I'm thinking about buying a new Mini S. Any advice about must haves? Also the only negative I read in reviews is that the ride is to stiff. Any truth in that? Thanks.
Frank Ferrante

 

Heated seats is must have option for me.

If you are worried about a stiff ride, stick with 16" rims and leave off the sport suspension.

Go to the dealer and drive one with sport suspension and one without (with 16" rims). Then you can make up your mind.

 

Frank, I've driven sports cars all my life. Given that background, I don't find the ride too rough at all. My '10 MCS has both the sport package as well as the sport suspension option, and I find its handling superior to a 911S equipped with race tires that I ran in autocrosses many years ago!

Great handling, though, may not be exactly what you're looking for as we all have different objectives when car buying.

Those two options would be my top suggestions, and I'm quite sure others will chime in with their suggestions.

 

My 2¢ Spec it out the way you want it and drive from the MINI dealer to your favorite tire store - ditch the runflats. If you're concerned about harsh ride...that should take care of it. Everything else would just be option selections. I really like the anthracite headliner. I've had both and appreciate the difference it makes. I've had with/without dual panel roof and prefer with for the spring/fall months. I like my armrest and can take or leave the heated seats. I can put them on low for less than a minute and get flop-sweat on the coldest of days so depending on where you live - you decide. Can't wait to hear what you decide and see the results of your order.

 

+1 on ditching the run flat tires immediately after taking delivery. too bad MINI doesn't offer more tire choices (i.e. non runflats) straight from the factory.

if you have an iPod, the iPod adapter is a must.

the only thing i regret not ordering was the rear fog lights - for only $100 i would go ahead and throw those in too.

 

I don't find the ride too rough on "normal" roads but on bad pavement it is murder - as much because of the short wheelbase as it is because of suspension and tires.
You can option one to death but a lot depends upon who you are and what you enjoy.

 

A car's comfort level while driving is very subjective... One man's trash is another's treasure so to speak... A MCS or JCW is going to drive and ride like a sports car... If you are not accustomed to the ride, the take one for an extended test drive to decide... What you will find is superior handling from a production car with a firm ride...

For me, around town and in & out of traffic in a large city, it's a no-brainer... Nothing compares to the Mini IMO... I posted this elsewhere, but when I bought my MCS last August, I sold my Carrera S a month later... Nuff said...

 

I completely agree with that...

 

Thank you for you tips and advice. I just got back from Princeton Mini and bought a 2010 Mini Cooper Sport. I took both a 16" and a 17" wheel size out for a test drive. The 17" with the sport package is a stiffer ride. That's for the tip on that. So I bought a Black Cooper S with the Cold Weather, Premium and Value Packages. 16" bridge spoke black alloy wheels with all season tires. I also took the extended warranty. I pick it Friday. I'll post a picture. Thanks.
Frank Ferrante

 

X2

I'm running 18's and I still don't find the ride too harsh. (and I'm 47, much more sensitive to harsh rides compared to when I was younger...lol)

Mark

 

OP if U want a little more supple ride, but still want great cornering ability in the twisties, stick with the stock suspension and 16s, but add the JCW (or another) rear sway bar to the rear suspension. that way, U have the best of both worlds. Oh and +2 on the runflats, altho they are MUCH better now than a few years ago, and cheaper to replace.

 

Sounds good F! See my previous post about upgrading your rear sway bar from stock.