Let's Motor. (original) (raw)

MINI USA YOU SUCK	[Jul. 9th, 2013\|02:19 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
At least three years ago MINI knew it's power steering pumps were failing in 2002-2005 models. I don't know about you, but I think steering failure is a major safety issue. Reports to the NHTSA were many, yet no recall was done. In late 2010 my power steering pump would overheat and fail as I'm driving along. In 2011 I finally was able to borrow money to get this fixed, to the tune of almost $2,000. Still silence from MINI USA about paying for this repair.Fast forward to May 2013 and I get a piece of what looked like junk mail. A very generic envelope that I normally would have thrown away. I'm glad I didn't, because this was the notice that MINI was finally addressing the issue. But, no recall, it was just an extension of the warranty period. I kept my paperwork on the repair, which I had had done at an independent mechanic, because MINI would have charged me almost 50% more.I dutifully sent in my paperwork and waited. I kept thinking "maybe I should check on it", but thought I'd wait the 4-6 weeks they said it would take. I really hate making phone calls, but deep in my gut from the moment I put it in the mail I knew it would go wrong.Today I called on it and they have absolutely no record of request. The first thing out of the representative's mouth was "did you send it with a delivery notification?" I knew I was screwed. Now I have to send the paperwork in again and wait an additional 4-6 weeks, and I'm not even sure they're going to reimburse everything that I paid to try to fix the problem. They did say that I could go to a dealership and submit the paperwork there. I wish I'd done that in the first place. But, this is probably the route I have to take.Cross posted to my journal and bad_service
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[Jul. 9th, 2013|02:19 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!

At least three years ago MINI knew it's power steering pumps were failing in 2002-2005 models. I don't know about you, but I think steering failure is a major safety issue. Reports to the NHTSA were many, yet no recall was done. In late 2010 my power steering pump would overheat and fail as I'm driving along. In 2011 I finally was able to borrow money to get this fixed, to the tune of almost $2,000. Still silence from MINI USA about paying for this repair.Fast forward to May 2013 and I get a piece of what looked like junk mail. A very generic envelope that I normally would have thrown away. I'm glad I didn't, because this was the notice that MINI was finally addressing the issue. But, no recall, it was just an extension of the warranty period. I kept my paperwork on the repair, which I had had done at an independent mechanic, because MINI would have charged me almost 50% more.I dutifully sent in my paperwork and waited. I kept thinking "maybe I should check on it", but thought I'd wait the 4-6 weeks they said it would take. I really hate making phone calls, but deep in my gut from the moment I put it in the mail I knew it would go wrong.Today I called on it and they have absolutely no record of request. The first thing out of the representative's mouth was "did you send it with a delivery notification?" I knew I was screwed. Now I have to send the paperwork in again and wait an additional 4-6 weeks, and I'm not even sure they're going to reimburse everything that I paid to try to fix the problem. They did say that I could go to a dealership and submit the paperwork there. I wish I'd done that in the first place. But, this is probably the route I have to take.Cross posted to my journal and bad_service

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Power steering failure	[Dec. 28th, 2010\|03:55 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
The last couple of months I've been having intermittent power steering failure in my 2005 Cooper S. Did some research and found this... http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/daily-news/100929-NHTSA-Investigates-MINI-Steering-Complaints/Does anyone else have similar problems that they've fixed? About how much did it cost? I know if it goes to recall that I won't have to pay for it, however that could take quite a while, and really I don't have the $. I knew service for MINIs was expensive, but having put $500 into rear brakes right before Christmas, it's not in the budget. My poor little car.
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Power steering failure

[Dec. 28th, 2010|03:55 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!

The last couple of months I've been having intermittent power steering failure in my 2005 Cooper S. Did some research and found this... http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/daily-news/100929-NHTSA-Investigates-MINI-Steering-Complaints/Does anyone else have similar problems that they've fixed? About how much did it cost? I know if it goes to recall that I won't have to pay for it, however that could take quite a while, and really I don't have the $. I knew service for MINIs was expensive, but having put $500 into rear brakes right before Christmas, it's not in the budget. My poor little car.

