Anything to check for on the mini when it comes in from transport from its sea journey? Any know problem areas on the car?Fit finish, operational etc?
Been over 20 years since I bought a new car, and never ordered one before so it will be a new experience.
thx

 

Welcome to NAM.

Should get some comments back here. What color? Options?

 

Luckily my dealer took care of anything that may have been an issue prior to my final delivery, since after a couple of smudge marks on the paint that wiped off. When you take delivery I strongly suggest taking your time going around the car a couple of times and have an extra set of eyes with you. Congrats on your new ride!

 

It will suck big time but there is a break-in procedure for the turbo. Make sure you do that or it could potentially lead to problems down the road.

I cant remember what it is exactly again but something like no high rpms or speed

 

Make sure they remove the shipping blocks from the suspension. (Check under the front dust boots.)

 

Well the Mini tracker says its still on its "cruise" and hasn't landed yet. So not sure if it will still be this week.Its 2 door elec blue/ black roof with auto, HK, dynamic dampers, JCW interior w/black stripe cloth seats, black headliner, and alarm.thanks for the things to check for. I figure on giving it a good lookover. Was wondering if driving it in ECO mode would be better for break in since it will limit overdoing it.Anyone know the sea route they take to get to the west coast LA area?Do they cross the Atlantic then go thru the canal? Probably not the best time of the year to be crossing the Atlantic.

 

Another cloth interior - nice! I ordered mine with the JCW interior and cloth seats also. Very happy with it.

Make a check list with all your ordered options, and check them off when you pick the car up. Also add simple things to the list like the floor mats, and tool kit that sometimes go missing or incomplete upon delivery, and check those off, too.

 

All good advice.

Don't go cheap on the gas and always run the correct octane and "Top Tier". Make sure you take advantage of the "Mini First Date", also. Good info and gives you a change to get any questions you may have after a few weeks of ownership answered.

Congrats on the new car.

 

The ECO mode will certainly tail back the jackrabbit starts, but you can still push down the loud pedal. Best to just get use to taking it easy for the first month or two, depending how much you drive. Not easy, but it can be done!

As for the shipping, I believe that is the route it will take, from what I have read. You need to see if you can figure out what carrier it is on. From there you may be able to track it even closer! Check out this thread if you haven't found it yet:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...your-mini.html

 

Never turn on the ECO mode! Your car will blow up.

You sold your smart car for a reason, no need to try and make the Mini a smart car. Its already smart.

Repeat - Never turn on the ECO mode!

 

Only drive in sport mode all the time Dont make the fish happy, make yourself happy.

 

Congrats on the new ride! If you're in the LA area your car should be coming in through Port of Hueneme (https://www.portofhueneme.org/auto-import-and-export/), my 2014 MCS came through there according to the CarFax, and it looks like they still work with BMW and WWL.

Not sure how current this route map is, since it was taken from a 2009 blog post (http://www.bmwblog.com/2009/07/14/ho...d-to-delivery/), but it would seem the route follows a path across the Atlantic through the Panama Canal as you guessed.

 

Congratulations on your new purchase. Make sure you have them show you everything about your new car. It is frustrating to hear people say after years of ownership that they didn't realize they had some features or they never learned how to use them. MINIs are unique and operate differently than other cars. If you figure it out before you drive away, you can enjoy the quirkiness. If you figure it out a month later, you will always be frustrated.

I rented a third generation MINI a while back and could not get it started to drive it off the lot (the start switch is in the center console). A half hour later, I was in the center lane of a 15 lane Miami highway and when the traffic came to a stop, the car shuttered (the prior renter put in cheep gas) and the engine died (automatic shut off when the car stops). I hated that car for the rest of the trip even after I figured out how to drive it and how much better it ran with good gas.

If I had the opportunity to learn about the MINI I would have appreciated it as I have later come to.

(I suspect that it might have been less than 15 lanes, but that is how I remember it!)

 

I'll have to get another MA to show me the car. My sales guy didnt even know how to adjust the radio. He kept pressing the off button instead of using the controller. Ive tried to check the shipping site but seems the site has changed so putting a vin # in dosent show anything. Will have to get an update from the dealer on the status.
thanks for the tips.

 

Hang around the forum while you wait. We'll be glad to offer sterling advice on options you need to buy and have ready for it's arrival. Remember, we're here to help.

 

Have flown into LA and San Jose, never driven around the state at all. How close are the mountains as you will never appreciate what you have until you cut a few curves.

When you are on a real curvy road and the muscle cars all pull over so they can follow a MINI, not too much better.

 

 

yes, it will be like driving a rock. The shocks wont move/compress. That would be a heck of an uncomfortable ride.

Plus, the car would look like its installed with a 5in lift kit because the shocks will be expanded

 

Not quite, but close. The suspension will extend, but it won't compress. So road imperfections like speed bumps will feel like no suspension at all (which it essentially is, since you'll be on the bump stops). Potholes cause the suspension to droop/extend, so those won't feel that bad. In summary, my F56 felt just as harsh as my R53 on NYC streets.

Actually, it sat about 1-1/2" to 2" too high / out of spec (statically measured). The typical MINI rake was not there. Instead, it looked awkward with the front higher than the rear.

 

Just to update I picked up the Mini last week. It sure is nice. Quite different than driving a 20 year old truck.

 

Nice! Congrats!

 

Welcome. Nice lookin' MINI.

 

Nice car! Looks fast just sittin' there.

 

Stripes make it go faster!


Love that blue!