i read so many threads where owners polish their MINIs every day. go over it with a feather duster ect. and rightfully so. this is my 3rd MINI and i used to wash and zaino my previous 2 MINIs every week. i would get inside and 305 the entire interior for hours on a saturday. don't get me wrong, i still LOVE my car. in fact its my favorite MINI of the 3 i've owned. i even added an ALTA cold air intake last month. i keep it very neat inside and out. still park far away in parking lots, and no food or drinks allowed inside. but i have also gotten more relaxed about it. wash maybe once a month, i havnt even gotten around to waxing it this summer yet. its mostly dusty on the outside and needs a good cleaning on the inside. i have some stuff collecting in the boot and door pockets. i still get compliments on it all the time. so my question is, are there any MINI owners out there that have relaxed a bit in the obsessive nature over their car. you know... treat it more it like a normal car. don't baby it as much. its actually more enjoyable to drive and own when not obsessing over every little detail. isn't it?

 

nope... cept ive only had it for just over 4k miles...

 

i still give my MINI all the atttention

 

I'm not afraid to go dirty

 

Only had mine for 10 months, and still was it weekly. But I have a Land Rover Discovery, that I love as well, but I only wash that every two weeks. Somehow, dirt looks better on an offroad vehicle.

 

I've become less obsessive over my cars in general. I used to wash & wax all the time. But it's probably been a few years now since I've washed or waxed a car myself. I occasionally bring it in for a detail, but other than that I just get a nice hand wash once in a while.

I'm actually looking forward to getting my Mini as my local dealer (Prestige Mini) offers free hand washes for life to all customers, and they are located about a block from my office. So I'm sure I will stop by at least once a week for a free wash.

 

There are quite a few people who have become less obsessive about their MINIs. They no longer post on NAM.

 

many give paint swirls for free for life.... Seems that many who aren't detial nuts don't realize that wiping a car down with a dirty rag is like useing sandpaper...

But to the OP, yep, much less ****. 6 years of owernship and two kids in car seats that drop, spill, spray and throw every substance known to man will really take the enthusiasm out of weekly detailing....

Matt

 

I kinda fee more relaxed when I get caught in a rain shower because then the car is already dirty and I don't have to worry about every puddle, speck of dust, bug on the windshield, or bird poo... Of course then I have this feeling that grows and grows that I need to wash my car again. I've been that way about all my cars actually, even my Jeep.

 

i hate bird poopoo

and baxter loves killing bugs on the highway...

 

Nope even though the windshield is a bug magnet on a daily basis.

 

havent got there yet...although i am sure i will once i move. fancy highrise type building dont like it much when you pull out the polisher in the garage. maybe i can do it at night when they are asleep

 

I wouldn't say that mini owners are more **** about keeping their cars clean than other brands. We do a lot of high line cars at both of my bodyshops. Because the first one has been word of mouth only for 12 years, we tend to get a lot of **** people come by so I get to see a TON of **** car people.

Like this guy.... I've got a guy that has been calling me for 3-4 months because he wants to bring his Corvette down from Maryland to NC just to have us paint some ground effects and adjust his lambo doors. (don't ask) Point is, he wants the car wetsanded and buffed but doesn't trust anyone because he doesn't want swirl marks.

Talk about ****.

Anyway, I know owning a mini has made me more ****. I wash my car at least 3 times a week.

In the bodyshop, since we can't have silicone (most good waxes) we use a special soap that has a kind of wax built into it. I haven't waxed my car since I bought it (last month) but wash it and chamois it (with it's own brand new same colored chamois...lol) ALL THE TIME.

Mark

 

hm....no...second MCS i've owned over four years, and I've discovered I'm getting MORE ****....

 

Actually... just tonight I scrubbed and Wheel Armour-ed my white wheels (they were DIRTY) then came inside because it was dark and the bugs can wait for tomorrow. I did throw a bottle of Clarity and a glass cleaning cloth in the front seat in case I have some free time at lunch or something - I was noticing the inside glass is getting grimey again.

I love my car, but it's just one part of my life. I take care of it because I want it to look good and last, but don't obsess (too much) or sacrifice too many other things just to wash a couple bugs off - there's always more waiting for me.

 

Can't speak for the Mini yet, as mine won't be here for a few more weeks, but I just sold my '06 325i...and the honeymoon did end a little after a while. But when you get around to washing/waxing her, even if not so often, you're still in a beautiful car

 

I'll wash my MINI a month after I get it, and a month before I sell it.

Note to self: if I sell it on NAM, come back and edit the SCHNIT out of this post!

I think there's some correlation between people who forum post and people who obsess overly cleanliness. It's not MINI specific. I own a Lexus and the psychos at Club Lexus can't wipe their dash without posting a picture of the results.

 

i only have street parking at the moment so i have given up all hope for our poor MCS, once we have our carport and off street setup i will be more picky.

Combined with the fact the fiancee drives it all week the inside is never cleaned up.

I love the feeling of a clean car but hate the commitment.

 

Here's a good piece of advice.... how your woman keeps her car....

That's how she'll keep the house.

Now, you may or not may care how the house is kept up but promise you if it's important to you... there's your sign.

 

is it scientifically proven?

btw, MINI is soo mihc easier to clean and wax compared to my old chevy SUV TAHOE

 

I have to say that yes, I have become a wee bit less obsessive...but not by much. Still....it is something. I'll go further and admit that I was totally over-the-top with my '03, so now with my '07 I'm just a normal detailing freak. In my defense, though, I will say that it is much easier to live with Oxygen Blue than it was with my IB/W which showed dirt much more.

 

Flay,

This is a little off topic [well a lot actually], what do you think of the Alta CAI. I was considering one but I was wondering how obtrusive the added sound is when you are driving. i have heard You Tube videos and I am undecided about it. What about HP gain? Was it worth the money?

 

I'm one of 'em! Just thought I'd poke my head in to see what's up these days... now back to my hole

 

Yeah, well, same goes for the men, too, dear. My husband's car is constantly a mess, and very disorganized..........So's his "man room." And yes, I've resorted to a "man room" - I had to!

 

After 9 months and 40k mine still gets a full wipedown with microfiber and detail spray everyday.Unfortunately with the local water restrictions and tattle tale neighbors using the hose will get me a fine.Visit the local self-wash every now and then to clean the underside.That boot gets a wipedown after every trip.D@mn pollen.