Something I've noticed about our mini that we have only had a short time is that the hatchback & rear bumper area & back window are always loaded with dust! The rest of the car stays reasonably clean between washes except for the back. Is this just the way it is designed, that it catches all that dust or are all hatchbacks this way? I'm spending more on car washes trying to keep it spotless than I am on gas! Anybody else bugged by this?

 

That's pretty much typical for the MINI. The airflow around the car causes a "dead zone" at the back of the car that lets dirt/dust settle on the hatchback and rear bumper. You'll also find that you have to use clay bar fairly frequently to keep the paint smooth back there.

Some people have had limited success with installing roof spoilers to disrupt the airflow, but I don't think there's a truly satisfactory solution.

 

Scott is correct. I recall seeing a trim piece, or something similar, that can be added to the OEM wings that help out a bit with the dust. I've not bought one, but thought I'd mention it.

Some MINI owners use a rear-wiper delete kit (or make their own), and that helps a bit.

My solution: More quality time with my MINI, which means I wash it more often than I do my other vehicles :-)

 

I've started using a California duster on the back end most mornings - takes less than a minute and really helps with dust in between washes.

 

just think of your mini like a baby. Just gotta wipe the dirty little bum

 

Classic! Have had one, have done that, so I know exactly what you're referring to.

 

ksminiman you nailed it! That's exactly the way I feel about this car. The California car duster worked amazingly well. I picked one up this weekend & let it dry & air out a couple of days before using it. It cleaned the dust off really good. It will save me a bundle on car washes because I am a fanatic about keeping this car clean.

 

I live a quarter mile in on a gravel road so I use an electric leaf blower to rid the big dust and a Cal. duster for the rest. Sofar so good.

 

And your not worried about the high speed dust causing paint scratches?

 

You definately have a good point. I do stand back at a minimum 3 to 4 feet when dusting with the blower and move the nozzle back and forth. I haven't detected any scratching yet. I am uncomfortable using the California duster soley when there is a heavy coating of dust. So the combination of the two works sofar. If however the dust layer is beyond my comfort level--out comes the bucket and hose.

 

All hatchbacks and vehicles with flat rears have this issue. It's the inherent nature of the design.