In my sunday paper there was a column where an auto expert told a Volvo driver the problems he was having with his 2003 car was the fact that he did not drive it enough (about 5000 mi so far).
My MINI as very low mileage, and NO PROBLEMS, but is there a potential of problems developing due to the low mileage? ( I know the solution- DRIVE MORE , I just can't right now). I take it out every weekend, but only have 2000 mi on it and it's 10 months old.
Am I heading for any kind of mechanical troubles, etc? What are the experiences of other low mileage drivers?

 

I don't think low mileage cars are a problem in the short term. I do, however, cringe when I hear about the old lady with the 50,000 mile '64 Ford Falcon. The reasoning is not the low mileage - it is the fact that the car was used only for short around town trips, which causes the most wear and tear.

 

low mileage by itself isn't a problem. by far the biggest problem is driving for very short trips that don't allow the engine oil to heat up enough to out gas the combustion by products that produce acid. this acid eats your exhaust pipe and the engine internal parts far more than the wear due to motion.

 

My biggest concnern would be if you left in in a mossy field for months at a time, and then only drove it a half mile to the corner store

Since you drive yours every weekend; and as long as your stretch its' legs sufficiently, you'll have no problems. This concern is mostly relevant for the trailer queen street-rod and collector car crowd, where they'll only put on a handful of miles (literally) over several years. That's not good, because you rot out all your seals/gaskets.

Motor-On,
Ryan

 

What I would do is to have the battery trickle charged during the days you don't drive her, and cycle your AC at least 5-10min when you do take her out. change your oils (go by months) and check vitals every now and then and you're set...oh, and don't forget to check your tire pressure. :smile: