Hello

Well, as much as I hate to do this, it's time to sell Winnie (That's the car's name - any of you remember The Wonder Years? Had a crush on Winnie Cooper? I'm sure you may understand). I'm in the midst of a career change - going from guaranteed-paycheck English teacher to I-think-I'm-out-of-food-again freelance writer. So the expenses have to go. I love this car and if if weren't for a career move, you couldn't pry her from my fingers. Ok enough drabble - onto MINI.

For those of you unfamiliar with the MINI Cooper S, please read the following basic information. If you are familiar, then skim down to the listed options and specifics of this particular Mini.

Basic MINI info - MINI is currently owned by the BMW Motorgroup. The cars are designed by BMW and you will find many broad similiarities between Minis and BMW's. Example: The 6-speed manual transmission in this car is designed and built by BMW; it is essentially a BMW transmission. Engine electronics and management systems are very similar, as are interior/comfort/convenience options. These cars are still built by the MINI corporation, but carry with them much BMW influence. 2002 was the first year for this generation of MINI Cooper, and if you've read the reviews, newer MINIs, especially those which are turbocharged (not supercharged, like this one) have certain handling cues and advantages that the new ones do not. Most MINI afficianados will tell you, especially those who have driven the newer versions, that a little something has been lost to driver comfort and convenience. Now, do not get me wrong, this is an extremely comfortable car to drive, and is loaded with convenience; however, the the newer versions of the MINI Cooper S are a little, shall I say, "soft." They are a tad quicker off the line; however, handling characteristics have wained in the current MINI models. For those of you who do not know, MINI no longer makes supercharged S packages. The newer ones are turbocharged. The difference here is in where your torque/horsepower kicks in. Turbocharges tend to lag a bit, as they take exhaust pressure/air and recycle it as forced air back into the engine. The motor must get moving by its on volition before a turbocharger can grasp exhaust air and force it back into the motor. The supercharger, conversely, is a belt driven screw-type mechanism that forces air into the motor as soon as you step on the gas. Drive this particular MINI on the highway one time and you will understand what I am speaking of. The little thing moves!! I'm not going to lie - she's been babied, just not grandmawed. If size is an issue, take this to mind: my younger brother is 6'4'' 280. He can drive this car. He did so for 3 days once. (Not this particular one - but same model and year for a promotional deal at his place of employment). People stick their heads inside and see how much room is available. I've had 4 adults in the car and there is plenty of room. If you're sill skeptical - do some reasearch on original Morris MINI's - you'll understand the mechanics behind squeezing 4 adults into a "bathtub." MINI and BMW have both kept the same ideas alive while designing these cars.

Now - on to this particular MINI.

Specifics - First, color. Liquid Yellow is a somewhat rare color in the S model, and MINI no longer produces cars in this color. I live in eastern Cincinnati; MINIs are everywhere down here. I have yet to see an S model in this color. It catches the eye. The engine is a 1.6L Supercharged 4-cylinder. Best of both worlds here - amazingly quick AND great gas mileage. I typically get betwen 34 and 36 MPG on the highway. She floats around 30 MPG during town triving. She's been meticulously maintained - all receipts for oil changes (during my ownership) will come with the car. Transmission is a BMW 6-speed manual gearbox. No problems here at all. Sidenote - the 6-speed manual that BMW installed in these cars, and I've heard the same of newer models, puts out a distinct engagement sound between 1st and 2nd gear. If you've got the windows down and there is little outside noise - you can hear what sounds like, well, a transmission going into gear. I was worried about this when I bought the car and have since researched it. All 6-speed MINIs make this sound. I think it's kind of a character additive:) She lets you know she's working proper. One other note - BMW manual transmissions have typically, in the past, been known to feel a little soft of spongy at the gear shifter. This gearbox is NOT like this. Gear shifts are crips and clear - you know exactly when you're in gear.

Ok that's the big stuff - engine, tranny and color. Now the other options, which I've simply bulleted below.

-CD Player - does play CD-R's
-Panoramic sunroof - extends above the heads of back passengers - front half is power.
-Keyless entry/alarm - all factory original (key is lazer cut to prevent theft)
-17" premium wheels - "wagon-style" (fans of original mini will appreciate these)
-Run-flat tires (50 miles at 50 mph on punctured or flattening tire) - Tires have roughly 90% life remaining. They were new one year ago. TOYO all-season tires.
-HID headlights / foglights (HID is High Intesity Discharge)
-Power windows, locks, mirrors, etc.
-Seats are manual, but are 6-way adjustable, and COMFORTABLE. (ever driven an older -BMW - you know what this is, and you probably liked it)

- Digital climate control

- Sport suspension - she handles like a little go-cart. This plus the 17" wheels and low-profile tires can add up to a quirky little ride. She's not a Cadillac - don't expect her to ride like one. She is, however, the best-handling car I've ever owned, and I've owned a lot of cars.

-On-board computer: shows Average MPG, distance to empty, outside temperature, etc. 

- Tinted windows all around. I think it gives it a little "yellow-jacket" look.

- Electronic traction control

Now the bad - she needs new wipers. I'll install these before auction ends. Needs an oil change - this will happen before end of auction as well. Front end - if you know MINI, you know that the noses of these things are like vacuums to bugs and road dirt. There are a few small paint chips from the nose, which I can send pictures of if you wish. This is a small aesthetic issue; any BMW dealership will be able to inject touch-up for a small fee. I don't let it bother me. I figured I'd wait until the car was closer to 200,000 miles and do a complete body touch-up/restoration. By then I'm sure she'll need a little make-up. As well, the driver's side door had some scuff marks below the map-holder/pocket. These were there when I bought the car. They could be fixed with a panel replacement.

When it comes to test-drives and personal inspections, feel free to come look; however I am not going to him-haw and waste time with someone who is not serious. SERIOUS inquiries only. NO JOY-RIDES. If you want to drive her, we can take her out. I can show you what the car is capable of then we'll switch seats. I love this car and I take no chances. You can glean from this description what you need to decide whether or not this is the car for you. These are amazing little vehicles. Perfect for highway driving - she'll do 85 all day if you ask - great for city-dwellers - you can park this car anywhere.

Now - payment and ownership - I have a lein on the car and will need to order the title once we've made the transaction. We can do all of this at your leisure (I'm on summer vacation right now from teaching, so my days are pretty open) If you would happen to have cash, this would be fine. The car is listed Locally and on Craigslist. I reserve the right to end the auction if someone locally would decide to buy it. NO DEADBEAT BIDDERS. I can be contacted at nojburns@yahoo.com. Car is located in Columbia Tusculum in Cincinnati. Any further questions, please feel free to ask. Good luck bidding - winner is getting one sweet little MINI.