Hi everyone,

I have just signed up and am doing the mannerly intro post to say HI!

I am father to a wonderful 16 year old daughter and for her 17th birthday, I plan to buy her a Mini One, preferably, with a/c, electric roof, and pretty alloys, and around 2008/9/10 and am beginning the research a dad and petrol head does, in such matters as they are events to enjoy I feel!

Keen to know about reliability of the engine, ancillaries like clutch gearbox brakes etc,, basic's and the usual malarky I suspect.

I plan to do a lot of reading and learning as I am as said a petrol head and enjoy doing upkeep, maintenance service within reason, and oh yes,,, I am an anal retentive detailer!

I look forward to speaking to many of you along my journey to the biggest secret purchase I will ever have done. If it is felt you are interested I will film and show the big reveal to her as I suspect tears laughter and joy (and that's just from me!)