Squeaks, saggy seats, no cup space, replaced windscreens, yo-yo, dash rattles, handles that soon show wear, replaced latches, brake dust, stumble and boot dirt.

There comes a time, when the idiosyncrasies of a car become endearing. Are you ready for that? Seems that our expectations must have a lot to do with this. Or perhaps it requires a period of time to pass, so that we can feel nostalgic about it.

I tell great stories about all the problems I had with my '65 Mustang, my '68 Bug and my '74 MGB. I love to tell these stories. When I decided to by my MCS, I really only expected a current version of the same. We know that this is not a $50,000 sedan.

Of course, some have had really serious problems ant that is a different story. Some problems can be very frustrating and are able to remove all the joy from ownership. Most of us have not had these, and if I had, I most likely would have a different attitude.

Now... when I get a squeak, I want to fix that squeak. And when it pops back up, it makes me smile. (Foiled again!) So, I go back after it.

I think I do love my MINI's weaknesses. How about you?

God speed.

I've had three new Minis so far....
I am a happy camper. :cool:

As my MCS has been pretty trouble free to date, I still require my MGs to provide me with those little endearing qualities. Like rounding a bend at 5000 rpm in my '62 MGA and literally having the distributor come lose from its holding clamp, and blow out the side of the engine with a tremendous "boom". As I coasted to the side of the road, the term "endearing" was definately not on my mind. :grin:

No electical fires or major oil leaks either. Hmm, my MCS sometimes appears to be more German than English.

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BLUBELLE - 2003 MCS IB /W Premium, Sport, Cold pkgs, Lapis blue interior, Magnecor wires, Alta Pulley, Moss Skid Plate, Chrome Trim Interior

Like many others here who are happy with their mini, I choose to ignore some of the quirks of my mcs like I've done in the past with Ducati motorcycles and other cool toys. I haven't had any serious problems with my mcs and look forward to driving it every day. I haven't even used any of my motorcycles much ever since the mini came home with me. I'm certainly not a comformist, I'm just willing to forgive certain defects in my car like I do with people or other objects that I value having in my life. Will I come to love those quirks ? I'd say no. I'll just continue to ignore them because life is good.
:smile:

:smile: It's all in how you choose to deal with the weaknesses.. :razz:

Chow!

Donna :razz: :razz:
donna@dcmetrominis.org

I have never NOT loved my car. Even this morning when a CD got stuck in my CD player and I couldn't get it out. :grin:

I am not perfect. My MINI is not perfect. It hasn't complained yet. We are made for each other. :smile:

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https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...lbum04/fxa.jpg

The MINI has weaknesses?

> The MINI has weaknesses?

the windshields

>>Squeaks, saggy seats, no cup space, replaced windscreens, yo-yo, dash rattles, handles that soon show wear, replaced latches, brake dust, stumble and boot dirt.
When I last checked after 8000 miles on my 2003 MCS:
No squeaks-only if I carry mice in my pockets.
No saggy seats-I got the lapis leather sport seats and treat them monthly with Zaino leather in a bottle-wonderful.
I have the MINI FINI super cup holder and if I remove my ash tray I have four working cup holders.
No problems with any windscreens or windshields
Never any yo-yo or stumble-I can't even make it happen.
No dash rattles-everything tight as a drum.
I do have tiny scratches on some handles that are plastic but I will be replacing them with either real wood or painting them or cover them with bicycle handlebar tape soon.
No latches that have had any problems
Since I have Mintex Red brake pads there is better stopping and less brake dust, Wheelwax helps repell the dust when used on the rims and my aftermarket wheels have a more open design that doesn't trap much dust anyway.
Boot dirt is easily wiped off each day (about 5 minutes) because I do wax my car often and it is always clean anyway.

>>There comes a time, when the idiosyncrasies of a car become endearing. Are you ready for that? Seems that our expectations must have a lot to do with this. Or perhaps it requires a period of time to pass, so that we can feel nostalgic about it.
I'm ready.

>>I tell great stories about all the problems I had with my '65 Mustang, my '68 Bug and my '74 MGB. I love to tell these stories. When I decided to by my MCS, I really only expected a current version of the same. We know that this is not a $50,000 sedan.
So far everything is going quite well with my MINI.

>>Of course, some have had really serious problems ant that is a different story. Some problems can be very frustrating and are able to remove all the joy from ownership. Most of us have not had these, and if I had, I most likely would have a different attitude.
I did replace my leaking coolant bottle once.
And I did replace some suspension bolts on a recall of October 2002 build MCS.

>>Now... when I get a squeak, I want to fix that squeak. And when it pops back up, it makes me smile. (Foiled again!) So, I go back after it.
I have to turn off my aftermarket stereo to hear anything but when I do I still cannot find that squeak.
I do have 29 sq ft of sound deadening material in my two front doors which keeps things quiet.

>>I think I do love my MINI's weaknesses. How about you?
I love my MINI's weaknesses. It's just too fun to drive. I'm having a blast.

Best of luck with your MINI. :wink: