Hello from a new MINI addict!
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Gold Coast, Australia
Hello from a new MINI addict!
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Hello Fellow MINI Enthusiasts,
Just thought it was about time to introduce myself and give you some of my MINI history. I am currently living in Brisbane, Australia and I spied my first MINI about 2 years ago where it was on display in my local shopping centre. I was confused; this had a Mini badge, yet even though I am not really into cars, even I knew they were no longer being manufactured. Then I checked out the interior, this couldn’t be a Mini, where was the basic, no-frills dash etc.
Fast forward 12 months and I am talking to a friend who keeps up to date will the latest in motoring, and who mentioned he had seen the latest MINI at the Motor Show and what a great car it was. Learned it was now manufactured by BMW, hence the up market interior I had been confronted with earlier. Took myself down to the local dealer, as I had wanted to compare it with the Peugeot 206gti that I had tested when it was first introduced into Australia. At the time I had eventually bought a Honda Civic instead of the Peugeot, only because I couldn’t justify the extra cost and the long waiting period.
I still remembered the great fun of the test drive of the Peugeot though. When I checked out the MINI properly, well love at 2nd sight. I had to have one, though I couldn’t afford it at the time. I purposely didn’t take one for a test drive then, because in my heart I was smitten. Now that would be too cruel, in love and not being able to afford the focus of my love.
Fast forward another 9 months, my financial situation was more comfortably, though the MINI was still not really a financial viability. Thought, maybe when I retire. Started spending considerable time trolling the various Internet sites gathering as much information as possible to find any weaknesses/viable alternatives to the MINI. Went to the local motor show and sites like this only confirmed my love was “not in vain”.
After 3 months of reaffirming with my head what my heart already knew, decided to take my dealer’s kind offer of a 2005 build MCS for a weekend spin. There was a limit of approx. 500 klms though. Well I took with me my friend who previously had suggested looking at the MINI. He had recently taken a Daihatsu Copen out for the weekend as his 50th birthday present. This is a car he feels similar about as I do the MINI. The Copen was a blast, we test drove a Peugeot 206cc immediately after and it was a complete let down in comparison.
I told my friend prior to picking up the MINI that I was expecting something magical, and in some ways I would be glad if I was disappointed, as I still couldn’t really justify purchasing a MINI at this stage of my life. Maybe 2 years down the track. Two things changed my mind, discovering the major changes to the MCS that are expected to take place in 2007 and my test drive.
Both my friend and I couldn’t wipe the smiles from our faces. I actually whooped with delight on a number of occasions. I hadn’t had so much fun motoring since my 1973 Ducati 750SS. I thought I was mad comparing a car to a motorcycle until I saw similar comments posted on MINI forums. Both my Duke and the MINI handled like they were on rails. Both had that capacity to bring childish smiles to your face. I used to spend hours just polishing and looking at my Duke. I felt a similar longing for the MINI. They both also have the capacity to make drivers over confident and for them to exceed their own personal driving capabilities.
Next step, justifying and financing my dream. Justifying took a couple of seconds, didn’t I deserve the best. Financing was going to be another total issue. I had only moved into the local area here on the Gold Coast recently, and this had necessitated in a change of jobs etc. The BMW finance guy was great, he managed to facilitate on my behalf a great loan, which was approved on Xmas Eve. A great Xmas present. Build date was February with delivery probably late April.
So what to do whilst awaiting my MCS’s birth and delivery. Why spending hours on forums such as this of course. I hate to admit it, but I have become a MINI addict. Sorry it is true. I need my daily MINI fix, visiting numerous MINI forums and suppliers via the Internet and deciding what add ons to personalise my new love with.
During my long, lonely vigil I have somehow managed to acquire over $400-00 worth of detailing gear (previously I had a chamois, some polish and a couple of soft cloths). I now have 14 assorted microfibre cloths, towels and applicators alone. I have also purchased a MINI cover, gear *****, yes 2, and many other associated goodies.
Then I found out that the JCW’s suspension and air intake was available in time for my MCS’s delivery date. Another appeal on my behalf by my friendly BMW financial guy for another $3,200-00 worth of goodies to be included in the loan. This was finally approved as long as I put $1,000-00 cash towards it.
Now I am waiting the word from my dealer telling me my MINI is available for the physical love affair to commence. My MINI landed in Brisbane on the 20th March, 4 days late and is in the process of going through customs etc. It should be ready next week sometime.
I have read numerous posts re what your first choice of extras should be. I am in the unfortunate state of only having driven the MINI for a short time and therefore not able to determine any perceived shortcomings that after market goodies might remedy. Particularly in relation to some things like intercoolers and oil catch cans, not being mechanically minded, it is hard to work out the real pros/cons for these parts. Also, being in Australia, most of the goodies come from the USA & UK and come with hefty delivery costs as a result.
