I'm going to the dealer to test drive a couple of mini's. Not having one b4.

What things should I ask, review when driving?

 

Ask him which color is fastest. I always wondered about that but no one will give me a straight answer.

I think you can find more info here than what an average MA can offer. The most important thing you can find out from him is how much off MSRP he'll give you.

Edit: Also if they have loaner cars.

 

White is always faster. The paint is lighter. Metallics are heavier ... to much metal in the paints.

 

This is easy.. Lean your head down a bit, look over at the salesman thru the corners of your eyes , give him an evil grin and say, "How fast do you suppose she'll go around this corner?...." ....

 

Or once you get in just ask "So which race track are we going to?"

 

and don't forget to mention that you've been drinking allll morning in celebration of your impending testdrive...

 

You to Salesweasel (meant in the most loving kind of weasely way, of course): So, uhhh, the folks on NAM tell me that these are DEMO cars....as in, demonstration.

Salesweasel: That's true. Demo cars, used for test drives.

You to Salesweasel: Then hold ooooooooon!! <vrooooooooooom>

Salesweasel: I didn't know a MINI could do that! :impatient

You: I'll take a non-demo car please, at MSRP or less, with floor mats, to go.

 

A few random thoughts...

There's lots of things you can't see. For example, check the sticker...make sure you know whether you have a stock suspension or sport suspension...or sport seats or standard...in the MINI you're driving.

Make sure and experiment w/ sport mode in whatever car you're driving. Don't worry if you can't figure out the accessory controls right away...they're a little different in a MINI and you'll adapt, don't worry about that.

One of the biggest things to do is really think about what you want out of the car. Some folks drive a Cooper followed by an MCS...and the MCS always impresses because of it's additional power. But Coopers are also quite capable once you have more experience driving it. Remember, it is a tuned MINI One, not a base car...it's capabilities aren't always as obvious on a test drive in comparison with the mighty MCS. That said, if you really key into MCS performance, then don't simply settle for a Cooper (unless you need to)...some owners regret this and then "upgrade" at the first opportunity. Obviously, therefore, knowing what you want out of a MINI will help work through this important choice.

Once you figure out the model you want, the tranny you want, and options that affect drivability, snoop about and look at trim options...but spend some time w/ the configurator to agonize over exact trim options. Those you can ponder over a bit...seat time in the car is all about figuring out how the MINI you want will drive.