I test drove a MCS with the H/K sound system... Wasn't impressed at all, I get better sound resonating from my underwater-bathtub-acoustic module (if you catch my drift)...

I've been waiting on the waiting list to wait to order my MCS, and it’s been over 2 months (about 2 1/2 to be exact). I'm tired of waiting, so I went to the Nissan dealership and test drove a 350z. Nice car, this 350z, but the sales guy is an @$$.

So Nissan lost a customer, and Mini retained one for the time being.

Yes, I did ask how much longer I was to wait before waiting some more. I was told 3 weeks ago it would be another 2-4 months. I went back to the dealership after test driving the 350z this past Saturday (which I almost did buy) and told the Mini sales team that I was considering a 350z because I'm sick of waiting, and mysteriously my time to order will now only be a month... That I seriously doubt. But here is to more waiting...

Cheers!

 

Do you know why the wait is so long?...that seems crazy. There is NO wait at all at my dealership.

 

Hey Shad0w,

Did you know that there's many programmable sound stange settings on the H/K? and if it's not in the right one, it's going to sound funny. Be sure you test out each of them start with "Classical", then try "Spacial", then "Festival", next try "H/K Mode", and then finally, "Electronic". Let me know what you think of each of them.

 

I totally disagree on that the H/K stereo offers mediocre sound quality. But then again if you are used to 5000 watt stereos with huge subwoofers and bazookas in the back, well then it may not be tuned to your seemingly "delicate" ear.


Conversely, I have never been impressed by the 350Z. A friend of mine has an '03 350Z hardtop and the only thing that car has going for it is the engine and transmission. The rest you can have it. Uncomfortable to no end, rides like a buck board (The MINI has a much better controlled ride even on the stiffiest tuned cars), only barely fits 2 people, almost non-existant trunk space, cheap interior materials for a sub $30K car, the stereo (stock) sucks and the visibility is poor. The door sills are at nearly the height of your head!

The 350Z and MINI are two very different animals. One is a GT sportscar and the other is a canyon carver Pocket Rocket.

If HP and torque are important to you, inaddition to larger displacement engines, sports car persona, Rear wheel drive and don't mind the brutal ride quality and uncomfortable cockpit, then this is the car for you.

 

I agree. I LOVE the way the 350Z looks. It is without doubt, a hot looking car. I considered it, until I drove one. I'm short (5' 6") and I felt really claustophobic in the thing. I could barely stretch my neck enough to see out the windsheild...not the most comfortable thing in the world either.

I think the MINI is a much more practical car.

 

That seems like a very long wait this time of year. I ordered my 05 S on Nov 6th this past year and it was done on Nov 21st. Shipped on the 12th of Dec and I picked her up on the 22nd of Dec. Maby your dealer filled up all of it's ordering slots for this month. You could also try another dealer. Call another dealership and see how long there wait is and then if it's better call your dealership and speak to a motoring manager(not adviser) and let him know that you can get a better deal at another dealer but you really want to deal with them. Or something of that nature. I guess I got lucky b/c the dealer where I got mine from is the only one in 3 states around me.(Except Texas) and I was able to place my order the day I went in. As for the H/K sound system, The only system in a car I have heard that is better is the Bose in GM/Nissan vehicles which on nissan is usually part of a package over $3000. Also the Mark Levinson in the Toyota/Lexus(which is only 240 watts and again is part of a $6000 package) I had a 2000 watt 3 amp sound system with 9 speakers including a 12 inch Polk Momo Comp sub, and going from that to the mini it still doesn't sound that bad. Allthough I don't care for the volume limiter being set so low, but I guess it's up to the listener to tell for himself. Hope they get it straight and get you your Mini FAST!!!!!!! LOL Hang in there.

 

Agree with comments above regarding H/K system. It's a bit of a sleeper. You have to sit in the car with the owners manual in your hands and fiddle with it until you understand how to set the system up to suit your individual taste. So, if the last person in the car has messed with the system they may have it way out of adjustment and it may sound like s**t to someone else. Once you learn to set it up you'll love it................mgg

 

To me, it doesn't really sound like you want a MINI all THAT bad, if you're having trouble waiting, and already looking at a 350Z. Those are two different cars. And if you're looking at bailing already on your MINI order, how long do you think you'll have the car when it actually gets here, before you trade it in for something else? If the wait is that long, I would have shopped around to other dealers first. Have you considered a used one, or a new one on the lot that's close to what you want for options, and again....a different dealership?
Then you bail on the interest of a 350Z and Nissan just because of a lousy sales guy? You seem to be a little jumpy with your interests, IMO.
My advice,....be a little patient, and maybe think over exactly what you want in a vehicle, pick several in that class, and then test them out.
Also, if refering to a new MINI, it's spelt with all caps. A Mini is refered to as a classic style Mini, in case you don't already know.
If you're patient, it'll be worth the wait for the MINI. The wait can be nasty. Nastier in certain areas due to long wait lists because of high volume orders. Enough of us have been through it. I waited 3 months, and that was considered as being quite fast. But it's worth it in the end.
Cheers,