Lately, I've begun to notice several nitpicky details wrong with my car, the exhaust rattles slightly at idle, one foglight needs to be replaced, the once-and-a-while problems with my driver's side xenon, my rear brake pads desperately need replaced, the list goes on a bit.

Now, I'm usually the kind of person that spends 4-5 hours every saturday or sunday washing, cleaning, detailing, etc my car but now I find I haven't washed it in about a month. I've been really busy traveling and trying to get ready for my official last year of college, so I chalk the neglect up to that and go on.

It's not that I don't still love my car, I still cherish it the same, if not more than the day I picked it up. Everytime I do something new to it I love it even more, example being I recently lowered it, and hopefully will be getting it corner balanced and aligned this weekend, I was extremely happy with the results, it makes it that much more of a blast to drive. Furthermore, when I returned from a trip to Baltimore, where I spend the time shuffling around in my mom's 2.0 jetta 5 speed, It was great fun to get back in my car to feel how different the two cars are, from the handling and speed, to the short throw shifter I have versus the sloppy stock VW piece.

All of this being said, I still love my car, I just find myself short on money 9 times out of 10, being that I'm still wrapping up my education, and living out on my own. It's hard to even scrape up the few dollars for a new foglight bulb sometimes.

So anyway, my question boils down to exactly the statement in the title, how do all of you keep the spark alive with your Minis? What should I do?

 

You can keep the spark alive for free by calling Magnaflow tomorrow and telling them that your resonator is rattling and you will need a warranty replacement. That should make you happy and give you some fun for an afternoon when you replace the part.

 

not the resonator, it's already got the new one. By rattling I meant the tips vibrate against the rear valance, and easy fix by bending the hangers I suppose, but hours in the day seem as scarce as my money lately.

 

i am loving my mini with every new accessories and every turn i take with her. Infact , having my MCS has made me a better driver for my other cars as well.

 

to fix that exhaust. It must be HOT outside where you are...it sure is where I am. Just allocate the time & follow through with it. Have fun with it!

 

I am in the same boat as you, nearly. I graduated school last year and I don't make too much money yet. I knew this car would be a bit of a drain, but I knew I would love it so much, and I do! I want to wash it every couple days, I want new taillights, but then, I can't justify the expense. It's either buy gas or buy new parts for the car. It sucks, but I feel lucky just to own the car.