HI all --

I picked up my new MCS this last Friday. Once I hit the road, I believe the first words out of my mouth were "HOLY ****" when I realized that I was at nearly 90 mph! Now that I have a few hours of cockpit time, I realize that I have to change my driving style - from one hand on the wheel and one on the gearshift to two hands on the wheel.

The first scary moment was when the Mini nearly got away from me when merging on to a main street from a cross street - too much gas and with only one hand on the wheel I thought I was going to lose it. Not sure yet if that's torque steer, the electric steering, the LSD, or a combination of all, but scary nonetheless.

Oh yeah, and I've already been the recipient of a handful of Mini-waves, which brings back memories of driving my Jeep on the street years ago. Mini drivers just get so excited to see another Mini on the road!

Anyway, I just wanted to throw thanks out to Greg @ Mini North Scottsdale who really took care of my order (and me) during the 7 week delivery. If anyone in AZ is looking for a Mini, look Greg up - extremely knowlegable MA (he's from South Hampton as well )

-j

 

Congrats!!! Throw up some pics when you get a chance!

 

Yeah, I have found that the speedometer is my friend. Especially so because Molly keeps purring, "Come on, Bear, let's go faster!" and 90 in a MINI feels like 60 in other cars. I also have to keep reminding myself that not every corner should be taken without braking first

Happy, safe motoring!

 

congrats! if not used to the spunkiness yet, keep dsc on. they're very responsive and fun cars but not dangerous. enjoy!

 

I had a friend drive mine the other day. He's very experienced with sports cars, but the torque steer caught him by surprise, and I have LSD. His first words were similar to yours, Jeff, although I think they were printable . He was amazed at the turbo--said the magazine reviews hadn't put nearly enough emphasis on this.

He had fun--and I think there was a bit of longing. Five cars and a four car garage probably stop him, though...

 

I had the same thing happen when I test-drove an '07 while my '06 was having the first service done. I punched the gas while going up a freeway on-ramp, and the steering wheel tried to jump to the right. The torque curve on the turbo cars is certainly impressive.

 

Congrats. Welcome to the realm of POOMs. Now try to keep it below 4500 RPM for the first 1,200 miles, and oh yes, below 90 mph.

Yup. Had a similar experience driving Hwy 101 to Los Angeles.

A good idea in any car.

Sounds like torque steer to me.

Around here it is about 50%.

I'd prefer he use a camera.

 

You're not the only one who experience that! I can't believe what a smooth ride my Mini is and you just don't realize how fast your going. Plus, it's a blast to accelerate! I find myself puposely slowly down just so I can punch the gas a little and get that whoosh!

Would love to see some pictures of your new Mini if you have some to share!

 

You know, I've had people tell me the supercharged MINIs are such a boot in the derierre. I never drove one except at the dealer, so I can't tell, but I think the turbo is every bit as fun, if not funner (can I have the trademark on that word?).

 

congrats and enjoy

I will have to try the turbo version one day.

 

Is POOM a dirty word?

 

That definitely sounds like torque steer...it'll definitely get your attention until you get used to it!

 

Funny - my OM says I had to keep it below 100mph. But I am over 1200 miles now so it says "the vehicle speeds can can be gradually increased"
I had fun telling people about this 'break-in' period. They would say - 'oh yes you have to keep the speed below 50' and I say try twice that

jeffm5150 - congratulations, welcome to minidom, enjoy, and motor safe.

 

Tell me--what IS POOM?

 

It is very dirty but necessary word... Click only if you're 18 or older.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=poom

 

 

Actually, I believe in this instance it stands for Person(s) Overly Obsessed with MINIs.

 

I am not!

 

And I am not in the denial stage!

 

It is easy to get going faster than the speed limit and not really realize it with how well they handle. I would suggest setting the LIMIT option. It can come in handy to help avoid tickets. With this set, it will let you know that you've exceeded the speed limit you've programmed in.

 

I have my own preset--a high pitched whine from the sunroof when I exceed...um...reasonable limits.

 

Is this just a 'Nav' thing? I could not find this when I had my car.

BTW the OM starts by saying 'always obey all official speed limits' which is of course the correct answer

 

I will say it isn't as easy all-of-a-sudden to have a "holy ****" moment in a Cooper, but the car is so smooth it is just as easy to get well above intended speeds w/o knowing it. Congrats on the new MINI...have fun bonding!!

 

I guess that's better than "a high-pitched whine from the passenger seat", which is where I thought you were going with your post..

 

Here's some pics from my gallery - one when I picked 'unnamed' up. Another today out motoring

Fresh off the showroom floor - literally



Another during our first motoring experience