7 Years On and Finally Getting Involved!

[CronxDriveBy]

I've finally taken the plunge and am taking delivery of my new A110 next weekend, I'm upgrading from a Mini JCW Hatch Auto, which will now be pushed into daily driver and workhorse service. I've gone for the base version, and optioned the Sports Exhaust, Focal Audio and Parking Sensors. Apart from the (very) cautious running in period, any other top tips for a first-time sports car and Alpine owner? Any owners or groups local to South London?

Edited by CronxDriveBy on Sunday 29th June 16:30

[johnnyreggae]

1 - photos
2 - I think the only local group is Kent on FB - otherwise its the main national FB group
3 - which dealer ?
4 - enjoy

[CronxDriveBy]

Plenty of photos coming this weekend, only one currently has the car in its less than flattering delivery zip bag...!

Went with Martins down in Winchester in the end, found them to be the most responsive and easiest to work with - its a fair drive, but worth it for the C+M stop off en route. Found the Kent group, luckily we're not far from Kent, so that might end up being the go-to!

Plenty of enjoyment to come

[s111dpc]

Only tip I can think off is remember where you left the Mini keys, as you won’t be using it for some time after you’ve got your A110

[CronxDriveBy]

s111dpc said:

Only tip I can think off is remember where you left the Mini keys, as you won t be using it for some time after you ve got your A110

Haha, excellent advice!

(Its a good servant, but lots of runs to the Supermarket in its future now!)

[Simon Owen]

Go straight to full manual on a nice road would be my top tip, it’s no stick shift but the DSG + power delivery + short gear ratios delivered way beyond my expectations, works REALLY well

[CronxDriveBy]

Simon Owen said:

Go straight to full manual on a nice road would be my top tip, it s no stick shift but the DSG + power delivery + short gear ratios delivered way beyond my expectations, works REALLY well

Definitely looking forward to getting to grips with the DCT (and maybe a Life 110 paddle upgrade!) The MINI runs an 8-speed(!) torque converter - I treat it like a 6 speed in manual mode given that 7 & 8 are basically overdrives, but it lacks the snap of a dual clutch.

[Simon Owen]

CronxDriveBy said:

Simon Owen said:

Go straight to full manual on a nice road would be my top tip, it s no stick shift but the DSG + power delivery + short gear ratios delivered way beyond my expectations, works REALLY well

Definitely looking forward to getting to grips with the DCT (and maybe a Life 110 paddle upgrade!) The MINI runs an 8-speed(!) torque converter - I treat it like a 6 speed in manual mode given that 7 & 8 are basically overdrives, but it lacks the snap of a dual clutch.

Life110 Paddles 100%
I would just get these ordered if I were you

Edited by Simon Owen on Monday 30th June 18:12

[CronxDriveBy]

Simon Owen said:

Life110 Paddles 100%
I would just get these ordered if I were you

Edited by Simon Owen on Monday 30th June 18:12

I'll let the smoke clear from the debit card first month two maybe!

[LE62NDE]

Don't leave the handbrake on when you wash it. I've never known discs get surface rust so quickly, and the pads tend to stick a bit -the clonk when they free off can be a bit disconcerting!

[CronxDriveBy]

Interesting! Weirdly, the discs on the JCWs do that as well, also a Brembo system (albeit slightly bigger discs) - wonder how similar the materials are?

I try and make a point of doing a little drive as soon as I'm done to clean them up.

[CronxDriveBy]

Interesting! Weirdly, the discs on the JCWs do that as well, also a Brembo system (albeit slightly bigger discs) - wonder how similar the materials are?

I try and make a point of doing a little drive as soon as I'm done to clean them up.

[Colin P]

CronxDriveBy said:

Interesting! Weirdly, the discs on the JCWs do that as well, also a Brembo system (albeit slightly bigger discs) - wonder how similar the materials are?

I try and make a point of doing a little drive as soon as I'm done to clean them up.

Wife had F56 JCW, now belongs to younger son. The brakes rust up on the Alpine much much more.

Not as bad as my Lotus Evoras or my Alfa Guilia though, the latter had to have a new set of rear pads at c2500 miles having stuck on after I put it away when it was raining and the pads disintegrated when I next moved it.........

We all dry out the pads with a drive after washing cars.

[CronxDriveBy]

Jeez, that bad! Great tip though, and something I'll keep an eye on.