MINI USA plans a road trip
MINI USA has announced the "MINI Takes the States" cross-country rally for all MINI owners and enthusiasts. The 3,123-mile road trip kicks off in August at the Monterey Historic Automobile Races in California and ends two weeks later at the Lime Rock Vintage Festival in Connecticut.
The Cooper Car Company is the featured marque at this year's Monterey Historics, and the first 45 MINI GP special edition models (shown at right) to reach the U.S. will be delivered in Monterey, with the next 35 delivered when the event arrives in New Jersey. Only 415 MINI GPs are destined for the U.S. market.
Dubbed "The 2006 MINI TransAmerican Motortastic Road Trip To End All Road Trips Rally," the event will include plenty of surprises and activities for participants. If you're interested, the event website at www.minitakesthestates.com is where you can sign up and learn about the route and special events along the way. Participants can sign up for any part of the event, if they're not up for the entire cross-country jaunt. Let's motor!
[Source: BMW Group, MINI USA]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Richard Warren 8:24PM (5/23/2006)
Cool!
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Stoneman 9:53PM (5/23/2006)
I love MINI's. Especially the Cooper S.... goes like crazy. I'll drive one of those baby's as soon as I get my BMW press pass.
Stoneman
http://www.stonemanautoreview.com
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tbyron 11:18PM (5/23/2006)
Mini is a fun brand...they have done a really, really great job of establishing it in a very short time. And, their cars are great at many things. Driving x-country is not one of those things. (I have a Cooper S...a blast around town and throughout my commute...but torturous for something like they have proposed)
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David 12:08AM (5/24/2006)
"(I have a Cooper S...a blast around town and throughout my commute...but torturous for something like they have proposed)"
Hey tbryan, I'm considering a MCS, but I keep hearing things like "they're great..but..". Can I pick your brain.. Is that your primary vehicle? Has it been reliable? Would you buy again? I'm trying to get a sense if this is something I can live with before I spend the MSRP cash. Thanks. (dja at myway dot com)
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Rocketboy 7:22AM (5/24/2006)
Hey David... If you don't mind, I'll answer for you... Yes, Yes, and Hell Yes. I myself WOULD drive my Cooper S cross country. A few weekends ago, I drove it over 8 hours to DC. No problems.
Erik...
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mike 8:27AM (5/24/2006)
David,
I'll add my .02 cents if you don't mind. I had a Cooper S right when they first came out (pre-ordered a year before they were available). I loved it. Yes, there were a few niggles in the first few months but it was a first year new car so, a few things were to be expected. After they 2 things fgot sorted, it was completely and utterly trouble free for the remainder of the 2 years I owned it. I'll agree with some that say the sport suspension leaves a little to be desired on long trips but around town and druves under 2 hours were no biggie. Also drives on decent roads were never a problem, even long trips.
Mine was Dark Silver with white roof/mirrors. Black Leather with the blue inserts. Sports and premium packs. Nix the sunroof unless you really need it. I never opened anything but the back of it when I was going over 45 mph. It was so big the noise was too much of a headache. Plus, if you don't get the sunroof, you can get one of the rooftop decals which I think look pretty nice.
Mike
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AdamT 10:07AM (5/24/2006)
I have an 05 S and I'd say just the opposite---DEFINITELY get the sunroof. I wouldn't have a MINI without it. It's huge, gives you the rear glass panel roof, and you can get sunroof graphics if you want.
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blake 10:09AM (5/24/2006)
David, I have a '05 MCS and I love it! Sure there were some problems with the early cars but they are all ironed out now. The ride it a bit rough on bad roads but it is a sporty car. If you want a plush ride this is not the car for you. My MINI is not my main car but I would drive it every day if I had to. Once the run flats wear out just buy a regular set of tires and a spare, this will help the ride quality.
If you need more information checkout northamericanmotoring.com
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David 12:49PM (5/24/2006)
Thanks all. Good info. I'm sorry if I hijacked this topic. I will visit the site suggested.
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Justyn 2:58PM (5/24/2006)
I'm on my third "S" right now and I'm loving every minute. I agree with the posts above, it's not the best car for very long roadtrips, but otherwise, it's an absolute blast to drive. I considered pre-ordering the GP, but figured I would buy a base "S" and do my own mods for much, much less, and gain the same HP numbers (and then some).
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VioletDC 5:17PM (6/07/2006)
I'm going! Well, at least from Washington, DC to NJ, that is ... :-p ... go show it off 2 some relatives I haven't seen in awhile. Hope 2 see some u out there!
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