Mini Cooper

[duke777]

That's high way robbery! One more reason to vote for Civic!

[.8down]

Originally Posted by duke777

That's high way robbery! One more reason to vote for Civic!

yep this is bad news indeed, adding 4K to your ROI is not very helpful. but hey there are other options, Sail, you should get the mini, it was way up there in resale value a few years back....

[tkblazer]

i wonder if i can fit my niner in the back of this car... we have a pre production car here

[Geronimo]

If your patient enough, audi will be making an A1 and S1 to compete with the mini coopers in 2009.

[Rockinthecasbah]

we have an S model, lots of little issues like the rad fan not turning off, engine cutting out on acceleration after a stop etc.. I love the car but after the warranty is over It might get the boot

[Danimal]

Originally Posted by Rockinthecasbah

we have an S model, lots of little issues like the rad fan not turning off, engine cutting out on acceleration after a stop etc.. I love the car but after the warranty is over It might get the boot

I've considered the Mini S too.
So this is helpful.

How many miles on your car when probs showed up?

The Audi is lookin sweet too...

The Lexus IS300 i currently drive, at 65k miles has not had even one problem of any kind... well, not really true. I have had a couple flat tires...

[ryandood]

Friend of mine has an S and has a love/hate relationship with it. He just got out of warranty and his stereo went out and it was just under a grand to fix. He says just a bunch of little stuff goes wrong with it but it's expensive.

If you're just leasing, go for it. Awesome fun little cars. If you're buying with long-term ideas, I'd say go elsewhere.

[L8 APEKS]

Miata?

[DISCO]

Cant go wrong with a Fit, lots of space, 16k loaded, and best of all runs on regular gas.

[.8down]

Originally Posted by DISCO

Cant go wrong with a Fit, lots of space, 16k loaded, and best of all runs on regular gas.

I may hold out for the 09, and rumors run amuck that there is a hybrid for 2010, Ive lost my faith in Toyota with their mark ups. Pretty shitty thing to do, esp since the Prius sells instantly...greed.

[Albacore]

I too have been thinking about a Mini. My biggest concern isn't the practicality but the masculinity. I work in a field where most of my coworkers have big trucks (myself included). Yes, there is a little compensation when driving a truck. I feel different driving it compared to my commuter. However, with the price of gas I now drive my wife's Honda to work and she drives the truck (stay at home mom, her commute is from the bedroom to the kitchen). I love the mpg of the Honda but would like something a little sportier. To those that have Minis -- what has been the reaction of those around you. Thanks.

[bighit8]

Originally Posted by 0gravity

Click & Clack, the NPR car guys say high test gas is baloney. That it doesn't make a difference, that it's just pricier for no added or necessary benefit. So what's the deal? I don't know myself, but i do tend to trust what those guys say.

You are absolutely right, you don't need to run 91 octane 87 will work fine.I could go into details but I don't think I need to unless you want to know.
It will not harm the car in the long run, you just have to drive a little easier.Most cars PCM/ECMs Maps can adjust accordingly.If really needed add some Octane boost for like 5$ that is good for a whole tank.

[Rockinthecasbah]

they started showing up at 20 something little thins before that the loss of power after a stop was scary aqs hel l amd they replaced teh throttle body and i think its cool now

Originally Posted by drew12

I've considered the Mini S too.
So this is helpful.

How many miles on your car when probs showed up?

The Audi is lookin sweet too...

The Lexus IS300 i currently drive, at 65k miles has not had even one problem of any kind... well, not really true. I have had a couple flat tires...

[bighit8]

Originally Posted by Rockinthecasbah

they started showing up at 20 something little thins before that the loss of power after a stop was scary aqs hel l amd they replaced teh throttle body and i think its cool now

Did Arron squirt white lightning in your eye so ya cant see the keyboard?J/k Ricky

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by bighit8

It will not harm the car in the long run, you just have to drive a little easier.Most cars PCM/ECMs Maps can adjust accordingly.If really needed add some Octane boost for like 5$ that is good for a whole tank.

For the cost of the octane booster, why not just get the right fuel in the first place? Adding octane booster to 87 octane fuel doesn't truly give it the same characteristics as 91 octane fuel. If you want to reduce the detonation caused by low octane fuel, you can simply add some acetone to the fuel. It still may not perform the same, but you will reduce the detonation.

It's interesting to see all the misconceptions on this thread regarding fuel. For many of your own interests, I'm glad many of you aren't involved with building/racing performance engines.

[bighit8]

Well lee, we are talking consumer and saving money.Race cars are a different story.Octane wise for cruising around town and easy on the gas will reduced the detonation factor.Timing is adjusted by the PCM now, so for gas price reasons 87 will work even if it is not ideal.

[NO GO]

Wife has an 05 Cooper S. She loves the car but it has had a couple small issues.
1)Tires wear out fast and are very expensive.
2)The car rattles like crazy. Bothers me not her.
3)The hydraulic motor mount(s) have gone bad 3 seperate times.
4)Just did the brakes, cost is 450 to $650 depending where you go.
5)Glove box lock broke.
6)Mileage is OK around 25mph.
7)91 octane and it still detonates. Racing 2 and 4 stroke bikes and having a high HP type IV VW motor, higher octane gas make a huge difference. I rather spend it at the pump then at the mechanic. I actually have 5 gallons of Sonoco 110 but it's leaded......not a good idea to use in a car with a Cat.
8-Don't go to Irvine BMW. Neither my wife nor I have ever had a good experience with them. Their service department is horrible. Each time the car went in, they were either putting stains in the seats, not fixing the problem or breaking something.

[socalrider77]

Originally Posted by sailcalifornia

Anyone on here have a mini? I have been looking at one for a long time and with gas prices....

I would be getting a S model, anyone have any maintenance issues, clutch, ect??? I have looked on some Mini forums and they just rave about the car, not much practical or negative stuff on there.

Thanks as always.

leasing a 2007 cooper s no issues, fast and furious, with 27mpg average right now.

[freekengo]

Originally Posted by bighit8

Well lee, we are talking consumer and saving money.Race cars are a different story.Octane wise for cruising around town and easy on the gas will reduced the detonation factor.Timing is adjusted by the PCM now, so for gas price reasons 87 will work even if it is not ideal.

Not when the stock compression ratio is 11.5:1 or higher. You will most likely to get detonation at the initial tip-in of the throttle even if you are easy on the throttle. The knock sensor needs to see the initial detonation before it can make adjustments. To my knowledge, the ECU cannot make adjustments beyond it's programed parameters. If you feel like driving in "limp mode", that's a whole different ball game. The engine still won't like what it's doing though.

[Pickettt]

Originally Posted by NO GO

Wife has an 05 Cooper S. She loves the car but it has had a couple small issues.
1)Tires wear out fast and are very expensive.
2)The car rattles like crazy. Bothers me not her.
3)The hydraulic motor mount(s) have gone bad 3 seperate times.
4)Just did the brakes, cost is 450 to $650 depending where you go.
5)Glove box lock broke.
6)Mileage is OK around 25mph.
7)91 octane and it still detonates. Racing 2 and 4 stroke bikes and having a high HP type IV VW motor, higher octane gas make a huge difference. I rather spend it at the pump then at the mechanic. I actually have 5 gallons of Sonoco 110 but it's leaded......not a good idea to use in a car with a Cat.
8-Don't go to Irvine BMW. Neither my wife nor I have ever had a good experience with them. Their service department is horrible. Each time the car went in, they were either putting stains in the seats, not fixing the problem or breaking something.

Besides that, how was the play, Mrs. Lincoln?