Well as this is my first post hello to all the members. I've trolled the pages before I joined trying to gather as much info as I could about these cars before I purchased one.
I ended up purchasing a 05 MCS 6 spd manual with 96k on the clock. I should've done my homework a bit better on the car before buying it, but I am happy with it. The purchase was made as a daily driver to work and back, being I commute 80 miles round trip 5 days a week, and my Infiniti was killing me on gas.
I have done the resistor upgrade on the radiator fan as the low speed was not working, so all is good there. I will be doing my clutch in December during my vacation, as well as the front suspension upgrade to polyurethane bushings, as the front suspension is in great need of all overhaul. I do all my own work, ain't afraid of getting my hands dirty or cut for that matter. I'll document everything and post it up on line for others to see and learn and ask questions.
I've been in the modding game for a long time, and did plenty to my Infiniti, which has 225k on the clock, and running strong still.
In the mean time here are some pics of the MCS, I'll probably paint it later on, haven't decided what color yet, but it won't be a stock color that's for sure, I'll mix in some colors with some pearls, which I love doing.

 

Welcome Love the rare chrono pack had that on my 2nd MINI.

 

Beautiful car, and looking forward to the updates on your mods. I love the R53s (have an '04 myself) and congrats on a great purchase. Welcome to NAM.

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

Welcome to NAM! How did Orlando do with Hurricane Matthew? If you need parts for the clutch and suspension overhaul be sure to check out our parts catalog as we have some awesome super kits that basically have everything you'll need for the job. If you need help just shoot me a PM.

 

have you found the various Facebook groups for MINI in the Orlando area????

I'm gonna guess you missed "Mickey and MINI" at WDW this weekend (still going on technically)

a starting place: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sunshineminis/

p.s. there was a GOOD British car show down Tampa way this weekend - Safety Harbor - they are MINI friendly