Extended-Term Road Test Update
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Our extended-term Mini rattles back to Michigan just in time for winter.
WHAT WE LIKE AND WHY: We haven’t observed our long-term Mini Cooper S in a although, as it spent the summer season on assignment in Los Angeles. But receiving back behind the wheel reminds us of how much more refined the newest Mini is than previous generations. The feel is far more akin to a tiny BMW than an eager runabout, with enhanced ergonomics and instrumentation. The light, precise action of the clutch and shifter are almost excellent for spirited driving, and while the go-kart really feel has been somewhat watered down, the Mini can nonetheless deliver smiles when hitting an apex. And there’s lots of grunt from the S’s turbocharged 2.-liter, and with all 207 lb-ft of torque peaking at a superlow 1250 rpm, it’s easier to deal with thick traffic. We’re still averaging 30 mpg overall with typical flogging, which equates to 350 miles of range.
WHAT WE Don’t LIKE AND WHY: Regardless of greater initial compliance from the suspension versus previous models, the newest Mini nonetheless crashes over most bumps and has currently created many creaks and rattles in its structure. Though not as prominent as in preceding Minis, such as our flimsy long-term 2009 JCW convertible, the clatter nonetheless lends a feeling of cheapness. Eighteen-inch wheels and 40-series rubber certainly do not aid the ride, either. And although the newest Mini’s enlarged dimensions permit a slightly more capacious cargo location and rear seat, squeezing 2 adults in the back of the 3-door hardtop is a terrible thought.
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WHAT WENT Incorrect AND WHY: Despite the lackluster structural integrity, our Mini has been reasonably easy to reside with. The vehicle visited the dealer twice although in California around 11,000 miles, but neither stop cost us a dime. The 1st was a scheduled oil and filter modify and inspection, which was covered below Mini’s included totally free maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles. An oil leak prompted the second pay a visit to shortly thereafter, with the difficulty being a faulty oil-filter housing, which was tended to under warranty as a identified concern. Becoming Michigan in December, our biggest expense since the auto returned to HQ has been a set of 205/45-17 Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 run-flat winter tires ($ 736 from Tire Rack), which we mounted on a set of replacement 17-inch wheels provided by Mini (we had been unable to receive run-flat winter rubber in the OE size for the car’s stock 18s). Then, since we’re vain, we spent $ 62.63 for 4 new center caps that weren’t incorporated with the winter wheels. Despite the fact that the squishy winter tires make it tough to analyze any changes in dynamic functionality from the taller sidewalls, they do at least provide a bit more cushion to the ride over frozen, pockmarked pavement.
Where WE WENT AND WHY: As we talked about, the Mini just returned from California and has served mainly as a local commuter while back residence in Michigan. It did, nonetheless, travel regularly whilst out west, which includes treks from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and the high desert about Barstow, California. While the onset of winter and the car’s diminutive size will surely limit its road-trip possible in the coming months, its pluckiness should entertain on the many shorter voyages around the holidays. —Mike Sutton
Months in Fleet: 6 months
Current Mileage: 15,148 miles Average Fuel Economy: 30 mpg
Fuel Tank Size: 11.6 gal Fuel Range: 350 miles
Service: $ Normal Put on: $ Repair: $
Harm and Destruction: $
Continued…
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2014 Mini Cooper S Hardtop Lengthy-Term Update: Back in Michigan for Winter
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