R50/53 Will an 800 Mile drive kill a new MCS?
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I want to avoid outrageous California dealer markups in excess of 10% on the 2003 MCS. I've found what seems to be the perfect dealer, but they are in a different state and about 800 miles from my home.
If I take delivery of a brand-new MCS and then immediately drive it 800 miles, am I asking for trouble? What kind of break-in does the car require? I suppose I could have the thing shipped via truck but the point of all this is to save money.
Also, to anybody who has purchased an MC/MCS out-of-state and brought it to California: do all MINIs meet CA emissions requirements?
If I take delivery of a brand-new MCS and then immediately drive it 800 miles, am I asking for trouble? What kind of break-in does the car require? I suppose I could have the thing shipped via truck but the point of all this is to save money.
Also, to anybody who has purchased an MC/MCS out-of-state and brought it to California: do all MINIs meet CA emissions requirements?
Banned
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: los angeles/san francisco
break in is keeping it south of 4000rpm, and not going over 90mph i belive
there are plenty of people who bought the mini, and drove 1200-2500 miles i have heard
you shouldnt have any problems, and if you do, there is roadside assistance...
i wish i could have done this, it would be fun
however i paid msrp for my 03 mcs at universal mini, in so cal :smile:
good luck, and take lots of pics!!
there are plenty of people who bought the mini, and drove 1200-2500 miles i have heard
you shouldnt have any problems, and if you do, there is roadside assistance...
i wish i could have done this, it would be fun
however i paid msrp for my 03 mcs at universal mini, in so cal :smile:
good luck, and take lots of pics!!
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
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Vary your speeds and loads and stay under 4500 miles and you will be 3/4's done with your breaki in! :smile: Then happy days.
If you find your self on an interstate, don't set the cruise. Speed up slow down, Shift up shift down. The car will love you for it!
Go for it! ROAD TRIP!
If you find your self on an interstate, don't set the cruise. Speed up slow down, Shift up shift down. The car will love you for it!
Go for it! ROAD TRIP!
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
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>>>>I meant 4500 RPM, not miles. :smile: <<<
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>>yeah i was gonna say....did you take ur meds today
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Took them all, then started mixing them with VO. Sorry about that! It's Friday for crying out loud. Give me a break. Or a brake.
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>>yeah i was gonna say....did you take ur meds today
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Took them all, then started mixing them with VO. Sorry about that! It's Friday for crying out loud. Give me a break. Or a brake.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: los angeles/san francisco
>>Took them all, then started mixing them with VO. Sorry about that! It's Friday for crying out loud. Give me a break. Or a brake.
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Neutral
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Hmmm, roadtrip sounds fun but I'd rather get the car from a CA dealer and avoid the hassle of flying to AZ. Any tips on getting MSRP out of these *@#$* dealers that think the car is worth an extra $2.5K? And how on EARTH did you get MSRP out of Universal? They quoted me with $6K over sticker!
Banned
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,782
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From: los angeles/san francisco
>>Hmmm, roadtrip sounds fun but I'd rather get the car from a CA dealer and avoid the hassle of flying to AZ. Any tips on getting MSRP out of these *@#$* dealers that think the car is worth an extra $2.5K? And how on EARTH did you get MSRP out of Universal? They quoted me with $6K over sticker!<<<
i responded to your PM and explained how it worked for me :smile:
i even got a set of OEM free floormats in the deal
good luck
if you have any other questions, feel free to ask :smile:
i responded to your PM and explained how it worked for me :smile:
i even got a set of OEM free floormats in the deal
good luck
if you have any other questions, feel free to ask :smile:
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
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Obsessed, are you some kind of a whack-job 
or what? What, exactly do you think could go wrong here? Is an 800 mile jaunt on a new car going to -gasp- break it? For 20-odd-thousand-dollars don't you think your car could hit the 850 mile mark without incident? Trouble indeed.
Actually, I was a bit paranoid myself before I picked up our car so I understand your concern. I drove 2000 miles from Milwaukee to Seattle in our S because I didn't want to wait 12 months or more for the car. The break-in directions to 1200 miles are quite clear as redmini has explained.
