Most liked posts in thread: Soon to be Mini owner

  1. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #2 Nathan, Mar 29, 2012
    Welcome, thanks for joining Motoring Alliance.
     
  2. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    #3 Justa Jim, Mar 29, 2012
    Welcome aboard. I believe that blue tooth is an option on all MINI's. It can also be added after market. :Thumbsup:

    Jim
     
  3. Mr. Jim

    Mr. Jim Mudshark
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    #4 Mr. Jim, Mar 29, 2012
    Welcome to M/A!
     
  4. Redbeard

    Redbeard JCW: because fast is fun!
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    #5 Redbeard, Mar 29, 2012
    Welcome to M/A Kevin!

    In 2008 and 2009 there were a few noteable issues with the engines. Most of it can be taken care of via warranty/recall at no cost to you. You perform a search on this forum for more details but there have been issues with (click the text for links): High Pressure Fuel Pumps, Timing Chain Tensioners, Carbon build-up on intake valves, and there was a recall just issued for the secondary water-pump.

    I might recommend you look at a 2010+ model as the high pressure fuel pump and timing chain tensioner issues were resolved. Also, the likelyhood of more carbon build-up is reduced on a newer model with fewer miles.

    It's a bit daunting. Some folks will recommend, for reliability, go with a naturally aspirated (non-turbo or Justa) Mini. I'd have to agree on that front. As far as the fun to drive factor I'd totally recommend getting an S (turbo model).

    I'd be a liar if I said my R56 was all peaches and cream. I'd be an even bigger liar if I said that this car was anything but the most fun vehicle I've ever owned. Good luck selling your G35x and I hope to see you in a Clubman soon. :Thumbsup:
     
  5. Uncle

    Uncle New Member

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    #6 Uncle, Mar 30, 2012
    Welcome!
     
  6. ludvball

    ludvball New Member

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    #7 ludvball, Mar 30, 2012
    Thanks for the warm welcome!

    Redbeard, thanks for that information. I have to admit, I tend to like to have a little more pep in my cars. The great thing as far as warranty issues, I have the Mini dealer in walking distance. :) When I get mine, I will surely take it in to see if any of those issues have been addressed. If not, in she goes.

    I see you take yours to the track. Do you see many clubmans there? I was curious if the clubman is any good for something like that. I would love to one day take mine to the track. That may just require a second mini. :biggrin5:
     
  7. Redbeard

    Redbeard JCW: because fast is fun!
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    #8 Redbeard, Apr 2, 2012
    Go for the Clubman S then. Find a certified pre-owned (CPO) car and get the extended warranty if you are going to keep it for a long time.

    When I ordered mine there was a possibility that they had gotten the order wrong (it obviously turned out okay just some confusion with labeling). I they had there was a '09 JCW Clubman at the dealer that I would have considered.

    Tracking a a Clubman is completely feasable. In fact, if you are just doing track days I'd argue they are better as it's easier to get your track-day gear in the car. The MINI's are a blast on the track. Tossable and forgiving. You don't need a second car but I recommend upgrading your brake fluid and pads as well as a spare set of wheels and good tires just for the track.
     
  8. ludvball

    ludvball New Member

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    #9 ludvball, Apr 3, 2012
    Great! Thanks for the advice. Sending the Infiniti in the shop for a few odds and ends, then on Craigslist she goes. Once she is sold, I will start looking. I promised my wife this would be sold before I even start looking at Mini's.

    I mentioned the idea of taking the Mini to the track.......she said noooo. She will eventually cave. I told her it isn't any more dangerous than taking my Jeep four wheeling. Probably a better chance of rolling the jeep than the mini. As far as hauling the gear goes, If I have a lot of gear to take, I can always throw it on the trailer. I trailer the Jeep when I take it up in the mountains.
     
  9. Redbeard

    Redbeard JCW: because fast is fun!
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    #10 Redbeard, Apr 3, 2012
    Nice. I don't have the benefit of having a truck/trailer combo to use. I can still get a trackday in may car (Wheels/tires, jack, jack stands, wrenches, portable air compressor, helmet, small cooler). In a Clubman that process is easier. :cornut:

    Good luck selling the G35. Hope to see a "Look what I bought" post soon. :Thumbsup:
     
  10. rum4

    rum4 Club Coordinator
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    #11 rum4, Apr 3, 2012
    welcome to m/a
     
  11. ludvball

    ludvball New Member

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    #12 ludvball, Apr 5, 2012
    Well, now we are thinking about getting a Cooper s instead of a Clubman s. We don't want to spend as much money, and figured we could get something a little older. That being said, my budget is dropping to around $12-13K. I am guessing that will put me in the year range of 03-06. If I understand correctly, that is a 1st gen. What are the big things to look for, and major differences from 1st gen to 2nd gen? Other than being newer, is there a real benefit of having a 2nd gen?
     
  12. Mr. Jim

    Mr. Jim Mudshark
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    #13 Mr. Jim, Apr 5, 2012
    Go for 05-06 S these were the best years for the gen 1's.
     
  13. Redbeard

    Redbeard JCW: because fast is fun!
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    #14 Redbeard, Apr 7, 2012
    Fairly large differences. Gen 1 is supercharged versus turbocharged in the S models. I have heard the CVT transmissions are problematic. General advice to to look for a manual.
     
  14. Bradleys_Cooper

    Bradleys_Cooper Member

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    #15 Bradleys_Cooper, Apr 7, 2012
    I just purchased a used '05 S and I'm loving every minute of it!! So much fun to drive!!

    I've heard to watch the expansion tank for the supercharger as they tend to leak
     
  15. ludvball

    ludvball New Member

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    #16 ludvball, Apr 9, 2012
    Thanks for all the info.

    I like the manual trans thought. I was leaning towards the manual anyway. My wife will need to learn to drive manual, but I have already started teaching her.

    I have never owned a supercharged vehicle, so I guess I will do some research on them, just for my knowledge.