Hey there! I'm new. Used to be an exciting gal - now kind of avg - want some fun back in my life and want to buy a Mini on the last day of this month.
I've read the pro's/con's re manual v. auto... manual is more fun and $1250 less!
- But auto is sooooo easy...but perhaps w/this car I'll put my makeup on at home and drive more...and get the stick.
- Used to race cars on a few weekends (yrs ago) for fun and of course stick is the only way to go...
- But, here's my FEAR: Since I drive a 528e w/auto and have been driving auto MOSTLY, I always recall those stories of people burning out the clutch and don't want that to happen to me. Who cares when you are on a race track? (Dumping the clutch and doing a 180 in the dirt is fab! (As long as it's not in a convertable - dirt down your shorts is not so comfy...)
(Now, I have never been TOLD I rode the clutch, but I learned to drive stick on a track and rarely drove it on the street, unless I got a loaner from the dealer...or a rental when on vacation...
- Longevity is what I need now, after all - my '87 has 248,000 miles on the orig eng/trani.
Am sure I could get any of my guy pals to give me some "plain hwy and city" driving tips re how to NOT burn out the clutch - but would REALLY respect some true advise here.
I have not even test driven the Mini's - am going up to Brechts this week - so that will make a big dif I am sure.

My other Q is: Avg gal - redhead - want another BMW - and love the Mini. Like the price.
Q?: Yellow w/white stripe or black w/white stripe? What about red? Does it come w/stripe option? I want all black interior. What's your advise?
Thanks ever so much,
Suzette

 

you can get any color with either a black or a white stripe.

 

Thank you. Black or white roof now? Just noticed I can get a choice.
Normally, I'd prefer all black...Guess I will have to go and SEE these puppies in person to determine.
Such a deal on a fun car!

 

Or better yet - you can get any color MINI with any color stripes from Cooper Flags . Chili Red MINI with yellow stripes, Liquid Yellow MINI with British Racing Green stripes, Black MINI with yellow stripes or even Pink stripes....you get the picture.

I love my MINI. I am definately the coolest mom in the car-pool line at my daughter's kindergarten!

~Michelle

 

Hi - thank you, too! I'll bet your daughter loves driving w/her Mom!
What's Cooper Flags? WIll have tho more thoroughly check out the site.

Anyone have that clear bra thing?

ALSO: DOES THE BASIC MINI COME W/AIR CON???
By the looks of the Premium pkg it does not, but it is listed in the basics.

I was just advised to get the auto trani - as it has "better resale value" - on a regular car, yes, but on a Mini?
I'm headed off to slumberland and will check this out tomorrow.
Thanks so much.

 

http://www.cooperflags.com

I had an "clear bra thingy" installed last Friday. Definately worth protecting the XENON headlights which are $$$ to replace should they get chipped by rocks.

I have never seen a MINI w/o A/C. We visited 4 dealerships before purchasing.

Good luck on your upcoming decisions. What fun!!!

~~Michelle
(also a red head)

 

All black is hard to keep clean, but looks killer when freshly washed and waxed. Black roof shows dirt too, but it's not as bad, and it hides the sunroof nicely. At any rate, there's something about the MINI which makes taking care of it fun- kind of like giving a puppy a bath, so keeping it clean is no big deal. Re: auto v. stick- fun factor w/ a shift is much higher, IMO. As for resale, most folks are not buying MINI's for their ease of operation. Choice of stripes and roof decals are options at most dealerships. AC is standard, though auto climate control is extra. Many folks don't like the way this feature works, but you can override the auto function, and the auto contols look much better lit up at night than the standard controls- another opinion here. You're certainly right about whichever way you go: MINI means fun.

 

When I got my 5 spd mini I was still new to stick but I don't think I've ever burned the clutch on it. Maybe when spinning the tires or going up hills

 

>>Thank you. Black or white roof now? Just noticed I can get a choice.
>>Normally, I'd prefer all black...Guess I will have to go and SEE these puppies in person to determine.

Aloha,
Better yet, before even stepping into a MINI dealership, check out MINIUSA.com and "build" your own MINI.
It'll list all options, packages, color combos, interiors, accessories, and PRICE!
You get to see your dream MINI and price before going to the dealership.
If they don't have it on the lot, then you can order and know exactly what you're getting and how much.

Since you said you wanted some FUN back into your life, I suggest the manual tranny. Who cares about resale value....HAVE FUN NOW!!!Just my opinion tho, I guess ya can have fun in the CVT, too. Test drive 'em both and see which one produces a bigger smile