But Caveat Emptor! I asked my MA what happens if you exceed the 4500 rpm limit. He stiffened and tried to change the subject. I pressed him and he said, 'you don't want to know.' I assured him that I did want to know because I was going to be in the middle of nowhere for, like 3 days, and what happens if I go a little over the magic 4500 mark!? You have to tell me, I pleaded. He pulled me aside, swore me to secrecy and said, 'if you go over the limit, the Mini turns into......a lemon.' And there you have it.
or what? What, exactly do you think could go wrong here? Is an 800 mile jaunt on a new car going to -gasp- break it? For 20-odd-thousand-dollars don't you think your car could hit the 850 mile mark without incident? Trouble indeed. Actually, I was a bit paranoid myself before I picked up our car so I understand your concern. I drove 2000 miles from Milwaukee to Seattle in our S because I didn't want to wait 12 months or more for the car. The break-in directions to 1200 miles are quite clear as redmini has explained.
But Caveat Emptor! I asked my MA what happens if you exceed the 4500 rpm limit. He stiffened and tried to change the subject. I pressed him and he said, 'you don't want to know.' I assured him that I did want to know because I was going to be in the middle of nowhere for, like 3 days, and what happens if I go a little over the magic 4500 mark!? You have to tell me, I pleaded. He pulled me aside, swore me to secrecy and said, 'if you go over the limit, the Mini turns into......a lemon.' And there you have it.
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Neutral
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That's a great story about the dealer Haz!
Seems like the break-in for this car is very forgiving, to put it mildly. That 800mi trip should be easy for the MCS. Every car I've owned has been used so I was just a big paranoid about that break-in stuff.
Oh, and Haz, I am not a whack-job, I am just obsessed.
Seems like the break-in for this car is very forgiving, to put it mildly. That 800mi trip should be easy for the MCS. Every car I've owned has been used so I was just a big paranoid about that break-in stuff.
Oh, and Haz, I am not a whack-job, I am just obsessed.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 76
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From: Los Angeles
If you are obsessed I have heard it mentioned that it is a good idea to take a few breaks if you have a long initial drive to let the engine cool down. Other than that just made sure you vary the rev's any you should be fine.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,489
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From: Chicago, IL
MCObsessed,
You should be fine, think of it this way, your break-in would be almost done in a day!!!!
While we're on the topic of break-in. I've heard from many knowledgable people (my friend works at HoneyWell Turbo Machinery) that break-in are overrated. He said the best thing you could do for your new car during it's break-in is to take it to the track and let the engine experience those high rpms. As long as your engine is warm, you should be fine.
When I bought my Lexus IS 300, I didn't follow so called break-in procedures. I was always easy on the car until the engine warmed up. I took it for a drive North of Santa Barbara, hit over 100mph before the car even had 200 miles on it. 45000 miles later, it was still running perfectly when I traded it in ... My 2 cents.
You should be fine, think of it this way, your break-in would be almost done in a day!!!!
While we're on the topic of break-in. I've heard from many knowledgable people (my friend works at HoneyWell Turbo Machinery) that break-in are overrated. He said the best thing you could do for your new car during it's break-in is to take it to the track and let the engine experience those high rpms. As long as your engine is warm, you should be fine.
When I bought my Lexus IS 300, I didn't follow so called break-in procedures. I was always easy on the car until the engine warmed up. I took it for a drive North of Santa Barbara, hit over 100mph before the car even had 200 miles on it. 45000 miles later, it was still running perfectly when I traded it in ... My 2 cents.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 430
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From: SF Bay Area
>>MCObsessed,
>>You should be fine, think of it this way, your break-in would be almost done in a day!!!!
>>
>>While we're on the topic of break-in. I've heard from many knowledgable people (my friend works at HoneyWell Turbo Machinery) that break-in are overrated. He said the best thing you could do for your new car during it's break-in is to take it to the track and let the engine experience those high rpms. As long as your engine is warm, you should be fine.
>>
>>When I bought my Lexus IS 300, I didn't follow so called break-in procedures. I was always easy on the car until the engine warmed up. I took it for a drive North of Santa Barbara, hit over 100mph before the car even had 200 miles on it. 45000 miles later, it was still running perfectly when I traded it in ... My 2 cents.
At 45,000 miles the engine hasn't broken a sweat yet. How's it going to be at 100,000 miles.
retroom
>>You should be fine, think of it this way, your break-in would be almost done in a day!!!!
>>
>>While we're on the topic of break-in. I've heard from many knowledgable people (my friend works at HoneyWell Turbo Machinery) that break-in are overrated. He said the best thing you could do for your new car during it's break-in is to take it to the track and let the engine experience those high rpms. As long as your engine is warm, you should be fine.
>>
>>When I bought my Lexus IS 300, I didn't follow so called break-in procedures. I was always easy on the car until the engine warmed up. I took it for a drive North of Santa Barbara, hit over 100mph before the car even had 200 miles on it. 45000 miles later, it was still running perfectly when I traded it in ... My 2 cents.
At 45,000 miles the engine hasn't broken a sweat yet. How's it going to be at 100,000 miles.
retroom
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 397
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I purchased my MCS from Braman of Miami, then promptly drove it home to Colorado. I put about two hundred miles tooling around South Florida before I headed home. My reccomendations:
1. make up a checklist before going to get the car, then make sure you get everything done or explained to your satisfaction before leaving the dealership.
2. decide about all of your programming options prior to picking up the car, and get them done correctly.
3. look over the accessories available from the dealer and get them when you purchase the car (at cost plus 20-30%)
4. find out about out of state registration and sales tax. Do Not pay sales tax to the state you bought the car in if you are going to register it in your home state.
5.Learn how to check all of the fluids, etc.
6. plan a liesurely route home that stays away from the bigger, faster roads. (we drove along the beaches 90% of the way and stopped at all the podunk touristy places)
7. know where the Mini dealers are located between your starting point and home ( just to make you feel comfortable) We stopped at Motion Mini in Houston and were treated like royalty...
8. don't drive for long periods at the same rpms. (small intermittant towns with traffic will help you with this)
9. relax and enjoy yourself, (bring a codriver you love)
10. remember that your engine was run on a dynometer at full throttle before it was ever in your car.
I had a wonderful trip, got my MCS without a waiting period, and at a reasonable price. I hope this helps, but hey, what do I know.....
1. make up a checklist before going to get the car, then make sure you get everything done or explained to your satisfaction before leaving the dealership.
2. decide about all of your programming options prior to picking up the car, and get them done correctly.
3. look over the accessories available from the dealer and get them when you purchase the car (at cost plus 20-30%)
4. find out about out of state registration and sales tax. Do Not pay sales tax to the state you bought the car in if you are going to register it in your home state.
5.Learn how to check all of the fluids, etc.
6. plan a liesurely route home that stays away from the bigger, faster roads. (we drove along the beaches 90% of the way and stopped at all the podunk touristy places)
7. know where the Mini dealers are located between your starting point and home ( just to make you feel comfortable) We stopped at Motion Mini in Houston and were treated like royalty...
8. don't drive for long periods at the same rpms. (small intermittant towns with traffic will help you with this)
9. relax and enjoy yourself, (bring a codriver you love)
10. remember that your engine was run on a dynometer at full throttle before it was ever in your car.
I had a wonderful trip, got my MCS without a waiting period, and at a reasonable price. I hope this helps, but hey, what do I know.....
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 241
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA
Welcome to MCO MCObsessed! I like your username. :smile:
To your CA emissions question... no difference. All new cars are 50 state legal now. The federal government basically adopted the CA standards.
As for the break in; there are definitely those out there that think a few good bounces off the redline will help seat the valves. I don't think I'm that brave. Given that every maker of every new car says roughly the same, i.e. moderate RPM and MPH limit and varied RPMs, I'm inclined to think it's the best thing. I don't think the auto makers are part of some big conspiracy to get you to break you car in incorrectly.
However, avoiding extended periods at the same RPMs/MPHs can be difficult on a long Interstate Highway trip. I suggest mapping out a route that uses all the smaller secondary roads and highways. Leave the Interstate to the truckers. The trip will take a litte longer but you'll be forced to vary MPH and RPM and you'll get to know your new MINI on some twisty backroads. If you have to do some long straight sections, slow down and gently downshift from top gear every so often to change things up.
The other nice part of this kind of trip is that you experience the real world, not the synthetic, uniform coast-to-coast, Interstate culture; local sights, local foods, local oddities. (Damn I'm itchin' for a road trip.) Maybe you should look for a car further away. 800 miles is only good for day, day-and-a-half max. Hamptons MINI has cars available and its 3000 miles from CA!
Best of luck to you,
James
To your CA emissions question... no difference. All new cars are 50 state legal now. The federal government basically adopted the CA standards.
As for the break in; there are definitely those out there that think a few good bounces off the redline will help seat the valves. I don't think I'm that brave. Given that every maker of every new car says roughly the same, i.e. moderate RPM and MPH limit and varied RPMs, I'm inclined to think it's the best thing. I don't think the auto makers are part of some big conspiracy to get you to break you car in incorrectly.
