 3rd Gen Mini when they first came out, and to tell the truth, I'm still coming to grips with some of the changes. I am growing to love the car though and slowly modifying it to my tastes. I have no doubt that Mini will eventually find their way, although you can bet there'll be some feathers ruffled along the way. Heck, the Corvette almost didn't make it past the 1954 model. If it hadn't been for a couple of visionaries it would be a footnote in GM's history. Hopefully something like that will happen to Mini and they'll get back on course. Only time will tell.
Pics of my '96 on the Dragon, my '07 just before I traded it, and my newest project '15 MCS.
Just kidding, retired USAF here. I too am a Corvette guy at heart, but can and do appreciate most cars. Except the Lada... never did like those, and the Yugo.... well there are probably quite a few I do not like. I also agree with you about the progressive generations. Would love a C7, but they've priced themselves out of retirement pay range. I never got past the C5 myself. Now all I have is my '96 GS clone. Spent too much time, money, and work to get it like I wanted it to get rid of. Much like my '07 MCS, but I did trade the Mini into a '15 MCS. Guess there's always a chance I might get rid of the Vette, but at 70K miles it's still got a lot of life left in it. Besides I don't think my Grandson would let me get rid of it.I didn't care for the 3rd Gen Mini when they first came out, and to tell the truth, I'm still coming to grips with some of the changes. I am growing to love the car though and slowly modifying it to my tastes. I have no doubt that Mini will eventually find their way, although you can bet there'll be some feathers ruffled along the way. Heck, the Corvette almost didn't make it past the 1954 model. If it hadn't been for a couple of visionaries it would be a footnote in GM's history. Hopefully something like that will happen to Mini and they'll get back on course. Only time will tell.
Pics of my '96 on the Dragon, my '07 just before I traded it, and my newest project '15 MCS.
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 245
Likes: 10
vetsvette--are those mirror caps red and black and not red and checkered black pattern? Couldn't tell from the photo. I want to get just red top half and black bottom half, if I could find them. eBay only has the ones with the checkered bottom half. Car looks great!
Thanks. They are the JCW Pro mirror caps. Black and grey checkered like the scuttles. I got mine from a dealer.
I do have an eBay set I'll let you have for what they cost me. I got tired of waiting and went the OEM route.
I do have an eBay set I'll let you have for what they cost me. I got tired of waiting and went the OEM route.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 165
From: Bonita Springs Florida
Really Like your cars. Bumble Bee Vette looks great. I'd been out of Vette ownership for about 20 years (until the C7). Sold a C4 I had as a daily driver when we moved to Florida.
Always loved Ferrari cars, particularly the 2014 F12 Berlinetta. Then the C7 came out and when comparing the cars in pictures and line drawings (it looked like GM used the Berlinetta as a template for the C7), I had to jump back in.
C7 is crazy fast and more car than I'd ever attempt to push to it's limits.
Your 2015 MINI is Thunder Gray like mine. Wife and I decided our next MINI will be a full on JCW, with all the bells and whistles. As I mentioned previously, this is my first MINI, and I'm hooked. Fun factor of driving a slow car fast trumps driving a fast car slow by a mile.
BTW, you getting any of the stink through your vents on initial morning start up?
Always loved Ferrari cars, particularly the 2014 F12 Berlinetta. Then the C7 came out and when comparing the cars in pictures and line drawings (it looked like GM used the Berlinetta as a template for the C7), I had to jump back in.
C7 is crazy fast and more car than I'd ever attempt to push to it's limits. Your 2015 MINI is Thunder Gray like mine. Wife and I decided our next MINI will be a full on JCW, with all the bells and whistles. As I mentioned previously, this is my first MINI, and I'm hooked. Fun factor of driving a slow car fast trumps driving a fast car slow by a mile.
BTW, you getting any of the stink through your vents on initial morning start up?
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 245
Likes: 10
Thanks. I've been trying to find red and black only, but I think those don't exist. Red accents really look good!
