R56 The only thing premium about MINI is price...
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,334
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver Island, Canada
This won't help your feelings about the brand, but I think you can get actual steel pedals from OutMotoring... I've thought about getting a set, I think they're ~$230, if I recall correctly.
I think your thread title put some brand loyalists on the defensive a bit. Personally I love my car but I'm not a brand fanatic sort of guy (and I'm Canadian, of course!
) Your issues do sound frustrating, but as I and a few others have said, they don't all sound like "normal" MINI problems, aside from the rattles.
The last JCW I looked at on the lot was a 2012 Cabrio (I know the soft top adds a pretty penny, but still...) with some packages. It was $46k+. No doubt it's a great car, but in that range there are a LOT of other options (AWD/RWD, too.)
I think MINI is wise to the temptation to buy south of the border. When I bought my car, which is an Ontario car, I emailed the dealer about something regarding service history. He misunderstood and thought I was bringing in a US MINI, and quoted me hundreds upon hundreds of dollars just for necessary documentation, for what purpose I'm not sure. I get the impression it's not easy to have the warranty transferred, etc.
I think your thread title put some brand loyalists on the defensive a bit. Personally I love my car but I'm not a brand fanatic sort of guy (and I'm Canadian, of course!
) Your issues do sound frustrating, but as I and a few others have said, they don't all sound like "normal" MINI problems, aside from the rattles. The last JCW I looked at on the lot was a 2012 Cabrio (I know the soft top adds a pretty penny, but still...) with some packages. It was $46k+. No doubt it's a great car, but in that range there are a LOT of other options (AWD/RWD, too.)
I think MINI is wise to the temptation to buy south of the border. When I bought my car, which is an Ontario car, I emailed the dealer about something regarding service history. He misunderstood and thought I was bringing in a US MINI, and quoted me hundreds upon hundreds of dollars just for necessary documentation, for what purpose I'm not sure. I get the impression it's not easy to have the warranty transferred, etc.
Thanks for some honest feedback, I bought the stainless Steel pedals yesterday and actually expected them to be steel. When I got em I was way disappointed and decided I would post up and include some past issues. Never imagined all the negativity people would throw my way, cause I had the nerve to post issues on a forum to discuss with other members. You are the only member who has actually attempted to contribute in a positive way. Must be cause your Canadian we are just polite people. 
By the way the factory JCW was 29K new on the lot, sticker price when I bought the MC. I wish there was an easy way to bring em up north id be rich if I could sell up there.
By the way the factory JCW was 29K new on the lot, sticker price when I bought the MC. I wish there was an easy way to bring em up north id be rich if I could sell up there.
I'm currently driving a '12 Ford Fiesta SES that's optioned completely out and was ~20k (while waiting for my MCCS at least). My wife and I got a base justa while traveling after I got it, and the mini is a much better car. The (also 120hp) engine in the Fiesta is less lively, the manual transmission feels like a 1960's ice cream truck, the suspension is nowhere near as refined as any MINI, there's a lot of hard cheap plastic everywhere, and the seats are less comfortable than the base cooper. Sync, which is heavily diluted in this car, is really its only redeeming feature.
Bottom line, you can certainly do worse at that price point. This fiesta and your cooper are at the same price point and class, but the cooper is in a different league. Picking the entry level model and complaining that it isn't "premium" enough is a bit silly too.
--Matt
Bottom line, you can certainly do worse at that price point. This fiesta and your cooper are at the same price point and class, but the cooper is in a different league. Picking the entry level model and complaining that it isn't "premium" enough is a bit silly too.
--Matt
This won't help your feelings about the brand, but I think you can get actual steel pedals from OutMotoring... I've thought about getting a set, I think they're ~$230, if I recall correctly.
I think your thread title put some brand loyalists on the defensive a bit. Personally I love my car but I'm not a brand fanatic sort of guy (and I'm Canadian, of course! ) Your issues do sound frustrating, but as I and a few others have said, they don't all sound like "normal" MINI problems, aside from the rattles.
The last JCW I looked at on the lot was a 2012 Cabrio (I know the soft top adds a pretty penny, but still...) with some packages. It was $46k+. No doubt it's a great car, but in that range there are a LOT of other options (AWD/RWD, too.)
I think MINI is wise to the temptation to buy south of the border. When I bought my car, which is an Ontario car, I emailed the dealer about something regarding service history. He misunderstood and thought I was bringing in a US MINI, and quoted me hundreds upon hundreds of dollars just for necessary documentation, for what purpose I'm not sure. I get the impression it's not easy to have the warranty transferred, etc.
I think your thread title put some brand loyalists on the defensive a bit. Personally I love my car but I'm not a brand fanatic sort of guy (and I'm Canadian, of course!
) Your issues do sound frustrating, but as I and a few others have said, they don't all sound like "normal" MINI problems, aside from the rattles. The last JCW I looked at on the lot was a 2012 Cabrio (I know the soft top adds a pretty penny, but still...) with some packages. It was $46k+. No doubt it's a great car, but in that range there are a LOT of other options (AWD/RWD, too.)
I think MINI is wise to the temptation to buy south of the border. When I bought my car, which is an Ontario car, I emailed the dealer about something regarding service history. He misunderstood and thought I was bringing in a US MINI, and quoted me hundreds upon hundreds of dollars just for necessary documentation, for what purpose I'm not sure. I get the impression it's not easy to have the warranty transferred, etc.
Like you I don't care for brands, only price and value. Just to clarify I'm not toting MINI as a premium car, MINI DOES IN ALL THEIR MARKETING, I'm just calling them out as not. they didn't live up to their own hype. I don't think 21k is an expensive car, that's why when I thought I was buying a PREMIUM vehicle for 21k I considered it an excellent value. Unfortunatly a year later I realize it's just marketing bs. Thanks again CANADA.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 15
From: Silly-con Valley
Depends on a lot of things--anywhere from 2000 RPM to redline. When driving for economy, lower in the range. When driving for speed, higher.
Right after getting the car, I found it difficult to rev-match on downshifts and to take off from a stop without being in sport mode. After driving it for a few weeks I had no more problems.
I seriously do suggest you find another similar car to try out, or have someone who owns a similar car drive yours to see if there is anything wrong with your car.
Finally, I'm a little surprised at how shocked you seem to be when you make a post in a MINI forum that says that MINIs are awful that you get negative reactions. What did you expect?
Right after getting the car, I found it difficult to rev-match on downshifts and to take off from a stop without being in sport mode. After driving it for a few weeks I had no more problems.
I seriously do suggest you find another similar car to try out, or have someone who owns a similar car drive yours to see if there is anything wrong with your car.
Finally, I'm a little surprised at how shocked you seem to be when you make a post in a MINI forum that says that MINIs are awful that you get negative reactions. What did you expect?
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,334
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver Island, Canada
Geez, they're only $99? Why haven't I bought a set yet?! I thought they were pricier. Anyway, glad I could help
Again very helpful and thoughtful, the outmotoring pedals are aluminum, those look perfect, only $99 that's the real deal and the friendly advice I was looking for. Thanks man Like you I don't care for brands, only price and value. Just to clarify I'm not toting MINI as a premium car, MINI DOES IN ALL THEIR MARKETING, I'm just calling them out as not. they didn't live up to their own hype. I don't think 21k is an expensive car, that's why when I thought I was buying a PREMIUM vehicle for 21k I considered it an excellent value. Unfortunatly a year later I realize it's just marketing bs. Thanks again CANADA.