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Tires	[Jul. 5th, 2010\|08:06 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
Hey guys, let's talk tires! it's new tire time for my mini. What kind of tires do you currently have on your mini? Continental? Anyone have Falken? Nitrogen? or no?
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Mobil Clean 5000 question	[Apr. 7th, 2010\|04:54 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
[My mini makes me \|curious]hi everyone. I got an oil change last week and my mechanic used Mobil Clean 5000, instead of the regular Mobil 1 synthetic oil. he claims it okay to use in Minis, but I was told when I bought the car that I should make sure only fully synthetic, not blends or non-synthetics, is used. My mechanic said it was fine, even though I brought this to his attention, so you can see why I'm torn. Does anyone think I should insist he switch back to M1 Synth, or if M5000 fine. I'm going to post the site too, just incase anyone wants to read up on Mobil Clean 5000. Also, it says, "...Mobil Clean 5000 is guaranteed to provide excellent performance and protection for all car engines for up to 5,000 miles of normal consumer driving."http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Oils/Mobil_Clean_5000.aspx(Taken from site) "Is Mobil Clean 5000 a synthetic oil or a synthetic blend? Mobil Clean 5000 is not a synthetic or synthetic blend. While it does offer high performance, the base stock composition is non-synthetic." Any input would be appreciated. Thanks
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Mobil Clean 5000 question

[Apr. 7th, 2010|04:54 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!

[**My mini makes me** | curious

curious]hi everyone. I got an oil change last week and my mechanic used Mobil Clean 5000, instead of the regular Mobil 1 synthetic oil. he claims it okay to use in Minis, but I was told when I bought the car that I should make sure only fully synthetic, not blends or non-synthetics, is used. My mechanic said it was fine, even though I brought this to his attention, so you can see why I'm torn. Does anyone think I should insist he switch back to M1 Synth, or if M5000 fine. I'm going to post the site too, just incase anyone wants to read up on Mobil Clean 5000. Also, it says, "...Mobil Clean 5000 is guaranteed to provide excellent performance and protection for all car engines for up to 5,000 miles of normal consumer driving."http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Oils/Mobil_Clean_5000.aspx(Taken from site) "Is Mobil Clean 5000 a synthetic oil or a synthetic blend? Mobil Clean 5000 is not a synthetic or synthetic blend. While it does offer high performance, the base stock composition is non-synthetic." Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

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Free Mini medal anyone?	[Sep. 6th, 2009\|11:13 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
Hello all, I just thought I'd let you know just is case you didn't already that the UK Royal Mint is giving away free Mini medals to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Mini. Deadline for claiming one is 14th Sept I think.Here's the link.
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(no subject)	[Jul. 23rd, 2009\|07:26 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
Hey folks. I've just so worn out and exhausted with coming downstairs 3-4 mornings a week and seeing a got damn bang up job on my bumper.Okay- what I mean to say is.. I park in Manhattan with some frequency. Alot of people are inconsiderate and the area I park in has very little parking so people often try to squeeze into spaces they can't or just should not be in. I drive a 08 Mini, coupe, astro black, delicious black interior and.. my bumper is full of nicks, dings and paint scratches so I come to you all for advice.. I'm looking for the best bumper guard on the market that preferably isn't a bumper badger/bully/rubber mat over the bumper. I've been seeing alot of the rubber/vinyl strips(like these) that you place on selective areas of your bumper and hope for the best but I've found alot of sketchy places selling them online and I'd love to know of a reputable or atleast well reviewed retailer, if anybody knows of one. So, please and thank you and my bumper will love you for it. I'm getting it repainted next week so I hope I can find something that will solve this dilemma.
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(no subject)

[Jul. 23rd, 2009|07:26 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!

Hey folks. I've just so worn out and exhausted with coming downstairs 3-4 mornings a week and seeing a got damn bang up job on my bumper.Okay- what I mean to say is.. I park in Manhattan with some frequency. Alot of people are inconsiderate and the area I park in has very little parking so people often try to squeeze into spaces they can't or just should not be in. I drive a 08 Mini, coupe, astro black, delicious black interior and.. my bumper is full of nicks, dings and paint scratches so I come to you all for advice.. I'm looking for the best bumper guard on the market that preferably isn't a bumper badger/bully/rubber mat over the bumper. I've been seeing alot of the rubber/vinyl strips(

like these) that you place on selective areas of your bumper and hope for the best but I've found alot of sketchy places selling them online and I'd love to know of a reputable or atleast well reviewed retailer, if anybody knows of one. So, please and thank you and my bumper will love you for it. I'm getting it repainted next week so I hope I can find something that will solve this dilemma.

