Most liked posts in thread: Specific things you pack when taking a 1800 mile trip in a MINI

I always carry a small first aid kit, jumper cables, a spare quart of oil, breaker bar + socket for the wheels (and my Cooper has a space tire).
On longer trips I bring a small portable tool kit (general sockets, screw drivers, wrenches wire cutters, pliers), plus duct tape, spare wire, zip ties, a multi-tool, and a bicycle tire pump.

 

Beer. Oh, and some good smoke.

And, food.

 

No spare but the full Griot's Garage tire plug kit including pump and bag. Extra space in the bag for some cleaning supplies and extra oil and a few shop rags, heavy gloves and whatever else. Also include the 'fool jug' for shaking off the road after a hard day behind the wheel. I highly recommend Bulleit rye. No food or drink in my cabin but that's optional for others who don't mind sticky floor mats or seats. Our '15 road trip was 6472 miles, enjoy the heck out of yours and happy motoring.

 

I'm not sure what your route is to Temple/Austin. If you pass near me (Dallas area), I'll PM my phone number. If you have a problem, and I am in town, I'll help you out as much as I can. If I'm not in town, I'll try to steer you to someone who can help you out.

As for the car, IIRC your last long trip was when you bought it. If you have done some work on it since then, you should be good.

While in the Austin area, try to get out into the Texas Hill Country for some nice driving roads and some awesome BBQ. Within 50 miles of Austin there is some life-changing good BBQ.

CD

 

A cell phone, credit card and a .380.

 

Cellphone, Credit card that's it.

 

No .380?

 

A 380 in the pocket and a Shield 9 in the lock box.

 

Don't know if anyone made the connection, but the lad's gear box crapped out in the Denver area yesterday. Haven't seen any followup to that yet though.

 

It has been taken to a shop for repairs.

 

See I was right all you need is a Cellphone, Credit card that's it. :lol::lol::lol:


"How do I convince my Mini to go on a road trip?"

Answer: Become very OCD about ALL maintenance on your MINI.

1. All MINI's need love in the form of regular maintenance.
2. Oil change every 3-5k (Oil may last longer but the paper filters do not :idea: :ihih
a. Even fresh cheap clean oil is better than running oil too long.

3. The more you stay on top of "everything" the less problems you will have as time goes on.

 

^^^ we all had to do the same. It really does get better.

 

He may not be the best person for that job. :frown2:

I was pretty lucky on my used MINI purchase. The car went through a pretty thorough pre-purchase inspection, and my local MINI dealer had a pretty complete maintenance record to draw on. I also bought an aftermarket warranty, which covered the all the unforeseeable problems.

I've resigned myself to the idea that any car I would want to own and drive is not going to be low-maintenance. A Honda Civic may be a great used car value, but it is not a car I want to see when I open the garage door, let alone get into and drive.

Well, there is an exception... I've owned two Miatas. They never broke. They were totally impractical as an only car, which is why they were second cars for me. But, I took them to track days and flogged them without inhibitions, and they just took it.

Your MINI is going to need more "attention." But, it will still be a fun car.

CD

 

Unless your wife can see the humor in this you should reconsider.