Thanks to SmokeM i got to actually ride in and then drive his JCW.

The car is simply awesome. It has more power and torque than i ever imagined.

The car just wants to go fast - like a racehorse that you have to hold back on the reins. I'm sure you guys that own one know what i mean.

Some things i decided based on my ride/drive:
- first and foremost, this is definitely the car for me!
- stock suspension is more than i'll ever need
- the car exceeded my expectations in power and performance
- no armrest, get Comfort Access System
- this forum is a great resource, with really nice people!

Thanks again, SmokeM

Steve

 

HAHA, I'm glad you had fun. It was nice meeting you.

There is a surge of power you DIDN'T experience. Around 5-6k rpm, if you punch it, you'll be pinned to the seat and the torque steer presence does does make itself known (although, it is quite manageable). The roads we were on wasn't the best to explore that aspect of the car on. We would have hit in excess of 90mph, quickly, easily. What we experienced was pretty tame. You'll definitely reach another level of "holy *****!!" once you experience that.

But, I think you get the jist of what the car is all about.

Let me know if there are any other question about the car or if there is anything I can do for you.

Take care.

 

Glad to see you liked it! Also shows how great the people on this forum really are.

 

Its exactly the same feeling and comments I made after test driving this car a month ago. Waiting for ours to arrive in Oct. I went with the standard suspension. My current R53 is really hard and I am craving something smoother.
Just be careful adding options...that car will hit 40k before you know it!!!
D

 

Tu13es - yep!

fdavid - you aren't kidding about the price and options - i'm slightly above 32k right now so i guess i should feel good

 

Whoa!...nice price. Remember, anything you add past the 3 tab on the configurator, it will cost more than listed.
Let's just say our puppy hit 42K after all said and done (including taxes)

 

yeah, the 32k doesn't include taxes

does the JCW steering wheel have an added installation fee?

- here's my specs (changed twice today) but i think this will be the final configuration
- dark silver / black
- black bonnet stripes
- chrome line interior (thanks to Motor Head)
- rear fog
- comfort access
- alarm
- JCW leather sports wheel
- little cosmetics - valve stem caps, wheel locks, boot mat, mud flaps, MINI back license plate frame

- also i'm getting coco mats instead of the MINI mats (also thanks to Motor Head)

Steve

 

Yes. Anything on page 5 or 6 of the configurator is an estimated price and does not include installation. They are all done at the dealer.

As for the accessories, Classic MINI offers a NAM discount (~20%). Depending on what you're ordering or if your dealer will throw in anything free, might be worth looking into. I ordered mud flaps and floor mats from them and it was still a bit cheaper after shipping than my dealer would've been.

 

Tu13es - thanks for the info - good to know about Classic MINI!

I see you're in NH - a beautiful state! If our family weren't all here in NJ we'd head for NH or VT (our best friends relocated from NJ to VT - we visit them often). New England is beautiful anytime but especially in the fall.

Steve

 

I really like it here. It really is great through all the seasons and it's the variety in the seasons that I love.