Just got a 2006 Mini Cooper S are there any do's or don't that are specific to Mini Coopers? Love the car, but would like to learn from others mistakes.

 

DO: Drive the snot out of it

DON'T: stop

 

DO: Wave to other Mini drivers.

DON'T: Wave to BMW's

 

DO: Wash Often.

DON'T: Uses Car Washes.

 

I'm a soon-to-be owner too (next week!). This should be a fun post.

 

DO:

1. Learn where the dealer is (you may be making more visits than you would like)
2. Buy a code reader (cheap investment)
3. HAVE FUN, its a ball to drive

DO NOT:

1. Drive behind trucks. Windshields crack easy
2. Throw lots of money at bling or mods unless you plan on keeping it "forever" as you will not get the money invested back out of the car
3. Take the twisties too fast ... you may die from laughter

 

One more do: Follow the factory's recommended break-in procedure - your car will love you for doing so. You might also consider changing the engine oil and filter after the break-in period has run, but there is a lot of differing opinions on that subject.... But otherwise, enjoy your car and wave at other MINIs on the road.

 

Don't beep the horn button with any force (anything beyond just using your pinkie) because you will bend the MINI insignia and the entire air bag unit will need to be replaced .
Do follow the break-in recommendations and ...
DO enjoy driving the car .

 

DO: Offer to drive someone somewhere just because it gives you another chance to motor.

Take the long way, kids love it!

DON'T: Let big vehicles intimidate you..even if they pull right up to rear boot!

Swizzle

 

exactly..

to somewhat quote and old jeep buddy of mine

'its a MINI thing, you wouldnt understand'

 

rhawth99Don't beep the horn button with any force (anything beyond just using your pinkie) because you will bend the MINI insignia and the entire air bag unit will need to be replaced .

Don't: Beep the horn in anger. It never produces the desired results. Plus, apparently, the Mini doesn't like anger.

Do: Post pics.

 

Do: While driving, But this is Kind of a given, since you ARE driving a MINI

 

Speaking of adhering to the break-in routine. My dealer really wanted to sell me a CPO (certified previous owner) Cooper. Even said he "makes more money on it". But the 5,000 miles put on the service loaner car likely violated any gentle driving activity I bet. So I didn't buy it. What do you think?

 

DO: Be prepared for random people to come up to you to ask questions about your car. I've gotten nothing but positive comments so far

DO: Be prepared for the mileage to accumulate a lot faster than when driving any other car. I've lost track of the times that my MINI has lured me into random late-night drives.

 

I remember a buddy and I were sitting around one late night (both MGB owners), and a female friend dropped by (also an MGB owner). Around 3am, she says "I feel like going to the beach." Cool says I, when? "Now," she says. So we pile into a couple of MGB's and head off on a three hour trip to Jenner, CA (from Sacramento).

I suspect my Mini will have a similar affect on me.

 

DO: Make sure to put 91+ octane in her at all times.
DO: Make sure to keep a camera with you at all times.
DO: Look into a H-Sport rear sway bar... It will TOTALLY improve the handling in the car.
DO: Enjoy her!

DON'T: Get offended when people ask if it is a PT Cruiser. This will happen MANY MANY times to come.
DON'T: Crash her. (I speak from experience... lol)
DON'T: Forget to tell her you love her when you are done!

 

do... hold back and break the car in properly. You and the car will appreciate it in the long run

do... check the car over in its entirety and place an appointment with the dealership at your earliest conveneicne if needed. There's normaly a multiweek wait if you want a loaner car.

do... be careful with shopping for accessories. many are must have while others are nice but pointless mods.

do... know your car before starting the mods. Its what every enthusiast ought to do really... how else would you appreciate the benefits of before and after...?

Dont... beat on your car under the 1200 mile mark. Bear in mind that the clutch, brakes, engine and all subsystems are being worn in. This is a vital period in the life of the car.

Dont... Beat up on your car just after the 1200 mark. remember youre still driving around with the same dirty oil as it came in at 0 miles.

most importantly, learn to enjoy motoring... its not about driving fast in a straight line... that's all i can say.

 

DONT: Let a friend pull the door off cause you have to pull twice to get out.
DO: Stop at any moment to take a picture.

 

Do: Expect nose prints on your windows from the peepers looking in.
Do: Acknowledge other mini's on the road (hate it when they don't acknowledge me back).
Do: Take all the advice that has been posted previous.

Don't: Get offended at some of the stupid comments/questions people will make/ask, they are just ignorant .
Don't: Treat it like any other car, as you are probably figuring out, this is NO ordinary car.

Motor on!!!

 

Do: Let us know when you get your car (did you get it yet?)