So I'm new here, and looking at the possibility of acquiring a new Mini Cooper S to meet two basic needs: Daily driver transportation and a track day toy.

Since I'm likely to buy new, I'm wondering what those who do track days and/or race think of the various factory options as opposed to after market bits? Is the Sport Package worth going for, or are better options available aftermarket, so don't bother with the sport package?

What about wheels? Get the 17's that are available from Mini, or go elsewhere? What would you recommend? Seems like 2 sets of tires makes sense, one for commuting, one for track days, or should I just go for a good set of tires all the time?

Anything else I should consider figuring I'm likely to do 6-10 track days a year in this thing? I'm new to tracking a car, but have roadraced motorcycles for the past 9 years and I'm looking for something new to play with...

Also, are there any dealers worth talking to in northern california? So far San Francisco seems to want 2.5k over MSRP and Mountain View is so clueless they seem to be inept in even selling the cars.

How's Livermore? Sacramento?

Thanks!

-Greg Creech
Santa cruz

 

Welcome to NAM Creech!

I'll start w/ what I have the most experience with (out of the questions you asked) - Dealers. I would avoid SF due to the price markup and bad reviews on service here. If going to Mountain View, I'd talk to Russ or Ben, both who seemed knowledgable and friendly. The other nearby choice would be East Bay Mini (Pleasanton). Reviews here say really nice service, friendly, efficient, etc. There's a guy here (Harley) who seemed to have gotten a really good MA (you can search for him in the 1st Gear forums). I haven't had the luck there that most others have had, but it's worth a shot. Both East Bay and Mtn. View don't have markups.

OK, I got the Mini for about similar reasons as you, but probably not track it as much as you plan to.

If you're into modding, and don't really care about warranty stuff, I'd go aftermarket. JCW mods (Suspension, Brakes, Engine) may be an option for you if you warrany-conscious. Better coilover options as well as lighter performance wheels out there. I think 2 sets of tires makes sense if you can afford it...something stickier for track days, and maybe something more comfortable for daily driving. Most likely if you got performance tires, they'd wear out too quickly for daily driving. There's a guy (Minihune) who has alot of experience in this area from what I've read. I do recommend getting the LSD though.

As for me, I got the factory sports suspension, DSC, LSD. Stayed w/ factory b/c of the warranty stuff, and can't afford JCW right now. When it goes out of warranty, I'll probably upgrade to coilovers, big brakes, etc. Next on my list is wheels/tires so I'm looking into those. The other benefit of keeping things stock is I can run in the G-Stock Class (if I'm so inclined).

Good luck!