New to board, first post.

Picking up a '02 MC next week. The car is mint with 20K miles. Prem., Sport, Cold, Leather. I'll be keeping it outside (sorry to say) with a car cover.

Anyway, being a first-time Mini owner, does anyone have any must-know information about this car/options that might not be included in the manual?

TIA


I'm really jazzed about this car -- really looking forward to being a MINI owner and enthusiast!

 

Congrats....

Good luck with your MINI.

The one item you listed that 'popped out' at me was the use of the car cover.

There have been some reports that some covers in wet/cold areas have stuck to the paint and caused trouble.

Do a search using car covers and you'll see what I'm refering to.

Enjoy your new MINI.

 

Welcome TIA string!!! "Must-know information"? Well, I'll
give you the usually warning about people you meet
everywhere that want to talk to you about your car... Very
cool if you like to talk... I'm pretty sure that's not in the
owner's manual...

God speed.

 

Yep, first tip: check to see if that car cover is for outdoors and has a cloth-like
lining inside. otherwise scuff marks all over the corners.

 

String,

Aloha and welcome to NAM. If you have any technical questions or are just wondering about how to do something with your MINI then just let us know what it is.

>>Picking up a '02 MC next week. The car is mint with 20K miles. Prem., Sport, Cold, Leather. I'll be keeping it outside (sorry to say) with a car cover.
>>
>>Anyway, being a first-time Mini owner, does anyone have any must-know information about this car/options that might not be included in the manual?

Wash your MINI often and wax it regularly. This will help to maintain the finish even if outdoors. Use a high quality car cover- one that has a softer inner lining- not too rough since most of the finishes can be easily scratched. Those who have had scratches from the car cover blowing around in wind and flapping on the MINI's surface do report that the scratches can be buffed out but it is better to not let it happen.

If you still have the run flat tires then you might consider replacing them with non runflat tires for a better smoother and grippier ride. The runflats are quite expensive and give a bumpier ride.

Always use premium gas and know that the trip computer is not that accurate- it gets fooled easily.

Get involved with your local MINI club if there is one and talk to other MINI owners in your area.

Finally- The MC is a great car and performance wise is on par with the MCS. Although it lacks a bit of power the handling is excellent and the driver makes the biggest difference. It is a bit lighter and quite responsive. If you are interested in performance the best thing to do is go to driving school to learn more about performance driving. Often BMW car club of america has local chapters that sponsor driving classes.

 

string, welcome to NAM and to MINI ownership. I love my Cooper and I'm sure you already love yours. Coopers sometimes get lost in the quest for the most hp, but they are fantastic little cars.....I'd buy another in a heartbeat!!!!

IMO, the owner's manuals are pretty good and the car really isn't that hard to figure out. One thing you might investigate is what user options were programmed into your car when it was first delivered...things like using the key to operate windows, auto door locks, follow-me-home lights...stuff like that. Some of these options can be changed and these may account for some operational differences between, for example, your car and mine. User-programmable options are mentioned in the owner's manual, but you could check with fellow owners, stop by a dealer, or ask here, too. My advise...read the manual...follow up with additional questions here or with local owners.

Also if you want advise on the best way to close the doors (...not by the glass), the boot (...pull down on the inside-hatch grabs and then finish closing by pushing on the license plate for the fewest fingerprints), or defensive parking...we are full of all kinds of trivial (...and sometimes not so trivial) tips and opinions only MINIacs know.

 

Welcome to the tribe, String.

Get yourself a radar detector. It's amazing what an MC will do to your driving style. You just might find yourself "over the limit" from time to time without even thinking about it. Have fun and be safe.

 

You may also want to consider an extended warranty, considering that it is the first model year and has most of the warranty used up by the previous owner.

Most of all, get out there and have fun and get involved in your local MINI scene!

 

Thanks everyone! I'll look into getting a different car cover than the factory deal. I am planning on doing some rides with the local St. Louis group in the future. I'll post any questions and/or problems that I have with my new-to-me MINI.

 

Hey string,

Welcome to the site. The MINI car cover is actually a very good one as it is soft on the inside, but if I remember it is not made for bad weather, i.e., rain. I think it will let some moisture get inside it. So it is better in good weather.

Since you are getting the 02 MINI, you may want to check to see if all the fixes were done to it, as I think there were a few issues with the first year. They probably were taken care of on your car by now, but you should check to be sure. I'm not sure what they all are, but your dealer will know.

My advice: Drive it! :smile:

 

Welcome to the insanity, String! Here are a few things you should know...

1) Bonnet = hood
2) Boot = trunk
3) Bonnet release is on the passenger side of the cockpit (for those of us outside the UK anyways...lol)
4) Your MINI will make all around you smile...mine does!