i'm still not sure whether i want the mini cooper hardtop or mini cooper s. therefore, i'm going to test drive both tomorrow.
what are you opinions on run flat? i don't want them, but on the mcs i guess they come with them or least at this particular dealership i'm going to tomorrow. when i need to replace the run flats, i hear i am able to change them to regular tubular tires. is this true?

 

1.) S

2.) Runflats

3.) Only Bicycle tires have tubes now.

 

Test drive both and see which one you like better. The S is quicker but the Cooper isn't slow either. If reliability is a big factor for you, anecdotal evidence shows the Non S to be a safer bet, with less stuff to break. However if you like to go really fast in a straight line, the Cooper may not be enough "oomph" for you. Like I said, drive both.

Run flats suck. You can definitely replace them with regular tires. You can sell the run flats for a decent price when they are new and use that money to pay off your new regular tires, or of course, wear them out and replace later.

If you let us know what year, mileage, etc, you are looking at, you will get better advice.

 

thanks agarwaen! lol ....i meant tube less/regular tires instead of run flats.

 

thanks danny! well i'm going tomorrow to the dealership. looking for a new 2011 mini. i really like the horizon blue with black top. i found one, but i like i said they only have the run flats on and moonroof, in which i didn't want. plus i believe it has a prem. package. i'll have to see in person.
i know i definitely want a manual.

 

I'm sure the test drive will help you narrow it down! The run flats suck but they wouldn't be a deal breaker for me, as they can be replaced without too much trouble. Maybe the dealer can even swap them out for you if it'll make the sale for them. Good luck, let us know!

 

No complaints at all with the runflats on mine. Leave them on and give them a chance.

Justa or S ??? Drive em both and get what you like.

 

I'm waiting on my second MINI, a Horizon Blue/Black. On my '06 I traded out the runflats almost immediately. This time I'm going to keep them and get some use out of them and spend the money on some other mods. In a year or so I'll probably switch out. The cars I test drove all had runflats and I may just be imagining this, but they felt much improved over the runflats that came with my '06.
Annette

 

My 2006 MCS came with runflats & I could only stand them for 6,000 miles. That being said the R56 is a very different beast. The suspension is softer than what came on my 2006 & the tires are a newer generation of runflat. It is much improved & the ride is worlds better than my 2006's is. Having driven new R56 MINIs with runflats I'd have to say they ride better than my car does on non-runflats.

 

Runflat technology is better every year. I got my car w/Goodyear Excellence Runflats and got 31,000 before switching to new Bridgestone runflats..Much better ride and handling...ymmv

 

I should clarify, my Runflats were stock '06 as well, so it sounds like they are much improved now.

 

another question i have is...the dealer i spoke with over the phone said they have an incentive .09% financing and he'll give me the prem. package for free since i told him i didn't want it. anyways so i asked how long will i get the .09%, he said for 15 months. the bank loan i received yesterday was 3.38% which i think it's good. one thing i may not even qualify for the .09% but if i did i would be mad if after 15 months the rates go higher than i have with the bank loan. sorry so long but i'm going to the dealer in a couple hours.
thanks so much

 

good luck, hope it works out! personally i would do the s and sit on the run flats for a few thousand miles and switch them out. they're bad not terrible though.

as for the financing, 0.9 is the current rate bmw financial is offering and thats for 15months.But they are also giving you a free package www.miniusa.com this is corporate/BMW Financial NOT your dealer so dont think they are working with you and "taking off the cost" of your premium package because you dont want it. You should find out the rates for BMW for 60months (or whatever you got at your bank) as they still may be cheaper/month and you would get the extra 1500 bucks knocked off on top of any negotiating.

 

The test drive will probably seal the deal. When my wife and I were testing the models last year, we took a Cooper S out and drove it through some twisties in a canyon several miles away. We then took a Justa out to do the same thing but we maybe made it two blocks away from the dealer before turning around and heading back...the decision was that clear for us between the S and the Justa.

 

If your credit score is good and you qualify for 0.9% financing, you can get it for up to 60 months. Go to Miniusa.com and read the terms. So if your MA is saying your rate goes up after 15 months, he is either uninformed, your credit score won't allow you to quaify, or he is building in extra profit into the deal from the higher interest rate he quoted.

Sounds like he is selling the car to you for Sticker price. No discount. As you can see on Mniusa.com, for a MC or MCS delivered by 3-31, you can choose a free option such as premium pkg, auto trans, or I forget the other..its on the site.
So the "free premium pkg" is a factory discount, nothing the store is "giving you".

If your taking a car from inventory (not ordering) negotiate, you might be able to get an additional discount. And even if ordering, still negotiate. But on an ordered car you may lose the "free option" as this incentive may not be extended after 03-31. It doesnt automatically carry over to further months when ordering. Whatever incentives are offered when you take delivery is what you get. So if ordering, you need to understand your cost in case the free premium pkg is not offered after 03-31.

 

i appreciate the fast response. i'll let you know when i come back. i may even decide that i want to build it.

 

Don't let what tires the MINI has make your decision. Good luck & yep ordering is a great way to go.

 

NOT the case....when you order the mini they get you pre-approved before they place the order. Once your pre-approved it locks in the current rate's and incentives or if its better when you take delivery then you can choose that instead.

Most dealers will tell you otherwise because they want to sell the inventory.BUT you can lock in the current rates if you choose to order.

 

OMG.....everyone I'm a proud owner of a new 2011 mcs horizon blue w/ black top, prem. Package, and best of all u got .9% financing for 60 months...yay!!! I'll tell you more when I get back home.

 

Congrats! welcome to the family!

Make sure you take some pics and post them! were kinda big on that arround here

 

YAY, Congrats! Can't wait to see pics.

Annette

 

here's my mini "gioia"

i can't believe how fast it is...woohoo

 

now i need to look into decals for my mini...fun stuff.

 

Good job

 

Great choice! Congrats! :D