GBMINI#3

After buying my TomTom more than a month ago I have been using it mounted to the windshield using the mount that comes with it. It is a bit distracting being so central in my view, and I’ve heard stories of cars being broken into when the windshield mount is spotted (GPS units are high value and portable).
So finally I have my TomTom mounted where I planned – I bought a new dash trim piece (to avoid trashing the original) and my work colleague drilled a hole and glued a bolt in the back of it. Then he modified the original windshield mount by cutting off the suction bit, and we fitted it to the dash trim piece.
After that, I had MINI of Peabody swap the pieces over (thanks Brian!)

Minolta DSC

Minolta DSC

Minolta DSC

Now it’s much more out of the way, and not so easy to spot from outside.
I’ve found that TomTom still picks up the GPS but is less sensitive (seeing only 5 satellites instead of 7 to 10 when mounted on the windshield) – but next I will wire it to the car and install a booster antenna which will complete the install.

Auto Express has an online write-up of the MCSa with JCW upgrade (which takes the car from 168 to only 203, instead of the 210 of the manual), and they are not very flattering!
… the MINI’s conventional six-speed auto not only drains power, but is slow to change gear, too … the lethargic box masks the beefy engine’s considerable verve … response never feels sharp … Sport mode doesn’t help matters … Steptronic paddles that are small and awkwardly positioned … the auto box seems to take away a vital feeling of connection …

I guess I drive a different MINI to them!
I will agree that the auto box takes away part of the driving – I don’t have to bother changing gears. But other than that, I have just as much fun in my ’05 MCSa as I did in my JCW equipped ’03. And the keenness of the transmission to shift down when I ask for more power happily masks any transmission loss.

In the end, the MINI is great fun to drive no matter which transmission you have. If you enjoy shifting gears and pressing the clutch regularly, the manual is excellent. But if, like me, you feel like being lazy but still having fun, the MCSa is very satisfying – and if MINI USA ever allows the JCW upgrade, you can have even more power and wheel spin!

This past weekend we enjoyed un-seasonably warm temperatures around 60 degrees, with lots of sunshine too! Then today, we were reminded what winter in New England is supposed to be:

Snow covered GBMINI#3

No big deal. Plowed roads (and even a plowed driveway at work, eventually), and 40 minutes of heavy snow shovelling to clear our driveway and paths at home, and we can pretend the snow never happened!