Nov 16th, 2012
As aptly pointed out by a reader both the first GP and early R56 JCWs are priced similarly in the mid-20s these days. So which one to get? The first question we’d have to ask – is this a daily driver? If so the more modern R56 (presumably with some options and nice to haves) would be the easy logical choice. However things get much more interesting when this isn’t about solving the problem of finding a daily driver. continued →
Nov 15th, 2012
With the GP going on pre-sale today for current or previous GP owners, more than a few of you are considering make a change. And with that in mind we bring you think week’s “Ask MF” from long time reader Karl:
My 5th and current MINI is a 2009 factory JCW – loaded with every package. You’ve written glowing reviews of the new GP. I’m on the fence and was wondering if you had a 2009 loaded JCW with 18K miles, would you hesitate to sell it and get the new GP? Is the new GP that much better?
Naturally the answer is a personal one. Let’s start with what you really value in a MINI. continued →
Aug 3rd, 2012
Today’s question comes from Shawn:
If you don’t mind my asking, is Motoring File a full-time or primary job for you guys?
I have been reading your articles and listening to your podcasts for a couple years now, but I don’t recall the subject ever being discussed. I couldn’t help but wonder if MTTS was the worlds most awesome job assignment or if it was primarily for pleasure with a side of journalism.
As awesome as it would be to write about cars full time, all of us involved in MotoringFile and White Roof Radio have day jobs. We do this because we love doing it and because we have enthusiasm for the brand. Gabe started MF in the fall of 2002 out of an excitement and interest in the brand. The same could be said for Whiteroofradio and Todd and DB in 2004. Through those years of hard work lots of tireless coverage we’ve created the site you see today – the most influential MINI site in the world. And we’ve done this all while having “real lives”. continued →
May 10th, 2012
This question comes to us from MotoringFile reader Shawn Brandt.
What do you recommend for someone who is hopelessly obsessed with MINI’s but one is currently out of financial reach — even a decent used one?
Like many Americans of my generation, my first exposure to MINI was the remake of the film “The Italian Job”. From that point on I was hooked. The more I learned, the more I desired. Not every car can appeal to, and sync up with, a personality in a way that MINIs do. continued →
Feb 23rd, 2012
Today we have another great question from the MotoringFile inbox that we’d like to pose to the community. Tim is wondering which path to go down: buy a used MINI or lease a new one? It’s a question I know I’ve wrestled with myself, and while I have my own suggestions for Tim, we want to know what you think. Click through the break to see Tim’s full question and then leave your comments below. continued →
Feb 21st, 2012
It’s been too long since we featured some of the many questions we get here at MF. So this week we’re going to dust off the Ask MF feature and bring a few of them to you.
Today’s question comes from David in Texas:
“Yesterday a large rock/missile hit my hood scoop and broke it clean off! The pieces flew over my windshield, but at least the rock did not hit any other part of my 2009 S. The little plastic pins that held the scoop are gone too! Any
ideas on replacements? If I were to get a replacement would it come with the little plastic pins that hold the scoop on? I like the M7 Vortex scoop, but it is pricey. continued →
Mar 28th, 2011
We got an email from the clever folks who created the the BMW Documentaries series Wherever You Want to Go. They’ve asked MotoringFile and BimmerFile to submit questions for the experts featured in the film. The answers to some of these questions will be featured as part of an extension to the documentary. These experts include:
Graham Hill, from Treehugger
Robin Chase, from ZipCar
Way Cheng, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, MIT
George Whitesides, from Virgin Galactic
What they’re looking for are questions surrounding the issues brought up in the documentary so far. Mobility, sustainability, technology, etc. The comments will be open until Monday, April 11th. So if you’ve ever wanted to pick the brains of some rather clever transportation experts, now’s your chance. If you missed the excerpts, we’ve embedded them after the break. Have a look and give us your questions in the comments. continued →
