R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 So... who is planning to keep their 1st gen MINI literally forever?

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  #326  
Old 11-08-2010, 12:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Mackpupp1
I just wanted to make a comment about this thread, which I find to be rather special. It just seems as though so many folks are either always striving to find something "newer" or "better," and they are never satisfied. Then there are those who take for granted their cars, no matter what badge they may wear. The thing about this thread, and each and every one of you, is that it is one of the few "places" (virtual or real) that I find genuine gratitude and appreciation, and it is so refreshing!

Whenever I open my e-mail and see that there is a new posting on this thread, I immediately hit the link. I think you're all good people, and I bet you are pretty happy in your lives, day in and out. I'm not only thankful for my MINI, but I'm grateful that people like you all exist.

Just wanted to mention that.
Very nice words to read
 
  #327  
Old 11-08-2010, 02:43 PM
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Originally Posted by mackpupp1
I just wanted to make a comment about this thread, which I find to be rather special. It just seems as though so many folks are either always striving to find something "newer" or "better," and they are never satisfied. Then there are those who take for granted their cars, no matter what badge they may wear. The thing about this thread, and each and every one of you, is that it is one of the few "places" (virtual or real) that I find genuine gratitude and appreciation, and it is so refreshing!

Whenever I open my e-mail and see that there is a new posting on this thread, I immediately hit the link. I think you're all good people, and I bet you are pretty happy in your lives, day in and out. I'm not only thankful for my MINI, but I'm grateful that people like you all exist.

Just wanted to mention that.
Originally Posted by Kathy1946
Very nice words to read
+1
 
  #328  
Old 11-10-2010, 07:21 AM
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unfortunately my 04 JustACooper (Indi) CVT was on its last leg back in july, and on the brink of death, along with several other issues, so i decided it was time to say a sad goodbye to my first car and move on. I got a 2010 MCS (his name is Stickers), and i definately plan to keep this one until the very end!! ive had it for about four months now and hes at about 6500 miles and doin great!!! i look forward to the many adventures well have in the future!!

last goodbye to Indi! we had some great trips, and its been a blast! u'll be missed! <3


Here is Stickers at the DCMM MINIs take the Beltway Drive to benefit the wounded warriors foundation! Yes, I've already start to mod his look a lil, and the there are more mods to come!!
 
  #329  
Old 11-10-2010, 08:11 PM
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I love my Ruby, and she will be passed on to my children and grandchildren. It's in the will.
 
  #330  
Old 11-10-2010, 09:17 PM
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Our car has proven itself to have not the best build quality..i mean, it's a very fun car to drive..but expecting it to last generations? I'd be very, very surprised

It's certainly no Swedish or German car
 
  #331  
Old 11-11-2010, 03:22 PM
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I'm keeping my MCS'05 forever, but someday i plan to buy one of the classic mini. i hope i can find one green too.
 
  #332  
Old 11-11-2010, 04:17 PM
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i just turned 100100 miles on my 04 MSC. I still love it! Always looking for something to do to it whether its asthetics or go fast parts. I plan on hanging on to it for my twins daughters when they go to high school, they are in junior high right now. But my wife who is 5' tall takes it from me during the week and gives it up only when its time to wash it. Oh well, i do love it when i sneak it out.
 
  #333  
Old 12-19-2010, 09:24 AM
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I used to spend a lot of time and money trading every year or two, but since I bought my '04 MC, I don't have the desire to trade anymore. After owning it for 4 years and racking up 180K miles, it still is reliable, fun to drive and makes me smile when I see it in the parking lot. I can't wait to hit 200K and see how far it goes before I have to replace anything major. Still more fun and cheaper than trading!
 
  #334  
Old 12-19-2010, 12:20 PM
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I was sure I was going to keep my '03 Justa, but this past summer I decided to trade her in for a younger model (though still a Justa). I went for an automatic with the paddle shifters and I love her.
 
  #335  
Old 12-19-2010, 12:30 PM
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Plan on keeping BUG ETER for as long as I am breathing a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, argon and other assorted gases. I have a few items to take care of on him; i.e. replacing headliner, and doing a few mods, but i have thouroughly enjoyed my time with my 03 DS/W MCS .
 
  #336  
Old 12-19-2010, 02:16 PM
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My 1/03 build Cooper is still on the road...my daughter drives it every day. That was one special car, but owning a post-warranty MINI can be a bit tricky.
 
  #337  
Old 12-20-2010, 05:22 AM
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Plans were originally for me to keep the 03, and add in the new coupe for her to use.. Idea was to rocket out the 03, and the fact it gets better mileage than my 1 ton ram... Just traded in the ram for a new hemi ram... still not mini mileage, and the 03 is literally falling apart... Would have to get a new motor, tranny, and lots of little pieces... Still debating on keeping it though... Has 150k on it now...
Anyone have a good line on replacement motors or tranny?... Or is there another motor option that will fit in our 03?... Drop me a pm! :-)

Still like how nice it rides though with 150k on it...
 
