I'm the official "knower of auto stuff," having been working on cars since 1968. My youngest (27) daughter's 2008 Saab 9.3 Aero V6 Turbo was totaled a couple of weeks ago, and she just chose a 2011 Cooper S hatchback (red & black, leather interior, dual sunroof, automatic) as its successor.

That's good news, and she loves the car. So now I'll be providing mechanical support for the Mini, a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 2008 BMW E91 328xi Wagon, my wife's BMW 2009 E92 328ix Coupe, and my 1983 Datsun 280ZX Turbo.

Gives me something to do in my spare time, donchaknow.

Fortunately the Mini still has a warranty for another 12 months, so the dealer will be primary for that period.

See ya 'round in the forums.

 

Make sure she knows how to open the hood & check the oil. This is very important on this car. Congrats to her on getting a MINI.

 

Good point; both daughters know how to change tires, check oil, monitor and change tire pressures, and they DO pay attention to noises and their instruments. I raised 'em right.

 

Welcome to NAM. Sounds like some great options. Post some pictures of her R56 for us when you can. If you ever need anything for the MINI or your BMW's be sure to let me know! Glad to hear you raised them right. My mother taught me as well and thanks to good friends/supportive community I work on my own vehicle all the time.

 

Here you are...she's having a bit of a crisis of confidence between this Mini, which she will pick up tonight, and another car with 40K less miles and a factory warranty for $5K more. I'm hoping that another drive will keep her in the Mini.

 

Assuming the other vehicle isn't a MINI? This looks like a very clean purchase and it's an '11 with the N18 engine. The N18 remedied a good amount of issues the earlier R56 N14 MINI's had so that is good. And with a dad like you who can work on it if any problems arise, she should be just fine. You're in Colorado so a good set of snow tires will give the MINI a great advantage in the snow. They're fun little vehicles. A good friend of mine in high school had one up in Evergreen. It did great with all types of driving conditions. Tell her to take another drive and hopefully she keeps it.

 

She got it last night and has 48 hours in which the dealer will let her return it at no penalty. The other vehicle is a 2015 Jetta Sport 1.8Turbo which has only 12K miles. The Mini was the fun option and the Jetta was the practical option. The Jetta was a fanstastic buy but so far the Mini is in the garage.

 

Did the same with my daughters


The MINI is more fun and the '11 is a great choice.

 

She's talking about buying some accessories now, so I think she will stay with it. I like the car.

 

Welcome! Coming from someone who has owned 5 VWs (and still own 2) my R53 Mini is by FAAAAARRR my favorite. If my mom's comments about her new 2015 1.8T Jetta is any indication, they ain't what they used to be... wishes she still had her smaller, nimble, solid as a tank 2000 Jetta.

 

Happy to hear the MINI is in the garage! If she's looking for some fun upgrades she can change out the mirror caps HERE with some Genuine options and same with the door handles HERE. If she wants to get rid of the long antenna she can even get a stubby antenna HERE. Hope she enjoys and if her or you ever need anything just let me know.

 

Hmmmm....
Modding - the addition of the MINIite This could be worse. She'll take good care of if she loves it.

Good luck with it.

 

Saw this in another thread, nice you found one with a red interior also.