So I broke down and bought my first mini 8/28/17. A blue 02 base with 140k miles. Found it at a second hand dealer and they where asking 3650. Talked them down to 3150 due to what the dealer thought was some major suspension issues.

Drove it immediately to the local dealer and they did a key read. Car never had a major issue and last inspected 6 months ago. Also it turns out I am the second owner. It was bought at action from the very mini dealer I went too.

So lucked into the fact there where no major issues. I spent the last 2 weeks replacing sway bar links and bushings. Installed a 1 inch spring lift and a 2 inch spacer lift. Changed out the wheels and tires for more rally x type configuration. Roof rack, 8 forward facing lights. As well as some other goodies for work.

Still waiting on the bonnet and side stripes to arrive.

After I got it road safe a week ago before I finished working on it, I let the wife drive it. She loved it so much she went and traded in her 08 scion xb for a 2014 countryman.

So I guess we are now a mini house.
parked next to a stock mini

 

Welcome to NAM.

If you think the R50 is nice, have you ever driven a supercharged R53?

 

Welcome to the forum

 

Yes I have. I dont like it as much. My very first car was a MGB. Gutless but corners well. I wanted something that has a classic feel that requires a little more finesse. To me the supercharger version tends to be more forgiving with mistakes, allowing you to power through.

Just my personal opinion but I live the challenge a naturally asperated engine gives me

 

Welcome and Congrats. Enjoy the addiction.

 

Welcome to NAM and congrats! Let me know if you ever need anything.

 

Hi and welcome you both to the NAM family!
Yes, this happens often. One gets one, then the other needs one too! Then you need a special one for those fun drive on neutral ground! LOL

 

Hello! My name is Timmie Raynor III. Just bought my first Mini last wednesday. Drove it around for about 2.5 hours and we think the clutch may be gone! love the car....its right down my alley...but I'm concerned now about how many issues im going to have with this car and am i going to be constantly fixing it?!
Any input ...helpful....encouraging.....anything would be welcome at this point.....Clutch kit is going in today!

 

Hi Timmie,
Like all cars, if you use them wrong, they will be in the shop more than home.
You should know that any clutch can be killed in one day, if you are not using it properly.
Riding the clutch, or slipping the clutch will kill it quick. Sitting at a light with your foot on the clutch pedal while you wait for the light will kill it quickly too!
On the other hand, I have had clutches last over 400,000 miles and still work fine.

Congrats on your Mini buy and I wish you great success with your Mini. They are a beautiful thing and handle like a go cart. It is great fun every day.
I have an 06 Mini Cooper S JCW with stick shift and every day, it makes this old fart feel younger!

 

HAHAH Thanks so much for the encouragement....this is a whole new world for me...i DO LOVE it so far and Im looking forward to spending some more time in the car soon! I just turned half-a- hundred an that lil car makes me feel cool again! lolol