Let's see who has their Minis 20 years from now and then we'll compare notes? Sides...who's talking about putting the Mini in a vault? I've put on over 21,000 miles on Msfit in less than two years and have never taken her out on damp/rainy/dirty/slushy days (well, at least not on purpose ). When I do go out, I'm GONE I'm talking about taking care of something you love to make it last. Ask anyone old enough to have purchased a brand new 64 Mustang and how they feel now that it's gone

 

Hey, I'm not saying abuse it. Use it and as others have suggested, pamper it, detail it, love it! It's like a good guitar. It just gets sweeter with time!

 

In that case...I agree with you I should've directed my response more directly to those who believes this is "just another car" or the bands who like to break their guitar after their gig

 

In terms of future collectability, cars which are OEM original and preferably limited edition/production are the ones which usually generate the most interest and/or highest price. As far as the MINI goes, the model which is closest to meeting these criteria is the MC40.

 

I can Identify 100%!!!
Right when I first got the mini, I pledged to myself that the JCW was enough, and that I would keep it bone stock, only mini stuff. I also was washing the car 2-3 times a week. But then, I had to have some fun, (as if I wasnt having any already) some I had what I called "get dirty days"-Exactly what it sounded like-getting the car as I dirty as I could before I washed it-sling it through the puddles, drive through the dirty, whatever it be-and then clean it perfect.
About the mod thing-For my next MCS, probably no engine mods-210hp is enough, but probably adjusting camber or sway bars is appropriate. (something that will make the car even more fun, but is at the same time adjustable and removable.)

 

morning mumbles re Keeping Cars ...
I'm 2nd owner of my '66 Mustang, bought in 1971. When "new" driven gopher hunting in hills, trac-loc differential came in handy, kinda low clearance meant keeping tires on top of ridges, not in ruts. Through the years the Mustang has been Old Reliable: new car goes to shop, Mustang always starts summer, winter, always. Still does, but now just drive in summer. Worth far more $$ than what I paid for it, maybe even with inflation.
1986 bought one of them smooth fancy cool new Tauruses (honest it was). Still works fine, now worth maybe $800. Maybe. 19 years old this year.
MINI comes in May. Sure are hoping it'll work fine/be fun for 20 years (I'll be 78 years old in 20 years- my oh my).

 

I started out that way. Until Dobby got his first nick. And then his second. And then tar on the boot. Now, I am still obsessive about washing him - when I can. It's hard when it's in the teens, right? Have you had him/her in the snow yet? Do you have the DSC? Even if you don't, it is a wicked car in the snow. SOOOOOO much fun!!! We got that same blizzard you guys did in Indiana on Saturday, and I was going up a hill and passed two minivans that were stuck.