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Actual Size	[Jun. 29th, 2009\|11:23 am]Mini Lovers Unite!
I saw a mini this weekend with a sticker "actual size" on it :)I thought it was the cutest thing in the world ;)
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Was on eBay...	[Jun. 29th, 2009\|04:08 am]Mini Lovers Unite!
I was browsing through eBay and I found this: [hotlinked for now]...Thoughts? Am I the only one who thinks this is a little bit tacky?
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Question	[May. 20th, 2009\|09:40 am]Mini Lovers Unite!
My MCS is a 2002 and the Union Jack is in sad shape, faded to just a ghost of what it once was. I'm curious if any of you have encountered this and how you went about rectifying it. I've gotten quotes to take it off, repaint the roof and then apply another one, but I figured I'd see how others have dealt with this problem.
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Mini Wave	[Apr. 29th, 2009\|10:13 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
How common is the 'Mini Wave' in your neck of the woods people? Since I got my car in September, I've only gotten ONE wave. Just curious to see how common it is.
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Owner's Lounge	[Apr. 8th, 2009\|08:14 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
I need to change my account information for my automatic payments. Does anyone know how to get to that webpage? Every link to the owner's lounge that I've found is no longer available.Thanks in advance!
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So...	[Apr. 1st, 2009\|01:08 am]Mini Lovers Unite!
I don't even remember how I came across this, but I thought I'd share....http://computers-review.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/computer-2dtable-2d23.jpgI want a desk like that!
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Howdy	[Mar. 27th, 2009\|09:29 am]Mini Lovers Unite!
I have a 2002 Mini Cooper S and I'm entertaining the idea of getting a new air intake. I'm looking for an increase in horsepower as well as mpg. Any suggestions?
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The Suzuki SX4 Crossover vs. The Mini Cooper	[Mar. 23rd, 2009\|09:45 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
Needless to say, I did not let one of these overtake me on the thruway today.
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Got my baby Friday night	[Mar. 22nd, 2009\|06:18 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
and
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Sweet Jesus!	[Feb. 23rd, 2009\|07:19 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
[My mini makes me \|ecstatic]MY MINI IS ON A BOAT!!!! It has already been built. Its on its way here! OHMIGOD. I am so happy Teresa asked and I looked it up tonight. So super stoked.
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Shop recommendation Atlanta	[Feb. 20th, 2009\|03:08 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
I've only owned my 2005 MINI Cooper S for about 4 months and it's finally come due for some service. I wasn't sure where to take it, so I looked on a local recommendation site. It's a BMW repair shop. If anyone's interested, this place was great. The tech my husband met with actually owned a MINI once, so he knows his stuff. I need to give really high marks to this shop!!! :Dhttp://www.europeanmotorcars.net/This is what I wrote in my journal about it. The MINI is really my car, because I bought it and I drive it most, even though I say I bought it for him. :p He doesn't really know a lot about what the guy had put on it, which I knew when I bought it. When (my husband) returned they'd done nothing to it, because nothing needed to be done! :) The guy said that the person who'd owned it before had obviously raced it, and babied it. Had added tons of performance stuff to it, not just the clutch and airbox, but brakes and a few other things. The previous owner kept it up good. He said the tires were good and were nice and sticky and would hold the turns, but very expensive. Not even the oil needed changing it was all good. It would need an oil change in about 3-5K more miles. Then, he didn't charge us a dime! I <3 my car! I <3 this place! He also said we could remove some of the performance stuff if we wanted. I told D that we wouldn't be doing that. ;p
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Shop recommendation Atlanta

[Feb. 20th, 2009|03:08 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!

I've only owned my 2005 MINI Cooper S for about 4 months and it's finally come due for some service. I wasn't sure where to take it, so I looked on a local recommendation site. It's a BMW repair shop. If anyone's interested, this place was great. The tech my husband met with actually owned a MINI once, so he knows his stuff. I need to give really high marks to this shop!!! :Dhttp://www.europeanmotorcars.net/This is what I wrote in my journal about it. The MINI is really my car, because I bought it and I drive it most, even though I say I bought it for him. :p He doesn't really know a lot about what the guy had put on it, which I knew when I bought it. When (my husband) returned they'd done nothing to it, because nothing needed to be done! :) The guy said that the person who'd owned it before had obviously raced it, and babied it. Had added tons of performance stuff to it, not just the clutch and airbox, but brakes and a few other things. The previous owner kept it up good. He said the tires were good and were nice and sticky and would hold the turns, but very expensive. Not even the oil needed changing it was all good. It would need an oil change in about 3-5K more miles. Then, he didn't charge us a dime! I <3 my car! I <3 this place! He also said we could remove some of the performance stuff if we wanted. I told D that we wouldn't be doing that. ;p

