R50/53 Just Bought first Mini!!
#1
10-27-2009 | 06:30 PM
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Just Bought first Mini!!
Hey all,
I have been reading a lot of threads on NAM before I decided to go ahead and purchase what is a new Mini to me! I ended up with a low mileage 2003 Mini Cooper S with thats pretty loaded up (auto air, leather, sport rims, cold weather package, washer jets, etc.) and let me tell you I have never had so much fun driving a car as I did this past weekend. It is definitely an addiction that most likely will not stop for a long time.
I already have plans for some mods, really like how the 18/7.5 Tenzo R Mach 10s look on the Chili Red minis, need to lower it, and of course tint the windows...I will probably come up with more as I start to drive it more!!
Seems like a great group of guys on board, I feel more comforted that there is such a big community that knows so much about minis, and whenever I have a problem, there is probably already a thread posted about it! I live near Charlotte, NC, so I will definitely be making some trip up to the mountains north west of me!
I have been reading a lot of threads on NAM before I decided to go ahead and purchase what is a new Mini to me! I ended up with a low mileage 2003 Mini Cooper S with thats pretty loaded up (auto air, leather, sport rims, cold weather package, washer jets, etc.) and let me tell you I have never had so much fun driving a car as I did this past weekend. It is definitely an addiction that most likely will not stop for a long time.
I already have plans for some mods, really like how the 18/7.5 Tenzo R Mach 10s look on the Chili Red minis, need to lower it, and of course tint the windows...I will probably come up with more as I start to drive it more!!
Seems like a great group of guys on board, I feel more comforted that there is such a big community that knows so much about minis, and whenever I have a problem, there is probably already a thread posted about it! I live near Charlotte, NC, so I will definitely be making some trip up to the mountains north west of me!
#2
10-27-2009 | 06:51 PM
#3
10-27-2009 | 07:05 PM
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 64
Likes: 1
I won't speak too loudly, as I have a dark silver/black 03 JCW I'm trying to sell, and my newest Astro black/silver 06 JCW should be a cool car if it weren't busy being a prima donna pain in the ***, but...my first love was a Chili Red 03. White top, which is cheerful, but of course I wanted black. Great little car, saved my wife's life. Schoolbus stopped in other lane signalling, Pickup w/plow jumped out from behind it right in front of her, bang! No time for anything, Mini bounced up in the air and sailed into snowbank. She didn't know what happened. Not a scratch, airbags everywhere. Ins. co. totaled car, but...some straightening, replaced suspension parts and wheels, and a friend of mine is just waiting for a few $$ for paint and whatnot, and she'll roll again! Obviously I was pretty
impressed, I bought two more.
My DS/B is fully tinted; I gotta say IMHO tinting is overrated, I have learned I prefer seeing clearly, but then I'm not in a mostly bright sunshine state. A word to the wise, though, since it's 03...check out the threads here on pwr steering fan/ cooling fan harness issues...overheating, fires, other fun. That's something you might want to upgrade.
BUT...Fun? Yes. Most here would agree.
impressed, I bought two more.
My DS/B is fully tinted; I gotta say IMHO tinting is overrated, I have learned I prefer seeing clearly, but then I'm not in a mostly bright sunshine state. A word to the wise, though, since it's 03...check out the threads here on pwr steering fan/ cooling fan harness issues...overheating, fires, other fun. That's something you might want to upgrade.
BUT...Fun? Yes. Most here would agree.
#4
10-27-2009 | 07:27 PM
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
We are having a mechanic do a full inspection of everything tomorrow, and dealer is replacing anything that needs to be replaced at their cost. I have heard of problems with the power steering but hopefully I will not be one of the unlucky ones (just came from a Land Rover and trust me, there is no way that this can be more of a mechanical nightmare). Car has brand new tires on it but hopefully will replace with some new wheels sooner than later!!
What parts do you recommend I upgrade in order to prevent these issues that you're talking about? Thanks again.
What parts do you recommend I upgrade in order to prevent these issues that you're talking about? Thanks again.
#6
10-27-2009 | 07:37 PM
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 64
Likes: 1
#7
10-27-2009 | 07:42 PM
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Lady Godiva: Thanks!! I actually go to school in Spartanburg, so I make it up to the Chimney Rock/Lake Lure area all the time - close enough to Asheville right!? Some great roads to drive on up in that area 
meacoopa: Is there anything I can look for myself under the 'bonnet' that will give any signs of this? Thanks.
meacoopa: Is there anything I can look for myself under the 'bonnet' that will give any signs of this? Thanks.
Trending Topics
#8
10-27-2009 | 07:42 PM
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: T-Town, AL
Make sure the power steering fan has been replaced with the newer version that has the grill protecting the fan.
I won't speak too loudly, as I have a dark silver/black 03 JCW I'm trying to sell, and my newest Astro black/silver 06 JCW should be a cool car if it weren't busy being a prima donna pain in the ***, but...my first love was a Chili Red 03. White top, which is cheerful, but of course I wanted black. Great little car, saved my wife's life. Schoolbus stopped in other lane signalling, Pickup w/plow jumped out from behind it right in front of her, bang! No time for anything, Mini bounced up in the air and sailed into snowbank. She didn't know what happened. Not a scratch, airbags everywhere. Ins. co. totaled car, but...some straightening, replaced suspension parts and wheels, and a friend of mine is just waiting for a few $$ for paint and whatnot, and she'll roll again! Obviously I was pretty
impressed, I bought two more.
My DS/B is fully tinted; I gotta say IMHO tinting is overrated, I have learned I prefer seeing clearly, but then I'm not in a mostly bright sunshine state. A word to the wise, though, since it's 03...check out the threads here on pwr steering fan/ cooling fan harness issues...overheating, fires, other fun. That's something you might want to upgrade.
BUT...Fun? Yes. Most here would agree.
impressed, I bought two more.
My DS/B is fully tinted; I gotta say IMHO tinting is overrated, I have learned I prefer seeing clearly, but then I'm not in a mostly bright sunshine state. A word to the wise, though, since it's 03...check out the threads here on pwr steering fan/ cooling fan harness issues...overheating, fires, other fun. That's something you might want to upgrade.
BUT...Fun? Yes. Most here would agree.
#13
10-28-2009 | 08:43 AM
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
This the updated fan? Probably would be worth the investment....
http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/NME7617/InvDetail.cfm
http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/NME7617/InvDetail.cfm
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
theateist
R56 :: Hatch Talk (2007+)
39
07-02-2017 02:21 PM