  #338  
Old 12-20-2010, 07:05 AM
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For over 45 years I have had the privilage to own & drive some of the finest automobiles from England, Germany, Italy and the US. Healey 3000, Alfa Romeo GTV 2000, BMW 2002, Corvettes, Jensen Interceptor, Maserati Bora,
Maserati 3500, Porsche 911, etc. All of them were wonderful in their own way. "Merlin" is in a class by himself. The joy of driving is back in my life. I'm sure that when I pass my wife will carry on with "Merlin".
 
  #339  
Old 12-20-2010, 07:38 AM
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As long as the stock problems I encounter keeps on being minor, I plan to keep the car until 200K. I have 80K so far and with my 100 mile commute to work each day, the miles are piling up
I've only had the following issues:
1)Faulty Thermostat
2)Crack Windshield
3)Stuck Driver seat on recline position
This forum has help me through all those issues. Thanks Guys!
 
  #340  
Old 12-20-2010, 01:39 PM
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Originally Posted by GuyPavelo
Plans were originally for me to keep the 03, and add in the new coupe for her to use.. Idea was to rocket out the 03, and the fact it gets better mileage than my 1 ton ram... Just traded in the ram for a new hemi ram... still not mini mileage, and the 03 is literally falling apart... Would have to get a new motor, tranny, and lots of little pieces... Still debating on keeping it though... Has 150k on it now...
Anyone have a good line on replacement motors or tranny?... Or is there another motor option that will fit in our 03?... Drop me a pm! :-)

Still like how nice it rides though with 150k on it...
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-hard-way.html
 
  #341  
Old 12-30-2010, 09:32 PM
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is there any way to verify which # your car was? I ran into the original owner of my mini and he says he has the #13 shirt that he got from the dealer. Thats pretty low!!
 
  #342  
Old 12-31-2010, 10:56 AM
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i sure hope so!. about to go for and dirve and hit 100k!!
 
  #343  
Old 12-31-2010, 12:46 PM
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I plan on keeping mine since I just got it on Christmas Eve this year, and have wanted one for ever.
 
  #344  
Old 12-31-2010, 06:58 PM
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definitely keeping my '06 MCS!!

Originally Posted by ClubmanS
Given the current economic climate, I have pretty much decided to literally keep my rock solid '05 MCS running until "The wheels fall off". I simply love this car and given the precarious state of our national economy, I think more people will hold on to their rides for a longer period of time.

My R53 is fully paid off. With only 48K miles on the clock, this car has plenty of service life ahead of it.

Anyone else holding onto their 1st gen MINI for years and decades to come?
I was thinking about using my '06 MCS for a trade-in for a BMW 128i, but every time i sat in one I kept thinking how plain the interior was compared to my MINI. Recently, I decided I liked my MINI too much to part with it.
 

Last edited by hooch504; 01-01-2011 at 10:06 AM.
  #345  
Old 12-31-2010, 10:56 PM
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Jerseygirl plans to keep her '03 MCS forever... although the car occasionally does frustrate her... like right now, the Xenons are acting a bit wonky. We have been considering an additional car so as to retire the '03 for daily driver duty. The tough part is nothing else out there really excites her the way the R53 did... Maybe a Clubman... but otherwise... eh...

The '07 Cooper Sidewalk, on the other hand... who knows... it could become the DD... or maybe not... I've used it as a DD from time to time when my primary car was up for service, so I do think it would work well.
 
  #346  
Old 01-01-2011, 10:09 AM
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Congratulations!

Originally Posted by sassiegyrl
I plan on keeping mine since I just got it on Christmas Eve this year, and have wanted one for ever.
I remember the day I drove my MINI home; it was one of the best days of my life. 4 years later, I still love my MINI like crazy. I just added the JCW big brake kit and it works like a dream.

Welcome to the club, sassiegyrl.
 
  #347  
Old 01-01-2011, 10:29 AM
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Ya know it's kinda awesome to read the posts on this thread and the excitement that is being felt for these awesome (but sometimes troublesome cars for some)still love their "little Minis"regardless and have even turned around and bought another....
 
  #348  
Old 01-01-2011, 10:48 AM
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So far the only plan I have for my mini is to add the heated seats.
 
  #349  
Old 01-01-2011, 02:53 PM
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I want this to be the car sitting in the spare garage when I'm 50. By then, it'll have a handful of problems and too many miles, but I can rebuild it right?

I never want to get rid of it
 
  #350  
Old 01-01-2011, 04:01 PM
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I bought my 03 R53 with 97k miles on the clock, because it looks MINT. I plan on keeping it as long as parts are available! (I might stockpile a few items too). Next I want to get my hands on a 2005 or 2006 JCW. I've only owned mine for 1 week, and though I've owned many cars before, this one "feels" special. LOL! I spent > $3800 in mods on a BMW E30 coupe, just to get it to feel right on the road. My MINI rolled off the dealer pre-owned lot and feels just as good, if not better, and is 100% stock. LOL

I'm keeping this R53 4-EVER!!
 


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