After 10 years and over 125,000 miles...today is my last day with my 2003 MINI Cooper S . Tonight, she her sale will be finalized, and she will move on to a new home...and hopefully bring them as much joy, as she has brought me.

Upon graduating college, and getting my first job, I saved for almost a year until I could afford the exact MINI I wanted. In April 2003, I could finally afford everything I wanted, and I placed my order on an Indi Blue & White MINI Cooper S, optioned exactly as I wanted. I waited 3-months to take delivery...tracking her progress the entire time...and finally took delivery on July 14, 2003. I drove off the dealer lot with 8 miles on the odometer, and until I motor the last mile I put on her tonight, I have had a smile on my face the entire time.

My R53 has been, without doubt, the best car I have ever owned. I had always planned to hold onto her forever, but life, kids, and financial reality has a way of scuttling the best laid plans. So I am sad to see her go, and I know I am going to miss the R53. I am probably going to regret selling her, but who knows...maybe a few years down the road...

Okay, enough sad nostalgia...I am at least happy that I will be staying in the MINI family...I have a new 2013 MCS Clubman on order, that I should take deliver of the first week of July. So I will only be sad and MINI-less for a couple weeks. Then the time to make my new MINI Clubman mine, will begin.

 

Well, you know how the saying goes. When one door closes, another one opens. Good luck with the clubman, hope it can give you as much happiness as the original!

 

I get it. I thought I'd keep my first R50 for decades but life happens.

 

When one door closes, a ClubDoor opens?

 

I just sold my All4 today and feel your pain. I moved on from mini though, good luck with the clubman.

 

That's about how it went for me... I sold my 2003 Mini Cooper S and just ordered a 2013 MINI.. How I hated to see it go..was such a good car.. Yikes!! But the funny thing is Im on the same ship as you are.. The Parsifal.. Cheers!!

 

Sad sad day Happy day coming soon Congratulations on the new MINI! Don't forget to post the parts you come across in the garage as you are storing the new MINIs parts you are replacing. Although you already sold quite a few

 

+1

 

I am going to miss that supercharger whine...especially with the 15% pulley. Soooo sweet. At least my MINI is going to a good home...and it should live to motor many, many more miles. Heck, I'll probably even see it around at some local MINI clubs events.

I'm glad I'm taking a week of vacation and going up to MN to do some fishing, take in a Twins game, and help my in-laws with their new home. That'll take some of the "is it here yet?" feeling away...for a few days at least.

Any word on when you're going to take delivery of your 2013 MINI?

 

Yes I liked that whine also.. It will be missed.. Honestly my MINI gave me no trouble.. After I sold it I had that weird knot in my stomach.. But I do feel it went to a good home.. I see it bussing around town all the time now.. Ive notice each time the big grin the person has on there face.. So I know they are enjoying it.. I should take delivery on mine the first week in july.. So im looking forward to that Also...have fun fishing in MN.. That's where I live.. The Twins have a new stadium also.. So enjoy!!

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of barn doors!

 

I received an email from the guy who bought my R53 a few days ago...

He purchased the MINI from me 2-weeks ago today. A few days after buying it (4-days to be exact), while it was parked in front of his house, someone side-swiped her and drove off . Apparently, big scrapes/scratches and a large dent in the driver's side door and rear quarter panel. Something like $2000 in damage. Thankfully, he is getting her fixed...and should have her back on the road after he returns from a conference in a couple weeks.

And it was a good thing I picked up my new Clubman the same day I got that email...I might have curled up and cried otherwise.

 

I am a young broke student who loves Minis and a similar story to yours, sdiver, was my way in; I bought my '03 R53 two weeks ago as well from a guy who had put 130,000 miles on her. I hope the person you sold yours to will love and care for it as much as I love mine.