Really Like your cars. Bumble Bee Vette looks great. I'd been out of Vette ownership for about 20 years (until the C7). Sold a C4 I had as a daily driver when we moved to Florida.
Always loved Ferrari cars, particularly the 2014 F12 Berlinetta. Then the C7 came out and when comparing the cars in pictures and line drawings (it looked like GM used the Berlinetta as a template for the C7), I had to jump back in. C7 is crazy fast and more car than I'd ever attempt to push to it's limits.
Your 2015 MINI is Thunder Gray like mine. Wife and I decided our next MINI will be a full on JCW, with all the bells and whistles. As I mentioned previously, this is my first MINI, and I'm hooked. Fun factor of driving a slow car fast trumps driving a fast car slow by a mile.
BTW, you getting any of the stink through your vents on initial morning start up?
Always loved Ferrari cars, particularly the 2014 F12 Berlinetta. Then the C7 came out and when comparing the cars in pictures and line drawings (it looked like GM used the Berlinetta as a template for the C7), I had to jump back in.
C7 is crazy fast and more car than I'd ever attempt to push to it's limits. Your 2015 MINI is Thunder Gray like mine. Wife and I decided our next MINI will be a full on JCW, with all the bells and whistles. As I mentioned previously, this is my first MINI, and I'm hooked. Fun factor of driving a slow car fast trumps driving a fast car slow by a mile.
BTW, you getting any of the stink through your vents on initial morning start up?
Going out the door now for a 260 mile drive to my Girlfriends home in Asheville, NC. First long drive since the five surgeries on my arm and the first long drive in the new Mini. Looking forward to comparing mid/sport and green mileage. Y'all have a good weekend.
4th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From: ~PHX
Again, I own my mistake and offer my hand in peace, hope you can forgive me.
If you would accept a PM from me, I would love to apologize directly to you.
I hope everyone has a really great holiday.
Cheers friends
Jonathan
Last edited by Subzero; Nov 27, 2015 at 06:20 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
Well said. I kinda wish some of those who are supposedly here to "help" would get that.
[QUOTE=ZippyNH;4083054]
Couldn't have said it any better.
Is it me or am I missing something... BMW's MINI used to be a great carry over from the MINI that was a little "A Clockwork Orange" and "The Rutles" .. unique and a bit irreverent and cheeky... and now they are becoming all "Grey Poupon" and "business suit"....
Good to see somebody else gets it.....frankly I loved my r53, but you can't drive an older car forever....
Take away the mini attitude of old, and what's left with a gen3 mini? An inferior BMW?!
When mini was cross pollinated with BMW, yes it made it better...
But to skin a BMW, and just make it a front wheel drive BMW, with HUGE TAIL LIGHTS, AND AN ODD FRONT BUMPER, With a MINI tag...made me say...hm...time to move on..
The specialness (in my mind) seemed to have evaporated....
The center switches, gone, the cheeky corporate attitude, gone, the wonderful proportions, gone...need I go on?
Out came reasons why the front end had to look terrible.....Why the rear bumper had taillights the size of a Frisbee, why the center console switches went away...but with every explanation came " improved by BMW", or "engineered by BMW". Let's be serious, if you want a BMW, buy a BMW...Mini was never intended to be a feeder brand for BMW..... But that is what it has become..
Rather than make a great mini, MINI now makes an inferior BMW for those who can't (yet) afford one....yes..it is still a front wheel drive hatch...but...
Most if the fears of what the NEW MINI would become compared to the classics have come true....took 3 gens...but it happened.
Yes...I voted with my $$...truly the only vote that counts. Amazingly I DID buy German, but not BMW... Not cause it was German, but it meet my needs, and was exactly what it it proclaimed itself to be, and it meet my current needs.
Will I be back as a MINI owner...maybe, but obviously they need to get their house in order.
Good to see somebody else gets it.....frankly I loved my r53, but you can't drive an older car forever....