Like you I don't care for brands, only price and value. Just to clarify I'm not toting MINI as a premium car, MINI DOES IN ALL THEIR MARKETING, I'm just calling them out as not. they didn't live up to their own hype. I don't think 21k is an expensive car, that's why when I thought I was buying a PREMIUM vehicle for 21k I considered it an excellent value. Unfortunatly a year later I realize it's just marketing bs. Thanks again CANADA.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,334
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver Island, Canada
Geez, they're only $99? Why haven't I bought a set yet?! I thought they were pricier. Anyway, glad I could help
Again very helpful and thoughtful, the outmotoring pedals are aluminum, those look perfect, only $99 that's the real deal and the friendly advice I was looking for. Thanks man Like you I don't care for brands, only price and value. Just to clarify I'm not toting MINI as a premium car, MINI DOES IN ALL THEIR MARKETING, I'm just calling them out as not. they didn't live up to their own hype. I don't think 21k is an expensive car, that's why when I thought I was buying a PREMIUM vehicle for 21k I considered it an excellent value. Unfortunatly a year later I realize it's just marketing bs. Thanks again CANADA.
Like you I don't care for brands, only price and value. Just to clarify I'm not toting MINI as a premium car, MINI DOES IN ALL THEIR MARKETING, I'm just calling them out as not. they didn't live up to their own hype. I don't think 21k is an expensive car, that's why when I thought I was buying a PREMIUM vehicle for 21k I considered it an excellent value. Unfortunatly a year later I realize it's just marketing bs. Thanks again CANADA.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Sacrilege
I'm going to do the ultimate sacrilege and get flamed to death.
Go buy a Miata. Comes off the line much better than even the Cooper S. Is not as fast, but does not power steer itself into the ditch while cornering. May be too small for some people. Feels more like a motorcycle on the road than the Mini ever did. If you want soup, $4K will get you charged. Tons cheaper, especially if you buy a used one and many mods if you want. Many times more reliable and much cheaper repairs. It will make you smile as you go down the road which I don't find with the mini. Perfectly balanced around a corner, especially with Toyo UHP tires at about $70 ea. Convertible at no extra charge.
There I said it. I'll go away for a long time now.
Dave
69 Norton Commando 'S'
08 Pepper red S
00SE Miata
Go buy a Miata. Comes off the line much better than even the Cooper S. Is not as fast, but does not power steer itself into the ditch while cornering. May be too small for some people. Feels more like a motorcycle on the road than the Mini ever did. If you want soup, $4K will get you charged. Tons cheaper, especially if you buy a used one and many mods if you want. Many times more reliable and much cheaper repairs. It will make you smile as you go down the road which I don't find with the mini. Perfectly balanced around a corner, especially with Toyo UHP tires at about $70 ea. Convertible at no extra charge.
There I said it. I'll go away for a long time now.
Dave
69 Norton Commando 'S'
08 Pepper red S
00SE Miata
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,334
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver Island, Canada
No flaming here. I agree with much of what you said, with a few exceptions.
1) I owned a CBR600 before my R50, and my R50 feels more like a motorcycle than the '06 Miata I test drove. R56's feel heavier.
2) My MINI makes me smile as I go down the road.
Otherwise, from my limited experience, I think the Miata is a great car.
1) I owned a CBR600 before my R50, and my R50 feels more like a motorcycle than the '06 Miata I test drove. R56's feel heavier.
2) My MINI makes me smile as I go down the road.
Otherwise, from my limited experience, I think the Miata is a great car.
I'm going to do the ultimate sacrilege and get flamed to death.
Go buy a Miata. Comes off the line much better than even the Cooper S. Is not as fast, but does not power steer itself into the ditch while cornering. May be too small for some people. Feels more like a motorcycle on the road than the Mini ever did. If you want soup, $4K will get you charged. Tons cheaper, especially if you buy a used one and many mods if you want. Many times more reliable and much cheaper repairs. It will make you smile as you go down the road which I don't find with the mini. Perfectly balanced around a corner, especially with Toyo UHP tires at about $70 ea. Convertible at no extra charge.
There I said it. I'll go away for a long time now.
Dave
69 Norton Commando 'S'
08 Pepper red S
00SE Miata
Go buy a Miata. Comes off the line much better than even the Cooper S. Is not as fast, but does not power steer itself into the ditch while cornering. May be too small for some people. Feels more like a motorcycle on the road than the Mini ever did. If you want soup, $4K will get you charged. Tons cheaper, especially if you buy a used one and many mods if you want. Many times more reliable and much cheaper repairs. It will make you smile as you go down the road which I don't find with the mini. Perfectly balanced around a corner, especially with Toyo UHP tires at about $70 ea. Convertible at no extra charge.
