MINI Tech turned MINI Owner!
#26
Hello all,
I have been working on the R50/R53 MINIs almost since they were brought into the states and have just recently purchased one. 2002 MC, Cosmos Black, Cold weather, Premium package with white bonnet stripes. I checked the car out for a customer and checked out his complaints(Oil leak, pop in steering, PS pump whine..etc..). It turned out that it was going to cost him 3500 bucks to fix it, so he decided to trade it in. It was perfect for me, the gas savings almost make the payment, so I bought it from my dealer before they wholesaled it. I have since replaced the rack, oil pan gasket, VC gasket, A-pillar trim, clutch and brake pedal pads, Cd head unit, RF outer ball joint, LF park light, RR side marker light, floor mats, shift ****, E-brake boot and handle and probably a few more things that I can't think of. I have also put in the updated taillights(05 and newer), MCS clear TS assemblies, boot mat, center console with the tray in front, and E-brake console. I am waiting on the radio stand pillar cover(paint rubbed off), and still need to replace the PS pump. All this in 2 weeks of ownership... Now for the clay and wax.
I have always liked working on these cars, talking with the owners, and now I am able to drive one everyday. I just wish I could get better gas mileage, but the on and off ramps as well as curves are so much fun!
My bio is:
Lead technician at MINI of Charleston and have 15yrs professional exp as tech.
Live in Charleston, SC
Married, 33 with 2 kids(Quintarian 11/Chastity 8)
I enjoy working and tinkering with all kinds of things
I am truly amazed at the amount of info on this board and have learned some things my self...
Thanks for the great site!
Chad
I have been working on the R50/R53 MINIs almost since they were brought into the states and have just recently purchased one. 2002 MC, Cosmos Black, Cold weather, Premium package with white bonnet stripes. I checked the car out for a customer and checked out his complaints(Oil leak, pop in steering, PS pump whine..etc..). It turned out that it was going to cost him 3500 bucks to fix it, so he decided to trade it in. It was perfect for me, the gas savings almost make the payment, so I bought it from my dealer before they wholesaled it. I have since replaced the rack, oil pan gasket, VC gasket, A-pillar trim, clutch and brake pedal pads, Cd head unit, RF outer ball joint, LF park light, RR side marker light, floor mats, shift ****, E-brake boot and handle and probably a few more things that I can't think of. I have also put in the updated taillights(05 and newer), MCS clear TS assemblies, boot mat, center console with the tray in front, and E-brake console. I am waiting on the radio stand pillar cover(paint rubbed off), and still need to replace the PS pump. All this in 2 weeks of ownership... Now for the clay and wax.
I have always liked working on these cars, talking with the owners, and now I am able to drive one everyday. I just wish I could get better gas mileage, but the on and off ramps as well as curves are so much fun!
My bio is:
Lead technician at MINI of Charleston and have 15yrs professional exp as tech.
Live in Charleston, SC
Married, 33 with 2 kids(Quintarian 11/Chastity 8)
I enjoy working and tinkering with all kinds of things
I am truly amazed at the amount of info on this board and have learned some things my self...
Thanks for the great site!
Chad
....Les
#27
2nd Gear
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Auburndale, Florida 33823
Posts: 82
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That's good news to hear! I bought my mini because of the reputation for quality and that it was a fun car to drive and I wanted something to replace my honda goldwing trike with that was fun.
Being a tech on these cars and buying ones pretty well tells me that they are a well built machine!
Enjoy your Mini!
Being a tech on these cars and buying ones pretty well tells me that they are a well built machine!
Enjoy your Mini!
#28
6th Gear
iTrader: (10)
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Carmel Valley Village, CA
Posts: 1,158
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he he, glad I found ya man!
friday im putting on my new boost guage, ill stop by on monday to show ya. keep it real hommie!
-Erik
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