Take away the mini attitude of old, and what's left with a gen3 mini? An inferior BMW?!
When mini was cross pollinated with BMW, yes it made it better...
But to skin a BMW, and just make it a front wheel drive BMW, with HUGE TAIL LIGHTS, AND AN ODD FRONT BUMPER, With a MINI tag...made me say...hm...time to move on..
The specialness (in my mind) seemed to have evaporated....
The center switches, gone, the cheeky corporate attitude, gone, the wonderful proportions, gone...need I go on?
Out came reasons why the front end had to look terrible.....Why the rear bumper had taillights the size of a Frisbee, why the center console switches went away...but with every explanation came " improved by BMW", or "engineered by BMW". Let's be serious, if you want a BMW, buy a BMW...Mini was never intended to be a feeder brand for BMW..... But that is what it has become..
Rather than make a great mini, MINI now makes an inferior BMW for those who can't (yet) afford one....yes..it is still a front wheel drive hatch...but...
Most if the fears of what the NEW MINI would become compared to the classics have come true....took 3 gens...but it happened.
Yes...I voted with my $$...truly the only vote that counts. Amazingly I DID buy German, but not BMW... Not cause it was German, but it meet my needs, and was exactly what it it proclaimed itself to be, and it meet my current needs.
Will I be back as a MINI owner...maybe, but obviously they need to get their house in order.
Couldn't have said it any better.
4th Gear
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 305
Likes: 3
[QUOTE=ZippyNH;4083054]
Couldn't agree more. I had a 2006 R50 (automatic) for 3 years but got tired of dumping money into it at every service call so I sold it and bought a one-owner 2015 F56 (manual) about 3 months ago.
Although it's still more fun than any other cookie-cutter car on the market, I think it's lost some of it's originality. My R50 drove, handled, and just plain felt better. Making the new models bigger has definitely reduced the fun-factor. If they keep going in this direction, I might have to look elsewhere when it comes time for my next car.
Is it me or am I missing something... BMW's MINI used to be a great carry over from the MINI that was a little "A Clockwork Orange" and "The Rutles" .. unique and a bit irreverent and cheeky... and now they are becoming all "Grey Poupon" and "business suit"....
/QUOTE]
Good to see somebody else gets it.....frankly I loved my r53, but you can't drive an older car forever....
Take away the mini attitude of old, and what's left with a gen3 mini? An inferior BMW?!
/QUOTE]
Good to see somebody else gets it.....frankly I loved my r53, but you can't drive an older car forever....
Take away the mini attitude of old, and what's left with a gen3 mini? An inferior BMW?!
Although it's still more fun than any other cookie-cutter car on the market, I think it's lost some of it's originality. My R50 drove, handled, and just plain felt better. Making the new models bigger has definitely reduced the fun-factor. If they keep going in this direction, I might have to look elsewhere when it comes time for my next car.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 7
From: California
MINI JCW £23,050 MINI Countryman Park Lane £22,100 BMW 5-door hatch £21,460 BMW 3-door hatch £20,930
BMW 2-series Active Tourer £23,310 is built on MINI chassis.
And in the US there is a semi-frequent loyalty credit promotion on BMWs if you financed or leased a BMW through BMW bank but not if you financed or leased a MINI through BMW bank doing business as MINI bank. On other promotions MINIs don't count if you must have owned a BMW sometime in the last year. You'd think MINIs would count on both of those promotions if MINI was being used as a feeder brand.
Last edited by hsautocrosser; Feb 25, 2016 at 11:49 AM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
Whats with the trolls re trolling the troll threads lately?
Last post made in this thread was 3 months ago.
We get it. You dont like it. So what. We dont care cause we do like it. One guy voted with his money and didnt buy a mini. I voted with my money and did.
Last post made in this thread was 3 months ago.
We get it. You dont like it. So what. We dont care cause we do like it. One guy voted with his money and didnt buy a mini. I voted with my money and did.