Another quarter spent commuting in the Mini, testing its limits, both street performance and capacities. It performed well, and I even learned a few things. Read on for more details.
Stats:
Time Period: 5/1/2014 – 7/31/2014
Miles Driven: 1,310 / 30,000 (this update / total) (1,685 previous update)
Average MPG: 27.8 mpg (reported by on-board computer)
Avg MPG for Year: 27.2 (hand-calculated)
Costs:
Maintenance Costs: $125.87
Repairs: $0
Total Cost (non-fuel): $360.38
Services Performed:
- 6/25/2014 – Oil change performed at the Mini dealer; engine air filter and dipstick replaced myself.
Summary:
Well, the Mini required its first oil change during my stewardship, and the dealer performed this service, using the required synthetic oil and a Mini oil filter, for $69.95. In addition, the car was calling for a new engine air filter, so I replaced that myself. Anyone with a basic set of tools, including torx bits, can do this at home without worry. While I was at it, I noticed that the factory oil dipstick was hard to read, and my service advisor recommended upgrading to a newly-designed one. For about $25, I bit, and am now sporting the newer, easier-to-read dipstick.
The air conditioning continues to blow cold air, and no other faults have been found.
As I put more and more miles on the Mini, it continues to become an extension of me, easy to place on the road, and performance enough to make any drive a fun one.
As far as the Mini’s practicality go, I tested it thoroughly. Not only did I take it to Home Depot to purchase a shop-vac, but I managed to fit two grown men and their golf clubs in the car, with room to spare. The Mini, with its rear seats folded flat, can easily haul the aforementioned people and stuff. Nobody has ridden in the back of my Mini, but my two cocker spaniels don’t seem to mind it much. I’ll be driving the Cooper to the beach next month, so I’m looking forward to seeing how much luggage it can haul, as well as what kind of MPGs it gets on the highway. City mileage has been pretty good, at between 26 and 29, on average.
Even with a few quibbles, I’m still loving the Mini Cooper!
Dated Notes:
- none
General Observations:
- none
by John Suit