2014 Mini Cooper S
Discussion
Afternoon all,
I need to order my new company car asap and am currently looking at ordering a Mini Cooper S. I have been holding off ordering anything for 2 months because I have been hoping that the lease prices for the new 2 series would come down into my price bracket.
I have a couple of queries regarding Mini's which hopefully you guys can help me with:
1. I have to keep the car 4 years - what are they like to live with on a daily basis? I currently have an M-Sport 1 Series so i'm not overly concerned by stiff suspension. Do you ever find it is too small for your needs? I dont have any kids, but do play golf (when the weather is nice!) - can you get a set fairly easily in the back with the seats down? I have to put the seats down in my 1er anyway, so just as long as they will fit!
2. How do they behave on long drives? I currently do around 40k miles a year, does the exhaust drone or are the seats uncomfortable on long journeys?
3. Are there any extras you dont think you could live with out? I will definitely be going for Chili Pack and Media XL pack - is there anything else worth serious consideration?
4. What are the standard speakers like? Is the Harmon Kardon upgrade necessary? I have the professional upgrade in my 1er and it is very poor in my opinion. Although that was after coming from the Bose upgrade in my previous A3.
I realise that this will be the new shape which I doubt any of you will have driven yet, but I can't see it being too far different from the current model.
Any help would be appreciated.
Cheers
I need to order my new company car asap and am currently looking at ordering a Mini Cooper S. I have been holding off ordering anything for 2 months because I have been hoping that the lease prices for the new 2 series would come down into my price bracket.
I have a couple of queries regarding Mini's which hopefully you guys can help me with:
1. I have to keep the car 4 years - what are they like to live with on a daily basis? I currently have an M-Sport 1 Series so i'm not overly concerned by stiff suspension. Do you ever find it is too small for your needs? I dont have any kids, but do play golf (when the weather is nice!) - can you get a set fairly easily in the back with the seats down? I have to put the seats down in my 1er anyway, so just as long as they will fit!
2. How do they behave on long drives? I currently do around 40k miles a year, does the exhaust drone or are the seats uncomfortable on long journeys?
3. Are there any extras you dont think you could live with out? I will definitely be going for Chili Pack and Media XL pack - is there anything else worth serious consideration?
4. What are the standard speakers like? Is the Harmon Kardon upgrade necessary? I have the professional upgrade in my 1er and it is very poor in my opinion. Although that was after coming from the Bose upgrade in my previous A3.
I realise that this will be the new shape which I doubt any of you will have driven yet, but I can't see it being too far different from the current model.
Any help would be appreciated.
Cheers
With the seats down a golf bag will fit easily.
Ride is hard with run flats.
My 07 is quite comfortable and refined at motorway speeds.
Chilli pack is a no brainer.
With it being a new model, expect a few niggles, that whilst will be sorted by the dealer, may inconvenience you.
Standard sound system is not very good in the current model, but I've heard worse. It tends to sound better if I fade the sound towards the front.
Ride is hard with run flats.
My 07 is quite comfortable and refined at motorway speeds.
Chilli pack is a no brainer.
With it being a new model, expect a few niggles, that whilst will be sorted by the dealer, may inconvenience you.
Standard sound system is not very good in the current model, but I've heard worse. It tends to sound better if I fade the sound towards the front.
AndyT77 said:
Ride is hard with run flats.
My 07 is quite comfortable and refined at motorway speeds.
Chilli pack is a no brainer.
With it being a new model, expect a few niggles, that whilst will be sorted by the dealer, may inconvenience you.
Standard sound system is not very good in the current model, but I've heard worse. It tends to sound better if I fade the sound towards the front.
Thanks, I hadn't really thought about the little niggles that may be present with a new model so I will bear that in mind. I dont listen to loud music but I may have to treat myself to the Harmon Kardon upgrade seen as I spend so long listening to the radio etc in the car.My 07 is quite comfortable and refined at motorway speeds.
Chilli pack is a no brainer.
With it being a new model, expect a few niggles, that whilst will be sorted by the dealer, may inconvenience you.
Standard sound system is not very good in the current model, but I've heard worse. It tends to sound better if I fade the sound towards the front.
TNH said:
Afternoon all,
I need to order my new company car asap and am currently looking at ordering a Mini Cooper S. I have been holding off ordering anything for 2 months because I have been hoping that the lease prices for the new 2 series would come down into my price bracket.
I have a couple of queries regarding Mini's which hopefully you guys can help me with:
1. I have to keep the car 4 years - what are they like to live with on a daily basis? I currently have an M-Sport 1 Series so i'm not overly concerned by stiff suspension. Do you ever find it is too small for your needs? I dont have any kids, but do play golf (when the weather is nice!) - can you get a set fairly easily in the back with the seats down? I have to put the seats down in my 1er anyway, so just as long as they will fit!
Should be OK, we carry about a large cricket bag
2. How do they behave on long drives? I currently do around 40k miles a year, does the exhaust drone or are the seats uncomfortable on long journeys?
Worse than by old 130iM much worse than my M135. They're stiff, but then ours has RFTs, for 40,000 miles you're going to feel every inch of the road!
3. Are there any extras you dont think you could live with out? I will definitely be going for Chili Pack and Media XL pack - is there anything else worth serious consideration?
We've got the satnav which is OK, leather and heated seats. Personal preference I guess.
4. What are the standard speakers like? Is the Harmon Kardon upgrade necessary? I have the professional upgrade in my 1er and it is very poor in my opinion. Although that was after coming from the Bose upgrade in my previous A3.
