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Hi! I am sadly needing to let go of my first MINI Cooper Hardtop through private sale. I’m replacing with a new mini, but don’t have anywhere to keep my OG 6-speed with manual transmission safe. (2012, excellent condition, 82k miles, newer engine, have all paperwork) Devastated that it will likely be my last manual, so I’d love to make sure she goes to someone who will appreciate the stick shift as much as me - so thought this group could point me in the right direction for where to start with posting such a thing.

I picked up a flat tire this morning and am left in a bit of a weird tire state, so I was hoping to get y'all's opinions on where to go from here. I drive a 2017 four door hardtop (F55), currently wearing Bridgestone DriveGuards (all-season, run-flat, 205/45R17) and they've mostly served me well. The car is a commuter, so long-lasting and reliable are really the most important here. I've gone back and forth on run-flats, I know the compromises, but being able to get a flat, drive home, drive to the tire shop a few days later to get them fixed, that all sounds way better than calling AAA to get towed somewhere. The current tires: Front left: 3 years, 26k miles, 7 32nds remaining Front right: FLAT Rear left: 3 years, 26k miles, 7 32nds remaining Rear right: 2 years, 18k miles, 9 32nds remaining I figure I'll need at least 2 new tires, since none of these are new enough to pair alone with a brand new tire. From what I understand, if I get two new ones, the shop will want to put those on the rear. From there, and given that this is FWD, I'll want the front tires to match closely, which I guess means pulling the current front and rear left tires (same age, same wear) up front. Alternatively, I could swap out all 4, since those two left tires don't have too much life left anyway, but it feels a bit wasteful. Thoughts, advice, things I've got wrong or haven't considered?

My factory warranty ends in April. I love my MINI but I know it does also require a fair amount of visits to the dealer. Have any of you purchased an extended warranty plan? I was looking at some online and didn't see that any would cover my convertible top. That thing will break again and I don't want to spend thousands if I can avoid it. Any ideas? Ali

A coworker of mine recently asked me if I had heard about any issues with R56's just dying out right. His R56 died while driving on the highway and could not be revived. Apparently, his service advisor told him that the problem was with the timing chain and that there is currently a recall on them. Luckily for him, they are replacing his entire engine. I did a bit of research on NAM and apparently the timing chain has been a problematic item, mainly due to it making the car sound like a diesel with a cold engine. I do not own an R56, so can't personally comment, but thought it might be useful information to you new gen owners.

how can I get it to play in my '02 car? Is major re-wiring involved? It's an early build '02, so no Bluetooth or nuthin'. Suggestions? Links?

Hello everyone: Quick question regarding brake replacement cost. Got word from MoS that our buggy is getting close to the point where we'll need to do some brake work. We've got approximately 38K miles on our 2006 MCSa - no sensor indication that the pads are too worn but we're probably getting close. MoS quoted a little over $600.00 for the job (pads and rotors) - can anyone recommend other locations in northern Virginia I should check or are there upcoming DIY classes? Thanks for the intel.