First of all...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! Second, I own a Mini and I LIKE IT VERY MUCH. Third, after reading about some of the horror stories on one of the other forums re: the MANY PROBLEMS OF THE MINI...I consider myself very fortunate to own and drive an 03' S model that has given me NO problems. When we bought our Mini, two years ago, it was a one owner with low mileage. I'll admit to not being objective about the purchase. I was leaning toward the Golf GTI, could't find one and lucked into our Mini. We still like it a lot. After reading about low gas mileage, leaks, dealer problems, etc. I would say the dealer CAN AND DOES make a difference. Our closest dealer is 150 mi. I've only been there once for warranty/service. I was treated with courtesy and effeciency. One other time while on a road trip, @500 miles, to the Charlotte, N.C. area, again, treatment was great. By the way, does the name Hendrick, as in Rick, riing a bell. Whether I ever buy a new one, at my age, I don't know. I DID make a couple of changes in our car. Off went the run flats, for a slightly bigger tire. Improved the ride and handling A LOT. And, I could hear the radio. Helped on the breathing with a K&N inductionsys. Finally, although they weren't worn out, replaced the brakes with ceramics(used instuctions DYI on this site . A lot firmer pedal feel and less dust. SO THERE. Don't give up... to all you mini's having problems. It's STILL one of the most 'fun to drive cars' I've ever owned. By the way, anyone notice the similarities in some of the new small cars on the market?

 

Thanks 1st MINI! Merry Christmas!

 

If that pic is of a black mini with white accent stripes, that's OUR

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!


from another 03 MCS owner

 

Nope, it's British Racing Green! But either way, bonnet stripes rule!

Oh and by the way, Road and Track Nov. 07 had an article comparing the Volvo C30 and a MINI. They mentioned that when you look at the front of the Volvo it blends in with all the other cars out there, while the MINI is distinctive and fun.