[LesMurray]

My other car is a MINI - love that car and it always makes me smile when I drive it.

Since you are in MA, go talk to Pete at Greasy's Garage in Worcester. This is the guy in NE for MINIs. In fact, he has just fixed one up and will be selling it soon.

The best year for MINIs is '06 - last year for the R53. The new R56 model engines just suck. Since I bought my '05 I have been slowly modding it from 180HP up to over 200. Maintenance is not bad, especially when compared to Porsche, and again, Pete is the guy when you need to get it fixed.

PM me if you have any questions on MINIs. I can give you some good hints.

Also, check out Mass Motoring club website as well. Great group of guys.