I have been lurking a few weeks getting the lay of the land and thought I would introduce myself. Just picked up my new-to-me MCS a few weeks ago and I love it. With gas prices getting so high I was looking for an economical car that wouldn't put me to sleep everytime I drove it and after test driving a Mini I knew it was a solid choice.

I picked it up with just over 17k miles and it is in very good shape (aside from the paint being a little neglected). 10 years ago I owned a Boxster and this is the first car I have had since then that I actually look forward to driving! The balance of handling and acceleration in these cars is fantastic and I am really enjoying exploring the limits of the chassis.

This is a great forum with an active community of enthusiastic owners. I have already picked up some great info here and I look forward to contributing when I can! Happy Motoring!

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome!!!

 

Nice looking MINI!

 

(waves HI) Congrats! Watch your oil! Your oil is your friend!

I mean, your car is your friend, but your oil is your cars friend!

LOL

 

Thanks for the kind words all! I am fortunate to literally live around the corner from our local Mini dealer (Mini of Charleston) and a good friend of mine autocrosses with one of the service writers there so he looks out for me.

Do most folks change their oil in between the CBS suggested intervals? When I had my Boxter Porsche recommends 12 mos/15k miles, but that car also took close to 10 qts of oil per change. I am not sure that I feel too good about going close to that with a turbocharged 4 cylinder even on full synthetic.

 

Search for threads on oil. Many people change at 4500-5000. It sounds like MINI now is going to say 10,000 for oil changes, so you would do one in between each covered change. You might go as much as 7,500 miles before changing again... but it is important to check the LEVEL because with a turbo in particular, low oil will cause timing chain problems!! So, clean oil is one part of the equation, but even more important is maintaining your level.

 

Congrats on your nice looking cooper !
Add some racing stripes for sure
EL Tiger Motor On

 

Nice looking MINI, welcome!

 

Welcome!