I've been hunting for a few months now and finally found a local MINI that checked all the boxes. This 2007 Mellow Yellow MINI Cooper S had never seen rain or snow until I test drove it Easter morning. The car is a one owner garage queen and it was stored from November until April every year. In its 12 years on the road, there were only 34k miles on the odometer.

There were really only two things that needed to be replaced/looked at; the front grill upper chrome and the moon-roof. I ordered and replaced the trim piece right away. As for the moon-roof, the previous owner thought it wasn't closing properly and took it to a sunroof shop. They said something needed to be replaced and rather than worry about it getting stuck open, the owner had them make sure it was closed and "disconnected it." It's my next little project once I have some free time.

Because the car only had what seems like the cheaper 6-speaker system, there was no bluetooth or steering wheel controls. I upgraded with a double-din, Car Play compatible stereo and the associated kit and cabling to bring it up to 2019. The car is a 6-speed and I'd like to take away any temptation for my daughter to grab her phone.

My daughter was away with friends for the first half of spring break and we hid it in the garage and surprised here when she got home. She had wanted a MINI for as long as I can remember and I'm grateful that I am in a position to make her dream come true. She's truly a great kid. She finally passed her road test last week and she is on her way!

Thanks for listening...