Hmmm... Mini's are getting cheap.

I'm having dirty thoughts http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/No-Reserve-2003-Mini-Cooper-S-6-speed-Loaded-/160635877435?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2566a4f83b

something like this

If you've got the money to pay for the special tools and frequent broken parts, they are a screamin ball o' fun. But then, that sums up most of our favorites here, doesn't it?

I want one with a turbo diesel and a 6spd. but that's just me.

I want one with 10" wheels, an A-series engine, and one that is not a BMW.

ultraclyde wrote: If you've got the money to pay for the special tools and frequent broken parts, they are a screamin ball o' fun. But then, that sums up most of our favorites here, doesn't it?

Yup... of course, I've been collecting those special tools for years now... some you need... most just make life easier... some I've made (and sold) myself.

If this one didn't have a sunroof, I'd be seriously wanting it... and the wheels make good boat anchors, but are not good for much else.

Oddly enough, it would be tough to find a good classic Mini for that price.

I love the look of them, are the supercharged cars better or worse than the turbo's as far as reliability and durability?

The Supercharged cars with the 6spd are the most reliable....for a MINI. My ownership experience was similar to my Corrado: A blast to drive, but never 100% right.

agreed with everything thus far although the reliability problems haven't plagued me yet, apart from the passenger side window getting a bit obtuse and not lowering when I told it to about a year or so ago. that, and the ever-present issue of the front strut tower mushrooming due to being stamped out of thin metal (for add lightness, of course)

ouch.. how do you fix the mushrooming strut towers?

mad_machine wrote: ouch.. how do you fix the mushrooming strut towers?

It's pretty easy. Pull the struts. Pound the tower flat, bend the strut hat flat (replace if the rubber is cracked), reassemble. I've done it in a little over an hour if left alone. If somebody helps, about twice as long.

Prevention can be done with reinforcement top plates (Craven or M7) and/or camber plates (various adjustable versions or Ireland Engineering fixed).

T.J. wrote: I want one with 10" wheels, an A-series engine, and one that is not a BMW.

I want a Clubman which has the proper number of doors.