Guess I'm in first gear! Its good to be here. I've been reading and learning from this forum for the past three years now, so its nice to finally be a member. I have a 2003 MCS, Blue with a white roof and 189,000 miles. My wife has wanted one ever since watching "The Italian Job." After a few trips looking for the one to buy, we found one about 5 hours away from home. Being a Mini owner has mostly been good.
My Mini was not very well cared for and has since lead me many times to this forum to correct that past abuse. Let me offer one piece of advice, NEVER buy a car in the dark-EVER!

 

Welcome to NAM.

Thanks for taking the time to get involved.

 

Welcome to the forum

 

I agree 'night time car buying' is a BAD idea. Daytime only- the night can hide too many flaws in paint, interior, general wear and OIL leaks.

 

Welcome.

You are right, never buy in the dark... and even in the day bring a flashlight.

Motor On!

 

Hi and welcome to NAM!
The rain also hides many sins!
Show us some pics!

 

Best picture I've got on hand.
December driveway carwash in Indiana!

 

Looks Great, I'm also a fellow Hoosier

 

Hi Mspeer,
For 189K miles, it looks really nice! Congrats for getting involved!
With the miles on it now, a timing chain and chain guides will need to be done soon, if you have not already done that. Keep it in tip top shape, as we know of many with over 300K miles and still running like new and a fellow poster showed his 02 MCS with 650K miles and going!
Keep on watching the Italian Job and you will be adding more Minis' to your collection!

 

I have plans to keep it forever... as my wife says! The chain guides looked good and not sure how to tell if the chain is in need of repalcing. It all looked good to me, except I didn't get a look at the crank sprocket. I still have exhaust (rusted out) and tailight rust repair on the short list for now.

 

In reference to the exhaust... I can tell you the JCW Exhaust kit weighs about 60lbs less then the stock OEM exhaust and sounds great...

There are also a number of other After Market exhaust kits available that are quality and priced well.

Loads of information here about them and lots of opinions... look around and use the experiences here help you with your car.

Motor On!