After lurking around this board for a few weeks I finally went to the dealership and test drive my first MSC today. I started out with the automatic since it has been a few years since I have driven a manual. Although I was impressed with the handling and the quickness, for some reason I just didn't connect with the car. Then I drove the 6 speed..............I still have a grin on my face from three hours ago. Absolutely amazing.

 

Welcome to the madness. I'm on my 4th mini in 1 1/2 years. I absolutely love the car (as if you can't tell from some of my posts )

If you buy it, you will love it.


Mark

 

Unfortunately, I've got six more months of lease left on my current car. After my test drive today I've spent several hours on the mini website planning the 2010 MSC I'm going to order. Do you have any idea how long it takes from order to delivery if you do a custom order?

 

You sound like a MiniAC !

 

Typically 6-8 weeks for the east coast, 8-10 for the west coast, and 7-9 for the center of the country.

 

Thanks!

 

A few thoughts....

Many companies will allow an early turn in without penalty, it may want to check into that.

The other thing, what about using your car as a trade in? Just because it's a lease doesn't mean you can't turn it in. I would think that from a financial standpoint, turning in a lease would probably be better but it's a thought.

You could also put it up for sale hoping it sells in the meantime.

And last but not least.... use the configurator to make the car you want and can afford. Then, consider finding a car already produced. Albeit an '09, you will save some money and won't have to worry about waiting for your lease.

I can't order one, just too impatient but I found the car I wanted with the options I wanted.

Just a thought.


Mark

 

You definitely have the bug. There is no cure other than getting a MINI. I got the bug this spring and must have driven the MCS 5 times. I sold my beloved 3 series BMW convertible to get my MINI S convertible. I enjoy this car more than any that I have ever owned.

I am with you on the 6 speed manual - this is the easiest shifting manual that I have ever driven and the ratios fit the flat torque band of the S engine extremely well. BMW did a great job on this engine. This car simply "squirts" at any speed in any gear. The automatic is a very good unit but it was not as smooth to me as the manual.

You may be able to get MINI to close out the lease to make a sale. Good luck!!

 

HAha...same here man. I test drove a clubman S last weekend and I'm all about it. My 08 Civic Si has been giving me transmission problems so Im in the market for a new car. Ppl claim the Si is easy to drive...ha. I drove the mini smoother than my Si that I had brand new with 14,000 miles now. The Si is faster on a straight away but the torque of the mini S made it feel so much better mated to a nice 6 spd.

I agree, def one of the smoothest transmissions I have driven. Do you know if there is a factory short shifter that I could get. The throw was kind of long coming from a Si.

 

I was SOLD after test driving a MCS for 5 mins!

 

My test drive was a few months ago and I still remember the feeling! Few more weeks of waiting and I'll have my very own Cooper-S.

After test driving one, you can't not buy one!

 

Keep manuals alive brother.

 

Welcome to the obsession from MAD-Town, WI. The MINI makes driving something to look forward to doing. I'm always "running errands" in order to motor around town. Glad to hear another manual will be online soon.

 

i test drove one many months ago and then again just the other day. i cant get over how fun this thing is. i found one locally and hopefully ill be driving it next week

 

So does that mean you'll have to change your screenname?


Mark

 

Mark

are you in orlando for m@m ?

 

Yes and no....

I'm in Orlando staying at the Regal Sun Resort about a block away from where M&M is being held.

We were going to go to M&M but it was too late to register and since it's one of my daughter's birthday, we decided to take her to Disneyworld for the weekend.

I did however, drive the mini down and wanted to cruise over to the hotel just to say hi.

Mark

 

come to cars and coffee saturday morning and then i will show you the shop .

 

When and where is C&C? At the hotel?

And at what time?

I'm assuming it'll start later than when disney opens.

Let me know.


Mark

 

8 am in sanford / lake mary. 20 minutes east on I-4. Lambos,Ferraris,Jag xj 220, street rods and such will be there.

pm if you need directions

I want a ride in your Jcw !

 

Man, I'd love to go but by the time I leave there, the girls will be freakin' out...

Perhaps we could meet up Saturday night or Sunday morning?

I'm sorry, I'd love be there.


Mark

 

Just do what i do,tell them you do not feel well and need rest then give the girls the american express and tell them to have fun.

sat night or sunday is good. we can grab a beer.

 

That'd be great... I'll PM you my phone number.


Mark