It does take a little while to get used to the clutch! I mean you can't expect to be able to launch the car after a 10 minute test drive. I've had friends take my 05' for a ride and comment on how different, yet good the clutch is. As mentioned above, you are dealing with a crap load more tq with the SRT 4.

 

I thought the clutch response was different too. But instead of thinking it was good, I thought it was weird, even klutzy. Unfortunately, according to some posts on this site at least, it can't even be adjusted.

For me, it's definitely a weak point in the car. Maybe even a deal-killer.

And just because one can get used to something doesn't necessarily make it acceptable!

 

UPDATE: Drove it today, figured out how to turn the DSC off, and I figured out you can actually launch the car! Sport button on, 2500 rpm, DSC off, the car takes off nicely. It still bogged a bit, but that's only a minor issue since I'm sure the rpm can be raised/you can add more power/you can add better tires as well as the rpm, it took off nicely and 0-65 was quite satisfying. It's a quirky car, but it has a zillion more features than anything near its base price point. I'd like to take it out for another demo but the test drive didn't leave me wanting more really. I'd add some stuff but it's quite satisfying in stock form. With 285 miles on the clock it should get alot faster when it's broken in. The only other thing I didn't like was the dealer WILL NOT negotiate at all on the sticker? Since when was MINI no hassle/no haggle?

 

You are doing VERY well if you can get a discount off list. I am paying list for my cooper s plus $175 for floor mats and any final detailing. I could have bought a car off the lot and gotten about a $500 discount, but what fun would that have been. I take comfort in knowing that mini's have a high resale value.

 

Pretty much since the beginning. Discounts occasionally happen now but they are still a rarity.

 

you're not kidding, thats a selling point for me.