I have a bone stock 2002 mini cooper s with about 85000 miles. i was wondering if modding the car now would be a bad idea.

I would like to go the Alta way if it'll be cheaper and faster or just stick with the jcw kit, so that there wont be fire hazards.

thanks in advance.

 

I have more miles than you when I started modding my 03 and she is doing great!

 

Are you the original owner?
Have you been doing the standard scheduled maintenance?

What is your big upgrade plan (3 to 5 year plan)?
What is your definition of the "Alta way"?

What plans do you have for your MINI in terms of use? Only street or any performance driving- track, autocross or driving school/events?

What kind of tires do you have on it now?

In general it should not be a problem to do mods on a 2002 MCS with 85,000 miles.

I had a 1995 Maxima SE that I kept for 12+ years and started modding it about 10 years after I bought it. I had planned to do it earlier but never got around to doing it. Finally the stock muffler rusted out and I wore out the stock all season tires on the track at a driving school event because my MINI was in the shop for repairs. The car did great but my wife complained it was awful loud.

 

At our Tune event some of the strongest runners with about the same mods had the highest miles. MINI's seem to be like wine, better with age.

 

Modding now is a good idea!

 

With that milage, some suspension parts might be getting worn out. What better excuse to get camber plates and polyurethane?

 

you have more than enough miles to do alta!! do it! ;]