Mini GP2 at long last
Discussion
I've hankered for one of these for yonks and at long last i've placed a deposit on this example today. It's a 2013 plate example with 7700 miles, correct Kumho tyres and fully serviced with Mini. I'd been looking for around 4 weeks off and on and was looking to settle for a 20k miler for around the £18,000 mark; so when this appeared i had to have it. Due to collect it on Friday 2nd September, so a long 7 days lie ahead but i couldn't be more happy. Laurasotherhalf on here will know i do like a GP2 
and in some ways it was your thread that persuaded me to get one.
Some of you will be aware I've owned a Clio 197 Cup for the past 2.5 years which despite costing a fair few £ to maintain (typical French
) it's been a great car and can still hold it's own amongst some more powerful cars when the roads get twisty. Was tempted to jump into a fully specced Megane 275 but i knew the itch was there for a GP and wasn't going away. Only a couple of pics for now, but i will grab some more on collection day.
Plans for the car are to basically enjoy it, keep it as clean as possible and take it to North Wales a.s.a.p and across the continent next year.
and in some ways it was your thread that persuaded me to get one.Some of you will be aware I've owned a Clio 197 Cup for the past 2.5 years which despite costing a fair few £ to maintain (typical French
) it's been a great car and can still hold it's own amongst some more powerful cars when the roads get twisty. Was tempted to jump into a fully specced Megane 275 but i knew the itch was there for a GP and wasn't going away. Only a couple of pics for now, but i will grab some more on collection day. Plans for the car are to basically enjoy it, keep it as clean as possible and take it to North Wales a.s.a.p and across the continent next year.
Thanks for all the comments guys, appreciated 
collection day is looming and i'm so bloody excited.
collection day is looming and i'm so bloody excited. Mike1990 said:
Oh yes
I'am genuinely buzzing for you Adam, i really really can't wait to see this! It really is going to be one hell off wait that will be 100% worth it.
Thanks Mike, it's painful just waiting for Friday 2nd to arrive but i know the wait will be worth it. I was happy to be collecting the 197 but i'm absolutely buzzing at the moment for the GP. It's like Christmas all over again being a 6 year old but at my expense. I'am genuinely buzzing for you Adam, i really really can't wait to see this! It really is going to be one hell off wait that will be 100% worth it.
roystinho said:
Love it. Had a GP1 a few years ago, so much fun.
Keep an eye out for some GP2 articles on here as Ben Lowden has just bought one too
I remember when you had your GP1 and you've done the Renault Sport route like me although you've owned a lot more and some great cars. Keep an eye out for some GP2 articles on here as Ben Lowden has just bought one too
Sir_Dave said:
Looks epic!!!
I really want one at the moment tbh, daft really, as i already have a fairly highly specced R56 fJCW
I was initially looking at an R56 JCW with a high spec, preferably wanted leather, nav and HK stereo but the GP2's weren't a lot more and realised the level of kit the GP2 has it was a no brainer to get one as i don't need back seats. I really want one at the moment tbh, daft really, as i already have a fairly highly specced R56 fJCW
addz86 said:
Looks lovely, I keep thinking about getting rid of my GP1 and getting a 2, I've had two GP1's now and they're great cars
From what i've read i think you'd miss the GP1. It's a certified future classic, but i guess the GP2 is destined for the same status in years to come. I'd love to sample a GP1 one day. Edited by melvster on Sunday 28th August 21:39
Chunkychucky said:
Hey Adam, congrats on the new car looks an absolute peach! Can't wait to see how you get on with it - must admit living in North Yorkshire I often lust after one of these to throw across the Moors.. Very jealous, cool car 
All the best!
Thanks matey, your old man still got the mint E36 M3 ? one day i will have one. All the best!TorqueR said:
I like that - great upgrade from the Clio!
I often look at these (and the Megane R26R) in the classifieds and always debate which one I'd opt for, given the opportunity.
I think my preference would be towards the GP2. Have fun and enjoy!
I do like an R26R, it's one of the true greats of a raw hot hatch but think they're a bit fragile and basic to use everyday. To me, it's more of a second car and the odd track day toy. I often look at these (and the Megane R26R) in the classifieds and always debate which one I'd opt for, given the opportunity.
I think my preference would be towards the GP2. Have fun and enjoy!
I used to sell these when they were new. It's funny because they were very much ridiculed by the press/forums at the time as being massively overpriced (circa 25 grand), dismissed compared to the opposition and not being as raw as a GP1.
Now with the hindsight of a few years and the current crop of chav hatches. These things haven't depreciated very much and seem to be pretty coveted.
It's a funny world.
Now with the hindsight of a few years and the current crop of chav hatches. These things haven't depreciated very much and seem to be pretty coveted.
It's a funny world.
