(not classic Minis this time...but MINIs!!)

I have an '03 MINI Cooper but this past week I got some more new parts that were not proper for an '03. Got me thinking about how much of this car has changed (although it looks the same) over the four years I've had it. So...as of last week...I now have:

- Fresh-air vent grills from an '04...ditched the foam element after the first year.

- A new locking glovebox...the old part was not available so the dealer put an '05 and later locking version in due to a latch problem. Getting a lock is appparently a major security operation.

Also, in the past, I've had some other minor cosmetic failures that the dealer replaced on the spot w/o question:

- Silver door pulls (paint failure) - replaced both complete door panels in their entirety

- Both door sill plates (delaminating)

- All four MINI wheel hubs (delaminating)

- MINI bonnet badge (center clear disk delaminated)

- Both silver downtubes (paint failure)

- Chrome beltline trim on both doors...the little plastic end-caps came off.

As part of a traffic mishap two years ago (I was not at fault, the MINI performed flawlessly, btw) I have:

- New complete bonnet and passenger headlight (crunched)

- New front bumper and trim (crunched)

- Assorted passenger-side suspension bits (askew)

- A new windshield (debris-related)

- New dash upper (air-bag related)

Last summer:

- New rear glass (shattered due to some drunken bast*rd)

Not to mention several PDR episodes and a repainted door due to an idiot-originated door ding.

So, yes, me and my MINI have been through a lot....almost the entire car has some story to tell. Mechanically it's been absolutely rock solid.

Last week the new service manager commented that my Cooper's interior looked brand new. Well...........

I love this car.