Hello! Have enjoyed small cars most of my driving life, I think it started when I was 16, driving a Ford Pinto! Anyhow, cars purchased since young adulthood started with Camaro's, A Beretta GTZ and then a Neon Sport Coupe. Then the Mini came out in the early 2000's, wanted one in the worst way but too expensive with a child going to college. Test drove one and had never driven anything so tight, nimble and quick. So instead, I found a Neon R/T, and tried to mod it to drive like the Mini, came fairly close but never quite like it. Here's the R/T, just to show you how close my new Mini looks like it, which is a coincidence because as I searched for a used Mini, price and miles were the first two factors to consider when looking for the car---

This was a good little car, light and it had 175K on it at trade in.

In the meantime, the wife let me get this little thing 5 years ago---this car is very nimble and QUICK-- I may sell it soon to put money (mods) into the Mini--


So anyway, 3 months ago, finally-- a 2006 Mini Cooper S with approx. 40K miles on it--only problem--though I am beginning to like it, is that it has the automatic, a concession to the wife since we have a daughter who will be driving in the next few years, though ideally not this car---




Just purchased the wheels from Wheelstudio, Raiden D1R's, 17" at about 16# each. Put Yokohama S drive 215/45's on them. Mods may be the stage 2 Minimania kit, need to see about merit of doing this with the auto. Already reading lots of posts for great information and ideas! Lots of great cars and helpful people on the sight!