I am purchasing a GP located 900 miles away. I haven't decided whether to fly and drive back in MINI, or just have it transported. The costs are comparable, however, putting an extra 900 miles on the MINI will reduce tread life, bring scheduled maintenance closer, and who knows what else may happen en route e.g., a rock in the windshield, run flat repair, etc.

Please share your thoughts. Thank you

 

Almost the exact distance my other half and I flew to pick up our 05 MCS convertible in 2007. We drove him back and made it an event that we'll never forget (added to the excitement by driving through 7 States without even a temporary tag... LOL).

Drive it back. 900 miles on the odometer is nothing in the big scheme of things.

 

Drive it. What better way to break in the new beast.

 

you have to travel 900 miles.....and youll have a mini GP.........why is this even a question?

cars are meant to be driven, and you are going to put 900 miles on it sometime.....i cant think of a better way to break in a new car.

 

The GP I am buying (900 miles away) is an '06, not a new car.

 

A year ago, I drove my '06 MCS (with 96.5k miles at the time) home from over 300 miles away and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Some people have even driven much, much further for a similarly used Mini with no problem. A 900 mile roadtrip is a perfect way to get acquainted with a new-to-you Mini and it's a great excuse to go on vacation. And trust me, since I put nearly 35k miles on my MCS in a little over a year, 900 miles of wear really isn't much. As long as your GP is mechanically sound, you should have a nice roadtrip ahead of you.

 

I'd put in on a hauler and I have done it both ways. Last year I flew from Charlotte, nc to NYC picked up a 06 JCW R52 and Dave it home (500 miles). I drove the whole time waiting for something to go wrong. When I got home I started in with catching up all the maintenance which was overdue. Looking back, I wished I had not taken it on such a long trip until I had gone over it myself. too many things can go wrong and 900 miles is a long drive. When we purchased a r50 for my son, we had it placed on a hauler and delivered. Less stress with that one.

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I'd drive it, it'll be a fun adventure! Who knows, it could get damaged in transport as well.

 

If you bought it to save money, you're doing it wrong.

But if you won't enjoy the trip, well...
I bought mine in VA, drove it to CA. Did bubble a runflat in a HUGE pothole in AZ at night, but my windshield didn't get dinged 'til it was sitting in a parking lot at home.

 

Definitely drive it! If it were new, i'd say definitely truck it. You don't want to put 900 highway miles on a new motor in 1-2 days.

 

The decision is a tough one. I've driven from west NV to CT with one overnight stop. It was a killer. I think long journeys should be pleasurable and unhurried. I do not have this luxury and would consider the long drive more work than pleasure. I love to drive. And driving the "new" GP would be a joy if time were not an issue. Given my concern and your comments, I will likely transport her home. Any recommendations about finding a reasonably priced, reputable transporter. It seems the industry is loaded with scammers and rip-offs.

Thank you all,
HD

 

Question posed; all discussion revolves around costs and wear and tear on the car. Then decision is based on lack of time (which was never mentioned in OP). Am I missing something here?

 

As a GP owner who purchased a GP about 500 miles away, I'd recommend to drive it. I recently drove 1000 miles to the dragon on my GP and it was a lot of fun. Unless of course you don't have the time or stamina to do it, then transport it.

To each his own, some GP owners like to baby their car, others drive it to the ground. I drive mines all year around, 365 days a year. I don't think I baby it as much as other GP owners do, but I still take care of it. I bought a really fun car, I'm gonna have fun with it.

 

I have no intention of babying my MINI. Like you, I will certainly take good care of it. What's the point in owning a fantastic car and not enjoying it as often as possible. Like you, I will be driving it year 'round. Unless you own the car as a collector, it's ridiculous not to drive it whenever possible.

 

Agreed. Please let us know how it goes with your GP purchase and snap some photos. I've owned the GP for a little under a year and it's the most fun I've had with a car. I previously owned a R53 with a lot of mods on it, and it's not even close to a GP. I already put 15,000 miles on the GP and plan on putting down plenty more. Have fun!

 

I'd be happy to keep NAM enthusiasts posted on my GP purchase progress. The one thing that's holding up progress is finding a reasonably priced, reputable transporter. I am very excited about owning a GP. I think the '06 GP is the most fabulous MINI ever produced! I will, of course, be equally happy to snap some pictures. If you have any useful information regarding automobile transporters please advise.

Thank you,
HD