There I said it. I'll go away for a long time now.
Dave
69 Norton Commando 'S'
08 Pepper red S
00SE Miata
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Bridgeport WV
I live in West Virginia and wish I hadn't bought a justa. My '08 Clubman works hard on the hills on the interstate, but I new it was only 121 HP when I bought so that's my bad. It's an auto to boot.
I completely agree that a lot of the OEM extras are overpriced (e.g. chrome package) so I steered away from dressings.
After 63k miles, no problems with any rattles.
Don't have the HK.
I got the cold weather pkg and my seats heat much faster than any other car I or fiends own.
I completely agree that a lot of the OEM extras are overpriced (e.g. chrome package) so I steered away from dressings.
After 63k miles, no problems with any rattles.
Don't have the HK.
I got the cold weather pkg and my seats heat much faster than any other car I or fiends own.
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Let me get the positive out the way 1st, MINI is the most fun you will ever have driving a car. No doubt about it. MINI takes your boring commute and turns it into an exciting fun filled adventure.
Now on to the BS it's priced and marketed as a premium car, that makes me think it's on par with other premium vehicles. unfortunately this has not been the case.
I bought my MINI new in April 2011 I paid about 21,000 for manual with premium package (I use the word premium loosely)
1. Broken sunvisor the very 1st time I opened it. Known issue replace under warranty.
2. "Premium" Harman Kardon stereo system only in name, not in performance.
Sounds no better than my stock 2008 VW jetta system
3. Chrome line interior $250 option! only cheap shiny plastic, ebrake trim piece broke off in my hand replaced under warranty only after haggling with the dealer and posting on this forum. Told me to stop pulling so hard, Huh?
4. Purchased stainless steel pedals, more like rubber covers with sheet metal decoration. Seriously calling rubber covers stainless steel with thin *** sheet metal I could bend with my fingers. Pathetic.
5. RATTLES EVERY WHERE IN THE CABIN, my old VW Rabbit had better sound proofing and cost $6000 less, better fitment and assembled in Germany.
6. Manual Transmission, the most difficult trans I've ever driven and I Valet cars for 4 years so I've driven all kinds. This one will make you feel like you just learned how to drive stick today.
7. Way under powered engine almost conks out every time I take off from a light , no sport mode on, AC on full blast, Forget it. Sounds like its gonna stall and even did a few times.
If MINI is going to price and market their vehicles as PREMIUM then they should step up there game and make them so. In my opinion they are no better in quality then a Toyota.
However even with all their BS the car is still a crazy fun drive.
Comon BMW give MINI the quality fit and parts it deserves, then you can fairly say its a premium vehicle.
Now on to the BS it's priced and marketed as a premium car, that makes me think it's on par with other premium vehicles. unfortunately this has not been the case.
I bought my MINI new in April 2011 I paid about 21,000 for manual with premium package (I use the word premium loosely)
1. Broken sunvisor the very 1st time I opened it. Known issue replace under warranty.
2. "Premium" Harman Kardon stereo system only in name, not in performance.
Sounds no better than my stock 2008 VW jetta system
3. Chrome line interior $250 option! only cheap shiny plastic, ebrake trim piece broke off in my hand replaced under warranty only after haggling with the dealer and posting on this forum. Told me to stop pulling so hard, Huh?
4. Purchased stainless steel pedals, more like rubber covers with sheet metal decoration. Seriously calling rubber covers stainless steel with thin *** sheet metal I could bend with my fingers. Pathetic.
5. RATTLES EVERY WHERE IN THE CABIN, my old VW Rabbit had better sound proofing and cost $6000 less, better fitment and assembled in Germany.
6. Manual Transmission, the most difficult trans I've ever driven and I Valet cars for 4 years so I've driven all kinds. This one will make you feel like you just learned how to drive stick today.
