Okay so I have had my 07 MCS (LiB/W) for about 3 weeks now - a little over 1400 miles - and absolutely LOVE it. Driving the 80 miles total to and from work has never been more fun - definitely the best part of my day. I even make up excuses just to take him out again.

However, there are SO many modifications that I see people put on their cars through these forums. I feel kind of left out, like I am a bad mini owner for not letting my car get all glammed up. But, I just don't see the need - I absolutely love him the way he is. I haven't done anything since picking him up - no tinted windows, new tires, JCW aero kits - nothing. And I don't plan to.

Am I strange or am I not alone?

(Note: I don't think there is anything wrong with all of you who have added all the mods to their cars ONE BIT - just wondering if everything thinks I'm nutters for NOT doing so!)

 

I've had mine 6 months hav'nt done a thing ,every thing I'd want is way to expensive .

 

Not crazy, just don't have the bug yet.
I had my MINI for about 3 months before I did anything. First mods were 'I will just make this little change'. Now I am modding a littler here and there all of the time. But I enjoy working on the car and being a little different.
Best thing is most people on this site think to each his/her own.

 

That's all that matters!

 

You're crazy! No, just kidding!

I think that if you're happy with your car the way it is, you shouldn't feel bad about not doing any mods! No one is going to give you a hard time about having a stock MINI! In fact, it's quite possible that your car will have a higher resale value later in its life! (I don't think that's a great reason not to mod though, just a benefit.)

Personally, when I get my MINI, I plan on modding it. Not sure exactly what yet, but I've thought of putting new wheels/tires on it, possibly an intake (for performance gains, but also increased efficiency), and definitely little things like a badge holder and front euro plate.

Anyway, the key point is it's your car. You do what you want to with it. And if that's nothing, then great! You can just shake your head at all of us "crazy" people who mod and enjoy the pictures we post!

P.S.
I don't own a MINI yet, but I loved feeling of accomplishment of wiring the rear-fog light in my current car (VW New Beetle) and replacing the badge emblems with Euro-spec items! I can't wait to get the same sort of feeling with my MINI!

 

No you're not crazy...they are. You have a perfectly good warranty...why endanger that when mods for R56 are so relatively unknown at this point, and especially since your MINI is your daily driver? Add to this that the R56 MINI in stock form is superb...some people jumped into R53 modding to overcome issues. Relax...enjoy the car. MINI motoring is about many things...modding is only one small part of that. Forums present a highly skewed view.

 

I didn't have my car 2 weeks before I started moding my car and I'm not done yet after 18 months. My wife on the other hand has only moded a couple things on her car after she saw how they worked on my car. I think MINI has it right when they say "You-ifying" the car. Whether you mod a lot or not at all or any where in between, good for you. I think the most important thing is to enjoy the car. period.

 

It's your car. Make it (or keep it) the way you want it.

 

I've owned my '07 MCSa for 3 months..

I've made the following three highly extensive mods..

• Glove box organizer
• Mini rubber mat in the boot
• Small rubber tray that goes under the radio

I honestly like the car the way it is.. I see no reason to spend any (more) money on it.

 

No, your not crazy at all...

my MCS is bone stock.
My Prosche 944 Turbo is far from stock.

My MCS takes me to and from work every day for the last 6 mo.
My Porsche has had 'issues' for the last 3 years and goes to occasional track events.

I dearly want to mod George... but I'd rather spend that money elsewhere...
(and no, I don't consider winter wheels/tires a 'mod'...)

However, the previous owner did fly to the UK (london) and bring home a Mini-issued silver Union Jack for George's roof... but then again, is a factory-supplied, dealer-installed mod really a mod?

Cheers!

 

I've only added a couple of things. M7 SRP's, iPod dock and sleeve, glovebox tidy. No performance mods yet until it's out of warrenty.

Of course I'm starting off with a JCW, so the mod hunger is pretty well satiated.

 

Some people buy the MINI because of its relative minimalism. Why would they want to "max it up" by showering prezzies on it?

 

I agree. If you really love your Mini you'll be wanting to buy it things and making it unique. I've bought mine driving lamps and spent a bundle on detailing products.

 

Well I did get the rubber boot mat and MINI picnic blanket, does that count??

I don't know about getting the bug - it isn't that I don't/won't spend the money on him, but all the mods I see out there don't excite me enough (except maybe the driving lamps).

But yes, I am absolutely loving him and enjoying every minute I get. JUst wasn't sure if I was the only one on these forums that didn't spend all that time & money modding their MINI!!

I'm also not using him for racing or any such thing, so the performance (hellooo I came from a Ford Expedition - anything is peppier than that!!), is not really an issue either hahaha

 

Not crazy, especially with a new-car warranty. Mine is stock, too.

Wait a minute--this weekend I DID add some purchased straps to make it easier to bring the rear seats back upright if they've been folded down. Cost about $5, and I don't think it invalidates the warranty.

 

Yeah, those are really great!!!

 

Have had my Esmie for 6 months now and LOVE HER. Want to put in a CAI and MAYBE pulleys. Did get rubber mats front & back, boot liner, and glovebox organizer. WOULD LOVE CLEAR BRA & iPOD INTERFACE, BUT THOSE THINGS ARE EXPENSIVE!!!!!!

 

I did performance mods on my WRX, and don't think I ever want to do that again. Sure, makes the car faster, but as a daily driver, it just got old. My MINI will keep its base performance. Not to say I can't put a few things inside or out to make it more to my personal taste, but I'm trying to avoid the same (to me) mistake I made with my last car

You can love your car AND be a car person without having to mod it!

 

Thanks gjhsu

Very true!! That's all that matters.

 

You're not crazy. If you don't want stuff, you shouldn't buy it! But don't be surprised if you start to notice things that other people have and think, "Hmmm... it might be nice to have that."

 

I kept mine stock for 2 years and to be honest it was the most fun just driving around.....but that only lasts for so long with me.....hehe

Actually the 07 is a much nicer car than I would of expected. I liked it better than mine but I wont ever give mine up....although I would like to get an 07...

 

I sometimes think about families back in the day packing up their Minis for little weekend trips, or puttering about town running errands (actually, I have friends with classics who still do the same). That's when I realize that just driving about in a MINI is what it's all about...MINI-love is really the sole common denominator.

 

The picnic blanket is a very nice addition. The rubber boot mat is on my list of things to get. I'd also like to get a set of the rubber mats for the front. Winters can get pretty messy here.

You might be on to a good name... Stocky!

 

Stocky hehehe

Yeah I ordered the rubber mats for the front when I ordered the car - a must have here too (because of the snow). THey have been great so far, definitely keep the car cleaner than the usual cloth mats that we have in the other cars.

 

This is what the MINI "You-ification" is all about. I never did anything to my Cabrio except for stripes and a sway bar. Pretty plain. Some people like to Mod a lot - others don't - it's all up to You...

Donna