Test drove Paceman loaner .... on dirt roads *gasp*
 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/53074154@N00/10413924323/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53074154@N00/10413754264/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53074154@N00/10413751604/
Needed warranty repairs on Trigger, MINI North Scottsdale had this Paceman with 600 miles for a loaner, couldn't resist. Had it over the weekend, so had a really good chance to evaluate on roads it was designed for.

Will admit, still having trouble with the design. The worst is the steeply raked back window, allowing more dirt to pile on; the trailing edge "wing" should blow air down, like the station wagons from years ago. Not the greatest view backwards (is there a camera option?). Why do these doors have a window frame? I can see the rubber edge getting trashed by AZ sun in no time. Not crazy about the parking brake handle, understand the aluminum rail design takes precedence. The windshield top is flush with the body, like all other cars nowadays, why isn't the regular MINI the same? No Glock box. Love the rubber bands in the cargo floor.

Surprised the performance is so good, considering it's over 4,100 lbs. It handled a favorite twisty paved road surprisingly well. The automatic seems to work okay, do like the choice of paddle shifting, wish the gauge gear display was larger. The first thing I would do is pick taller profile and more aggressive tires (would look better filling wheel wells but clearance would be a problem I know). The car is solid feeling, almost as good as the Lexus LX300 I had.

So, for not having been on NAM for awhile, much less reading this part of the forum, am I just too picky?

It's actually about 3300 lbs.

Yes. But then, that's why we're not driving Fords and Chevy's. :wink:

Awesome photos!

I looked at the door plate, the GVWR. Must not have read correctly, sorry.

Edmunds shows 2940 lbs.

Thanks. Not into driveway pictures. :wink:

I think fair assessment overall! I have a manual so I feel like my experience is very different then the AT experience. It gives it such a better sport feel. It is definitely a car with huge positives and some decent sized negatives but overall its a great cross-over coupe. I will say this, as of now my gas mileage has not been great but I only have 300 miles and gone through 1 full tank and about 1/4 tank so perhaps over time and break in that will improve (24.5mpg).

I agree that the rearview is not so great and I am looking into a rearview camera option but its quite expensive. NavTV wants $650 for the module to integrate into mini connect not including a camera and install!

Reverse camera in Paceman??....

Oh mine!:eek2::eek2:

What else?

Park assist?

We are getting spoiled every day more and more... I love my redBARON. Small rear view window and all...

GASP! I want to add a mod to a car specifically designed for modifications? I dont understand why so many people are hating on back up cameras? They add a great dimension to rearview for small things like animals, bikes and children! I had one on my 370Z and it was amazing for low items, blind spots and backing out of spots with SUV's in a parking lot.

I dont think its being spoiled to want to add a tech mod to a mini? My situation at work, errands and home screams for a back up camera.

my paceman loaner was a LOADED and felt like it weighed 4,000 , was the dealership owners so it had every option, to the tune of $41K sticker price. And with 19" wheels I would have lost fillings on a dirt road, the ride in the city was unbearable. And being in TX I love my "glock" box . For sure a bigger MINI, wished it had a bigger motor, I would like to drive one when they get say about 250hp

I did like the rear hatch opener, very cool.

Do you boil water in microwave or stove top. Things that are nice today will be everyday tomorrow.

I don't understand people's complaints about the ride quality. This mini is so damn soft on the suspension it feels like a minivan. Not that that's a complaint I just don't see the ride as harsh at all. I have mine lowered on KW coilovers and it still feels great to me. Even with heavy as hell OEM 19" wheels and run flats. This is supposed to be a sporty crossover not a grocery getter.