64 replies to this topic

[Ace Alex]

I can't believe how good your Minis (past and present) look.

Even coming down to suttle touches such as the red towing eyes on the MPi.

 

Cheers Twincam

[Ace Alex]

After 10 years of using classic Minis as daily drivers it was time to move on! (I still have my '99 Rover Mini 40 & '72 Mini van)

 

A combination of increasing market prices and continuous repairs started to make me consider a BMW MINI.

 

What? One of those stupid BIG things?

 

Take a BINI saloon on a test drive and park beside a BINI COUNTRYMAN...."That's not a Mini", you might say!

 

I started to do some research (purchase costs & insurance) and it wasn't too bad! I started to window shop on eBay / Autotrader for BINIs with my classic Mini budget. Hmmm....

 

I wanted a low mileage R53 Supercharged Mini Cooper but trying to locate a standard example is getting harder. A future garage/barn find maybe?

 

I really wanted a MINI Clubman.....yep, one of those odd looking estates with a stupid suicide door!

 

My budget was limited, a brand new car wasn't an option, so the search for a nice Clubman started. I found a 2007, low mileage-ish, nice spec car and painted in one of favourite colours. I took the MINI for a test drive and.......WOW!

 

We travelled 150 miles to buy the car. The drive home was effortless, 6 gears (not 4), auto climate control (2 speed heater, open windows & demister pad).....what a massive difference!

 

These pictures were taking on Saturday at a service station on the way home

 

 

Twin pipes

 

 

 

 

1.6 Turbocharged

17" MINI Split rims

SAT NAV / Entertainment Screen

Cruise Control

Full black leather interior

Panoramic sunroof

Auto wipers / headlights and washers

Auto climate control

 

Plus other stuff - need to read the manual!

 

My Mpi Minis have three speed wipers and a two speed heater....Rover technology.

 

 

What's to do?

 

Spend a day cleaning the interior

Spend a day or three cleaning and detailing the bodywork

 

 

 

I know people don't like these cars and it's the wrong forum to post these pictures on.

Cheers

Alex

Edited by Ace Alex, 31 March 2014 - 02:13 PM.

[jamesmpi]

Nice clubby. Bought it in the best colour too 😊

[psmini]

I've always had classic minis and since Feb 2012, I've had 5 Binis including a supercharged S, a cabrio, a clubman cooper S, another clubman and a Countryman. I take delivery of a new shape Cooper in 3 weeks. Great cars but my modified Mayfair is still my choice when I want some fun. Your 40 is awesome, I hope you keep it and enjoy the Clubman for everyday use!

[Ace Alex]

Nice clubby. Bought it in the best colour too

 

Thanks jamesmpi.   It's one of my favourite colours. Never expected to purchase one like that!

 

 

I've always had classic minis and since Feb 2012, I've had 5 Binis including a supercharged S, a cabrio, a clubman cooper S, another clubman and a Countryman. I take delivery of a new shape Cooper in 3 weeks. Great cars but my modified Mayfair is still my choice when I want some fun. Your 40 is awesome, I hope you keep it and enjoy the Clubman for everyday use!

 

Cheers psmini  That's a list of BINIs!!   I spotted a brand new BINI Cooper on Saturday when I collected my Clubman. Some nice advancements on them but the headlamps look a bit weird. I said that about my model Clubman a few years ago!

 

My Mini 40 - thanks, its nice. I don't want to sell that!!!

 

The Clubman will be my new daily driver. When you use a classic Mini everyday (or try!) the fun disappears. Take a few days away and the character returns.

 

10 years of driving classics daily, great cars, but it was time for a change........and its still a classic over a one of those so-called BINIs.

 

Thanks chaps