Recently I've been looking for the replacement for my '02 MCS. It made it 136k miles without SC or WP issues, it's on it's original PS pump (though the hoses seep a little), and the largest expense out of warranty was a new radiator a couple years ago when the original sprung a small leak. All in all, it has been a very reliable car considering it has a 15% reduction pulley since around 60k miles. With every mile, it seems the possibility of expensive repairs get closer. The aforementioned PS pump, SC, A/C compressor, clutch, etc.

Well today, I purchased a red '14 Golf TDI w/6 spd manual. They gave me a fair deal on trade in so the MINI is officially gone. The Golf is being shipped in from a dealer out of state so they gave me a loaner until it arrives. I think they want to try turning it around quick before the year ends. What college kid wouldn't want an EB/W MINI with pulley, intake, exhaust, and sway bar already installed?

I'll be saving around $10 a week in fuel with the TDI and hopefully it proves as reliable as the MINI. I figure I'll give it 5 years (80-100k miles) and decide if it's worth it to keep it for another 5.

So this is farewell. It's been nice to be part of the MINI community.

 

Kapps,

Wow! I just joined yesterday, and you are leaving today.

*in through out the back door - led zeppelin*

So long my friend, and best wishes on your new Golf.

 

There are so many great cars to choose from! Enjoy your new one.

 

It's nice to read that your MINI made it 136k with minimal issues. Congrats on the TDI purchase. You'll love the grunt of that diesel! Nice to hear another manual transmission car has been purchased in this world of automatics!

 

Thanks guys. It was a close decision between waiting for the new MINI that comes out in a couple months, waiting for the MK7 Golf that comes out at the end of summer, or getting one now. Getting it now won out and will save me some $$$.

I'll be posting some things for sale over the next weeks and months. I have a serpentine belt tool, a minidomore hitch kit, and a set of 15x8 6UL wheels that I took off before selling it.

 

Farewell!

I hope you enjoy the Golf TDI. I see quite a few VW TDIs here in Alaska.

Can't say that I know anything about them other than I T-boned one about a month ago because the driver ran a stop. My beloved '08 Forester Sports XT was totaled as well as the '13 Golf.

 

I had a TDI Manual Jetta 2000 for 13 yrs.....ordered it & drove it until this past March when sold it. It had 276,000 miles! I loved that car & to be honest........miss it terribly. I like my Mini.......I loved my Jetta.

 

My son has a Golf TDI 2012 model, its a nice car and the gas mileage he speaks of is totally insane, he has installed a Borla exhaust and a few exterior mods but has to be careful to not void his warranty. I think you will enjoy your new Golf.

 

Good luck with your TDI. I have a couple guys at work one has a Jetta TDI the other has a Golf TDI and neither one has complained and they get great gas mileage.

 

Will the minidomore hitch kit fit a 2011 R57 (Mini Cooper S convertible)? If so, how much are you asking. Thanks

 

Islandplotter, I don't think this hitch will fit the newer models unfortunately.

As for the Golf, it should be coming in this week. I'm looking forward to the mileage but the maintenance will be more. It has a $1k+ timing belt change at 120k miles and the $2k+ particulate filter at some point after that. Luckily, I drive manuals so no $500 DSG service every 40k miles. I've got a couple friends with Golf/Passat TDIs and they love them. I guess only time will tell if I end up keeping it for 11 years like the MINI. It'll definitely cover more miles though. One thing is certain... It will be a lot easier/safer to pull my trailer or strap the racks on the roof to lug my longboard to the beach or kayaks to the lake.

 

I think you will love the VW TDI, it will be much more capable with the low end torque that diesel engines have. I had a 2002 Beatle TDI and the low end torque was amazing. I would still be driving it but was sideswiped by an 18 wheeler. The older TDI got better MPG but were dirtier as far as diesel fumes. I averaged 49 mpg over 75,000 miles. I miss my VWs

Also be sure a visit the VW Vortec or it may be Vortex site. Its amazing. Also one other site that is specific to TDIs, is Freds TDI site

 

The TDI is here!