On Jan. 11 I made the move, and traded in my 94 Caravan for a 2005 MC. So far only about 80 miles or so put on it, and I'm loving it, everybody who has seen it is impressed. I called it my 2010 diet, losing a ton of weight, literally. Still trying to figure out the color, it's a deep dark blue, so dark it's mistaken for black. With the black/blue leather heated seats, 5-speed, climate, DSC, HK tunes, moonroof, computer; no nav. Other cars: 89 Lincoln MK VII LSC to be renovated, and 86 Merc. Lynx 5-door to be a winter beater.
MINI shows almost 99k, Carfax was about 90. Did not come with any service record, so I willl be looking for info on timing belt replacement, not mentioned in the owner's manual. I'm a DIYer, so will be shopping for a good shop manual. And of course, tips on things to watch out for to prevent problems.
My only other BMW was an 87 535is; loved it, but some dingbat in a datsun took the passenger side out backing out of a parking spot in the dark.
This is first MINI I've owned, but did tear around Palm Springs in the mid-60s in an 850 (Austin, I believe) working for a pharmacy: delivering drugs to the stars! Will post photo soon as I have a file small enough.

 

Welcome! You asked about timing belt changes - Your MINI has a timing chain.

 

Thanks; kind of suspected as much since nothing was mentioned. I obviously have a few things to learn about these cars. Let's see if this photo is small enough, from BlackBerry. I love that it's one color, no graphics, stripes, wild colors. Nothing against those, just not my style. And this car is definitely about style.

 

If you're looking for a good manual Bentley makes ones. I have one for my classic Mini and it's great.

 

Welcome, minivan to MINI is definitely a good move, congratulations.