Printable View
A fresh mini is a wonderful thing, they well until around 60k+ miles. Then suffer from many of the common bmw cooling and electrical gremlins. If the interior size works for your needs, you will really enjoy it. I've owned 2, and have always missed them when they were sold.
You win Oz. Test drove a base and an S with manuals this afternoon. I think I'm sold. Both cars were fun, but I think I'd opt for the S for the smoothness and the extra bit of low-end grunt. Mpgs hardly suffer for the extra bit of oomph, and in any event the STI averages around 17 in mixed driving... So it will be a massive improvement.
Good for you! The twin scroll turbo on the 14 S is pretty fantastic. I'm jealous. Bring it out to an autox sometime.
Picked up a Cooper S tonight. I can't believe how much torque this thing makes down low. Peak torque starts at 1250! I think at that rpm it's making 100 lb ft more than the STI was. This thing just wants to go. I think it's going to be just what I was looking for in a DD.
You dump the STI??
I did. It was a great car, but I came to realize that it is kind of pointless on the street. The limits are too high to enjoy it safely on the street. It wasn't good at having fun at sane speeds.
North Central Ford service was okay when I had my '13 GT. It was good service just a bit slow for my tastes, but they were honest and did decent work. Of course I never really had any issues with the car except with rear tire life. Now I'm back in an Audi as my DD. I won't even bother comparing Ford or Mazda service to Audi service..... Audi service is 1st class. Drop car off, get nice loaner and don't worry about it. Bring back loaner at your convenience and pick up your car when you are ready. I typically drop of my Audi at lunch one day and pick it up the next.
I'm going to miss Audi service, but I've decided for the price of my Audi I can have a nice 4 door Jeep and another '11 to '14 GT to play with. It will probably happen in a year or so.
Congrats! I'm gonna have to get a drive in it sometime. Glad it's as fun as advertised.
Did you get the new gen with the BMW motor or the last of the old gen?Quote:
Originally Posted by MoonieGT
+1, they love to eat water pumps and leak from everywhere at 50-60K miles. At least the old Peugeot motor ones, but of course they surrender...they are French after all.Quote:
Originally Posted by Webspoke
It's the new BMW motor. I am a bit concerned about the reputation that Mini's have. However, this dealer has excellent service and free loan cars. Hopefully I won't see them very often...
So far, with 20 miles on the clock in trouble free. ;)
The motor in the mini is from the BMW 320 so it should be pretty solid.Quote:
Originally Posted by MoonieGT
I am aware of that too, but we never had much trouble with our Countryman in the three years we owned it. Lucky, I guess?Quote:
Originally Posted by MoonieGT
I think people just expect it to be a Honda/Toyota. German/European cars are built with maint in-mind. It seems to be considered normal to have service and wear, where Aisan cars are built with the "set it and forget it" mindset. That appears to be changing, but I believe a lot of the bad reputation is caused by people who don't deal with issues promptly, and the undeniable truth that euro cars are more expensive to service. Under 50K though, they seem pretty invincible.
Pic for proof:Attachment 6675
I like it. But, when are you going to paint it GREEN?
It would look great in green...
That's one ugly Fiesta... :-)
The blue and black looks great! Gabkwong's winning blue miata would look great with black wheels.