Happy Birthday MINI

My MINI is approaching the big ONE. So the question arises- how to celebrate? A fun weekend road trip perhaps? A nice drive through the countryside? Maybe a nice new set of floor mats? Or a new cd for the player? Or would it be a better birthday present to tuck MINI away in the garage and give her a day's rest.

No matter how the day passes, I can't help but think back to all the fun times I've had in MINI over the last year - and all the places she's taken me to. Although I'm still making my monthly payments, I continue to do so happily, because my car is one of the best decisions I've ever made. It is the first major purchase I've ever made on my own and I couldn't be more pleased. I love my car not only because it is adorable and super fun to drive, but because of all the places it lets me go and the people it takes me to.

So for her birthday, I'm going to give MINI a nice carwash, fill up her tank and drive over to visit someone I love. Maybe my parents, maybe my best friend or boyfriend, or all of the above.  Maybe I'll take them for a ride.

Oil Change: MINI Style

I learned something new today. According to Baron BMW in Kansas City, MINIs do not need to have their oil changed until they reach 15,000-16,000 miles. For perspective, an average car needs only about every 5,000 miles. 

Today I realized that my MINI is at the 5,200 mile mark. I called the dealership in a frantic panic thinking that I had unwittingly put my MINI into the oil danger zone. Thankfully, they convinced me I have a long ways to go.

What's more, the newer model MINI's onboard computers pop up with a countdown to service needed. You're MINI will all but drive itself to the oil changing locale.

Now with my mind at ease, I can keep motoring for over 10,000 more miles.

Convertible Weather

It's official. It's convertible season. A few reminders so you can keep cruisin' safely.

• Don't get too comfortable: Strange as it seems, enjoyment of the cenvertible top is the single biggest distraction to drivers.
• Close Second: Wind will blow loose items around in your car, or worse, out of your car. Put any extra items in the trunk for safe-keeping.
• Hearing Impairment: Be aware that you might not be able to hear all the sounds of the road as well when the top is down.
• Top down fatigue: Long distances can be draining. It's wise to take a break every so often so stop, get a soda and stretch your legs.
• Skin Safety: Long periods of UV ray exposure leads to criteria for a lobster-look-alike contest. SPF 30 and you're good to go.

Advantage? The 360 degree view and the wind in your hair!

Happy Motoring!

It's Official: Party in the (MINI) USA!

MINI Takes the States is back, according to the official release from MINI USA.

This summer MINI Takes the States is meeting in the middle (well kind’a , sort’a ) for a fun-filled weekend in Denver, Colorado, August 13-15.
This MINI weekend is all about motoring, fans, community and fun as MINI Takes the States in 2010. This year’s event will kick-off with 5 big rallies from Atlanta, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago as motorers and enthusiasts rally with the all new MINI Countryman to the mile high city.
Mark your calendars and hold on to your seats as MINI Takes the States in 2010.

Any good MINI girl wants to set her MINI free on the open road. MINI Takes the States could just be the perfect opportunity (and excuse) to spend some good 'ol quality time behind the wheel.

I'm a newbie to the MINI world, so my MINI has never taken the states, so to speak. How about you readers? Anyone taken part in the drive or rallies? We'd love to hear some fun stories!

Not Quite Convertible Season...

All week I have been looking forward to my 125 mi drive home to my parent's house this weekend. It's finally springtime and the midwest has been a balmy 65 degrees all week. Not so fast.

I started off the trip yesterday afternoon at about 5:00pm- the sun was still high, making a light jacket more than adequate. All winter I have sadly ignored my convertible top, and yesterday it finally got some attention. Top down, I started on my journey.

About 30 miles in, the clouds started looming on the horizon. MINI and me kept on motoring, but soon the temperature started dropping. Within 15 minutes, we had lost 20 degrees. Regretfully, I pulled off on the nearest exit and shut MINI's top.

The rest of the ride home wasn't nearly as fun- rain drops here and there, some good music and -20 more degrees, we were home. The taste of fresh air and wind wasn't nearly enough- I'm definitely ready for summer.

Today it snowed 6 inches. It's still going to be a while.

2011 MINI-Lift

BMW is doing what it does best - redesigning. This time they're targeting the MINI's in their lot. The 2011 version of all MINI models will feature updated exteriors and interiors, including "more aggressive bumpers" and updated headlights. The interior's most significant change is to the radio controls and center console for cars without navigation.

There's a bunch of engine changes happening- I don't want to get too technical. Read all about them here.

And of course a new MINI model isn't complete without all "new" color options - for both interior and exterior this time. MINI has finally dumped its signature British Racing Green for, you guessed it, British Racing Green II. What's the difference you ask? "A gold tinge." Sure...
Crazy MINI designers like to live dangerously- silver out, grey in.. They have decided to replace "Dark Silver" with a more pearlescent "Eclipse Grey."

However in a valiant effort to move away from their predominantly grey/blue palate, MINI is also introducing a new color, "Spice Orange." Sounds saucy- I like it.

The new MINIs are expected to roll out this September.

MINI Must Have

Whether your MINI is fresh off the boat from Europe or has been cruisin' the streets of the USA for a while now, you must protect her. These MINI All Season Weather Floor Mats made of black rubber are exactly what you need. I've had mine on my car for an entire year and they still look like new. What's more, the carpet underneath is pristine. You can also buy matching mats for the backseat, just in case you have frequent passengers and foot-travel back there.

Your MINI's been good to you-- return the favor.