Still despite these numerous obstacles, I have managed to acquire some nifty parts during my MINI’s gestation period. Even though many forum members actively promote the benefits of reduction pulleys etc., I have read that reduction pulleys put extra wear on the supercharger and there was someone who posted that his oil temperature increased by approx. 10C degrees after installing a pulley. I am keeping my MINI for life; so long term wear and tear is extremely relevant to me. I have decided that making my baby run more efficiently without reducing it’s life span is extremely important. More power for me is not a high priority but using what power I already have and utilizing it more efficiently is. Hence, some of my extras include pieces such as the JCW’s suspension and air filter, Denso plugs and the Kingsbourne plug wires. Later I was thinking of adding a Forge intercooler, M7 Oil Catch Can, an oil cooler and possible a M7 thermostat. Then looking at the wheels, as I would like some gold rims and non-run flats to go with my MINI’s Hyper Blue exterior.
I trust I haven’t bored you too much with my long tale of unrequited love. Also, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the member’s posts that I have availed myself of over the previous months to enable me to make good, well informed choices in personalising my MINI. If you motor around the Gold Coast, Brisbane or Tweed areas keep a look out for a MCS HB/B with GT2 bonnet stripes, Union Jack wing mirrors and MCS-51 plates.
Spirit of MINI
2005 MCS Chilli HB/B
JCW’s Suspension Package
JCW’s Air Intake
Denso Plugs
Kingsbourne Plug Wires
Whalen Gear Shift
Redline Leather Gear & Handbrake Boots
Union Jack Wing Mirrors
CooperFlags GT2 Bonnet Stripes
Hyper Blue Interior
Anthracite Headliner
Chromo Pack
Xenon Lights
Harmon Kardon Stereo
17” Wheels
Chrome Bonnet Scoop
Lapis Blue Cloth/Leather Upholstery
Hello Fellow MINI Enthusiasts,
Just thought it was about time to introduce myself and give you some of my MINI history. I am currently living in Brisbane, Australia and I spied my first MINI about 2 years ago where it was on display in my local shopping centre. I was confused; this had a Mini badge, yet even though I am not really into cars, even I knew they were no longer being manufactured. Then I checked out the interior, this couldn’t be a Mini, where was the basic, no-frills dash etc.
Fast forward 12 months and I am talking to a friend who keeps up to date will the latest in motoring, and who mentioned he had seen the latest MINI at the Motor Show and what a great car it was. Learned it was now manufactured by BMW, hence the up market interior I had been confronted with earlier. Took myself down to the local dealer, as I had wanted to compare it with the Peugeot 206gti that I had tested when it was first introduced into Australia. At the time I had eventually bought a Honda Civic instead of the Peugeot, only because I couldn’t justify the extra cost and the long waiting period.
I still remembered the great fun of the test drive of the Peugeot though. When I checked out the MINI properly, well love at 2nd sight. I had to have one, though I couldn’t afford it at the time. I purposely didn’t take one for a test drive then, because in my heart I was smitten. Now that would be too cruel, in love and not being able to afford the focus of my love.
Fast forward another 9 months, my financial situation was more comfortably, though the MINI was still not really a financial viability. Thought, maybe when I retire. Started spending considerable time trolling the various Internet sites gathering as much information as possible to find any weaknesses/viable alternatives to the MINI. Went to the local motor show and sites like this only confirmed my love was “not in vain”.
After 3 months of reaffirming with my head what my heart already knew, decided to take my dealer’s kind offer of a 2005 build MCS for a weekend spin. There was a limit of approx. 500 klms though. Well I took with me my friend who previously had suggested looking at the MINI. He had recently taken a Daihatsu Copen out for the weekend as his 50th birthday present. This is a car he feels similar about as I do the MINI. The Copen was a blast, we test drove a Peugeot 206cc immediately after and it was a complete let down in comparison.
I told my friend prior to picking up the MINI that I was expecting something magical, and in some ways I would be glad if I was disappointed, as I still couldn’t really justify purchasing a MINI at this stage of my life. Maybe 2 years down the track. Two things changed my mind, discovering the major changes to the MCS that are expected to take place in 2007 and my test drive.
Both my friend and I couldn’t wipe the smiles from our faces. I actually whooped with delight on a number of occasions. I hadn’t had so much fun motoring since my 1973 Ducati 750SS. I thought I was mad comparing a car to a motorcycle until I saw similar comments posted on MINI forums. Both my Duke and the MINI handled like they were on rails. Both had that capacity to bring childish smiles to your face. I used to spend hours just polishing and looking at my Duke. I felt a similar longing for the MINI. They both also have the capacity to make drivers over confident and for them to exceed their own personal driving capabilities.
