Hey guys,
I currently have a '13 S as my only car. It has around 54K miles. My problem is highway comfort. I have made the drive from Austin to Tulsa many times in this car but it is not the best for these trips. It takes a day or so for me to recover. Well now my Daughter is moving to Tulsa from Austin with her mom so I will be making this trip about once a month(about 450 miles). Should I keep this car and put something besides run flats on it or trade for something that is better for the highway. I owe about 4K on the car. Originally bought it for my son to drive to college but the ex made him give it back.

 

What size wheels and tires are on the car? Still running the runflats?

 

Go to 215/45's and non runflats. OR buy a 1991 Cadillac Sedan DeVille and ride on a cloud

 

I went to tall non runflat tires, speedo was actually closer to reality but the ride was a lot better

 

Runflats are loud and ride poorly....
Everything in life is about compromise....
Some tires give up lots to gain ultimate grip....
Some give up a bit if grip for comfort...
They all get louder as they wear....

A MINI is an ok highway car...if you were spending long drives weekly...it might be time to switch...but monthly is not bad for most.

 

I switched and ran a set of 16 inch alloy mini rims off our Justa and the S loved it. The car was smoother and way quieter with almost no penalty in handling.

 

Change to non run-flats and consider a slightly taller sidewall. If like most Minis your speedometer reads 3 MPH slow at 30-40 MPH, you can get closer to accurate readings with a small size change. The charts at tirerack.com will help you sort that out. Also, don't max out your tire pressures.

 

Have the Bridgestone run flats on now. 16 inch wheel. This car is perfect for in town. Would hate to sell it. At this time while paying child support I can only afford one car.

 

Hmmmm. Got me thinking. I could put some non run flats on the stock wheels for trips and get some light weight wheels and tires for around town!!!

 

Just go with some non-runflats - down in Texas I bet you could run a Continental DW year-round. Super grippy, super comfy, super quiet, and not very expensive.

Do it.

 

Just make sure you have a spare and a jack if you switch out the runflats.

In Canada we don't get those...

 

^^^ This ^^^Conti DW's are very good tires for a daily driver

and some Slime

 

I just tuck a compact spare in a canvas bag behind my passenger seat. Fits perfectly.

 

I always carry plug kit and small compressor on long trip no matter what vehicle i am in. Never had to use it on a trip but good insurance. I will check into the compact spare.

 

Also, take your wallet out of your back pocket before you get in the car.
It made a big difference for me.

 

I just switched from the run flats to Michelin Sport. What a difference in comfort. I care fix a flat, plug kit and compressor. If I go any distance I have a donut spare I can throw in.

 

I ran conti dws on 16 for this reason on trips into NYC so add my support for that rcomendation,,, go taller aspect ratio. the contis have a relative soft sidewall and good grip but it makes cornering different.

 

My 2007 MCS came with 17" wheels and runflats. The stock wheels were quite heavy. Sold them and bought some light weight 17" wheels and put non-runflat tires on them. The ride improved, but I was still not happy.

Got some Rota Slipstream 16x7 wheels which only weigh 14 lbs. ea. and allowed use of a 205/55-16 tire. That gave it 10mm more sidewall, but still maintaine the 205 tread width. The overall dia. of the tires is a little bit larger than stock which eliminated the 7% error in the speedometer. :-)

The increased side wall, reduction in unsprung weight, and change to a non-runflat tire made a significant difference. To go smoother you would need to cut the MINI in half and stretch it for a longer wheelbase. Wont be as fun to drive, but…

Smoothest car I ever drove was a 1967 Citroen DS21. That was a great car.

 

I'm very surprised no one has mentioned improving the suspension... Get a set of Koni FSD shocks!! Between them and my non-runflats, it's a totally different ride.

 

I have fsd shocks while they are better it's not like going from run flats to normal tires

 

...again the run flat tires....

 

Really, that's all you need to address. I drive from CA to MT twice a year and have no comfort issues at all. I'm old and like to complain a lot, too. In August, I loaded my two grown kids in the MCS for the trip. No issues at all.

 

Like everyone ha mentioned go with non-runflat tires. You may even consider going with a 215/45/17 which gives you a little more cushion. That will make your car a whole lot more comfy. Some Koni FSD's will improve it further.

 

Can you take a side shot of your mini? I was thinking of going down to 16s and getting a meatier tire myself.

 

Go to Home Depot and invest $13 in a thin patio seat cushion and use it during your long trips. Throw it in back seat when not in use. It’s not a perfect solution but it’s worth trying - and the investment is minimal.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton-B...-9D8/300037348