Hi! I just got my first Mini! Hot dam! 2003, very well cared for (or seems to have been) from a nice retired guy who drove it on his weekends. I had to wait a long time for this car, because I'm a mom, but it is just exactly what I wanted. It has just under 40,000 miles. I did have it checked by a BMW dealer before I got it and it checked out really well except strut has a little leak so may need replaced. There are a couple things that bug me. The bigest being a soft gurrgle when I accelerate in 2nd or 3rd only. It's off & on. It sort of sounds like it has a little gas (farty). My husband thinks I am just keeping the rpms too low. The other is I can't figure out how to turn off the rear windshield wiper, and that just makes me feel dumb. Any feed back for this first timer? Should this little noise worry me so? Thank you so very much!

 

rear windshield wiper is the **** on the end of the right stalk on the steering column if I remember correctly. It's been since I've been in a MINI :( I can't really help you on the noise

 

...and the noise sounds like it may be the famous Mini burble that we all know and love. Nothing to be concerned about.

 

I'm worried about a noise that mini owners love??? That figures, my husband always said I was paranoid! That is really good to know, and I hope that is it.Thank you both for the help! Very glad to finally have such a fun non-mom car! I love it! Now I just need stripes! The best part about my new Mini is the waves! Very cool...

 

Welcome aboard, post some pics and remember to wave.

 

Hi Welcome aboard. I am also fairly new. Had the burble checked out on my S, so don't feel bad. I too waited a long time and as I explained when I joined-the last car I had that had MINI in the name had VAN attached to it. (hence the name NOT A WAGON WIFE because I no longer am) . My kids have their own cars now and this MINI was on my bucket list. What fun. So glad you finally got what you wanted- you are going to love it. ENJOY!!!!!

 

Beach Momma, it's definitely the "burble". Took me by surprise too, but your car definitely isn't broken.

Notawagonwife - your car is the same basic color scheme as mine, and has further convinced me that I'm gonna have to get a set of driving lights soon. Needs rear tires first, though...

 

I love my driving lights. You will too when you get them. Are there pics of your car in your gallery?

 

Not yet - just got Jubilee yesterday, but I need to get her cleaned up first before taking her out for a photo session. It's been rainy here the last couple days... :(

 

Thanks so much everyone! I am really glad you think it's this burble. Big relief! I will share photos soon. Notawagonwife, we are in just the same boat! My last ride actually made me cry when we got it. My baby gets his license in two weeks. Who would have thought it would make me so happy to have my crazy kid on the road! He won't be driving my Mini, oh no! I wanted one before they were even out. It was torture.

 

Only a day! And rain- that stinks.
Well I will look forward to seeing the pictures - I love my Chili Red with the black roof. Guess great minds think a like. I always wanted the checkered flag accents. I grew up a motor head and was thrilled to build what I wanted. Enjoy Jublilee!!! The Minis are great fun.

 

Can't wait to see your photos. And yes I hear you. Goes something like this: "Do you want the mini van with the lovely kid friendly easy to clean seat covers, extra cup holders for the car pool, automatic door, removable back seats to haul everything to college, roof rack, bike rack (funny I have both the roof rack and bike holder now) in a very neutral color to hide the scratches from the mountains of sports equipment, grocery carts, bikes.....?

Love the fact the Mini is too small to haul!!!!!!