However, avoiding extended periods at the same RPMs/MPHs can be difficult on a long Interstate Highway trip. I suggest mapping out a route that uses all the smaller secondary roads and highways. Leave the Interstate to the truckers. The trip will take a litte longer but you'll be forced to vary MPH and RPM and you'll get to know your new MINI on some twisty backroads. If you have to do some long straight sections, slow down and gently downshift from top gear every so often to change things up.
The other nice part of this kind of trip is that you experience the real world, not the synthetic, uniform coast-to-coast, Interstate culture; local sights, local foods, local oddities. (Damn I'm itchin' for a road trip.) Maybe you should look for a car further away. 800 miles is only good for day, day-and-a-half max. Hamptons MINI has cars available and its 3000 miles from CA!
Best of luck to you,
James
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
>>
>>However, avoiding extended periods at the same RPMs/MPHs can be difficult on a long Interstate Highway trip. I suggest mapping out a route that uses all the smaller secondary roads and highways. Leave the Interstate to the truckers. The trip will take a litte longer but you'll be forced to vary MPH and RPM and you'll get to know your new MINI on some twisty backroads. If you have to do some long straight sections, slow down and gently downshift from top gear every so often to change things up.
Mister_S,
You make an excellent point about avoiding the interstates... On a long trip like that imagine how many rock chips you could possibly get on your hood and possibly windshield from all those trucks!!
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
>>
>>>>At 45,000 miles the engine hasn't broken a sweat yet. How's it going to be at 100,000 miles.
>>>>
>>>>retroom
>>>>
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>>I'll never know :smile:
retroom
>>>>At 45,000 miles the engine hasn't broken a sweat yet. How's it going to be at 100,000 miles.
>>>>
>>>>retroom
>>>>
>>
>>I'll never know :smile:
retroom
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
Point taken, but I don't think some trips to the redline during break-in will have bad long term effects on the engine. Then again, I really don't know jack about engines
_________________
2002 Dark Silver MCS. Premium / Sport / Nav
_________________
2002 Dark Silver MCS. Premium / Sport / Nav
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
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I purchased my MCS from Roadshow MINI in Memphis, TN and then drove back home to Galveston, TX. I took three days for the trip and until the very last bit stayed off interstates, all secondary roads. This allowed me to vary rpm a lot, stay below 4500 rpm and below 90 (well, except for a very brief pull to 100mph).
It was an incredible bonding experience withe the new car, and that alone made it worth it! I think there may actually be an advantage to this kind of break-in (just my opinion), because you avoid lots of possible short trips or stop and go's where (on short trips) the car does not warm up enough. In otehr words, you can complete the break-in period without a lot of warmups. The KEY is to vary your rpms as much as you can. Speed up, slow down, shift a lot.
And, you will learn to love your new car.
Enjoy!
It was an incredible bonding experience withe the new car, and that alone made it worth it! I think there may actually be an advantage to this kind of break-in (just my opinion), because you avoid lots of possible short trips or stop and go's where (on short trips) the car does not warm up enough. In otehr words, you can complete the break-in period without a lot of warmups. The KEY is to vary your rpms as much as you can. Speed up, slow down, shift a lot.
And, you will learn to love your new car.
Enjoy!
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 241
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA
All right, that settles it! All this road trip talk is getting to me.
Even though my dealer is only 19 miles away, when my MCS arrives, I'm showing up with an atlas, the credit card, and a bag of clothes; and I won't come home until the break in mileage is done!
Even though my dealer is only 19 miles away, when my MCS arrives, I'm showing up with an atlas, the credit card, and a bag of clothes; and I won't come home until the break in mileage is done!
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 147
Likes: 1
I bought mine in New York at Westchester MINI, hit the freeway with 10 miles on the odometer. The car never missed a beat all the way to CA, 3105miles. I varied the revs in the natural flow of traffic, and crossed the Mississippi river just after it hit 1200.I took seven days which was 4 8-10 hour days, and three shorter ones..... Go for it......Bruce in Santa Monica
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 0
From: Austin,Texas
Your 800 mile trip sounds like fun! Take a few days off from work and make a vacation out of it. If I had to go 800 miles I'd do it in 2-3 days and really see the sights and stay at a bed and breakfasts along the way. I'd be showing my MINI off to all the locals!