Hello all, long term BMW owner here. I have wanted a Mini pretty much from the beginning. My wife doesn't care for style or maybe that the car is a "lifestyle" rather than a means for transportation(wallflower so I understand). But I finally had an excuse to buy one because of my daughter needing a vehicle. Searched forever for a "good" deal. Being in the Salvage business I have been keeping my eye open for a theft recovery or simple accident. I tried to avoid the flood cars because of the inherent gremlins that can be amplified by corrosion. Well... as my life goes, I bought a flood car. But... But.. it was fresh water! But.. it doesn't look wet? But.. it smells new and has 8,000 miles! But.. its optioned exactly how I would order it and what other car could pull off Brown! But.. it starts and runs (oh boy, this changes later) Tons of "Buts" to justify my hand raising on its own during bidding! Everyone will ask so I will say, I paid $9600, add fees and repairs and I am at $11,700 as it SITS in my driveway Had light hail on every panel, "had" being the important word. A masterful dent remover massaged them into history, went back in time convincing the storm to pass this one up. A perfect job. Previous owner was a 95lb school secretary who lived 1 mile from work in an affluent area. So the car looks brand new. This is important because this is its only redeeming quality as of today. It is a very pretty piece of art that my wife makes me admire and justify daily. It sits with a battery maintainer so I can occasionally listen to the radio while I make engine/exhaust noises like a 4 year old standing on his dads seat. Tossing the steering wheel a half inch to either side as I race around my minds eye memory of a winding tree lined road. I must admit, I have almost come to terms with the fact that this may be how I will live to enjoy this accomplished desire. Word to the wise, listen to your wife. She knows better than you when it comes to decisions that are based in emotion and imagination. Like gambling, we need to realize that we are using money to fulfill a desire that rarely considers the implications of using too much. I will continue my story after I upload some pictures, looking forward to learning more about my "art" and meeting you all. To be continued...

 

Nice Buts.... Oops did I say that out loud? Welcome to the world of MINI.
I'll be interested in the front seats when your ready to part it out...

 

Thats funny, seriously though I have a few sets of very nice seats. What year and color are you looking for?

 

Made me laugh. Good luck.

 

Welcome to NAM. Big risk, big rewards and she looks like a big beautiful reward!

 

Welcome to NAM. Looking forward to the rest of your story.

 

Welcome! Looking forward to future posts from you and the progress with your new MINI!

 

Wow, I'm way more risk averse than you, Getrieben! Fresh water perhaps but how deep and for how long? Seems those circuit boards and connectors might be just the beginning of consequences. Hoping not so...

OTOH, this story is unfolding as a fun read. I'm envisioning you sitting there in your garage behind the steering wheel, making oral engine noises; "Go Speed Racer, Go Speed Racer, Go Speed Racer, Go..."

 

Beautiful car! Please let us know if we can help!

Here’s a handy service and maintenance guide covering all three MINI generations that I found very helpful:

http://new.minimania.com/Mini_Cooper...for_Gen3_Minis

When you are ready for some performance and appearance upgrades, please check out Mini Mania and our full inventory of parts and accessories. Here’s a Performance Upgrade Guide:

http://new.minimania.com/Mini_Cooper..._for_your_Mini

You can also find helpful information in our articles section. We have many knowledgeable experts on staff with over 40 years’ experience working on all generations of Minis, both on the street and track.

http://new.minimania.com/articlelist...%20Information

I hope this helps. Let us know if you have any questions!

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

Hi all LMAO, what a story and I can tell that no one could have told it better than the man who now owne one, long story short I just bought a cooper s a 2009 pepper white, the day I saw the car fell in love with it 54000miles on the car, I am in the car business so my wife asked me did you have the car checked and I lied yes honey it is in a perfect condition,,,,,lol. So I picked it up next day I parked my 2015 BMW 535i and took the mini to work I had so many dreams about the way I am going to have this beauty setup that had blocked my thinking, so far it's been in the garage 2ice after $1500 so far I have not yet to get this baby the parts I need, bad shocks struts and now a brocken driver side transmission mount, but I got my car and will have it setup the way I dreamt about.
But loved the story. Listen to your WIFE.

 

Welcome aboard, Bnourai!

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

No... still waiting on pay out... guess insurance company decided on taking the whole week off haha. Shame really... even with 164k the car was excellent inside and out.

 

Hi and welcome to the NAM family.
Buying a sinker is always a risk, but saving a Mini is always worth it to me!
Hail damage can never be as bad as old ladies at the grocery store mashing in your doors! (I just had this happen again!)
Again, welcome to NAM!

 

Welcome.


I hope to read more as this story progresses ...


Motor On!

 

A little off topic, but saw the NYC so have to try - can someone recommend a competent and honest non-dealer MINI mechanic/garage? Desperate to find an alternative to my local dealer (11th Av and 55th St in Manhattan).

 

Love the story, well told. Looking forward to progress and welcome! I am new myself by the way lol.

 

Hello everyone. I just picked up a 2017 Cooper S 4dr Hardtop. I'm excited to learn more about the car and to learn from you guys.

 

but a new BDC. Clean out plug connections. Or replace plug and repin. Have programmed. Bet dollars to pesos it works

 

Look up minimonstas on instagram, he does work on minis in new york area

 

Guys I've just put my 03 on the road after about 10 years in hybernation. I'm looking for a repair/performance shop in our area.
Can anyone recommend one? My car missfires occasionally especially when starting, I might need the fuel filter changed. Thanks!

Paul.

 

hello, this s a good site, and most BMW shops (not delaership) can work on MINIs.

https://www.minirepairshops.com/


And then if you cannot find the parts we carry a bunch.

 

Thank you!