Next step, justifying and financing my dream. Justifying took a couple of seconds, didn’t I deserve the best. Financing was going to be another total issue. I had only moved into the local area here on the Gold Coast recently, and this had necessitated in a change of jobs etc. The BMW finance guy was great, he managed to facilitate on my behalf a great loan, which was approved on Xmas Eve. A great Xmas present. Build date was February with delivery probably late April.
So what to do whilst awaiting my MCS’s birth and delivery. Why spending hours on forums such as this of course. I hate to admit it, but I have become a MINI addict. Sorry it is true. I need my daily MINI fix, visiting numerous MINI forums and suppliers via the Internet and deciding what add ons to personalise my new love with.
During my long, lonely vigil I have somehow managed to acquire over $400-00 worth of detailing gear (previously I had a chamois, some polish and a couple of soft cloths). I now have 14 assorted microfibre cloths, towels and applicators alone. I have also purchased a MINI cover, gear *****, yes 2, and many other associated goodies.
Then I found out that the JCW’s suspension and air intake was available in time for my MCS’s delivery date. Another appeal on my behalf by my friendly BMW financial guy for another $3,200-00 worth of goodies to be included in the loan. This was finally approved as long as I put $1,000-00 cash towards it.
Now I am waiting the word from my dealer telling me my MINI is available for the physical love affair to commence. My MINI landed in Brisbane on the 20th March, 4 days late and is in the process of going through customs etc. It should be ready next week sometime.
I have read numerous posts re what your first choice of extras should be. I am in the unfortunate state of only having driven the MINI for a short time and therefore not able to determine any perceived shortcomings that after market goodies might remedy. Particularly in relation to some things like intercoolers and oil catch cans, not being mechanically minded, it is hard to work out the real pros/cons for these parts. Also, being in Australia, most of the goodies come from the USA & UK and come with hefty delivery costs as a result.
Still despite these numerous obstacles, I have managed to acquire some nifty parts during my MINI’s gestation period. Even though many forum members actively promote the benefits of reduction pulleys etc., I have read that reduction pulleys put extra wear on the supercharger and there was someone who posted that his oil temperature increased by approx. 10C degrees after installing a pulley. I am keeping my MINI for life; so long term wear and tear is extremely relevant to me. I have decided that making my baby run more efficiently without reducing it’s life span is extremely important. More power for me is not a high priority but using what power I already have and utilizing it more efficiently is. Hence, some of my extras include pieces such as the JCW’s suspension and air filter, Denso plugs and the Kingsbourne plug wires. Later I was thinking of adding a Forge intercooler, M7 Oil Catch Can, an oil cooler and possible a M7 thermostat. Then looking at the wheels, as I would like some gold rims and non-run flats to go with my MINI’s Hyper Blue exterior.
I trust I haven’t bored you too much with my long tale of unrequited love. Also, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the member’s posts that I have availed myself of over the previous months to enable me to make good, well informed choices in personalising my MINI. If you motor around the Gold Coast, Brisbane or Tweed areas keep a look out for a MCS HB/B with GT2 bonnet stripes, Union Jack wing mirrors and MCS-51 plates.
Spirit of MINI
2005 MCS Chilli HB/B
JCW’s Suspension Package
JCW’s Air Intake
Denso Plugs
Kingsbourne Plug Wires
Whalen Gear Shift
Redline Leather Gear & Handbrake Boots
Union Jack Wing Mirrors
CooperFlags GT2 Bonnet Stripes
Hyper Blue Interior
Anthracite Headliner
Chromo Pack
Xenon Lights
Harmon Kardon Stereo
17” Wheels
Chrome Bonnet Scoop
Lapis Blue Cloth/Leather Upholstery
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, Virginia
Welcome!!! Looks like you've been through a lot over the years in anticipation of your new MINI...it should all make the arrival of your new love that much sweeter:smile: Have fun with her, I know you will.
Dave.
Looks like you've been through a lot over the years in anticipation of your new MINI...it should all make the arrival of your new love that much sweeter:smile: Have fun with her, I know you will.Dave.
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Tampa (South)
Nice car and g'day from Florida.Pardon the cliche I don't speak Aussie :smile:
I hate to rub it in, but I only fell truly in love with the MINI about 30-40 days ago and 2 weeks ago was able to find a pefect used one with 21,000 miles (33,000 kilometers?). I jumped on an airplane and drove it the 200 miles home.
Now I am on these boards whenever not in MINI (my wife took her this AM, damitall), and planning my mods (stripes, tinted glass, driving lamps, etc)
One observation though--I think many of us from USA are jealous of the better car choices elsewhere. I love my country well enough, and there was a time (before I was born) when we made I think the most beautiful cars on the road, but in the past 20-30 years American cars = larger the better, and while they make em fast they have failed in the reliability, safety, economical, and aesthetic categories--esp the interior appointments. Cheap dials and moldings, UGH.