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My new MINI	[Feb. 15th, 2009\|10:46 am]Mini Lovers Unite!
[Current Location \|Western Massachusetts] [My mini makes me	Accomplished!]The loan was approved, and I got my MINI!( Pictures or it didn't happen...Collapse )So, now that I spammed you with my happiness...I need input!Randomly when I turn Klaus on (sounds kinky...) his Fuel Gauge goes down to zero, and my Range sensor states "---.--" Should I worry about this? I JUST got him last Wednesday...and already he's being a goober. It's only happened two times, so I worry if I take him to see a mechanic (I found a really good one in my area that works on Euro cars only) he will behave and not show his funky quirk.Also, are there any "hidden" spots that a User Manual could be placed that I haven't stumbled across yet? I know my Fiance's Audi's User Manual was hidden under the steering wheel, and in his S2K there was a "hidden compartment" that took him two months to find... If not, it's onto Ebay to purchase one...Thanks, and happy motoring everyone!
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My new MINI

[Feb. 15th, 2009|10:46 am]Mini Lovers Unite!

[Current Location |Western Massachusetts] [My mini makes me

Accomplished!]The loan was approved, and I got my MINI!**( Pictures or it didn't happen...Collapse )**So, now that I spammed you with my happiness...I need input!Randomly when I turn Klaus on (sounds kinky...) his Fuel Gauge goes down to zero, and my Range sensor states "---.--" Should I worry about this? I JUST got him last Wednesday...and already he's being a goober. It's only happened two times, so I worry if I take him to see a mechanic (I found a really good one in my area that works on Euro cars only) he will behave and not show his funky quirk.Also, are there any "hidden" spots that a User Manual could be placed that I haven't stumbled across yet? I know my Fiance's Audi's User Manual was hidden under the steering wheel, and in his S2K there was a "hidden compartment" that took him two months to find... If not, it's onto Ebay to purchase one...Thanks, and happy motoring everyone!

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Euro Tag?	[Feb. 14th, 2009\|10:11 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
[Current Location \|Home.] [My mini makes me	relaxed] I have a question for you folks. I had a 2003 MINI Cooper & I had a personalized Euro Tag made & I put it on the car. Well, that one got totaled & I got a 2008 MINI Cooper S. I got another Euro Tag personalized. I ended up getting a frame on it to, but i'm really not sure how to put it on the car. I'm NOT drilling holes in the bummer. So that isn't even an option. Does anyone have a 2008 MINI with a Euro Tag? How did you put it on your car?
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Euro Tag?

[Feb. 14th, 2009|10:11 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!

[Current Location |Home.] [My mini makes me

relaxed] I have a question for you folks. I had a 2003 MINI Cooper & I had a personalized Euro Tag made & I put it on the car. Well, that one got totaled & I got a 2008 MINI Cooper S. I got another Euro Tag personalized. I ended up getting a frame on it to, but i'm really not sure how to put it on the car. I'm NOT drilling holes in the bummer. So that isn't even an option. Does anyone have a 2008 MINI with a Euro Tag? How did you put it on your car?

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Newbie	[Feb. 8th, 2009\|12:55 am]Mini Lovers Unite!
[Current Location \|Western Massachusetts] [My mini makes me	anxious]It's so nice to stumble across this community. My name is Laura and I'm from Western Massachusetts, and I'm a potential Mini owner. I was not in the market for a new car (damn you, economy + pending 2010 wedding) until my eyes stumbled across this (adorably perfect) 2005 Mini Cooper. I fell in love with this car on Friday, and today I took him for a test drive. I put $100 down to hold him until I can secure a loan and get a Used Car Maintenance check with a respectable mechanic.I could never understand "car people" before. My fiancé is one of them. He's been through 8 different makes/models and he's only 26 (2 Maxima's, a Dodge something that I can't remember because it was numbers and letters, an Acura, Celica, Honda S2000 [my personal fav], '07 Civic SI, and now a '04 Audi convertible). His attention to the cars he's owned has caused some minor arguments to say the least (he cleans the car better than our own apartment for example). It was hard to relate (I currently own a '98 Toyota Corolla that I do love, but mostly because she's my first car...) and I didn't think I could ever worship a car to that extent.I'm going through a million emotions....between worry (I've never had a car payment before, plus what if something happens and I need to spend tons on repairs) and excitement, Cooper-style. I read back +200 entries, and I've learned SO much from all of your posts...thank you guys so much for keeping this community open and available for newbs like me. :) I had a million worries and questions until I read all of your posts.I still have a few questions that I couldn't quite find from browsing through prior posts...1. Being a used car, I will need to get extra keys for my family (I always feel safer knowing I have an extra set at my parents house and at the apartment). Anyone have any experience in purchasing extra keys for your Mini? How expensive/much of a hassle was it?2. I read a comment where the door handle needs to be lifted twice in order to unlock the door and get out. When I got out of the car, I thought I noticed that, is it something that you just have to get used to? Is it the same for the passenger? Is there a trick to this or is it a Mini habit I need to learn?3. What is the history behind the "Motoring Badges" on the front grill? Worth it or tacky? 4. I've never seen The Italian Job, and yet I want a Mini. Many referenced this movie in regards to their need to test drive/own their Mini's. Is it worth renting? The older or newer version (or both?) 5. Is this car worth the expensive mechanic bills (especially after warranty)? And why are so many concerned with having their Mini's get something as basic as an oil change at a non-Mini dealership? 6. Do Mini drivers really wave to each other? That's awesome. I've always thought it neat how motorcyclists, boats, and Jeeps wave at each other...even S2k's...I'm kind of excited about being included in this club. How often do you wave at another driver and they ignore you? Also, anyone else a New Englander? 7. A few of you have told stories of random acts of vandalism. Other than disheartening, is this a "check your car weekly for new dents/keyed marks" issue?If you made it this far...thank you SO much for reading, and thank you ahead of time if you are in the mood to help me with my questions. I hope I didn't sound too ridiculous...I'm just so excited (and anxious).
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Newbie

[Feb. 8th, 2009|12:55 am]Mini Lovers Unite!

[Current Location |Western Massachusetts] [My mini makes me

anxious]It's so nice to stumble across this community. My name is Laura and I'm from Western Massachusetts, and I'm a potential Mini owner. I was not in the market for a new car (damn you, economy + pending 2010 wedding) until my eyes stumbled across this (adorably perfect) 2005 Mini Cooper. I fell in love with this car on Friday, and today I took him for a test drive. I put $100 down to hold him until I can secure a loan and get a Used Car Maintenance check with a respectable mechanic.I could never understand "car people" before. My fiancé is one of them. He's been through 8 different makes/models and he's only 26 (2 Maxima's, a Dodge something that I can't remember because it was numbers and letters, an Acura, Celica, Honda S2000 [my personal fav], '07 Civic SI, and now a '04 Audi convertible). His attention to the cars he's owned has caused some minor arguments to say the least (he cleans the car better than our own apartment for example). It was hard to relate (I currently own a '98 Toyota Corolla that I do love, but mostly because she's my first car...) and I didn't think I could ever worship a car to that extent.I'm going through a million emotions....between worry (I've never had a car payment before, plus what if something happens and I need to spend tons on repairs) and excitement, Cooper-style. I read back +200 entries, and I've learned SO much from all of your posts...thank you guys so much for keeping this community open and available for newbs like me. :) I had a million worries and questions until I read all of your posts.I still have a few questions that I couldn't quite find from browsing through prior posts...1. Being a used car, I will need to get extra keys for my family (I always feel safer knowing I have an extra set at my parents house and at the apartment). Anyone have any experience in purchasing extra keys for your Mini? How expensive/much of a hassle was it?2. I read a comment where the door handle needs to be lifted twice in order to unlock the door and get out. When I got out of the car, I *thought* I noticed that, is it something that you just have to get used to? Is it the same for the passenger? Is there a trick to this or is it a Mini habit I need to learn?3. What is the history behind the "Motoring Badges" on the front grill? Worth it or tacky? 4. I've never seen The Italian Job, and yet I want a Mini. Many referenced this movie in regards to their need to test drive/own their Mini's. Is it worth renting? The older or newer version (or both?) 5. Is this car worth the expensive mechanic bills (especially after warranty)? And why are so many concerned with having their Mini's get something as basic as an oil change at a non-Mini dealership? 6. Do Mini drivers really wave to each other? That's awesome. I've always thought it neat how motorcyclists, boats, and Jeeps wave at each other...even S2k's...I'm kind of excited about being included in this club. How often do you wave at another driver and they ignore you? Also, anyone else a New Englander? 7. A few of you have told stories of random acts of vandalism. Other than disheartening, is this a "check your car weekly for new dents/keyed marks" issue?If you made it this far...thank you SO much for reading, and thank you ahead of time if you are in the mood to help me with my questions. I hope I didn't sound too ridiculous...I'm just so excited (and anxious).

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(no subject)	[Feb. 1st, 2009\|10:30 am]Mini Lovers Unite!
[My mini makes me \|bored]I need to pick a name for my 2008 MINI Cooper S. Help me
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Shot Suspension :'(	[Jan. 28th, 2009\|07:07 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
[My mini makes me \|worried]I've just gotten word that my '05 Cooper hardtop has a shot front suspension. So far I've gotten a rough quote on parts at 600/eafortowermountsforthestrutsand600/ea for tower mounts for the struts and 600/eafortowermountsforthestrutsand900 for the control arm bushings. (No idea what that all meant. :P ) Has anyone had any experience with this? I'm curious about whether I can go with third party, if that's even a good idea and how much it might save me. My warranty lapses at the end of April, so there's not much of any time left if third party parts/service would void it. I'm also planning on moving overseas within the year, as early as Juneish but could be any time later, (long story,) so I'd have to sell it. Any advice?
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Shot Suspension :'(

[Jan. 28th, 2009|07:07 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!

[**My mini makes me** | worried

worried]I've just gotten word that my '05 Cooper hardtop has a shot front suspension. So far I've gotten a rough quote on parts at 600/eafortowermountsforthestrutsand600/ea for tower mounts for the struts and 600/eafortowermountsforthestrutsand900 for the control arm bushings. (No idea what that all meant. :P ) Has anyone had any experience with this? I'm curious about whether I can go with third party, if that's even a good idea and how much it might save me. My warranty lapses at the end of April, so there's not much of any time left if third party parts/service would void it. I'm also planning on moving overseas within the year, as early as Juneish but could be any time later, (long story,) so I'd have to sell it. Any advice?

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Overheating...don't let it happen to you!	[Jan. 27th, 2009\|06:38 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
[My mini makes me \|contemplative]Poor MINI. She overheated twice last week, so I finally brought her in yesterday to get it checked out. I am out of warranty (mine is a 2004, 58K miles), and this was the first time I've taken her to a regular mechanic and not the dealership. Turns out that the fan wasn't working and had to be totally replaced. I am now 570ishdollarspoorer,butshedidgettocomehometoday.Doesthatseemlikeareasonableprice?Doesn′tmattermuchsinceit′salreadypaidfor...justwonderingincasesomethingelseweretohappenifthatseemslikeafairplacetogo.Itwas570ish dollars poorer, but she did get to come home today. Does that seem like a reasonable price? Doesn't matter much since it's already paid for...just wondering in case something else were to happen if that seems like a fair place to go. It was 570ishdollarspoorer,butshedidgettocomehometoday.Doesthatseemlikeareasonableprice?Doesn′tmattermuchsinceit′salreadypaidfor...justwonderingincasesomethingelseweretohappenifthatseemslikeafairplacetogo.Itwas290 for the fan, $243 for labor.
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Overheating...don't let it happen to you!

[Jan. 27th, 2009|06:38 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!

[**My mini makes me** |

contemplative]Poor MINI. She overheated twice last week, so I finally brought her in yesterday to get it checked out. I am out of warranty (mine is a 2004, 58K miles), and this was the first time I've taken her to a regular mechanic and not the dealership. Turns out that the fan wasn't working and had to be totally replaced. I am now 570ishdollarspoorer,butshedidgettocomehometoday.Doesthatseemlikeareasonableprice?Doesn′tmattermuchsinceit′salreadypaidfor...justwonderingincasesomethingelseweretohappenifthatseemslikeafairplacetogo.Itwas570ish dollars poorer, but she did get to come home today. Does that seem like a reasonable price? Doesn't matter much since it's already paid for...just wondering in case something else were to happen if that seems like a fair place to go. It was 570ishdollarspoorer,butshedidgettocomehometoday.Doesthatseemlikeareasonableprice?Doesn′tmattermuchsinceit′salreadypaidfor...justwonderingincasesomethingelseweretohappenifthatseemslikeafairplacetogo.Itwas290 for the fan, $243 for labor.

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(no subject)	[Jan. 26th, 2009\|05:51 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
Hello-I am looking to get a mini. I test drove my first one yesterday. I have had a 72 Super Beetle forever and this will be my first newish car. I am still debating new or used. I have just started looking around to get more information online. What should I know? Help!
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mini car chase	[Jan. 16th, 2009\|10:38 am]Mini Lovers Unite!

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Italian Job icons	[Jan. 13th, 2009\|10:28 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
Hello. first post Forgive the intrusion, and if this is against House Rules then feel free to delete, but I thought there might be some here who might appreciate the several iconses of minis I've made from the original 'The Italian Job' (or as I see it, the ONLY 'The Italian Job' given the utter travesty of the 'remake').Teasers:a. b. c.The rest (all 50 icons) can be found on my icons LJ: Follow the linkThanks and hope one or two might be of use/interest to some of you. :)
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Italian Job icons

[Jan. 13th, 2009|10:28 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!

Hello. *first post* Forgive the intrusion, and if this is against House Rules then feel free to delete, but I thought there might be some here who might appreciate the several iconses of minis I've made from the original 'The Italian Job' (or as I see it, the ONLY 'The Italian Job' given the utter travesty of the 'remake').Teasers:a.

The rest (all 50 icons) can be found on my icons LJ: Follow the linkThanks and hope one or two might be of use/interest to some of you. :)

link

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(no subject)	[Jan. 12th, 2009\|10:16 am]Mini Lovers Unite!
what happens if i forget to turn off my headlights overnight? they turn off when the car turns off so can my battery still go down? and do any of you use the manual functions on your automatic transmission mini? i've been playing around with it and it is pretty cool.
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(no subject)	[Jan. 7th, 2009\|02:07 am]Mini Lovers Unite!
It's been a while since we've had one of these.. if ever, but post your favorite picture of your MINI/Mini.Also, tell us about your favorite mod, or a mod you plan on doing when you get around to it :)Figured it would liven this place up a bit....
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Why Does My Mini Hate Me?	[Jan. 3rd, 2009\|02:24 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
[My mini makes me \|annoyed]Alright, I just joined and I have a '04 Mini Cooper which I lovingly pre-ordered, waited patiently for and finally drove off the lot little over 5 years ago. Since my warranty ran out, it's been a huge, costly headache and the Mini Service people have been zero help. After paying 145tofixoneofthecylindersonMonday,todayIlearnedthatIwouldhavetoforkoveralmost145 to fix one of the cylinders on Monday, today I learned that I would have to fork over almost 145tofixoneofthecylindersonMonday,todayIlearnedthatIwouldhavetoforkoveralmost5K to fix the alternator, the a/c compressor and something called the V-belt. Don't ask me what I had to spend last year to get the stupidest things fixed.The service guy said it was normal to bring your car in for service this much (he averaged it out to 2-3 times a year) but I want to ask you guys--is this normal? Have you guys had to get your car fixed as much as I do? Since I've owned the car, I've had to take it in around 15 times. Those included regular maintenance for brakes and stuff, but I swear, I never found myself driving to the service dept as much when I had my old car (a Honda Civic).So please, tell me if I have a right to be frustrated or if this is all normal and you guys put up with this stuff to drive such a cute car. :(
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Why Does My Mini Hate Me?

[Jan. 3rd, 2009|02:24 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!

[**My mini makes me** | annoyed

annoyed]Alright, I just joined and I have a '04 Mini Cooper which I lovingly pre-ordered, waited patiently for and finally drove off the lot little over 5 years ago. Since my warranty ran out, it's been a huge, costly headache and the Mini Service people have been zero help. After paying 145tofixoneofthecylindersonMonday,todayIlearnedthatIwouldhavetoforkoveralmost145 to fix one of the cylinders on Monday, today I learned that I would have to fork over almost 145tofixoneofthecylindersonMonday,todayIlearnedthatIwouldhavetoforkoveralmost5K to fix the alternator, the a/c compressor and something called the V-belt. Don't ask me what I had to spend last year to get the stupidest things fixed.The service guy said it was normal to bring your car in for service this much (he averaged it out to 2-3 times a year) but I want to ask you guys--is this normal? Have you guys had to get your car fixed as much as I do? Since I've owned the car, I've had to take it in around 15 times. Those included regular maintenance for brakes and stuff, but I swear, I never found myself driving to the service dept as much when I had my old car (a Honda Civic).So please, tell me if I have a right to be frustrated or if this is all normal and you guys put up with this stuff to drive such a cute car. :(

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low tire indicator	[Nov. 14th, 2008\|05:18 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
Hi, all.I have a new 2008 Mini that I've had for three months and her "low tire" light has come on twice now. First time it happened, I took the car to a service station and had the tires checked--all four perfectly inflated. It came on again today and I did the same thing with the same result. Do any of you guys have newer Mini's that are exhibiting this quirk? Thanks!!
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2003 cooper questions	[Nov. 12th, 2008\|11:09 am]Mini Lovers Unite!
Hi everyone,I have loved the Mini for years and now am finally thinking about buying one. I hopefully will be going for a test drive in one this weekend; it's a 2003 Cooper Hardtop. Anyone own one of these? I'm just looking to find out how the 2003s are holding up since Consumer Reports hinted at some transmission problems. The car I'm checking out (as well as any other Minis) will be automatic transmission since I do not drive manual so I don't know if the transmission issues would affect them too. Also, the premium fuel business. I know they need it and I wouldn't skimp! But I've heard sometimes the Coopers stall or sputter in the winter and need to be switched to mid grade or regular when it's cold. I live in New England so weather is definitely a concern! Anyone have problems like this? Thanks, and hopefully I will be a Mini owner and not just a lover soon!
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2003 cooper questions

[Nov. 12th, 2008|11:09 am]Mini Lovers Unite!

