Just moved to Seattle a couple days ago. can someone tell me how they live with the ride of a MINI and these roads??? EVERYTHING rattles. is this something MINI people just accept and move on? or is this something going on with my car (regular checkups, everything was good 600 miles ago) ?? it really sucks!

 

The roads around here are in rough shape for sure. I have become an expert at the pothole dodge and the cracked pavement shimmy sham. I have a virtual map in my head with all the bad pieces of road but my memory bank is getting pretty full. I recently bought some 16 inch wheels and swapped out my 17's to see how they ride. There is definitely some extra cushion there. My 17's have better summer tires but I may just leave them off until next summer.

Sorry to hear of your rattles. The only rattles I have right now are the seatbelt height adjusters and my handbrake release button. These only rattle at high speeds on our worn out stretch of interstate. If you stay out of the ruts and drive near the edges of the lane the rattles will be diminished. Try wandering in your lane a little on the freeway and you will see where the smoother stuff is. I recommend light traffic when attempting this and I usually wander back to the center when overtaking or getting passed. Oh and don't follow too close or that surprise crack or pothole that the SUV in front of you absorbed will come at you too fast to react and...WHAM!

 

It happens, just keep driving. Most of them will go away when you hit smooth roads others are permanent.

 

One of the drawbacks of low profile tires and sport suspension...