I had been getting ready for this for the past week or so. The Titan was closing in on 170 and while I was rolling home from lunch I looked down and saw this:





I've averaged 17,000 miles a year since I took delivery of The Titan back on 1/7/2007. What a superb car. My last two cars were a 1998 BMW 318 ti M-Technic and a BMW 328 lease. Of the three cars the Mini is my second favorite (to the ti).

Here's what's original on my Mini:

The engine and exhaust
The clutch
The AC
The original cloth floor mats (amazing))
The glass (though I did have a stone chip repaired years ago)
The struts/shocks
Paint is still flawless and details great (once a year)
The alternator
The radiator and all hoses (except for a leaky PS hose that leaked a year or so ago).
One axle...the other boot cracked about 6 months ago.
One headlight. Every other light on the car is original.

Danny (at Minicorsa) keeps a close eye on things but nearly always sends me on my way with, "See you for your next oil change."

Stuff that's dicey:

Needs a new driver's side seat or seat cover...been putting that off.
Some bushings in front are due, but Danny says no hurry.
Boot struts don't like cold weather.
Glove box latch is tweaky so I keep that baby closed!

Noteworthy:

The Titan has never had a door ding...you guess where I park.
There has never been so much as ONE bit of curb rash on ANY of his four original rims.
He has a couple good rock chips on his nose but the biggest came during his first 500 miles. I call it a birthmark.
He wears his front tires far more evenly than the rears. I take the fronts right down to the wear indicators. In fact, I just got a fresh set of Falkens right in time for some much-needed rain.
The rear tires cup a little (on the inside) so I rotate with the fronts when I want to max out the wear.
I run 35 PSI and corner to the car's limits whenever possible.
His passenger air bag light is on but I've gotten so used to seeing it I've never dragged him in for the recall. Lazy. Plus, I don't have many passengers.

Every now and then I'll mention a new Mini to Danny. He always says, "They're OK, but your 2006 is a way better-built car."

By the way, Danny & Gary at Minicorsa at the best, bar none.

Accept no substitutes if you're anywhere near Los Angeles.

If I could buy another new 2006 Mini just like this one, I'd buy it but I'd keep The Titan as my back up!