But the point is, everywhere else has a large collection of quality small sporty cars. In the USA small usually means cheap. In fact all the people that hear I drive a MINI, first widen their eyes and then make a patronizing comment about good fuel economy.
I want to respond with--"yes, and it's not an affront to mother Nature like your giant SUV and it's safe and it's fast and it handles great and it's reliable and it is, frankly, a work of automotive art" Of course I don't want to be rude so I keep quiet.
I gotta tell ya, I looked up that Peugot you mentioned and wish we had some of them here. When I went to Europe years ago everyone else was looking at the buildings and shops and people and I was spellbound by the cars. Will it take another fuel crisis for this country to have that kind of selection?
Peugot 206 GTI
I hate to rub it in, but I only fell truly in love with the MINI about 30-40 days ago and 2 weeks ago was able to find a pefect used one with 21,000 miles (33,000 kilometers?). I jumped on an airplane and drove it the 200 miles home.
Now I am on these boards whenever not in MINI (my wife took her this AM, damitall), and planning my mods (stripes, tinted glass, driving lamps, etc)
One observation though--I think many of us from USA are jealous of the better car choices elsewhere. I love my country well enough, and there was a time (before I was born) when we made I think the most beautiful cars on the road, but in the past 20-30 years American cars = larger the better, and while they make em fast they have failed in the reliability, safety, economical, and aesthetic categories--esp the interior appointments. Cheap dials and moldings, UGH.
But the point is, everywhere else has a large collection of quality small sporty cars. In the USA small usually means cheap. In fact all the people that hear I drive a MINI, first widen their eyes and then make a patronizing comment about good fuel economy.
I want to respond with--"yes, and it's not an affront to mother Nature like your giant SUV and it's safe and it's fast and it handles great and it's reliable and it is, frankly, a work of automotive art" Of course I don't want to be rude so I keep quiet.
I gotta tell ya, I looked up that Peugot you mentioned and wish we had some of them here. When I went to Europe years ago everyone else was looking at the buildings and shops and people and I was spellbound by the cars. Will it take another fuel crisis for this country to have that kind of selection?
Peugot 206 GTI
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Tampa (South)
And the Copen is quite nice but I think it is more of a TT Coupe or Miata competitor. Any car with no backseat is really, in my mind, a different class (I dont count the TT as a car with a backseat, anyone ever tried to sit in it--OMG what a joke, purely cosmetic LOL)
Copen
Copen
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake, VA
Hey newbie!
Welcome to the club. We're all addicted just some more than others. Hope your better half likes it too. It will make the addiction more fulfilling. G'day mate and happy motoring .
We're all addicted just some more than others. Hope your better half likes it too. It will make the addiction more fulfilling. G'day mate and happy motoring .
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Sand Dollar Collector
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,249
Likes: 2
From: Moved from Leesburg, VA to Oceanside, CA Nov. 2003
Hiya and Welcome Aboard my friend!!! I totally enjoyed reading your story - it's interesting to see what people will go through to get a MINI when they fall in love with it. 
You've found a great place here for info. and people - :smile: :smile:
Donna
02' CR/W MCS (gone to MINI heaven - burned up)
05' Cool Blue MCSC "Ariel"
I totally enjoyed reading your story - it's interesting to see what people will go through to get a MINI when they fall in love with it. You've found a great place here for info. and people - :smile: :smile:
Donna
02' CR/W MCS (gone to MINI heaven - burned up)
05' Cool Blue MCSC "Ariel"
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 38,578
Likes: 2
Hi Spirit of Mini.....welcome!!!! Ah love....ain't it grand??? I was so touched reading your narrative, that I think I'll go out and give my MINI a gentle dusting and a little QDing.:smile:
(PS..........I LOVE Copens!! Mira Gino, too!!!!)
(PS..........I LOVE Copens!! Mira Gino, too!!!!)
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 1
From: NOT Lalaland, CA
Spirit:
What a wonderful story! Congratulations finally giving in to the inevitable -- kind of like Charles and Camilla, eh? -- and ordering that MINI! I'm sure you'll find that the long wait is totally worthwhile.
And while some of us here in the States are now seeing a MINI on every corner, it sounds like you'll get to enjoy one-of-a-kind car status, at least for awhile. Hopefully not too long, however... there's nothing quite like the rush of participating in a run with 10 or 20 other MINIs...
What a wonderful story! Congratulations finally giving in to the inevitable -- kind of like Charles and Camilla, eh? -- and ordering that MINI! I'm sure you'll find that the long wait is totally worthwhile.
And while some of us here in the States are now seeing a MINI on every corner, it sounds like you'll get to enjoy one-of-a-kind car status, at least for awhile. Hopefully not too long, however... there's nothing quite like the rush of participating in a run with 10 or 20 other MINIs...
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