I purchased a preowned that came with the "POS" thing MINI calls an "armrest". The plastic cover kept sliding open, and was quite annoying. The dealer replaced it (under warranty) and told me they do this very frequently. The new one is staying shut for now, but I'm seriously considering removing it. If I remove it, can anyone suggest a place to store about 4 AA batteries that I always have on board for my MP3 player

 

You can stash the batteries in your secret compartment or glovebox

 

My 2008 doesn't require use of the key fob. Just use the handle.

 

To make the hatch easier to access, turn off Auto Lock and set All doors to unlock (as opposed to just driver door) in the car configuration.

That locked boot DROVE ME CRAZY until I did this. Now it is *always* unlocked when I need it.

Why you need both those features off is this: If auto lock is turned on, after you get out of your car (requiring that annoying double pull) your boot is locked. DUMB since the car does not have the auto unlock when you stop.

Second if driver door only is set, you walk up to your car, hit unlock...boot is locked. Yes, you can press it again to open it. But then, lets say you don't need the boot until after you drive the car...Go to the boot...Boot is locked...need to hit the fob again.

 

You betcha. I ordered my car sight-unseen, 2 months before the R56 was available in the U.S., and we "assumed" that an armrest would be an actual benefit. It's not, at least not the POS this one is. It's been replaced 3 times under warranty, and each time I've asked if I could get the clam-shell type that is also available, as the European model is. And I could--IF I paid $200. I paid $200 as an option. Why should I pay ANOTHER $200?

It's loose again, and my car's now out of warranty...

 

Haven't had the problem (yet), but I'm curious. Couldn't you use a hemostat or sponge holder (a really BIG hemostat-type instrument)?

 

She keeps calling me to let her out of the garage so she can play.

 

So why don't you?

This month I drove mine from Houston to Tampa and return; just got back Tuesday. No problems, just cruised hour after hour listening to audio books. Not much scenery along I-10, although there's a little detour I aways take around Baton Rouge, just to clear the cobwebs...

 

Mine barfs or its stomach rumbles after I fill her up

also doesn't like me taking the food of accelerator in second, it does give a shock around 2k rpm

 

Not following you--please 'splain.

 

Windshield wipers crapped out and refuse to come on. . .even after replacing the motor, fuse, and relays.

 

i have no complaints, i am a large man 6'4 300 lbs, most would say "the truck driving type" and i was, untill someone said hey go sit in that mini, so i did , and i loved it.

some of yall hate the hour and a half drive to your dealer, i love the hour drive, map quest says it should take 1 hour 7 minutes from my house to the dealer, i make it in 45 min. i love driving my mini. the longer the drive the better. i took mine from here in new orleans, to Allentown PA in 18 hours last month. this little car is great.

 

Hey, you're not doing it right--"motoring" means you're supposed to make it in TWO HOURS and 45 minutes! Go to Google maps and see the best way to do it; it won't be straight...

That's a tip for anyone, by the way. I lay out drives for our clubs all the time, and my first trip is to the computer. You'd be surprised what an aerial view will show you. I figure it that way, then drive the roads to check for traffic and potholes, and I have an easy drive in nothing flat. Er, make that hillly and curvy. Of course, you ARE allowed more time to savor the roads. Email me for more tips...

 

see thats a big problem here in new orleans, every thing is FLAT and in straight lines. no winding mountain roads, just interstates and highways, and main roads, i need to get away for a while in the Rockies or something

 

Google Maps consistently overestimates the time. I once laid out a drive for our club that Google Maps said was a four hour loop. During my scouting, I never could get it to last longer than a little over two hours.

 

I don't pay any attention to their times--they're for your father in his Buick (or mine in his). Nor do I worry about THEIR routes. When we went to MITM last August, I "asked" Google to give me their idea of a route. Turns out, the "best" way was through Wichita. No, it's not! Also, they can't conceive of someone wanting to drive Colorado 82, between Balltown and Carbondale (goes by Aspen). I just wanted some mileage calculations, but no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't get the system to allow it. Yes, I know it's closed during winter, but it's quite a nice drive during August!

And there are mistakes. There's a highway near here that drives by a dam. Notice I said, "by." According to Google, you're supposed to drive ON the dam, which is a gravel road for maintenance workers that has never been open to the public. And there's a Colorado highway I wanted to take to Denver, until I discovered (on screen) that it abruptly turned into gravel for too many miles to make it worth the risk of damage (no, not the Pike's Peak road). Fortunately, it's covered by "little man" that shows the actual road surface and terrain.

Stil, it's invaluable. I've planned many thousands of miles, both local and long distance, that has played out to some spectacular twisties and scenery.

Pepperwhite09, yes, you do need to head out to the Rockies some time. Until you do, there are options. Plenty of great roads anywhere in Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina, and some nice ones getting there. Also, there are twisties southeast of Baton Rouge that will take some of the pain out of MINI ownership in flat areas. Join a club and you'll find 'em! Or let the satellites alert you to some. And don't forget, you're a lot closer than I am to the Dragon, or the road in Virginia that's even better...

 

daffodildeb
where are the twsties located southeast of baton rouge ?

 

drives me nuts cause I don't want Cricket to get splashed with rain after I spend hours detailing her out

 

The road noise in the cabin is pretty loud for the amount of money you pay for the car. A Honda has slightly higher noise levels, measured on a meter, and the Toyotas are quieter. They need better, or at least some, insulation.

Stephen

 

Just turn up the radio and listen to some rockin' tunes. Or buy a Honda or Toyota - you'll be bored to death and then you won't hear a thing, ever again.

 

Okay, off I-12, south on 3002, south (left) on 1034, continue southeast on 16, southeast (left) on 16/42, east-northeast (left) on 42, north (left) on 441, back to I-12. It's about 32 miles, vs. 18 miles on cruise control. Someone told me a couple of years ago about some of these roads, but I didn't know which ones they were until I looked on the satellite view. Please note that some of these roads have rough areas, but nothing I didn't feel comfortable driving at "MINI speeds." Also, if I knew the area, and had the time, I know I could find others, but this was something I threw together at the last minute.

 

That's to drown out your passenger's screams as you run through the twisties. Or your own.

 

The Mini's handle waaaay better than the Honda or Toyotas. I do know that tires make a big difference but insulation is the next step! I have had enough "Loud" with machine guns and artillery and it is surprising that I can still hear the road noise. 98db @ 65mpg on some road surfaces is pretty loud.

S.

 

wish the dam sport button would have a auto lock on position or stay on even after i turn off my mini and restart later... its kinda annoying to me to have to turn it on every time i get in the car... cause you know i just gotta!

 

i though it was funny that toyota's slogan was 'toyota... moving forward'... and there recall was cause there pedals would stick...talk about bored to death!

(disclaimer:for those that are too serious, not intended to be in pour taste, just funny)