7. Way under powered engine almost conks out every time I take off from a light , no sport mode on, AC on full blast, Forget it. Sounds like its gonna stall and even did a few times.
If MINI is going to price and market their vehicles as PREMIUM then they should step up there game and make them so. In my opinion they are no better in quality then a Toyota.
However even with all their BS the car is still a crazy fun drive.
Comon BMW give MINI the quality fit and parts it deserves, then you can fairly say its a premium vehicle.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Denver
6. Manual Transmission, the most difficult trans I've ever driven and I Valet cars for 4 years so I've driven all kinds. This one will make you feel like you just learned how to drive stick today.
You have no credibility with me after a statement like that.
You have no credibility with me after a statement like that.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,007
Likes: 1
From: San Diego County, California
OP, you received some good advice about checking out whether some of the issues are your own car. If the shifting is hard, the car wants to stall, it rattles, and lacks power... those are problems that other people aren't reporting. Whether the chrome is cheap and the radio isn't stunning is subjective, but the actual performance of the car is something that should be looked at.
I wasn't looking to establish my cred, just wanted to start a discussion about some issues I've had with my MINI. The thread topic is about the issues I've had, wanna contribute?
OP, you received some good advice about checking out whether some of the issues are your own car. If the shifting is hard, the car wants to stall, it rattles, and lacks power... those are problems that other people aren't reporting. Whether the chrome is cheap and the radio isn't stunning is subjective, but the actual performance of the car is something that should be looked at.
They changed the trans fluid and called it a day. I called MINI USA to register my displeasure and report my issues, they differed to the dealer. The car is fun to drive no doubt, it just never met any of my expectations. As far as other people not reporting similar issues, a quick search on any of my 7 points will turn up plenty of threads.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,007
Likes: 1
From: San Diego County, California
Well, not sure what anyone is supposed to say. Let's go through the points again:
1. Broken visor, fixed under warranty. What is anyone supposed to say? "MINIs are junk, a sun visor broke!"?? No other make of car ever has a sun visor break? Really?
2. "Premium" sound no better than a Jetta. What is someone supposed to say, except "Sorry, that stinks." ??
3. Chrome trim is cheap. Okay, maybe it is. Chrome is not as common on cars as it used to be. Real chrome, the metal kind, is more expensive and falls afoul of environmental laws in some places. What to say... "Well, you could plastidip it" Bummer about the ebrake, but they did fix it...
4. "Stainless" pedals are cheap. Well, okay. Several suggestions on buying aftermarket. Or living with them. Again, what to say, "That stinks. Sure isn't a premium option. MINIs are junk"???
5. Rattles in Cabin. Well, mine is two months younger, and she doesn't rattle. If there's a rattle, track it down and pad it so it doesn't rattle. Or turn up the crappy radio. So, Jettas don't rattle. Funny, a search on that turns up... well, anyway... a quick search on Miatas turns up more than that, but that is beside the point...
6. Difficult manual tranny. Did OP try a few other MINIs, to see if they acted the same? This is something real. Something of concern. Did OP ask the service advisor to drive it with him?
7. Underpowered engine that almost conks out with AC on, when starting. Well, going on a lot of rallys, with turbos, superchargers, and Justas, and no one seems to be having trouble moving from a stop. With A/C full blast. Again, a real problem. So, what is anyone supposed to say except "Have it checked out" which elicits eyerolls from OP.
(shrug) Not seeing what the OP wants anyone to say, except to agree with him that MINIs are piles of steaming doo doo.... might one suggest that he would find others of like mind by posting in the Fiat 500 forum?
1. Broken visor, fixed under warranty. What is anyone supposed to say? "MINIs are junk, a sun visor broke!"?? No other make of car ever has a sun visor break? Really?
2. "Premium" sound no better than a Jetta. What is someone supposed to say, except "Sorry, that stinks." ??
3. Chrome trim is cheap. Okay, maybe it is. Chrome is not as common on cars as it used to be. Real chrome, the metal kind, is more expensive and falls afoul of environmental laws in some places. What to say... "Well, you could plastidip it" Bummer about the ebrake, but they did fix it...
4. "Stainless" pedals are cheap. Well, okay. Several suggestions on buying aftermarket. Or living with them. Again, what to say, "That stinks. Sure isn't a premium option. MINIs are junk"???
5. Rattles in Cabin. Well, mine is two months younger, and she doesn't rattle. If there's a rattle, track it down and pad it so it doesn't rattle. Or turn up the crappy radio.
So, Jettas don't rattle. Funny, a search on that turns up... well, anyway... a quick search on Miatas turns up more than that, but that is beside the point...6. Difficult manual tranny. Did OP try a few other MINIs, to see if they acted the same? This is something real. Something of concern. Did OP ask the service advisor to drive it with him?
7. Underpowered engine that almost conks out with AC on, when starting. Well, going on a lot of rallys, with turbos, superchargers, and Justas, and no one seems to be having trouble moving from a stop. With A/C full blast. Again, a real problem. So, what is anyone supposed to say except "Have it checked out" which elicits eyerolls from OP.
(shrug) Not seeing what the OP wants anyone to say, except to agree with him that MINIs are piles of steaming doo doo.... might one suggest that he would find others of like mind by posting in the Fiat 500 forum?
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
No flaming here. I agree with much of what you said, with a few exceptions.
1) I owned a CBR600 before my R50, and my R50 feels more like a motorcycle than the '06 Miata I test drove. R56's feel heavier.
2) My MINI makes me smile as I go down the road.
Otherwise, from my limited experience, I think the Miata is a great car.
1) I owned a CBR600 before my R50, and my R50 feels more like a motorcycle than the '06 Miata I test drove. R56's feel heavier.
2) My MINI makes me smile as I go down the road.
Otherwise, from my limited experience, I think the Miata is a great car.
I'm biased against Honda M/C's since I owned a CB450 and I wouldn't call that a motorcycle. An engine with 2 wheels with a center of balance above your head.
I can take my 00 Miata around corners at speeds that I wouldn't even think about attempting with the R56.
But yes, nearly any light car is going to feel great around the corners. I'd love a Lotus7. Center of gravity looks to be about 20". Actually you can get one with the Miata drive train and the Lotus frame, 1350lbs. Only about $30K turnkey, $20K if you want to build it.
I really don't like the front wheel drive. It's my wife's car, and I have to deal with it. I'm here because I get some good info on issues with the R56. I try not to disparage it too much.
To the OP, if you don't like it, get something else that suits your fancy. Easy, there's plenty out there to please nearly anyone. I think the Mini is way to hyped.
Dave
Seems like you had a similar issue with rattles in the MINI back in 09
Here is a link to your post in case you forgot.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...13-post4.html?
On top of that the Dealer gave you a BS line when you raised a legit concern.
How did that make you feel? Well according to what you posted you said
"back to audi's. i didn't realized how spoiled i was."
Thanks for the insight.
Here is a link to your post in case you forgot.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...13-post4.html?
On top of that the Dealer gave you a BS line when you raised a legit concern.
How did that make you feel? Well according to what you posted you said
"back to audi's. i didn't realized how spoiled i was."
Thanks for the insight.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,980
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Long Island, NY
I have an '08 Straight Cooper and it's a stick. I can only imagine that there is something wrong with yours - mine is smooth and silky.
I drove my buddy's 350Z - talk about a difficult clutch and sort of cheap feeling, crotchety stick. I couldn't wait to get back in my MINI.I've felt the almost stalling thing with the AC on - I sort of chalked it up to the fact that it's a stick. Every engine has to adjust when the AC is on - I've felt it in every automatic car I've owned, but with an auto the compensation for that extra load is done for you. With a stick, you have to do the compensating.
I've always looked at the MINI as being somewhere between your basic econoboxes (i.e. Fiesta, Fiat) and the VW's and WRX. And it's priced in between them, too (I think). Now if I paid BMW money and ended up with a MINI, I might have reason to be disappointed. As I see, I paid Honda Civic $$$ and got a well made (not perfectly made) sporty, fantastic handling car that came with friends!
