Alright, I've searched with google and searched throughout the forum and can't find a number for the stock ground clearance of a 2006 JAC. I'm looking at buying one, but people keep busting my ***** about ground clearance and snow (not to mention the lack of cargo space). I tell them I'm not worried because I'm used to driving in snow in a beat up 98 sunfire with tires that need replacing, but a number would help put my mind at ease. Thanks for your input!

 

JAC ? Not sure but do you mean to type JCW ?

 

nope, Just a Cooper.

 

Well if this helps....I run the JCW kit on my 03' S, it's settled into about a 3/4 inch drop and it's a DD.

Not sure why they would they expect the ground clearance to be much different than say a Honda Fit or Scion XD or a Chevy Chevette for that matter ?

Get snows if you are going to be on the roads before the plows and march on

And good luck on the search for your new MINI.

 

"SNOW"" What is snow???????

 

 

Is that a Snow plow ????

Sorry Charlie, everybodey nos i cant spel.

 

LOL ! Yeah, I really could do w/o it........trade ?

 

Yeah my 205/50's do the same drop. Even lower than my 18's with a 40 profile. But dont you have CO's ?

 

I kind of think I almost remember what snow is. I think it is that cold white stuff that looks great if you don't ever have to shovel it or go out in it.
No I'm not gonna trade.

 

MINI does not include the ground clearance in the owners manual. Probably because it would vary depending on tire/ wheel options.

A 2010 Hardtop is listed as 4.5" in new car reviews so that should give you a ballpark.

I have yet to drive in snow. I did opt for the all season tires. If you have sport tires then you may need to get a set of wheels and snow tires.

If you have never driven a low ground clearance car then you need to remember to watch out for the parking barriers and curbs. You will not be able to 'granny park' or 'tire bump' the curb/barrier when parking without scraping or damaging the bumper. Not that anyone should be doing that in the first place with any car.

 

I drove mine in snow with lowering springs. I definately plowed a little here and there. I was usually good up to about 4".... probably 3" consistantly.

W/ a stock jac youll be just fine with the right tires.

 

I think that 4 1/2" number is valid, my stock Clubby on 17" will just clear a parking curb with the front spoiler. And it shouldn't matter which original wheels are on the car as the overall radius should be the same.

As for snow, unless you're going out into the really deep stuff, you won't have a problem. And if you're gonna drive in that you will need snow tires, like pretty much any other car.

Tell your friends that unless they're gonna pay for it, you'll make your own car choices......

 

I've driven my MC and my MCS in the snow for 3 years now and didn't have a single issue. In fact, I was surprised at how well the mini handled with snow tires on. With DSC on of course, I still pull away from the 4x4's at lights if I want to.

As for your "buddies and friends" comments, I get that same crap too and I tell them if they want to choose what I drive, then they will be paying for it. Until that time "Shut it" and I drive what I like. You will also get the "It's so small, what if you get in an accident?" same answer.

Good Luck

 

...yep and ignore my joke, that car is obviously not stock...

it was converted by means of a John Deere kit to a dual purpose snowplow and grader...

 

Thanks for the info! I feel more at ease, at 4.5 it's only about an inch less than my sunfire and curb weight is 300 lbs less. I just hope it's a nice one when I go to look at it on tuesday!

 

Winter and stock ride height should not even be a concern, unless you frequently travel on some sort of unmaintained snowmobile trail in the middle of the mountains daily

I daily drive with 1" of clearance off the bumper and tucked winter tires in Canadian winters and have never been hung up or stuck once, and I drive to the mountains weekly to snowboard snow or shine. It is actually a lot of fun to drive in the winter, especially in big snow falls

 

 

 

Holy smokes !!! that Mini pic must be a joke or something . The only road you can drive that thing on is an airport runway. Try and tackle a speed bump with that and you will lose a bumper , oil case , control arms , steering rack.
It must have bags on that car or something. By the way I thought the wide tire look went out in the early 90s ..

 

meh. nothing some flares cant fix

 

it's static and i drive it through the streets of new jersey and have been for about 2 years now...yeah i scrape here and there but its not my lip thats hitting, it's the wind deflector below it. no repairs, just basic stuff. and it may have gone out in the 90s but why follow the pack?

 

Kool Kool ....by the way ive been seeing this on quite a few minis at the Dragon last year. Whats the deal with the thinner tires stretched onto wider rims. Better grip or something ?...Looks like they are on the verge of popping off . Also dosent it cup the treads ?

 

Some people try stretch tires to put wide rims on and still have the tread of the tire within the wheel arch. Honestly, it's pointless. To have an 8-9 inch rim with a stretched 205 tire is ridiculous. Stretched tires do nothing for performance except halt it. I don't understand the fascination either.

Anyway - to keep this thread on topic - if you find your ground clearance isn't quite enough, you could possibly fit a taller winter tire for those snowy months. Yeah, your speedo will be off a little bit, but just be aware of it.

 

What width wheels are you running?! What offset? It's a little to wide for me, but I'd be lying if I said that doesn't look good. I would go for that with a little less poke.