I have 16 year old boy/girl twins. They took driving school and were in need of a car to finish up the learners and drive full time. I also had an '05 Hummer H2 that my son was practicing with, but my daughter was intimidated by, it had big Mickey Thompson tires, headers and a cat back system so it made a lot of noise.

We decided to get them a newer car that they can share, definitely something with better mileage.

My wife and daughter found a 2015 beetle, but luckily I found a Mini for the same price. I hadn't done much research on differences in years, models or options, just what this particular year/model was worth. It was a 2013 Cooper (non S), black with black leatherette.

I traded the Hummer for the Cooper plus $600. My kids are much happier with this car, my wallet is happier with not stopping at the gas station daily, and my wife still wants a beetle.

I like driving the car, and am on the lookout for my own. I want a manual trans, more HP, and older so I can mod it without the wife getting too angry.

Let me know of anything I should be on the lookout for with the Justa.

Thanks

 

That's quite a culture shift from a Hummer to a MINI...both ends of the motoring scale. Hope you can find one for yourself. Can you post a picture? I could look at pictures of MINIs for hours...

 

I wish I had a picture

but I had a sticker on the back of my Honda Element

Hummer
and MINI Cooper
love child

 

A big welcome to NAM from Wisconsin!!
Did the same many years ago when I got my 1st Mini blue.

 

You of MINI vs. Mini get the Cooper Copper thing all wrong, shame!

 

Welcome to NAM.

There is an immense amount of information here between the threads, the members and the vendors. If you have not already done so, may I suggest you check out the Modifications - Drivetrain sections in the Gen1 and Gen2 sections as you mentioned modding an older Mini.

And yes, driving a Mini can become addictive as a recent poster said his car "was like a rat on acid."

 

Congrats sounds like you made a good trade.

 

Thanks for the welcome.

I will try and get some pics, the camera on my phone is broken (cracked lens) so it as a cloudy filter on all the time.

I did notice the chrome on the headlight rings is peeling. I don't recall that being the case when it was purchased. I may go ahead and pull those, sand and paint them black. I may do the inner grill, but will leave the belt line.

Despite my best efforts my older son is not interested in cars. My daughter much more so, I may encourage her to join here as well.

 

Welcome to NAM! Congratulations! Got any pictures? If you want new headlight rings let me know! Or if you need anything else for it I am here to help! Love hearing your daughter enjoys getting her hands dirty.

 

Welcome.


I'm sure you will really enjoy the "Justa" (Just a Mini, non S)


My neighbor is getting 43 mpg with hers right now she has a 65 mile (one way) commute a day, loves her MINIs.


And with luck you can find a nice R53 to meet your MODing needs...


Motor On!