Any Mini Cooper S owners out there? Is the Sport Package worth the money? How about limited slip differential?
Getting ready to buy my Mini S. Wondering specifically about the dynamic stability control and the 17 alloy run-flats. Saw a few bad reviews from Mini owners on those tires. May get the DSC (maybe also limited slip) separately instead of paying for the whole package. Which options are worth the cash?
someDumbAmerican's definition of "expensive" is somewhat skewed. $28,000 on a German-made Honda equivalent? Big whoop. Try laying down six figures for a brand-new Ferrari. Definitely a good investment, because Modenas are still in the six-figure resale range and even 550 Maranellos (produced almost 10 years ago) still bring $90,000. It's all in the car's initial quality and how it's maintained.
As for the question, I've heard the 17-inch run flats offer both a more uncomfortable ride and a certain safety concern. Since the tires are so low profile, the run-flats make it difficult to tell if you've picked up a nail until the tire pressure sensor kicks in, and by then it's too late. If you run on a flat at 60+mph or for too long, you'll throw the wheel out-of-round and it will have to be replaced.
I've been told the sport seats and DSC are certainly worth the money. I wouldn't waste your time with the limited slip differential; being front wheel drive cars, MINI's don't really need it. BMW just adds it as an option because Americans have limited slip nostalgia.
Also, be sure to stay away from the cold weather package. The heated exterior mirrors are fine, but the washer jets can crack your windshield if you try to use them in freezing weather.
I love, love, love MINI Coopers–and I've been considering getting an S myself. Enjoy your car! Post pictures on a 360 page and send me a link so I can drool!
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July 24th, 2006 at 9:12 am
Blah. Buying an expensive car is worthless. Invest in property or something smart. In five to ten years, even if you don't get in an accident, your car will be worth dick and then you will have to buy another one because it will be outdated.
References :
I bought a brand new passat for 28k. Now the blue book value is only worth 9K. Be smart with your money property rarely depreciates.
July 24th, 2006 at 5:44 pm
someDumbAmerican's definition of "expensive" is somewhat skewed. $28,000 on a German-made Honda equivalent? Big whoop. Try laying down six figures for a brand-new Ferrari. Definitely a good investment, because Modenas are still in the six-figure resale range and even 550 Maranellos (produced almost 10 years ago) still bring $90,000. It's all in the car's initial quality and how it's maintained.
As for the question, I've heard the 17-inch run flats offer both a more uncomfortable ride and a certain safety concern. Since the tires are so low profile, the run-flats make it difficult to tell if you've picked up a nail until the tire pressure sensor kicks in, and by then it's too late. If you run on a flat at 60+mph or for too long, you'll throw the wheel out-of-round and it will have to be replaced.
I've been told the sport seats and DSC are certainly worth the money. I wouldn't waste your time with the limited slip differential; being front wheel drive cars, MINI's don't really need it. BMW just adds it as an option because Americans have limited slip nostalgia.
Also, be sure to stay away from the cold weather package. The heated exterior mirrors are fine, but the washer jets can crack your windshield if you try to use them in freezing weather.
I love, love, love MINI Coopers–and I've been considering getting an S myself. Enjoy your car! Post pictures on a 360 page and send me a link so I can drool!
References :
Two years spent in self-guided research and talking to new MINI owners