I've been a member of these forums for a while, but I realized that I haven't made an introductory thread yet, so here it goes. I own a 2005 MCSa in Chili Red. Love the car, it has been great outside of the valve body issue that I had to have fixed. Haven't done any mods outside of installing an AUX input cable from Mini Mania, but I do have plans to do slight mods to the car. I'd like to install a 15% SC pulley and an intake. Eventually, I want to install a JCW exhaust (I am thinking the previous owner may have already installed one as the car seems louder than a typical car) and I'd like to chip it. The only exterior mods will be painting the black trim moldings in Jet Black, painting some of the grille Chili Red, and possibly repainting the decals. I have named the car Bernie, hence the SN.

A dealer pic:

 

Nice looking little MINI.
Sounds like you have some great plans for him. Have fun on your journey!