They're poor, I'd be looking at alterntives if you like your music
I realise that this will be the new shape which I doubt any of you will have driven yet, but I can't see it being too far different from the current model.
Run out models should be cheap!
Any help would be appreciated.
Cheers
I need to order my new company car asap and am currently looking at ordering a Mini Cooper S. I have been holding off ordering anything for 2 months because I have been hoping that the lease prices for the new 2 series would come down into my price bracket.
I have a couple of queries regarding Mini's which hopefully you guys can help me with:
1. I have to keep the car 4 years - what are they like to live with on a daily basis? I currently have an M-Sport 1 Series so i'm not overly concerned by stiff suspension. Do you ever find it is too small for your needs? I dont have any kids, but do play golf (when the weather is nice!) - can you get a set fairly easily in the back with the seats down? I have to put the seats down in my 1er anyway, so just as long as they will fit!
Should be OK, we carry about a large cricket bag
2. How do they behave on long drives? I currently do around 40k miles a year, does the exhaust drone or are the seats uncomfortable on long journeys?
Worse than by old 130iM much worse than my M135. They're stiff, but then ours has RFTs, for 40,000 miles you're going to feel every inch of the road!
3. Are there any extras you dont think you could live with out? I will definitely be going for Chili Pack and Media XL pack - is there anything else worth serious consideration?
We've got the satnav which is OK, leather and heated seats. Personal preference I guess.
4. What are the standard speakers like? Is the Harmon Kardon upgrade necessary? I have the professional upgrade in my 1er and it is very poor in my opinion. Although that was after coming from the Bose upgrade in my previous A3.
They're poor, I'd be looking at alterntives if you like your music
I realise that this will be the new shape which I doubt any of you will have driven yet, but I can't see it being too far different from the current model.
Run out models should be cheap!
Any help would be appreciated.
Cheers
I put proper tyres on my now sold 130i M Sport as it was hideous on the rfts. The rfts on my 05 JCW are just about tolerable but I tend to use this car as a run around as I now have an X3 as my 'distance' vehicle. My wife uses it occasionally so she is resisting changing to non rfts this time as she likes the security of rfts and has needed them a number of times over the years in her Mini as they puncture every 5 minutes anyway.
The Harmon Kardon sounds pretty good but I am no ICE buff - it came with it.
You MUST have xenons and auto wipers.
The Harmon Kardon sounds pretty good but I am no ICE buff - it came with it.
You MUST have xenons and auto wipers.
DavidLScott said:
I put proper tyres on my now sold 130i M Sport as it was hideous on the rfts. The rfts on my 05 JCW are just about tolerable but I tend to use this car as a run around as I now have an X3 as my 'distance' vehicle. My wife uses it occasionally so she is resisting changing to non rfts this time as she likes the security of rfts and has needed them a number of times over the years in her Mini as they puncture every 5 minutes anyway.
The Harmon Kardon sounds pretty good but I am no ICE buff - it came with it.
You MUST have xenons and auto wipers.
I have xenons but not autowipers, can't say I really miss them (and yes I've had them on a different car). I do like auto dimming mirrors though.The Harmon Kardon sounds pretty good but I am no ICE buff - it came with it.
You MUST have xenons and auto wipers.
AndyT77 said:
DavidLScott said:
I put proper tyres on my now sold 130i M Sport as it was hideous on the rfts. The rfts on my 05 JCW are just about tolerable but I tend to use this car as a run around as I now have an X3 as my 'distance' vehicle. My wife uses it occasionally so she is resisting changing to non rfts this time as she likes the security of rfts and has needed them a number of times over the years in her Mini as they puncture every 5 minutes anyway.
The Harmon Kardon sounds pretty good but I am no ICE buff - it came with it.
You MUST have xenons and auto wipers.
I have xenons but not autowipers, can't say I really miss them (and yes I've had them on a different car). I do like auto dimming mirrors though.The Harmon Kardon sounds pretty good but I am no ICE buff - it came with it.
You MUST have xenons and auto wipers.
Yes, auto dim is very good.
I have a Cooper S petrol and I'm not sure I could do 40k miles a year in it. The ride is very firm even on normal tyres and the exhaust quite vocal. This is all fine when you are in the mood but not much fun on a 3 hour motorway jaunt. Regarding spec, load it up as much as you can is my advice. The stereo upgrade is worth it if you like music.
stain said:
I have a Cooper S petrol and I'm not sure I could do 40k miles a year in it. The ride is very firm even on normal tyres and the exhaust quite vocal. This is all fine when you are in the mood but not much fun on a 3 hour motorway jaunt. Regarding spec, load it up as much as you can is my advice. The stereo upgrade is worth it if you like music.
Hmmm, i'm hoping that my mileage will probably half soon as the projects I have lined up for the next year or two will involve me using the train to Edinburgh / London twice a week rather than driving to newcastle / birmingham.Think I may try and get the lease company to send me over a hire car of the current version for a few days to see if I think I could hack it.
I love going out in mine for a blast, but normal driving does have it's issues, the roads are in a s
t state, the harsh ride can be very annoying when you just want to go from A to B. The interior rattles get quite loud, so I would recommend the stereo upgrade 
See if you can borrow a demo for a day and do some normal driving. Then take it down some twisty roads, go flat out and have fun!!
t state, the harsh ride can be very annoying when you just want to go from A to B. The interior rattles get quite loud, so I would recommend the stereo upgrade See if you can borrow a demo for a day and do some normal driving. Then take it down some twisty roads, go flat out and have fun!!
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