Hi everyone,I have loved the Mini for years and now am finally thinking about buying one. I hopefully will be going for a test drive in one this weekend; it's a 2003 Cooper Hardtop. Anyone own one of these? I'm just looking to find out how the 2003s are holding up since Consumer Reports hinted at some transmission problems. The car I'm checking out (as well as any other Minis) will be automatic transmission since I do not drive manual so I don't know if the transmission issues would affect them too. Also, the premium fuel business. I know they need it and I wouldn't skimp! But I've heard sometimes the Coopers stall or sputter in the winter and need to be switched to mid grade or regular when it's cold. I live in New England so weather is definitely a concern! Anyone have problems like this? Thanks, and hopefully I will be a Mini owner and not just a lover soon!

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Electric Mini	[Oct. 26th, 2008\|09:52 am]Mini Lovers Unite!
http://www.flylyf.com/the-mini-e-emissions-free-all-electric-car/I guess people will be able to apply for one this year but you need to live in certain areas, and have boatloads of money.
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Intro	[Oct. 14th, 2008\|01:24 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
Just thought I'd pop in and say hello!After wanting one for years (yes, since I saw The Italian Job!), we've finally gotten our Mini Cooper S!!! Officially it's my husband jingoro's, however I get to tool around in it during the week. We haven't decided what to name it yet. We've considered calling it the FunVee and the Honda Odyssey the HumdrumVee, to borrow a line from Iron Man.It's an '05 with 60k miles... well, last Tuesday when I bought it, it had 60,057 on it, now it has almost 60,600. I took it for a drive in the mountains on Saturday, weeeeeee! :0)I've never owned a car as fun as this, and I thought our Miata was fun! We got rid of it when we had 3 more children. ;p A Miata's not at all practical with 4 children, and a Mini is at least more practical because it has a back seat. :p The 14 year old's friends now think we're the coolest parents on the block, and the 6 year olds just love it. :) The 14 year old is under the impression that in 2 years it will be hers... keep dreaming. ;)( Here's my new toy Collapse )
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Intro

[Oct. 14th, 2008|01:24 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!

Just thought I'd pop in and say hello!After wanting one for years (yes, since I saw The Italian Job!), we've finally gotten our Mini Cooper S!!! Officially it's my husband

jingoro's, however I get to tool around in it during the week. We haven't decided what to name it yet. We've considered calling it the FunVee and the Honda Odyssey the HumdrumVee, to borrow a line from Iron Man.It's an '05 with 60k miles... well, last Tuesday when I bought it, it had 60,057 on it, now it has almost 60,600. I took it for a drive in the mountains on Saturday, weeeeeee! :0)I've never owned a car as fun as this, and I thought our Miata was fun! We got rid of it when we had 3 more children. ;p A Miata's not at all practical with 4 children, and a Mini is at least more practical because it has a back seat. :p The 14 year old's friends now think we're the coolest parents on the block, and the 6 year olds just love it. :) The 14 year old is under the impression that in 2 years it will be hers... keep dreaming. ;)( Here's my new toy Collapse )

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Newbie ...	[Sep. 28th, 2008\|08:30 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
I only just discovered this community, but I definitely had to join. I've always loved Minis - classics and the new BMWs - and I'm the proud owner of a BMW Mini Cooper D. Black with black and red leather interior - she's so pretty. And she's called Delilah - don't ask, lol!
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Hello everyone!!!	[Sep. 23rd, 2008\|11:09 pm]Mini Lovers Unite!
I've jst registered on LJ yesterday and couldn'tskip MINI community here as i have 1 wonderful young boy - Laser Blue Mini Cooper S!!!! He's so cute!!!!!!!!
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Ford Flex	[Sep. 20th, 2008\|09:19 am]Mini Lovers Unite!
[My mini makes me \|weird] [in my mini's cd player	jack's mannequin]Has anyone else had the (dis)pleasure of seeing a Ford Flex in person yet? It's such a blatant mini ripoff -- and it's ugly as hell. They've copied so many little details, down to the chrome and rounded indent handles of the mini. It just comes across looking like a counterfeit mini. Hahah. ( some pictures Collapse )
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