Hello Everybody I just got a mini

Discussion in 'Starting Line - New Member Introductions' started by fence4, Jul 28, 2014.

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  1. fence4

    fence4 New Member

    Jul 28, 2014
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    I was just gifted a used 2009 manual mini cooper base by my parents, and man is it a fun little sprite. While I'm still becoming acclimated to it, manual transmission is very satisfying and enjoyable. However, as a highschool student who just received their license, I have no real experience maintaining a car. Before the mini, my family has owned solely practical cars like our 4 cyl chevy equinox. We were thinking of buying a Camry, but a used mini cost about the same. The Cranberry, as my friends named it, has about 40,000 miles. My dad knew the guy who sold it, and he took good care of it. I saw online that Minis could be temperamental, so I was wondering if you guys could give me any tips. Is there anything in particular that I should be concerned about at the car's current mileage? Or should I just keep servicing it often? Also how often should I service it?
    Thanks a lot
     
  2. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
    Staff Member Articles Moderator Supporting Member

    Jul 31, 2009
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    Welcome to MA And the MINI addiction! I'm very glad you got a Mini and not a Camry. At 40k you may be needing controll arm bushings, if so get Powerflex bushings they will out last the stock ones. Other than that just keep the oil changed I would do it about every 5000 miles. Use a good synthetic oil.
    Enjoy the car. There are lots of us old farts here that will help if you have questions.
     
  3. GokartPilot

    GokartPilot Well-Known Member

    Jan 9, 2012
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    Welcome aboard! You will like the MINI, a lot more fun to drive than any old Camry. If you have questions just ask, I'll bet someone will have the answer.
     
  4. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    Sep 30, 2011
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    Welcome Aboard!
     
  5. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    Sep 18, 2010
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    Congratulations! You've just acquired an illness shared by many who frequent this site. Enjoy!!
     
  6. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    May 4, 2009
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    Welcome to M/A the FUN Mini site. :Thumbsup:
     
  7. Stefanie

    Stefanie Well-Known Member

    May 8, 2014
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    Congrats!! Awesome first car!
     
  8. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

    May 29, 2009
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    Welcome to M/A and, you'd better thank your folks over and over for getting you a great car! :Thumbsup:
     
  9. eMINIparts

    eMINIparts Well-Known Member
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    Mar 13, 2012
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    Welcome to the coolest MINI forum on the net......:cool:
     
  10. buttonbag

    buttonbag Active Member

    Apr 5, 2013
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    Welcome! Maintenance on MINIs can become very expensive, you should do some research on warranty that may still be covering your specific year and model and have the dealer do all the work for free.
     
  11. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

    Jan 5, 2014
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    Welcome! Pictures, please.
     

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