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 889
Likes: 105
From: Lodi,CA
trolling excellence
Seems like you had a similar issue with rattles in the MINI back in 09
Here is a link to your post in case you forgot.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...13-post4.html?
On top of that the Dealer gave you a BS line when you raised a legit concern.
How did that make you feel? Well according to what you posted you said
"back to audi's. i didn't realized how spoiled i was."
Thanks for the insight.
Here is a link to your post in case you forgot.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...13-post4.html?
On top of that the Dealer gave you a BS line when you raised a legit concern.
How did that make you feel? Well according to what you posted you said
"back to audi's. i didn't realized how spoiled i was."
Thanks for the insight.
I'm sort of with NoHo - I've never heard any advertisement that markets the MINI as a "premium" vehicle. Small and fun, but not premium. I'm with you though on those pedals - nothing should be billed as stainless and actually be plastic.
I have an '08 Straight Cooper and it's a stick. I can only imagine that there is something wrong with yours - mine is smooth and silky. I drove my buddy's 350Z - talk about a difficult clutch and sort of cheap feeling, crotchety stick. I couldn't wait to get back in my MINI.
I've felt the almost stalling thing with the AC on - I sort of chalked it up to the fact that it's a stick. Every engine has to adjust when the AC is on - I've felt it in every automatic car I've owned, but with an auto the compensation for that extra load is done for you. With a stick, you have to do the compensating.
I've always looked at the MINI as being somewhere between your basic econoboxes (i.e. Fiesta, Fiat) and the VW's and WRX. And it's priced in between them, too (I think). Now if I paid BMW money and ended up with a MINI, I might have reason to be disappointed. As I see, I paid Honda Civic $$$ and got a well made (not perfectly made) sporty, fantastic handling car that came with friends!
I have an '08 Straight Cooper and it's a stick. I can only imagine that there is something wrong with yours - mine is smooth and silky.
I drove my buddy's 350Z - talk about a difficult clutch and sort of cheap feeling, crotchety stick. I couldn't wait to get back in my MINI.I've felt the almost stalling thing with the AC on - I sort of chalked it up to the fact that it's a stick. Every engine has to adjust when the AC is on - I've felt it in every automatic car I've owned, but with an auto the compensation for that extra load is done for you. With a stick, you have to do the compensating.
I've always looked at the MINI as being somewhere between your basic econoboxes (i.e. Fiesta, Fiat) and the VW's and WRX. And it's priced in between them, too (I think). Now if I paid BMW money and ended up with a MINI, I might have reason to be disappointed. As I see, I paid Honda Civic $$$ and got a well made (not perfectly made) sporty, fantastic handling car that came with friends!
Have you driven another late model manual Mini to compare? I've owned a number of relatively low powered manuals in the past (Miata, RX7, 323, Fiat X/19, etc.) and I don't find my 2010 justa to be any harder to drive smoothly. It's not a power house but it does just fine in traffic. Maybe your car just needs some tweaking by the dealer.
Last edited by ammodave; Aug 6, 2012 at 08:38 AM.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 15
From: Silly-con Valley
If that's the case, you really need to drive another one, or have another owner drive yours. Because what you are describing (at least with the shifting and the power) does not sound normal.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 453
Likes: 0
From: The Ville
I have to say my experience has been quite a bit different than the OP. My MCS was fully loaded and stickered just north of $30K. An equally fully optioned GTI, that I also considered, was within $1k of my MCS. In many ways, MINI is to BMW as VW is to Audi. Premium??? Yes, in comparison to Hyundai, Kia, Suzuki, Scion, and even some Toyota, Honda and Nissan. $21K does not equate a premium price. We bought (co-signed) a pretty basic 2012 Hyundai Accent with our daughter a few months ago and that was $18K plus. I have driven it a few times and even though it's a nice enough vehicle, I wouldn't trade with her even if I was paid a lot of money each month to do so. MINI's aren't perfect and certainly their quality control and their selection of some materials and components have room for improvement, but in my mind it's tough to beat for the $$$.