The manual says to vary speeds, keep the RPM below 4500, MPH below 100, and no wide-open throttle for the first 1200 miles.

 

If you decide to drive, I would map out some back roads on the way there and take some detours.

Its good break in practice to get off the highway where you are truely varying your speed.

No cruise control the whole trip, thats a break in no no.

Also remember that they have salt on the roads up in Minn so try and stop by a northern mini dealer to get them to spray off the undercaridge.

 

I would drive. I just drove my sisters new (well, used) '05 Jetta GLI back from Tampa to North Eastern Indiana (1100 miles), and had a blast. The comment about being by yourself = more a "taxing" drive... Turn the music up, roll the windows down and cruise! The Jetta seats suck too! Didn't feel anything like my '03.

 

I would drive too. I have done the CA -> WI roadtrip and am doing it again this summer. My general rule of thumb is if I'm going for less than 10 days, I fly...if I'm going for 10 days or more, I drive. I come from a road-tripping type family though. We would always make the 2-day drive from WI -> FL to visit Grandma rather than fly. Often, if it was all 5 of us, we'd even take 2 cars!

 

By this time of year, the salt has already washed off the roads in the rain, and is busy killing the plants along the sides of the road.

For salt removal, trips to dealers are unnecessary. Any automatic car wash that washes the undercarriage (and in our part of the country, that's all of 'em) would be fine.

 

My experience is that a dad came to spend time, and showed up in a Mini to ride around in for a few days, was considered Way Cool. Although it is only a material thing, anything that can help you two enjoy the time together is worth the extra effort.

 

Excellent.
The break-in period is located in the owner's manual but here is a brief description:

Engine and differential is up to 1,200 miles:
Drive at varying engine and road speeds but do not exceed 100 mph.
Avoid full throttle operation and use of the transmission kick-down mode.

Tires: 200 miles.
Brakes: 300 miles.
Clutch: 300 miles.

I hope that helps some.

 

Note:Some glitch occurred after I hit "Preview Post" and wiped everything out when posting a reply.So I am trying this once again.

I did that last year when I drove up there in my 2006 Mustang GT and my daughter just fell in love with the car she wanted to drive every where which she did.In fact she was my personal chauffeur the entire time I was there!
Man it was so depressing for me driving back home when I had to leave knowing it would be awhile until I saw her again.

I did show her a pic of my new MCS on AIM and she loved the car and said it is so cute.

Plus thank you everyone for your additional posted comments as I have read each and every one.