Does the MINI thrill ever wear off?
6th Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 7
From: Orcutt, CA
I had my first 2003 Mini for 3.5 years before I crashed it. I still loved that Mini so I bought another 2006 Mini and I am still enjoying that Mini after another 2.5 years.
Doing fun things with the Mini really adds to the love. I like modifying the Mini, going on club drives, and doing track days. As pointed out, giving other people a fun ride, or letting them drive, also keeps the flame going.
I think the oil should be changed the first time at about 1500 miles.
I had been changing the oil every 5000 miles but I have backed-off to changing it every 7,500 miles. I worry more about the filter doing a good job than the oil. I change the oil myself so it is not a big expensive and it gives me an opportunity to inspect the car and spot any problems.
Doing fun things with the Mini really adds to the love. I like modifying the Mini, going on club drives, and doing track days. As pointed out, giving other people a fun ride, or letting them drive, also keeps the flame going.
I think the oil should be changed the first time at about 1500 miles.
I had been changing the oil every 5000 miles but I have backed-off to changing it every 7,500 miles. I worry more about the filter doing a good job than the oil. I change the oil myself so it is not a big expensive and it gives me an opportunity to inspect the car and spot any problems.
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Gadsden, AL
Bought my first Mini in June of 02. Absolutely loved it. I had it until July of 04 when I was forced to sell it. (Bump in the road) Went for four years looking at every Mini on every car lot, knowing I had to have one again.
This past Christmas, my wife surprised me with an 06 PW MCS. Felt like a kid again (I'm 52).
I don't think the thrill ever ends.
This past Christmas, my wife surprised me with an 06 PW MCS. Felt like a kid again (I'm 52).
I don't think the thrill ever ends.
Still having fun a little short of two years later. Helps to have a pick-up and a classic convertible also so you can always choose the right vehicle for the situation, though the MINI has hauled some surprising stuff in certain situations.
If you wait a year to change the oil I would make sure you are at least checking it regularly, especially the longer you go before changing it and check the level more frequently if you start to see the oil level dropping. I am putting about 10K on the car each year and change the oil about twice, but that is just me.
If you wait a year to change the oil I would make sure you are at least checking it regularly, especially the longer you go before changing it and check the level more frequently if you start to see the oil level dropping. I am putting about 10K on the car each year and change the oil about twice, but that is just me.
I'm on my 4th mini is just over a year. I really enjoyed the first 3 minis, they were great but now that I've found my '09 jcw, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE DRIVING THIS CAR!!!!
I find any excuse to drive it, I take the long way to work and zip around like a kid that just got his driver's license. (I'm 46)
Absolutely love it.
Mark
PS. I think this will be my last mini for a long time.
I find any excuse to drive it, I take the long way to work and zip around like a kid that just got his driver's license. (I'm 46)
Absolutely love it.
Mark
PS. I think this will be my last mini for a long time.
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix AZ
When we first bought our Pepper White, Bonnet-Striped MINI, I was giddy as a little kid.
Today, a couple months later, I'm, well, giddy as a little kid.
(Oh yeah - I'm fifty!)
But I'm afraid that the thrill will eventually wear off, as it has with most other cars I've owned, including a few pretty cool ones. Sooner or later they've all become - just cars (usually within days of the first door ding...).
Say it ain't so with the Coop- Say it won't be!
One thing I have noticed on the forums is that a bunch of people have sold their MINIs only to later (or sooner) regret it and end up buying back in to the fraternity.
Once bitten always smitten?
Today, a couple months later, I'm, well, giddy as a little kid.
(Oh yeah - I'm fifty!)
But I'm afraid that the thrill will eventually wear off, as it has with most other cars I've owned, including a few pretty cool ones. Sooner or later they've all become - just cars (usually within days of the first door ding...).
Say it ain't so with the Coop- Say it won't be!
One thing I have noticed on the forums is that a bunch of people have sold their MINIs only to later (or sooner) regret it and end up buying back in to the fraternity.
Once bitten always smitten?
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Ok. Alright.
Sometimes when my wife's leaving the garage out front of me I'll let the back of my hand brush across the small of my MINIs boot. And once (..I am so ashamed..) I even groped a handful of tail light.
Sometimes when my wife's leaving the garage out front of me I'll let the back of my hand brush across the small of my MINIs boot. And once (..I am so ashamed..) I even groped a handful of tail light.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 3
From: Daytona Beach, Florida
Yep, I still like my JCW
I have a little over 4,000 miles and have owned it since Oct.2008. It is a 2009 factory JCW that I bought off of the showroom floor. It had 10 miles on it when I bought it. I test drove a Mini S about a month before I bought mine. I never did drive my JCW before I bought it. I was really very happy the first time I drove it from Orlando to Daytona. I knew I was gonna just love this car. AND I DO!!! I like it so much I bought the extended maintenence warrenty because I know I'm going to keep this car a long time. I have been averaging 33mpg on my last two tanks of gas. Adult passengers actually fit in the back seats & it is a FUN car to drive. I could not ask for a better car.
Ronnie948
Ronnie948
Last edited by ronnie948; May 29, 2009 at 07:18 PM. Reason: add photo
5th Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 646
Likes: 1
From: Illadelphia
I've had mine for over three years, but it still is just as exciting to me Although I should note that a while back I bought an old Honda Civic for daily driver duties. So after driving the Honda all week, getting in the MINI is a special treat.
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
From: Trussville
Warning not in your manual: if you're feeling so sick that you don't enjoy driving, exercise extreme caution (for example, don't carry an open container in the up-top cupholder, no matter how well the "remedy" works. Obviously, I wasn't thinking clearly either).
Almost 3-1/2 years, still loving it.
Almost 3-1/2 years, still loving it.
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Southeastern Mass
Just over a year and it's better than ever, I drive all over the n.e.coast for work (see sreen name ). And the 250 mile trip to jersey is a blast,but while driving the tugboat is cool, there's nothing better than getting off and motoring home via the Henry Hudson and Merritt for 4 hours !! I try to watch the Italian Job before I hit the road, kinda sets the mood 
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: California
I've had my MINI for almost a year now and just passed 10K (I rarely drove more than 8K/year in the car I had before). It wants to be driven, asks to push the limits around curves and turns, and I don't think that voice will ever quiet. Everytime I walk up to my MINI I can't help but smile and after a good wash it's hard to walk away without doing at least a little backwards walking XD
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix AZ
I've had my MINI for almost a year now and just passed 10K (I rarely drove more than 8K/year in the car I had before). It wants to be driven, asks to push the limits around curves and turns, and I don't think that voice will ever quiet. Everytime I walk up to my MINI I can't help but smile and after a good wash it's hard to walk away without doing at least a little backwards walking XD
In a word - NO. The thrill doesn't end. I've had my MCS since August 2002. I keep adding things so there is always something new to play with. And I still go out to the garage just to look.
Kevin
Kevin