I've had my Mini for three weeks now and thought I'd give my initial impressions.

The good:
-Its "cute" (see "the bad")
-It's fun to drive and has torque all over the place.
-Good gas mileage



The bad:
-It's "cute". I've been getting way too much of that.
-I'm not sure where all this hype of "go-cart handling" came from, I must have decided against that option. The car under steers like a tractor. The steering is tight and it does handle well but I think its a bit exaggerated. I am coming from an e46 M3 which is obviously a completely different feel, so maybe thats my problem.
-Torque steer. I hate it. It's really almost dangerous and makes the car very difficult to drive aggressively.
-My golf clubs have to practically sit next to me.
-People think that you'll move out of the way for them because your car is small and you're scared of them.
-My car is small and I'm scared of them.
-Did I mention the torque steer?
-The big *** speedometer is starting to **** me off. Seriously whats the point?
-No oil temperature gauge????
-Seatbelt gong. I'm a big boy and always wear my seatbelt. I don't need my mommy in the car yelling "put it on now now now now now now now"


Wow it feels good to get that off my chest! Believe it or not I really do like the car and feel once I start doing a little modding I'll finally connect with it. I'm just kinda feeling a little ///M withdrawal. I pretty much traded the prom-queen for her short fat sister. Her sister has a "great personality" though and a real "pretty face".

 

I seem to have not opted for the torque steer option. That was one thing I was a bit worried about buying Shawn. The 07 MCS I drove squirmed all over the place, I wasn't sure if it was ill, or if that was the torque steer people talk about. Shawn goes dead straight, though I haven't done much stomping on the gas yet given the break in period. I also may just be used to it because Qunetin was a bit squirly under full throttle.

There is a theory that tires have a lot to do with it, the first thing I did was ditch the runflats and get real tires.

As for understeer, I could imagine you have a different perspective. I'd only driven pretty boring front wheel drive cars before MINIs, it doesn't feel like understeer. Even compared to the first Cooper, the Cooper-S handling was "interesting" the way the back end feels like its moving around, I just wasn't used to that.

 

I also agree with you about the seatbelt. It could let me actually start moving forwards before it starts complaining. I'm usually putting on the belt as I'm backing out of the garage, certainly after I start the engine.

 

No reason the sticks have to sit next to you.. QXX spends about 80% of its life with 2 sets crosswise behind the driver's seat with the rear down..

The mat on the back of the rear seat works really well for keeping them in place, even with flinging it around.

Can't give up ALL the obsessions for just THIS one!



Jim

 

yeah I agree. I came over from a WRX, which put the power down SOOO much better (and felt quicker)

I don't look at it. Mounted the Nuvi right on it. Use the speedo on the tach.

 

I'm with Clag.....I don't see too many speedos in any car I drive.

 

I'm glad you enjoy your MINI despite the drawbacks.. but I hope you think on bright side. Thank you for your "heads up"
I think every car has its own pros&cons based on individual performance. I picked up my MINI last Saturday, I've been enjoying every single seconds with her. Maybe I haven't spent much time to find drawbacks, but unles I order 100% customized car, I'll try to enjoy and take advantage any drawbacks in the future.

Happy Motoring!!!

 

Stop please! my sides are hurting...LOL

 

speedo on tac as well... like the digital feedback... and for the temperature gauge... i think alta has one

 

Monty:

The torque steer does scare you a bit as we both come from rear driving cars I still have to get used to it. I plan to do some suspension mods to dial that out, but still it does suck.

Let us know how you feel 3 months from now when your driving style has adapted. I learned to love my car more after the first 3000 mile.

And yes the "cute" thing is very annoying

 

It's probably understeering from how you're driving it. Coming from a RWD M3, I'd imagine you will have to get used to driving a torquey FWD car. My car is very tail-happy, and can get it to rotate very easily.

My car also does not torque steer at all. Drive an SRT-4, TL 6-speed, or a Saab and you'll see what torque steer is...

Did you get the LSD, that can have an effect on it. Some people say it increases the torque steer feeling, but I have it and I think it helps.

 

I know what you mean. There's only one person I know of, who would find it appealing. Click on the thumbnail...

 

Well if you wear it all the time why does it beep at you??

 

The passenger seatbelt warning is very sensitive.He just needs to buckle up his golf clubs!

 

 

Since I was coming off the E46 M3 too I had to spend some time adjusting to the MCS. I've been exactly were you're now.

The "cute" comments are gone now with my Matte Black JCW 18" rims, black mirror caps, driving lights and sport stripes (front and back). I got rid of the run flats, which really helped with torque steer. First I couldn't drive it aggressively but now after 8K miles I can drive it the same way I drove my M and I am also taking advantage of the MCS small size and can faster move between cars. The annoying seatbelt gong can be adjusted down to the lower level and if you ignore it for the first 2 minutes it'll be gone.
I am planning to install the JCW Aero Kit which will complete the looks of the car.

 

Yea I definitely need to get some new wheels and a tint. I kinda wish I hadn't gone with PW but I'll live. Does anyone know if you can still track the car with tints?

 

"The annoying seatbelt gong can be adjusted down to the lower level and if you ignore it for the first 2 minutes it'll be gone."

How do you do this, adjust to lower level?

even a briefcase on the passenger seat sets off the annoying gong.
a 5lb weight limit on the seat?

For better handling / steering I installed the JCW tower strut which helps.

Ok, I'm ready to ditch the run-flats after 10k miles. Tire suggestions / recommendations?

 

General UHP Exclaim 205/45/17 or 215/45/17.

Excellent tire and a bargain. I believe if you buy before 8/4/08 you get $50 mail-in rebate

 

This being my first front wheel drive car (other than a very early Honda), I'm still having a LOT of trouble with the torque steer.

 

I've been running Goodyear Eagle F1s (GS-D3) since I ditched Quentin's runflats.

 

The gong setting is in the radio.Press the music note button and scroll right with the center ****.

 

The big center speedo is a MINI thing.

 

Ok, I'm ready to ditch the run-flats after 10k miles. Tire suggestions / recommendations? [/quote]
If you're willing to go with 18" I will suggest the Yokohamas S-Drives. Great handling, sidewalls are not too stiff, not too expensive-$122/tire. I am very happy with them. I am sure they will come with different sizes.

 

Thanks for the tire suggestions everyone and the gong mod advice.