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.

 

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.

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

_________________
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..

Chow!

Donna
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.

 

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

_________________

 

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.