Any input is greatly appreciated, and I apologize ahead of time for any dumb questions I might ask.

Hey everybody I've been using NAM now for a year for all of my DIY projects on my mini and finally decided to join. You all seem like a great community and very insightful. I don't want to bore anybody with the formal introductions so I'll skip all of that.

This post is a combination of things that I'm sure have already been covered in previous threads however, I wanted to get opinions for my own personal situation.

I've had a stock '03 MCS pure silver for about a year now and its about to hit 90k. I'm getting a little tired of re-plasti-dipping everything and I've got some pretty bad scratches and a small amount of rust on the passenger side door (bought it like that.) With that being said, over the next couple of months I'm thinking about a possible paint job to black, new tires and wheels, along with regular maintenance. I would normally tackle the rust on my own but I've got too much going on right now since I finally decided to go back to school after 5 years. A quick background on the car:

- Oil/Filter and spark plugs changed
- MSD coil pack upgrade (stock wires)
- New alternator
- New A/C unit (and everything that goes with it)

Here's what I plan to do over the next year (hopefully):

-Black paint job
-Window Tint
-ASA AR1s
-Brakes

I've gone through cars pretty quickly in the past but I want to stick with my mini and keep it for the long haul. With that being said, I'm currently debating whether or not its worth putting money in for cosmetics when the mileage, while not super high, is about to reach 90k. I really want my mini to last but realistically, how long will it be before I need some serious maintenance?

I've read on another thread about recommended services at 100k which included just basic maintenance, changing out oil and other fluids, spark plugs, and possibly a timing belt change. My questions are:

1) Is a timing belt change really necessary at 100k?

2) What other maintenance would be good to go ahead and tackle once I hit 90k to keep her running strong?

3) Is it really worth it to put the money down for the cosmetic stuff?

My biggest thing is putting money into the mini and then having to turn around and possibly look for another car if I end up running into major issues

Thanks,
- !

 

Mini's don't have timing belts...
They have chains...usually good till you rebuild the motor unless you neglect the oil level...

Only you can answer the "is it worth it"...
But do budget some $$ for a clutch....say $1500-2000 if a shop does it...often the first lasts 100,000 or so depending on the driver....

 

Hey thanks for the reply.

Sorry for the error, I'm used to hearing timing belt and a timing chain is new to me. I'm still learning a lot about minis in general and along the way I've just heard mostly nothing but negative things about maintaining them after 100k so I figured I'd pose the question for reassurance more than anything.

 

I think a lot depends on how you drive AND the cars history....
Many folks have bought cars that were weekend trackcars/playthings that were beat on weekly...often sold with low miles...track miles are like dog years imo...
Others simply fail to do the inspections....just do oil changes...then neglect things like coolant...causes $$ things to happen....
No "special" 100,000 mile inspection on a mini....that was...er...gm/Chrysler....
Mini uses inspections...inspection 1 at 30,000, then inspection 2 30,000 later at 60,000...then inspection 1 again at 90,000....then inspection 2 at 120,000....etc....done right...everything gets looked at, wiggled, etc...fixed and adjust before it gets more $$$....
Fluids are done on a monthly basis.. Most 36/48 months from production..coolant and brake fluid...
So many folks waste big $$ on mini repairs...doing stuff cause they can...with no real plan...

 

Does this car put a smile on your face? then you have your answer.

 

I don't know too much about the previous owner or his driving habits but she's been "babied" since I've owned her with a little bit of spirited driving here and there, product of me wanting it to last. Right now there's only driving maybe once or twice a week to the market (also b/c of a coolant leak issue.)

And most definitely. Haha who can look at at mini and not smile?

Thanks for the input guys.

 

At a 100k this is what we recommend

Fuel filter
A/C filter
Oil change
Plug Wires
Engine Air Filter
Drive Belt

Otherwise just address things as needed. We find this keeping the MINI longer pretty normal with MINI owners as they can't find a car they like more.

 

Thanks for that.

I couldn't agree with that statement more.

 

All great suggestions and Welcome to NAM full-time!

Are you planning to do all-black or leave some silver or?

Mark/Pelican Parts

 

Thanks for the friendly welcome Mark. I've actually used pelicanparts.com before for a quick reference when I changed my alternator

I'm thinking something like fj0's MINI:

leave the door handles, gas cap, and (maybe) side scuttles silver.

I was also thinking the gunmetal AR1's. Wanted to do something a little different than the typical black paint with black rims/silver lip look. The black on black looks great but the gunmetal looks a little smoother imo

 

Oh yeah and the MINI emblems front and back as well (kept silver)

 

Think those are great ideas! I also like a gunmetal for the wheels as it provides some contrast and depth.

Will be fun to watch your projects.
Mark/Pelican Parts

 

Thanks!

I'll post pictures as the updates happen. One step at a time.