Is this a bad sign? "We must have been drinking when we ordered it." Convenience Package Cold Weather Package Premium Package Sport Package 17" Web Spoke Wheels Lifetime Satellite Radio Aerodynamic Kit etc.. etc... etc.. (lots of little extras) Well, when a couple purchases a 2008 MINI Clubman S with enough options to hit $34,800, the expected reasoning is not to save a few dollars on gas. As it was "just not the same" as her Lexus, the owner kept driving her Lexus while the MINI sat around for the most part. The car was only driven about 10,200 Miles. It seems to have functioned as "home base" during games of tag as evidenced by a few dings on each side. It had not been washed for at least the past 3 years. IT NEVER HAD AN OIL CHANGE AFTER PURCHASE. Actually, it never received any kind of maintenance. Well, I have to assume oil was added to the engine occasionally as it was 1/2 quart low and not bone dry. Also, the rear floor mats were well lubricated with lolipop sticks and bits of melted candy. I purchased it a few weeks ago, tagged it Friday and Changed the Oil Saturday. The Oil Change warning automatically lights up after two years if mileage has not merited an oil change. So this car was "born" July or 2008. Friday 4/6/13, @ 10,496 Miles, was was the car's first oilchange. Godspeed little buddy. / HORRIBLE armrest removed // Stock Side Scuttles re-installed /// Chrome Hood scoop removed // Timing chain tensioner on order / PCV blanking caps on order
A bit of TLC, a change of fluids and this MINI should be back tearing up the roads soon. Sounds like you found a nice diamond in the rough.
I'd be interested in what the oil tester says. If you want to keep your MINI alive clean oil is the way to do it. Some folks feel the specified 15,000 mile interval is fine. ut: Not I. As far as the door dings the PDR guys can do wonders.
Neglect & Abuse of a MINI Crash is talking about me. I change the oil at 15 k (10k now). My car has over 76K now and still going strong. Jim
A little love and attention and it should be just fine. We purchased a 2005 R50 for my daughter last year. It showed signs of not being cared for, dents in all the wrong places and some scratches here and there. but for the most part it was OK. Now my daughter is a fanatic about it. Yesterday she found a door ding and she is on the war path. I wouldn't consider parking near her MINI now.
Well maybe. :wink: At 76,000 it's justa breaking in Jim. Those turbonated MINI's are very much harder on their oil. :yesnod:
Not trying to tell anyone "when to" or "not to" change their oil. I was just tossing out a fact, to be taken into consideration. The "Justa" does seem to be the more "dependable" (not saying better or worse) of the R56 line. Jim BTW: Now was that politically well stated or what?
On the original topic: Could turn up to be a very nice find. I'm assuming with the life it has led, you got a heck of a good deal on a super low mileage MINI, and that's why you snagged her? On the other topic that popped up: Knowing what your oil should look and smell like is key. Not just "clean oil". If your oil isn't dirty, it isn't doing part of it's job.... taking the junk out of the engine with it. If your oil stays clean and clear it's entire life, you either don't drive your car or it isn't picking up the contaminants it should. Though a 15K mile interval scared the crap out of me(never have I seen such huge factory suggestions on oil changes), the typical 3K mile intervals has been long since debunked and is only regurgitated to current society on modern cars by the oil companies and quick lube shops that make their livelihood off you coming in as often as possible.
PCV caps and timing chain tensioner are in but not installed. Anyone know a good place to get the timing chain measuring tool?
Regarding your PCV caps --- depending on your driving habits, be prepared for some serious oil consumption if you cap off the rear vent. It's a controversial subject and I suggest you do some research on the subject of Oil Catch Cans, both this forum and NAM. In the meantime, enjoy your new toy!
Wow.......know folks around here that don't take care of anything including their cars. :frown2: Me? Heck yea! :biggrin5: Worked hard for what I have & I am taking care of it all!!! Think you will have a sweet car.........sharp. \m/