Ok, so it's taken me a while to post. I picked it up on Feb28th and have been having a blast with it. I may have started with mods a bit soon. I went straight from the dealer over to GPI. Found out on E-bay that GPI sells some of the Alta performance parts. And with a 25% Live cashback going on I kinda splurged. Anyways, loaded up the goodies and headed back home.

The drive was pretty uneventful. I was surprised at the top ends of 4th, 5th, and 6th gear. I had expected 4th to be faily low speed but I used it a couple times on the highway to keep the revs varied.

I should have taken a pic when I took delivery since its now a bit dirty with the rains and all. Probably due for a bath this weekend. But, here are some pics:




CF hoodscoop. Intake unplugged to facilitate cold air intake install


The Punch carbon seats. I did not realize that there were perforated. The vertical lines on the seat are alternative perforated and solid leather section.


Shiny optional chrome lined interior with piano black trim on dash and doors. You can also make out my 2nd gen iPod that is down in the center console cubby hole. It's near impossible to see from outside since it is tucked in there and has a black rubberized case on it. And the case also helps it grip and stay in place there better. Glad I held on to it when I upgraded through the succession of iPods I've had.


I still qualify for 6Speed!


Went to a stubby antenna so the car doesn't look like it is a RC car with long antenna


And, installed a bracket to hold my Garmin GPS covering North America and Europe. Much better than the Mini $2k nav system. Never know when I may decide to drive to Germany

 

Some interesting things I've learned

1 -The gas cap barely rotates at all. We're talking maybe a 1/4 turn.
2 - In over 600 miles, I've only used 2 tanks of gas.
3 - The Sport button is a necessity! The difference in sterring feel and throttle response are amazing to me. Side note : I had found info on creating a relay setup to automatically turn on the button when starting the car. I set it up and the light came on perfectly. Then I realized I screwed something up b/c I would not disable sport mode. So, that relay is now disconnected until I have time to fix it.

4 - The bluetooh microphone in the ceiling is garbage. This was my first car with BT integration and I thought it'd be useful. Yeah, not so much.

5 - There are a couple of interior rattles that I'll have to get checked out. I was surprised that a brand new car would have some already.

6 - The back of the car works great for hauling around two labs. Just make sure to get the rear cargo cover.

7 - I don't think even kids could use the back seats. There is maybe 5" of footspace behind the driver seat. And I'm short too!

This thing is a blast to drive. Sure, its not as fast as the Gallardo, or even the Boxster, but it feels fast and makes fun noises. The poor Boxster & Touareg have been sitting while I drive this. It's been so long that now I have put the Touareg on a battery tender.

 

Awesome looks nice. Glad to see it is finally here.

 

Congrats! It looks clean!

 

down pipe, exhaust, chip, suspension and poof it will be a fun car. Swale's fiancé's yellow mini really picked up some umph when he added the toys for her.

 

cool car, nice colors!

 

(I was just having fun with you, dont be offended) sounds like you are enjoying it !

 

Sport Mode, yea, it's fun! Here is what you do, drive the car for about 1-2 hours, then hit the sport button, you will be all over the road!

Our BT works OK, you can't have any of the windows open, but, it has been working fine for us.

We have used the back seat for friends, & family, it works, & is FAR BETTER the 911. The entry/exit is the hard part.

When you get about 10kmi on it, you will pick up better MPG. We are getting a little over 500miles per TANK!

When you do want to upgrade the engine, let me know, I got all the ALTA stuff on ours. However we are still on the stock ECU, but it's a TON faster now, much better throttle response, & we picked up 3mpg.

 

Love the Mini! Hatchbacks are fun to goof off in and make your friends laugh

 

Congrats and welcome to the club. just don't think you can bring it to exotics in renton they will push you to the back lot

i still only get 30-31mpg in mine. 8500 miles. i don't think i'll ever get better. it's still nice to get 370-400 miles per tank. we've had two kids in the back a few times. i definately wouldn't want to ride back there too often. cv calls it our clown car when we drive.

the rattles are going to stay. i've had them replace the speedo and it still has a little rattle. the bluetooth doesn't sync to my treo so i have a jawbone it works better anyway.

you'll love this car. it's still one of my favorites for sure

congrats

 

Very nice - congratulations and enjoy!

 

tell me this was not you

 

Yeah, I've done that both ways. After forgetting to turn on Sport mode for about 30 mins or so I then remember to turn it on and my throttle control is crap.

By All the Alta stuff, do you mean intake, all hoses, turboback exhaust? I currently have the CAI, short shift kit, 19mm sway bar, front & rear end links. Started installing the CAI but seems like whoever packed the kit messed a few things up. It was missing the BOV plug and has the wrong mounting plate. Alta is taking care of that though. I think the next thing on the list is probably the turboback exhaust. I'll have fun with it as is for a while though.

 

Well, I told you all that the Touareg was just parked. Is there anything wrong with this picture? At least it's not a gallardo driving down the street with some pressure treated 2x4s going out both windows.

But, no, thats not me. I wouldn't do that to the little guy. that much weight could cause it to fall over.

 

I can't stop laughing about the lumber in that Mini...

Glad to hear that you're enjoying the car!