I've been drooling over MINIs since I saw my first one in January of 2003. I've finally saved enough money and I'm going to test drive and hopefully order a MC on Saturday (if my hubby will allow it ).

Liquid Yellow w/Black, Premium Package.

I'm guessing I'll be on the list for a 2005, but hope that list isn't too long (in Minneapolis)! I'm contemplating ordering a manual even though I haven't driven stick for 8 years (and even then only for 3 months). I figure that if I do, I'll have plenty of time to practice on a friend's car. However, I'm a tad bit intrigued by the CVT now that I know how it functions with a manual option and all. Anyone have any advice or opinion on the manual vs CVT thing.

I'm already looking at (cheaper) ways to make my MINI mine. I really like the Stars Roof Kit and am checking into it. Also tempted to get some numbers for my doors. There aren't many MINIs in town (about 4 that I've seen), so no matter what it'll get looked at!

Just thought I'd share my excitement. The people at work think I'm nuts!!! Whatta they know?

Anything advice you guys have for my test drive or questions to get answered by the Advisor would be greatly appreciated.

 

If the people at work think you are nuts, now that you have the bug you will go right crazy if you Don't get a MINI
If they think that winter is an issue,don't worry.I live outside Winnipeg,and my MINI passed the winter test with flying coloursNo block heater,,one is avalible now,,and starting was not a problem ,-47 one morningGet the heated seats.There is nothing more fun to drive on snowy roads than a
small FWD,and the MINI is the most fun of all

 

Welcome 2005LY! Love that liquid yellow! How far away is your dealership? Mine is about 2 and 1/2 hours away, and it's been no problem.

Godspeed.

 

The dealer is about 2.5 hours away, but we end up in the Twin Cities about once a month, so it shouldn't be a big deal.

The Cold Package was on my list, and still may be, depending on the total cost and financing. It was one of those luxuries I figured I could do without. Since this will be my first new car, that in itself is a luxury!!!

Good to hear that the weather isn't that big a deal. I've been obsessively reading about tires and the like to prepare for this winter. Just my luck, we'll get poured on with snow this year - we haven't gotten much over the past few years.

 

Hi 2005LY,

The MINI is such a fantastik car, you will go absolutely nuts when you finally get one -- and nuts waiting for it to finally arrive, but will be worth it! It will put a big grin on your face everytime you drive it. I have the CVT MC and like it a lot. I just started shifting with the manual mode several days ago and it is night and day over the normal mode. I really love shifting. However, the 5-speed MC is faster, so if you want more speed and don't mind the shifting, or if you like to shift, that will be more fun. The CVT is a little slow off the line, but does ok once it gets going.:smile:

 

Get the cold package!!!!!!As per tires the 15" rims leave lots of room for snow/
slush build up in the wheel wells without steering being restricted,,,,My ex has an Echo, bad for snow build-up in the wells.I feel better about having a spare on board ,so I went with,,, non run flats,,, At -30 with a flat on the highway
don't want to wait around for a tow!From what I hear on NAM with our climate
up north here ,don't bother with the auto climate control.When it's cold turn up the heat,,,that works great at -40 ,,,,or open a window,or a/c when warmer.

 

Thanks for the pointers!

I like your signature, I will also have a Lab Navigator at times. She'll match the LY/B very well. I'm trying to find a yellow collar for her - maybe like one of those black ones with spikes. Matching my dog to the car... that's almost as bad as that lady that painted her MINI to match her purse.