TorqueR said:
I'd dread to use a R26R as a daily, so completely agree with you in that regard. Where are you planning on visiting on your continental trip next year?
Nurburgring, and ideally a mountain pass or 2 and some visits to European cities. I will be using Laurasotherhalf's GP2 thread for ideas. So i've had the car for just over a week now, 400 miles later. My initial thoughts....
To cut to the chase, i'm absolutely loving it. Done a couple of evening drives out in the car now around some good local roads and a trip to a PH midlands meet the other night through some nice country roads chasing my mate in his Megane 275 and this thing never fails to impress. I haven't bothered to adjust the height of the suspension, the car is riding on the factory setting and as far as i'm aware the geo is also set to the factory specification.
On paper, 220 bhp doesn't sound a lot but the way in which the car can demolish a fast flowing A or B road is nothing short of impressive, the turn in feels very sharp although the steering does i think lack a little in "feel" and feedback. It's as if it's not quite quick enough to react to your inputs and momentarily the steering feels slightly "woolly" but the initial turn in from the front end is more than impressive, the car also has a tendency to step out of line if driving in GP mode. The rear is mobile to say the least although it's less mobile once the tyres are up to temp, having said that i'd say if you're going to drive the car hard then if you're pushing above 6/10 the back end is going to want to have a play.
The engine is a little toned down as is the exhaust, it pops and crackles a little in GP mode especially when hot but i'd like a little more cabin sound if possible. I'd consider a decat but i don't want the EML light to come on and i'm not 100% sure if i want to map the car; will the torque vectoring system be able to tame the torque steer ? However, as for the brakes, they're more than up to the job especially for road use, i guess 6 pot calipers a little overkill on a Mini but it's nice to know i've got the stopping power.
The cabin is a nice place to sit and is one of the reasons in which i bought this car, the seats i find are more than supportive and add to the overall quality feel, it really does feel a very premium product although i guess it should do as it was £28k brand new !!!
So, my plans are to enjoy the car, take it on as many drives as possible and as previously mentioned a trip abroad next year would be ideal. Few snaps below after a quick 3 hour clean
IMG_1720 by Adam Melville, on Flickr
IMG_1723 by Adam Melville, on Flickr
IMG_1726 by Adam Melville, on Flickr
IMG_1730 by Adam Melville, on Flickr
IMG_1733 by Adam Melville, on Flickr
IMG_1736 by Adam Melville, on Flickr
IMG_1738 by Adam Melville, on Flickr
IMG_1742 by Adam Melville, on Flickr
IMG_1744 by Adam Melville, on Flickr
IMG_1747 by Adam Melville, on Flickr
To cut to the chase, i'm absolutely loving it. Done a couple of evening drives out in the car now around some good local roads and a trip to a PH midlands meet the other night through some nice country roads chasing my mate in his Megane 275 and this thing never fails to impress. I haven't bothered to adjust the height of the suspension, the car is riding on the factory setting and as far as i'm aware the geo is also set to the factory specification.
On paper, 220 bhp doesn't sound a lot but the way in which the car can demolish a fast flowing A or B road is nothing short of impressive, the turn in feels very sharp although the steering does i think lack a little in "feel" and feedback. It's as if it's not quite quick enough to react to your inputs and momentarily the steering feels slightly "woolly" but the initial turn in from the front end is more than impressive, the car also has a tendency to step out of line if driving in GP mode. The rear is mobile to say the least although it's less mobile once the tyres are up to temp, having said that i'd say if you're going to drive the car hard then if you're pushing above 6/10 the back end is going to want to have a play.
The engine is a little toned down as is the exhaust, it pops and crackles a little in GP mode especially when hot but i'd like a little more cabin sound if possible. I'd consider a decat but i don't want the EML light to come on and i'm not 100% sure if i want to map the car; will the torque vectoring system be able to tame the torque steer ? However, as for the brakes, they're more than up to the job especially for road use, i guess 6 pot calipers a little overkill on a Mini but it's nice to know i've got the stopping power.
The cabin is a nice place to sit and is one of the reasons in which i bought this car, the seats i find are more than supportive and add to the overall quality feel, it really does feel a very premium product although i guess it should do as it was £28k brand new !!!
So, my plans are to enjoy the car, take it on as many drives as possible and as previously mentioned a trip abroad next year would be ideal. Few snaps below after a quick 3 hour clean
IMG_1720 by Adam Melville, on FlickrIMG_1723 by Adam Melville, on FlickrIMG_1726 by Adam Melville, on FlickrIMG_1730 by Adam Melville, on FlickrIMG_1733 by Adam Melville, on FlickrIMG_1736 by Adam Melville, on FlickrIMG_1738 by Adam Melville, on FlickrIMG_1742 by Adam Melville, on FlickrIMG_1744 by Adam Melville, on FlickrIMG_1747 by Adam Melville, on FlickrGassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff