Maybe you last couple of posters missed this. He's no longer going to Japan. Looks like the Navy has a smaller island in mind for him.

 

Used to be Europe was a three year tour, and Asia was a year. How things have changed.

Store the Mini. Take all the proper precautions when storing. You will absolutely HATE yourself if you sell.

 

oops!...

 

Still is for the Army. 24 month unaccompanied, 36 months accompanied (Longer if you extend or get a European-out )

 

I'm not a truck guy either... I got the truck as something big and safe for the wife to commute her 1 mile back and forth everyday, for the utility of having a truck, and it's been quite helpful during snowstorms.

I'll be on a 36 month tour if my application to Guam gets accepted to the 1300 crew submarine tender, the USS Frank Cable. I've started talking to an ET1, and he has shed some light on some of my worries about my potential move to Guam, and I'm thinking it's probably the best thing for me (aside from Seattle) right now.

If I don't take the Mini, I'll likely sell it rather than let it sit and rot/deteriorate in some garage somewhere for 3 years.

 

Yep, I'd agree that having it sit parked for 3 years is not the best move. I guess it's not an option to leave it with someone who could drive it once a week or so to keep it in good running condition ??

Whatever you decide, good luck. I think you'll like Guam. It has its pros and cons, like any place. They're just a bit exagerrated there.

 

what happened to the deck building?

IMO, sell the car. Most places will start the engine once a month but in a MINI it will be dead.

 

I would still like a deck to improve my selling/property value.

And ya, 3 years is a long time to sit. So it's likely either take it with or sell, not store.

 

oh that sucks, sry to hear about it,
you can always store ur MINI just make sure you flush ALL the fluids

 

Hey, you have some options. A coworker got orders to Okinawa for 3 years, and the military payed for storage. The place sits the car off the ground. They have a routine, but it basically consists of stuff like starting it every so often, changing the oil, etc. I think you will regret selling the car, especially all the time and money you have invested in it. When I got orders to England for 2 years, I left my Suzuki Sidekick with my parents, and when I got back, I was sooo glad I hadn't sold it before I left. If you do decide to sell, make sure you sell a lot of the aftermarket parts and save up your money, so you can get a nice MINI when you return. Good luck !!

 

I just got news that there is a new BMW dealership in Guam, and that there are several Minis there as well, so I may take it with afterall... My contact says Guam's drivers are terrible though, and get in accidents all the time. :/

 

Just like I said up there a ways ^^.

But hey... you drive around DC, you're used to accident avoidance techniques.

 

There are very good methods of storage and preserving a car for a few years.

• Working from the outside in, wash the car, apply a fresh coat of wax, and polish the chrome trim. Then vacuum the interior, clean the upholstery, and apply the appropriate vinyl/leather/chrome/wood preparations.

• Use a desiccant (moisture absorber) to protect against interior mold and mildew. A cupful of mothballs will minimize the threat of insect infestation.

• Top off the gas tank to reduce condensation and add a name-brand fuel stabilizer. Change the engine oil and filter. Inspect the cooling system, replace or add antifreeze, and start the engine to circulate the fluids.

• Inflate all tires to the recommended pressure, move the car into position away from high-traffic areas, and remove the battery. Put the car in gear (or Park, if an automatic) then close and lock it.

• When the exhaust has cooled, cover the tips of the tailpipes with plastic wrap to keep out pests.

• For longer-term storage, placing a vehicle on blocks or jack stands will increase tire life and prevent flat spots. If your storage area is damp and cold, consider a small space heater and/or a dehumidifier.

• anything can happen; keep your car insured and photograph it in case you need a visual reference for insurance or other purposes.

 

Guam now, eh? I dated a guy from Guam when I was in high school. He was in the Navy also. To me, he seemed like a good driver.

I say take him with you. I think you would be lost without him. I love your car!

 

He wasn't a local. I don't think most of the locals actually have a license.

 

Have you does this before? Or is google your friend?

 

Have I does this?

Yes actually. My MGB has been in long term storage using the same method. That I copied the procedure from Motor Trend saved me typing time.

 

Yeah, man. Does you does or does you doesn't? That's the question! Kinda like that song; "Is you is or is you isn't?"

 

Reminds me of a Tom & Jerry cartoon where Tom is trying to seranade a female cat with a Chello singing 'Is you is, or is you aint mah baby?'.

 

"I yam what I yam" - Popeye

 

Hey I hope you can at least make it to the dargon befor you leave. As for the car thing. if you don't take it. stripe it of all the important stuff like wheeels and your seat covers and any little things that can be added to a new. when you get back buy a new one. in 3 year the new one will have been perfected of all the new bugs and you'll have new options.

I loved my car but you gots to do what you gots to do.

 

Depending on your orientation, that is a loaded question; and no, I don't beat my wife anymore! Anyway, back to the ultimate question, Dargonit! its a tough one. To take or not to take; that is the question! Whether it tis nobler.... oh well, you know where that's going. Personally, I'd take the Batmini with. I couldn't imagine myself driving something else on a long term basis. Good luck on your decision!

 

In Japan take it and wreck it the first time you pull up to an intersection and look the wrong way before you pull out. I find it takes a lot of practice to get used to right hand driving conditions after years and years of looking the opposite way... probably are a TON of very interesting japanese spec cars there that we never see anywhere here or just buy a RHD MINI there and bring that back here 3 years down the line, it's got to be easier, and now you have something NO ONE here has!

http://www.mini.jp/mini.html?jsessio...41161216962298 Looks like they still have the Checkmate Pkg but in Space Blue/Silver, COOOLLL...

 

Hey! I got an idea!

You could just give me your MINI!

See how well that works?




-Paul!

 

I considered this option as well. My new batcave is almost done