...if anyone's keeping track or needs some "long term" feedback (PM me).

A few little problems here and there, one big one that still lurks, but overall still tight, quick (laterally), and very entertaining.

 

OK- I'm interested in a long term update.
What is still not fixed?
What do you like the most after 20K miles?
What do you like the least after 20K miles?
How would you make the MINI better if you had the power to do so?
What did you order that you never use?
What could you not live without- something sure to order as an option?
Or anything else. I think it would be good to document on MCO what you thought. Then we can search for it
otherwise PM is good but not something we can reference in the future.

Keep it brief if needed. Thanks much for being a pioneer.

 

Jeez, that's a lot of questions! OK, I'll do it for MCO.

>>OK- I'm interested in a long term update.
>>What is still not fixed?

One minor thing: a chronic creak in my driver's seat. The seat frame was replaced, but that did nothing.

One major thing: the dreaded PS/Engine fan cricuit - the silent killer. I have already had the fan replaced once, after I overheated and was towed to a dealership, where I learned about this design flaw. Now I feel like I am sitting on a time bomb and keep my eyes glued to the water temp gauge whenever I'm in traffic.

>>What do you like the most after 20K miles?

Throwing it into a 90-degree turn a little too fast. That will never get old.

>>What do you like the least after 20K miles?

Hmmm. Interesting question. There are a lot of little things, but I'd have to say the thing I like least is the interior design - mainly the doors, dash and center console. It just bothers me every time I get in and detracts from an otherwise great driving experience. It's way over the top, and is going to look completely silly in another 5 years. I wish they had gone with the same minimalist-retro route they chose for the exterior. I would prefer something much simpler and cleaner, mainly black with a little chrome and some nice white-face retro gauges.

>>How would you make the MINI better if you had the power to do so?

I would add some more interesting non-metallic exterior colors, totally redesign the interior, put in some real front seats, redesign the roof to allow better/more rack options, shave off 400-500 pounds, and make something equivalent to the JCW kit standard. All wheel drive would be nice too.

>>What did you order that you never use?

I didn't order mine - bought it slightly used. It has the MC 'Sport' package, which I would not have ordered - no need for runflats, DSC, or the little christmas tree bulbs that are connected to the fog light switch. IF I were to order an MC, I'd get the Sport Seats and Sport Suspension Plus (then slap on an after market rear sway bar). But if I were to order a new car and pay MSRP, I'd get an S. No question.

>>What could you not live without- something sure to order as an option?

Sport seats - the standard seats have almost no lateral support and the Sport seats barely have enough. As for other stuff, I've checked out loaded Minis and personally think most of the options are some combination of over-priced, heavy and useless, not to mention totally out of character for the Mini (Rain-sensing wipers!?!). I might spring for a sunroof, but that alone adds 5% to the base price of the MC and adds a lot of weight up high.

Phew. Done. Hope someone finds this useful in the future.

 

>>Jeez, that's a lot of questions! OK, I'll do it for MCO.

You are so kind!
>>>>OK- I'm interested in a long term update.
>>>>What is still not fixed?
>>
>>One minor thing: a chronic creak in my driver's seat. The seat frame was replaced, but that did nothing.

This is minor but annoying just the same. Just keep using the car and break that seat so you can get a new one. Creak is a metal against metal rub. Find some WD40 or other lubricant and lube the heck out of metal to metal places. Spray might be better to reach places under the seat.

>>One major thing: the dreaded PS/Engine fan cricuit - the silent killer. I have already had the fan replaced once, after I overheated and was towed to a dealership, where I learned about this design flaw. Now I feel like I am sitting on a time bomb and keep my eyes glued to the water temp gauge whenever I'm in traffic.

This is a problem but like you said- you are watching for it so you know the problem exists. It won't take you by surprise. Personally I have AAA for after the warranty years.

>>>>What do you like the most after 20K miles?
>>
>>Throwing it into a 90-degree turn a little too fast. That will never get old.
What about doughnuts- not the kind you eat?

>>>>What do you like the least after 20K miles?
>>
>>Hmmm. Interesting question. There are a lot of little things, but I'd have to say the thing I like least is the interior design - mainly the doors, dash and center console. It just bothers me every time I get in and detracts from an otherwise great driving experience. It's way over the top, and is going to look completely silly in another 5 years. I wish they had gone with the same minimalist-retro route they chose for the exterior. I would prefer something much simpler and cleaner, mainly black with a little chrome and some nice white-face retro gauges.

Later if you feel it is getting dated just take out all those plastic parts and paint them whatever color you want. If you want stealth, paint them gunmetal or anthracite. Want warm? Cover them with leather or convert to woodgrain. Airbrushing can give you literally anything you desire. It's an option.

>>>>How would you make the MINI better if you had the power to do so?
>>
>>I would add some more interesting non-metallic exterior colors, totally redesign the interior, put in some real front seats, redesign the roof to allow better/more rack options, shave off 400-500 pounds, and make something equivalent to the JCW kit standard. All wheel drive would be nice too.

I think JCW has some cool seats- too bad that isn't a factory option. Maybe shave off 200 pounds would work.
All wheel drive is more complicated and probably would add to the weight. One option you didn't mention that would be no brainer great option is a Quaife Limited slip differential.

>>>>What did you order that you never use?
>>
>>I didn't order mine - bought it slightly used. It has the MC 'Sport' package, which I would not have ordered - no need for runflats, DSC, or the little christmas tree bulbs that are connected to the fog light switch. IF I were to order an MC, I'd get the Sport Seats and Sport Suspension Plus (then slap on an after market rear sway bar). But if I were to order a new car and pay MSRP, I'd get an S. No question.

Yeah the sports package may be overrated for the price.

>>>>What could you not live without- something sure to order as an option?
>>
>>Sport seats - the standard seats have almost no lateral support and the Sport seats barely have enough. As for other stuff, I've checked out loaded Minis and personally think most of the options are some combination of over-priced, heavy and useless, not to mention totally out of character for the Mini (Rain-sensing wipers!?!). I might spring for a sunroof, but that alone adds 5% to the base price of the MC and adds a lot of weight up high.

Yes. I like my sports seats. Hey find someone that has sports seats like any S owner that swapped out their drivers seat then buy it cheap and get rid of your creak!

>>Phew. Done. Hope someone finds this useful in the future.
Thanks alot. I hope my MCS does as well as your MINI has done. Only 14,200 more miles to catch up with you.
>>