Customer Reviews

You and Your New Mini: Buying,enjoying, maintaining, modifying

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an overall great book that starts with the history of the original Mini from Isogonis' original creation of 1959 to John Cooper's involvement throughout the sixties, along with the chain-of ownership up until the end of production in 2000.

The second chapter follows the philosophy, design, technology, and production of the new MINI with the following six chapters dedicated to each of the models from the One to the Convertible and JCW models. These chapters are of particular interest to potential buyers who may be "on the fence" about his or her choice among the models. The JCW chapter documents the entire JCW conversion process with an excellent series of photographs.

Chapter Nine is dedicated to factory options which may also be of great interest to those in the market considering the hundreds of options available. Yes, it even has a section on floor mats! Chapter Ten is dedicated to ownership and buying, including what to look for when buying used, along with routine maintenance that a new owner will find helpfull. The following chapter it is the section that will undoubtedly appeal to most current MINI owners but, unfortunately, falls a little short. This is the tuning and modification chapter. Although it contains a wealth of information, it is primarily focused at what can be done, rather than how to do it. It is, however, chock full of very good photographs and suggestions for those wishing to build the ultimate MINI. Chapter Twelve is focused on MINI racing and preparation, including the John Cooper Challenge and other race-prepared MINIs.

Although it lacks in-depth tuning that some owners may desire, this is an excellent overall book for both potential and current MINI owners. It is packed with excellent quality illustrations and loads of eye-candy photography. It is an absolute must have for any MINI enthusiast and well worth the cover price.

I did a lot of research before deciding to buy my car, so the book was more of a casual read. The book provides a good overview of the Mini, including history which is interesting. As for performance information, it focuses mostly on shops/parts available in the UK and not the US. I'm glad I read it and will add it to my book collection on cars I've owned.

After buying a used 2004 Mini and being a do-it yourselfer I thought this book would have more on maintaining the Mini. It really doesn't give much more than the owners manual. I was hoping for more trouble shooting, but then Bentley's Service manual doesn't either.

Not a bad book I have to say. For people who like to research before buying a mini, this is a great book. For someone, like myself, who owns one and like to modify it more, it is just a disappointment.

This is by far the best book I have read on the new Mini Coopers. It covers everything that I probably ever need to know about these great little cars.

The modification section is not as comprehensive as I would like it to be, but it still offered some great performance enhancements tips.

A wonderful reference for the NEW MINI owner! Laced with historical tidbits and great ideas on how to enjoy your NEW MINI, I highly recommend this book to any MINI owner (or someone soon to be one!) *****

My husband rebuilt a Mini for his brother and this book helped with many of his questions about how to modify from original equipment, the special tools etc. He really thought the book was helpful.

If you just got a new MINI (2002+) you'll really enjoy this book. It covers the complete history of the old (1959-2001) through the new MINIs and will give you a lot of insight into the current design. European models of the new car that didn't make it to the USA are also covered (MINI One and diesel). There are a lot of good pictures that will start you daydreaming about modifying your own car. This was an easy read that will leave you with a lot of knowledge and insight. MINIs are so much fun to drive and this book will make you appreciate your car even more.