Hello all,

I'm about to replace my leased Cooper, and have narrowed it down to another Cooper, or a Coupe. Having yet to drive the Coupe - how bad is the visibility? Can you change lanes with confidence, or do you just "hope" there isn't a Yukon in your blind spot?

 

It's all about the mirrors. Check out the Tappet Brothers site.

http://www.cartalk.com/content/avoiding-blind-spot-5

 

I have driven my coupe over 22,000 miles so far and there is a learning curve. I have noticed I have to use my side view mirror to see far behind me because the view out the rear view is very limited. Once you get accustomed to the differences you will do fine but it will take some time.

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+1

 

As VRRUUUM says, it's all about the mirrors. Adjustment is crucial. You come to depend on them a great deal.

If there is an option for backing up sensors, think hard about that one. Otherwise, the Coupe is a heck of a lot of fun.

When test driving, take your time. Park it. Back it up. Play with it.

Good luck! Either choice is a good one.

 

I was wondering the same thing. Solution, Don't change lanes!

Mine is on order. Realistically, will take it slow, give it time. It is so much fun to drive I think the learning curve will be worth it.

I did order the back up sensor. Some have said visibility is limited in rear with spoiler up.

This was one main reason I am shying away from tinting the windows. I think they are already tinted some, but I don't want to limit what I can see.

 

Thanks for the tips. I took one for a spin today, and the visibility problem is overrated. It's worse than a hatch, of course... But perfectly drivable.

 

i say just use your mirrors and then do the quick glance over too. def takes a few drives to get used to but just be cautious.

as for rear view visibility, the fixed spoiler really helps with that

 

It does take some getting used to. Actually it helped me be more aware when I drive my other cars.

 

Got a 1,000 miles on the Coupe.

I have no issue with visibility. Maybe I just have the mirrors adjusted correctly? See fine and commute 1 1/2 hours to work. City, Freeway, City.

I do have the auto dimming mirrors (inside/outside). No problem.

It is a lot of fun to drive in the big city. Narrow roads, no issue. Glad I made the choice for a small car. Move the passenger seat forward a little and room for briefcase behind it. Kleenex box on the ledge behind the seat and umbrella.

There is lack of space for mounting a GPS or anything like that as I don't want to block vision but fine with what I have, I do have the Nav system so don't need it.

I have played with free apps that are basically dash cams. I put two hair ties (my daughters) around the passenger visor. I place my iTouch on the back of the visor, keep it unclipped and about 1/4 inch from clipping and it records the drive. Using the visor or having it down has not blocked my vision.

My other choice was doing the same on the passenger headrest. Hence, no mounts or things on the windshield.

I can see fine with the rear spoiler raised. I more or less see through it. Hard to describe but I guess your eyes get trained where to look. Sort of like wearing glasses or progressive lenses.

In any case not disappointed with the visibility at all.

 

For your gps mount, go to proclipusa.com they have just what you need.

I have one on my R58, perfect position.