Been a fan of Mini's since I drove one many moons ago when I was 16 and again a couple years later. I had always wanted one, but needed the practicality of a larger car, specifically a wagon since I played paintball and ran a few programs with that.

I had been a Subaru to my core until a few years back when I picked up a Saab Aero wagon, which made me get a Euro-itch that stuck since.

As a result of changes in life choices, styles, and situations, I could justify having a small, fun car for a daily driver... the fiance approved of whatever I wanted, so I found and pulled the trigger on my R53.

It's literally exactly what I wanted, and everything I specifically didn't want. It's an 03, dark silver with the white mirrors and roof. Has the cold weather package, premium package, sport package, sun roofs, sport suspension, HIDs, HK stereo, and cloth alien interior. I was adamant about NOT having leather, NAV, or an auto

So far I tossed on an MSD ignition (after doing a bunch of research and debating) to smooth out the idle a bit, since I think my stock coil was getting tired. Larger 8mm plug wires, since one of mine was warped and bugged me, as well as Brisk plugs, since the factory plugs were toast.

Coming from Subarus of different varieties, it's definitely a heavy change, but it's brought a grin to my face every day I've driven it over the past 3 weeks I've had it. If I need more power and raw chasis feel, I've got a Subaru V4 STi still as well.

Hope to find a new home in this community, as it seemed like the best Mini community I could find. Oh... I suppose I did ONE other mod, that can be seen in the pic

 

Congrats on the new Mini and welcome to the forum! Nice touch with the 'subtle' hint to slow drivers. :D

I may be moving toward the same goal as you but in reverse order. I'm looking at an STi wagon as my next car in the next few years.

 

Most people look in their mirror, chuckle, and move over... older women, however, take offense to it, move over and flip me the bird typically. Of course I smile and wave as they do it.

If you need input on a Scoob, let me know, I'm pretty well versed on them. Once I buy a new house here in the next few months (hopefully), I'll finally drag the STi out of storage and show it some love as well. For now, I don't need 320hp, over sized brakes, and full suspension to drive 2.1 miles to work every day.

 

Awesome. Though I'm sure with the Scoob even those 2.1 miles will be quite interesting!

 

That car will either get the coilovers and anti-lift/anti-dive kit removed, or primarily be a weekend/track car in the future. I'll probably make a separate post about that car at some point, but that's for a different day.

 

Welcome to NAM and congrats on the new MINI. Love the "Move Over" window graphic. So polite! Thanks for the pic, your MINI looks great.

 

Thanks, it was just after a bath before a fresh coat of wax

 

Welcome and Congrats.

 

Welcome and Congrats.

 

Thanks to ya both.

I'm slowly getting more of a bug for mods on it, but have to keep in mind that it is my daily now.