I usually post my annual reports on or around December 28, because that's when I drove it home. I've been too busy lately, so I'm a little late. The purpose of these reports is to try to diversify the information posted here on NAM. People often only come here to report trouble, or to discuss mods. I'd like to add ownership experience into the mix.

It has 35k miles. The mileage seems low for a 4-year-old car, but with my new job and a longer commute, I'm about to put some miles on it. So far, no mechanical breakdowns and I've never found myself stranded on the side of the road! There seems to be no loss of power. Although I've never verified that on a dyno, my Mini feels just as peppy today as the first day I drove it. Fuel economy has not decreased, which I take as an indication of an engine in shape. The N18 engine doesn't seem to be burning oil. In fact, on my last oil change I drained almost 6 quarts out of it!

Then again, I don't really hammer on it. I don't track or autocross. It is only recently that I started revving it up to 4k rpms--I remember reading that doing this can help reduce carbon build-up. I can count with the fingers in one hand the times I've revved it up to 5k rpms. I have never done a single engine mod, not even an oil catch can.

I'm generally happy with my Mini and I'm still in love with it. Although, a few things are starting to bug me. There are squeaks that appear when the weather gets colder. I've never been able to locate the sources of these squeaks. The weather stripping on the windshield cowl just disintegrated, requiring an entirely new $75 windshield cowl to replace. Also, I have a feeling this is pretty much a wear and tear item that I'd have to replace every four years or so.

That's all I got. I hope you find it informative. Feel free to ask questions.

 

I'm on this path too but i got my '11 MCS just only a few months with 11k miles on it,i oftenly drive it to my work which only take 10 miles away from home. I only did some few mods like putting 2din head unit which currently on process and some oil change/tune up only just to have peace of mind when im driving eventhough i only got this for few months. Since untill today it doesn't give me any trouble from the time i purchase it whereas my area are a lot of potholes and it still my RFT tires on it. I knew its only more than 3 year old car so it doesn't shows any signs of problem for now but im hoping it will last longer with a regular maintenance considering its my second brand of choice as having my hondas for almost 2 decades. Cheers

 

Great looking MINI, MNMLST. I also have a 2011 S, right at 34k. See my list of mods. Suspension is next. How did you lower yours? What size wheels and tires, and rim offset? I live in the country on dirt roads, so may not be able to go as low as you have. Sure does look good, though!

 

I've driven only Japanese cars for most of my driving life. The one exception was a '96 VW Jetta, which turned into a money sink by 70k miles. This Cooper S is my second Euro car. It's been good so far, but my experience with VW keeps me guarded.

Thanks!

It was lowered with H&R Street coilovers. The wheels are 17x7.5 et45 Rota RB and wrapped in 215/45 tires. I think this combo is a good balance between function, style and ride comfort. It is really not that low. It only seems like it is because it is parked on the grass and the meaty tires eliminates much of the wheel gap.

 

That car looks great! I'd love to get mine looking half as good. I just got my first MINI a week ago... a black 2011 Cooper S with white lid. Window tint was done today, along with a blackout beltline. More to come as time and funds allow (time is easy, funds are tough, especially putting my sons through college).