In mid-October, I was driving to look at a used car (got rid of my '88 Mazda 626) and, at a light, saw a Mini drive by & turn into a dealership buried behind a BMW dealership. I made a u-turn and followed it in. Wasn't quite sure why. Hadn't thought twice about the mini since it came out. Neat car, but probably too small and no Ooomph, right? Walked in skeptically and passed a Dark Silver used '02 Cooper S with R93's & winter package. Mint condition. Asked about it. Good price. What about the interior size? Not bad. What does the "S" stand for? Oh yeah? MMMMMnnnnn......

Long story, short, a test drive and a little research later & I now own that little gem!!! Zowie!! Good for me!! What a Car!!! Got pulled over on the second day, but after going on about how amazing the car handled, etc., the officer let me go with a warning. He was duly impressed.

The only alterations I've done so far are the brake light mod & putting in a Euro shelf & a cup holder. I bought a set of R83's with tires from a forum user last month to put Winter snows on them, but left them as is because the ride was a little softer than the R93's. On NY streets that adds a lot to comfort. I'll save the R93's for weekend twistys.

Lastly, a few creaks and rattles popped up. Got the tip to add tape to the boot latch, so that one is gone. The doors & windows buzz a bit, but I'll live.
All in all, very happy. Makes driving to work a joy (110 miles a day)

Anyone know about local rides &/or events in the nicer weather can post me here. Happy Motoring!

Peter

Oh yeah....How do I upload a pic of my car here?

 

welcome Peter!

disco here from White Plains. BRG/B MCS. check out Newyorkmini.org lots of us on there.

 

Welcome Peter. I actually purchased my MINI at Westchester MINI (back when Lori Abrams worked there. Sadly she's moved on. )

Check out the FAQ on using your NAM gallery space and posting pictures

 

hey ho Peter!

Nice write up! Check out the regional forums here and at Mini2.com for event listings and meets. There's a bit going on in the NY metro area.

I hear ya about the ease of going fast in a MINI. I have to check the speedo often.

Motor on!

hey,

 

Cheers from the "forum poster". I was going to ask how the tires are treating you, but now I know! We got our first look at ole man winter here in downstate NY and our first chance to show that the MINI is no slouch in inclement weather, which seems to be people's first question about my MINI these days.

 

I'll probably be heading out to the snowbelt, and I'm trying to figure out if the MiniCooperS can handle the crazy amount out snow out in Buffalo. So i'm here to get some advice.