as the title of the post implies, I was a VW-holic.

I traded my '06.5 GTI today on a '07 Cooper S 6 spd.

I also drove it home in a Snow storm.

With the performance run flat tires.

Yes my knuckles were as white as the car is white.

Pete

 

Sweet! You'll have a lot of fun in the upcoming year with the MINI, hope you'll have many more motoring experiences in the future, many many miles of joy!

Motor On & Happy New Years!

 

Welcome to NAM. I think you'll really enjoy it here. I'm on my 2nd Cooper (gave the old one to my partner, Steve). They are great cars; you won't miss the VW at all!

 

Congrats on your new MINI! Just out of curiosity - why'd you come from a 06.5 GTi to a MCS?

 

Welcome. I just sold my 83 gti. Since i've had my mini that is all i've wanted to drive and mod.

The 83 was a fun car and i'll sure miss it.

Oh and I looked at 05-06 GTI's as well before I decided on the Mini. I love the vdubs but the performance of the Mini s with the JCW pacakge was way better IMO than the standard GTI. Modding the GTI would have increased HP/performance but I felt the Mini was pretty complete as is when I bought it...not that I haven't modded it anyway.

Only thing that would have been more important is room which the GTI seemed to have.

Mini is more stylish anyway!

 

Very cool! So what are your specs, color etc....details fellow motorer!

 

it's a used '07 Cooper S in Pepper White/Black Roof.

I rescued it from a GM Superstore in Wisconsin yesterday.

It has the Rooster Red Leather/Cloth Interior.

6speed manual, Sports Package, Rear Fog, Center Armrest.

12,500 miles or so.

Need to get some all-season or snow tires quickly though.

Pete

 

Welcome to NAM, CooperAddict! We're a dedicated bunch around here, but you'll come to love us as so many have. I'm on the east side of central Indiana, but our weather must be about the same. I haven't found much less than 6" of snow that will hold me down in the MINI, but watch out for those road hogs who want the whole thing! Once you're headed for the side ditch, there's not much to stop you! In case no one told you yet, those little round circles on the front and rear bumpers are access to threaded holes in the steel for the tow hook, so you don't have to use the tail pipe to pull you out! Enjoy the experience!! Good color choice, by the way! Pepper white is the only way to go!

 

Hey CopperAddict,

I have a 2007 GTI and am considering the switch to a Mini. Care to comment further on your likes/dislikes between the two cars?

 

Too early to tell much, since the Mini has been sitting in the garage since I brought it home on Monday night. Too much snow to drive it safely around town on the high-performance summer tires. New Kumho all-season tires are supposed to be in today.

Anyways, right off the bat, I've got to say that the Mini has to be the most customizable car FROM the factory for under $35k. Easily. I've looked at a lot of factory order guides for vehicles, and the Mini had a long list of factory options. I think the next car after that would probably be the Lexus IS250, and then the Porsche.

The first major dislike I have right now on the Mini, is the creaky center armrest. The 2nd minor dislike would be the location of the cigarette lighter.

On the GTI, I really didn't have any dislikes haven driven them for 10 years, and owned like 12+. The GTI was a lemon though and VW didn't want to admit it. In 2007, it spend over 30 days in the shop for various recalls, A/C problems, and oil consumption problems.

Can't really say much more yet.

Pete

 

There is a variety of aftermarket armrests available. The factory armrest is pretty hit or miss in getting a good one. My original armrest (2009) was replaced under warranty within a month (wouldn't stay shut). The next one has been fine, but I am beginning to detect a bit of slop now.

 

Welcome to NAM there lots of ex-VW dub owners here. Good luck with your Mini.

 

Welcome aboard! Once the streets are clear, well...you'll be having some real fun....Congrats...

Donna

 

Got a new set of tires put on today.

Found a local dealer that was able to order a set of Kumho Exsta AST's in 1 day.

I got the set with mounting, balancing, green anodized aluminum valve stem, nitrogen filled, lifetime rotation & balancing, road hazard & free flat repair.

Total bill with taxes - $407.63.

SO far so good.

 

Awesome deal!