I think your car has the highest mileage of any MINI not only here in the USA but the entire world. Soon after your trip you'll be over the 100K mile mark.

Think about contacting MINIUSA. I believe your car serves as clear, tangible proof of the long term quality and reliability of these cars. Not bad for a "first year" sample either.

You drive an average of 4,100 miles per month (In just 22 months) and that is 2 to 3 times above the "normal" amount of mileage most folks drive on a monthly basis.

 

The idea of writing an article for a car magazine would be great. Not only will there be feedback for MINI owners, but also point out the build quality of the car. I suspect, though, that if Car and Driver or Motor Trend wanted to feature your article, they would want to test drive your car themselves.

Several year ago, I remember reading articles of cars in similar situations (high mileage) where they put it through a thorough testing, including the disassembly of parts to inspect for wear and tear. I guess that might be Ok in most cases if they paid for all the labor, but I wouldn't trust anyone (other than an authorized MINI mechanic) to take apart my MINI for inspection. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

One more thing, we'll have to credit your driving style for the car's longevity. Tell us more about this.

 

Modern cars routinely reach 100K miles - even American cars. So the real test is just beginning...

Have you noticed much change in performance?

 

>>Modern cars routinely reach 100K miles - even American cars. So the real test is just beginning...
>>
>>Have you noticed much change in performance?
>>


True, but then again aside from the realm of commercial fleet vehicles (Police cars, Taxis, rentals, etc), how many privately owned cars get driven 4K miles a month for 22 months straight?


Think about it, dpilgrim has put the equivalent of 9 years of use in just 22 months...that's pretty strenous in my book. Every six months he has the equivalent of 2 years of normal use.


One thing is for any car to get to 100K, 200K, 300K over a prediod of 9-12 years, and it is quite another for a car to have that same level of use in less than 2 years.

 

well im at 65,000 now and i got mine on 920

 

WOW, 90k thats impressive. I am at the other extreme, I got my the same month 7/02 and I have yet to hit 12k miles...

 

WTG Doug on the 90K, but over at Sunshine MINIs we've been watching you rack up those miles all along.

We'll start a pool to guess the day you hit 100K in a couple weeks.

Have a great trip.

 

90k is awesome. I thought I was high mileage but nothing like you. I'm at 43k with an in service date of 8/31/02 on my '02 'S'. Seems as though I have had more issues than you but as one of the earlier posters noted, driving style would have a significant effect on your wear and tear. How would you classify your driving style? Cautious, Average, Spirited or Tony Stewart?

Have a safe trip... I echo the Bryce/Zion comments... truly spectacular!

Garth

 

Shelly

 

"Think about it, dpilgrim has put the equivalent of 9 years of use in just 22 months...that's pretty strenous in my book. Every six months he has the equivalent of 2 years of normal use...One thing is for any car to get to 100K, 200K, 300K over a prediod of 9-12 years, and it is quite another for a car to have that same level of use in less than 2 years."

OK, I've thought about it!

I don't think there's anything more "strenuous" about putting on the same number of miles in a much shorter period of time. If anything, it's actually easier on the car (better lubrication, less corrosion from internal condensation, fewer problems due to aging of hoses and seals, less thermal cycling, etc.)

 

I would agree that highway miles are less strenous on a car, but it's still good to know the Chrysler engine is holding up.

What about service intervals (like oil changes)?
Are you a BMW believer (every 15000 miles)?
Or do it yourself more frequently?