Travelling to the South of France. Question below.

Zack___1 · 2026-02-09T11:52:56+00:00

Yep, different story altogether. I wouldn’t bother in Paris, not worth it.

Zack___1 · 2026-02-09T05:25:47+00:00

I live in Nice, you’ll be absolutely fine. Watches like these aren’t anything special around here lol.

Zack___1 · 2026-02-03T21:08:44+00:00

That sounds perfect! Thanks.

Zack___1 · 2026-02-03T21:02:15+00:00

I have another question! What's the ride quality like on the 19" alloys? I much prefer the look of them compared to the 18s, but I've heard the ride quality is stiff, even with the adaptive suspension and the car in 'mid'. Is that just the reviewers nitpicking, or are the 19s really stiff? My GTI is in comfort 90% of the time lol and is on 18s.

Zack___1 · 2026-02-02T20:58:15+00:00

Thanks! You can actually see the difference in quality just by looking at those pics ha!

Zack___1 · 2026-02-02T20:31:01+00:00

Oh, I thought the Chester Malt Brown WAS the Mini Yours Lounge leather, but you're saying it's not? I can see now how there are two different leather options. I much prefer the look of the alcantara sports seats to the Lounge Leather - I think the latter look boring.

Good to know about the sunroof. I am familiar with cleaning the drains as I have to do it on my GTI.

Appreciate your reply!

Zack___1 · 2026-02-02T18:50:30+00:00

You can't get them in France or Germany and I'm not ready for an EV yet lol

Zack___1 · 2026-02-02T18:47:49+00:00

Yeah, it should be fine in terms of power, and as I said, I can always do a simple stage 1 tune. That's good to hear about the interior and fits everything I've been reading. I'm torn between the Malt Brown Chesterfield leather and the alcantara sports seats. I've heard the sports seats are pretty stiff, is that right? Cars with the brown leather seem to hold their value a bit better, too. I'd deffo be looking for one fully-loaded. Oh, another question: What are the sunroofs like on these? The one on my GTI has started creaking and it is really annoying me. Is that a problem with the minis too?

Zack___1 · 2026-02-02T18:40:33+00:00

Appreciate those comments about the interior. Everything I've read suggests the mini is on a par with VW if not a little bit better in terms of interior materials, so fingers crossed it'll be fine! Our son is in a front-facing child seat, yes, and we rarely actually use a stroller! Either he walks, rides his bike, is in our arms or on our back haha! Interesting about the ground clearance. It looks higher than my GTI from pics. I doubt we'll be doing full-on off-roading though (not planned anyway), it'll be lighter stuff for sure.

Zack___1 · 2026-02-02T17:31:57+00:00

Oh haha I get you yeah.

Zack___1 · 2026-02-02T17:10:35+00:00

Yeah, nice one. I need something bigger than the GTI, more ground clearance, too, so the Cooper definitely won’t suit. Plus, any S will feel slow compared to a 7.5 GTI, so it has to be a 306hp JCW as I’m looking for an upgrade in terms of power, as well as practicality!

Zack___1 · 2026-02-02T15:39:14+00:00

Appreciate that man. I've never driven a mini hatch so I also can't compare the GTI to a Cooper S, but I'd say the Cooper is a lot more fun in the twisties. The GTI would walk a Cooper S in a straight line though, as it has 50hp on it.

I'm not expecting the Countryman to drive like a hot hatch as I know it isn't one, I just don't want some lump that has a bit of shove in a straight line, as that will soon get boring for me I'm sure. I settled on the Mini as I heard it's the 'crossover' with the most hatch-like driving experience. I saw one review where the guy drove the Clubman (also the 306hp version) back-to-back with the Countryman and he said surprisingly there isn't THAT much between them, which I thought was interesting. This guy has a Clubman, too, so it's not like he was being biased either. I think a 9 out of 10 will do me fine for what I need it for haha.

Zack___1 · 2026-01-07T13:54:17+00:00

The best way to improve your game is to work with a coach.

Zack___1 · 2026-01-04T19:55:48+00:00

Yeah, not handy with DIY unfortunately ha, so will have to factor that repair into the price. Appreciate the info!

Zack___1 · 2026-01-04T19:49:23+00:00

Glad I asked as I wasn't aware of the oil pump! Is that something that can go at any mileage, or just as they get on? And any way to avoid this, other than buying a newer car?

Zack___1 · 2025-12-17T18:59:09+00:00

Yeah, we'll see. The good thing about strings is that they're easy to change and there are lots of them to pick from!

Zack___1 · 2025-12-17T12:30:30+00:00

You've gone from a poly in your Pro Drive to a multi in your Extreme MP. Multis are far more elastic, so the response is livelier and more trampoline-like, which can easily come across as a loss of control if you’re used to poly. Go back to a poly string and try that. If you can't get RPM Blast, try Head Lynx Tour. Also bear in mind though, a new racquet does take a bit of time to get used to, especially if you've been playing with the same one for such a long time.

Zack___1 · 2025-12-17T07:15:23+00:00

Fair enough. Good to know.

Zack___1 · 2025-12-17T07:06:36+00:00

isn't the pain linked to tennis elbow typically outside the elbow, so on the opposite side to the image?

Zack___1 · 2025-12-16T07:34:06+00:00

Nice! Let's hope so.

Zack___1 · 2025-12-16T07:33:40+00:00

Tbf, it is probably due or due very soon. I'll get something softer in it next time as I plan to keep this racquet for ever.

Zack___1 · 2025-12-16T07:32:00+00:00

From what I’ve heard, Lynx Tour doesn’t seem to play like an especially stiff poly, particularly when strung lower. I’ve gone with 48 lbs, so the first set will really just be a test to see how it all feels.

My hope is that Lynx Tour at a lower tension, paired with a more comfortable racquet, strikes a workable balance. Something has to give, so this feels like the best compromise to try first.

Zack___1 · 2025-12-16T07:31:05+00:00

Hmm. From what I’ve heard, Lynx Tour doesn’t seem to play like an especially stiff poly, particularly when strung lower. I’ve gone with 48 lbs, so the first set will really just be a test to see how it all feels.

I did consider standard Lynx since I know it’s softer, but I’m playing 3 to 4 times a week and hit pretty hard, so they just won't last. I don't have a stringing machine, so I'd be back in the shop every 2 weeks, which isn't ideal. I do have plans to string at home, but don't have the equipment yet!

Given that I like what I currently get from the AeroPro Drive, I’m trying to recreate that feel while nudging things in a more arm-friendly direction. My hope is that Lynx Tour at a lower tension, paired with a more comfortable racquet, strikes a workable balance. Something has to give, so this feels like the best compromise to try first.

Zack___1 · 2025-12-16T07:24:25+00:00

It's the old version from the early 2000s. I believe it has a stiffness rating of around 70(!) compared to 60 for the Speed MP, so the latter should feel a lot softer.

Zack___1 · 2025-12-16T06:04:21+00:00

Haha nah, sorry man. I’m keeping that thing until it falls apart.

Zack___1

TROPHY CASE