I got one of these and it works wonderfully.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MINI-...spagenameZWDVW

 

I use a large clear container. The lid closes securly but I can still see through the side if I need to check if my Monster Fluffies are all in there.

 

Might be the way to go, so that I can store it inside and then throw it on the grass when I'm cleaning the car.

I also decided last night to go with the biggest car care bundle that DP sells. I can't find my lexol leather kit so I'll have to piece that together as well. I'm looking forward to trying out all the new stuff. Any idea what the turnaround time on orders from DP is like? If some items from the kit are backordered, do they delay the whole order or send you everything that is available immediately?

 

yah, i would go with a plastic container just for the fact that it can
withstand beating from dripped polish, wax, water, etc. bags stain and
you dont want to be caring for the car and the bag while you detail...
that's too much work.

i use a lot of sealed plastic containers in my garage for the sake of ease of
use and you can see inside of them. i got mine from the container store
and the smaller ones for pads/towels from target (the ones on my detailing
cart...check out gallery)

 

this has all been very helpful...since I'm doing A LOT of research before my new baby arrives. I too do not have the luxury of a yard or a parking spot. And although my neighborhood has greatly improved over the past five years....I still fear several issues that occur when parking on the street.

Now, I've been looking into getting a car cover, but I fear this might actually be a beacon to vandals...saying "look at me, I'm a nice well taken care of car that my owner is obviously obsessed with, come bash my windows in!" I've had my current car broken into several times (at my old apartment a few years back, I lived next to a **** shop and what I later found out to be a crack house) and I stopped caring about it, especially after it got egged on a Saturday and I didn't notice till later in the day (85 degrees and sunny) that it had happened, already fried on my clean black paint. I wonder if anyone has had "bad things" happen to their cars while they were using a car cover? I'd rather have a couple bird droppings every now and then, then have someone want to key me for having a flashy cover.

Another thing is washing, since taking it to a carwash is obviously bad...but what about the "self-car washes" I have had bad experiences with those, because I'm slow and the timer with the water always seems to run out on me...but with a mini, I would probably be done quicker. I don't have a parking spot or access to water. I would probably not like to invest money in a power washer, since I would be pissed if someone who parked next to me washed their car next to mine....water spots from the spray! I have a suburban sister who lives 45 minutes away...but I'd like to find a more convenient place!

 

I go to a DIY car wash, but take my own bucket, soap and wash mitt. As long as you don't use their brushes (and probably their soap), your car will be happy. You just have to find a place that doesn't prohibit bucket washing, and go at a time when it isn't busy so people won't get upset as you take your time.

My tip from page 1 definitely applies: Get used to your car not staying clean. Just because it's dirty doesn't mean it's being harmed. Use a good wax like Epic or Klasse twice a year, wash every other week with a lambswool mitt, dry with Hydro and microfiber and your MINI will have a nice--not perfect, but nice--finish for years.

(I went into lots of detail of strategy on this page - post 39: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...=142893&page=2)