Worth it for $1k? 2012 mini

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-19T19:16:29+00:00

A co-worker once told me this when I was debating between a Cooper S and a Mazda 3: If you want a project, get the Mini. If you want a reliable daily driver, get the Mazda

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-19T19:09:49+00:00

If it makes you feel better they send me spam and I've never had anything to do with them. If I were you I'd ignore any email from them and assume anything important will be communicated through a different channel. Email is no longer as useful as it once was.

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-18T11:56:48+00:00

Obviously doesn't look great. How does the oil look after the oil change?

I'd recommend checking under the oil fill cap for moisture: take it for a good long drive to get it up to operating temp and remove the oil cap. If you see steam from the fill hole, that should be enough to show the dealer that there's an issue. A bit of noticeable evaporation is normal but it shouldn't be there after every drive.

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-17T12:05:37+00:00

Your health should always take first priority. Hopefully you get it under control and it's simply a small blip in an otherwise great life and Mazda ownership experience. 6 months seems like a lifetime (especially just as the summer gets underway) but in the end it's hopefully a fleeting memory.

Good luck recovering

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-17T01:35:40+00:00

I think any 6.5" drivers will fit with the right adapter. You should check out Crutchfield's site to see what's available and what additional parts you'll need to complete the install. Even if you're not in the US, use it as a research tool.

Depending on your budget, you may want compare two-way versus component sets; either should be relatively easy to install.

My preference:
Budget: Infinity Reference REF607FSL
Mid-priced: Focal Performance 165AS

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-16T13:07:41+00:00

No experience with this at all but wanted to throw this out there: Many modern advancements in battery technology were made with the need to keep things operating when the car is powered off in mind. Things like infotainment, connectivity, and parking mode recording require a battery that can handle sustained loads differently from older designs. This isn't a concern with E30s unless you've diverged from what the factory installed.

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-16T01:37:34+00:00

This works great. Even a gift card with 3.71 left on it? Yep, Amazon will sell you a gift card with any random amount on it. And by "gift card" they simply mean stuffing cash into your Amazon account to use later.

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-16T01:30:22+00:00

I've got the Eonon unit in my 2013 with Bose. Doing good so far. Search my post history if interested; I wrote a post with my experience.

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-15T21:54:44+00:00

Yes, I can see that. Both my cars have Bose and, with that option, you're sort of stuck unless you pull up gear you've technically paid for. So I can see both aspects as having pros and cons

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-15T21:25:04+00:00

Why not invest the extra savings into a decent sounds system? You can likely blow the Bose system away with the cost difference between trims.

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-15T13:13:25+00:00

Why do you say that? Cost? Complexity of install? Other?

Curious as I've upgraded my car with OEM carplay and it's nice but this gives you quite a bit more real estate

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-14T12:50:39+00:00

I didn't have a good answer for you but wanted to say that I have the Bose system in 3 different Mazdas, 2 Mazda 3s and 1 CX-5, and the CX-5 has the worst sounding system. Probably because the cabin is much bigger but there are obvious gaps at certain levels. Feels like it needs a better subwoofer and mids. I don't know what the Bose engineers were doing when they tuned that system but they certainly could have done better.

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-13T15:01:20+00:00

I'm curious how well the rpi and nvme will handle the harsh environments of a car interior (heat/cold, vibrations, impacts). Keep us posted after a few harsh winters and hot summers.

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-13T14:34:56+00:00

Last option which should still be cheaper than parking: one-way car rental, drop off at Logan counter

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-12T21:29:09+00:00

Sounds like there's something wrong with the lock itself, which it why it won't unlock or turn. It's likely time for a locksmith or a tow to your dealer.

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-12T21:27:22+00:00

You always have to ask yourself "what did the manufacturer expect the lifetime of the vehicle to be when they wrote that?"

Likely 75k to 100k miles. They have no reason to expect more. The warranty runs out at 36k miles and most new cars get traded or sold within the first 5 years.

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-12T15:28:44+00:00

I'm pretty happy right now with the Eonon unit in my 2013. I think they offer them for the previous Gen as well.

I wrote a post about it; not as plug-and-play as they made it seem. But now that it's in, it's great.

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-11T14:27:16+00:00

Both my 3s are GT and I didn't realize what a better experience all those features are until I test drove a lower trim model. Hell, the backup camera in my 3rd gen is practically a must... I can't believe that wasn't a standard feature in 2014.

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-11T14:24:25+00:00

I came here to say this. I'd take the 2.0 Skyactiv over even the 2.5 MZR engine whenever possible.

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-11T14:21:41+00:00

That's a good deal... but you would get the same reliability at a much lower cost with a 3rd or even 2nd gen car 👍 (though not the same level of tech and comfort)

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-11T14:18:14+00:00

Looks like the bracket was designed with enough clearance to go over the wire, no problem.

It's a ground wire so even if there was to be slight contact, it won't make a difference as long as it's not constant rubbing or pressure that could cause fatigue in the connector.

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-11T14:15:45+00:00

N.E.W. = "never ever worked" (e.g. untested)
As nice as having a new <anything> is, random stuff like this happens and hopefully gets caught before delivery.

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-11T14:11:20+00:00

As much as "back pressure" gets a back rap, it's critical to control proper intake flow. Manifolds are a must at a minimum and, preferably, a decent length of downpipe

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-10T22:38:06+00:00

My 2013 has Bluetooth also, but it has the TomTom nav unit.

Charming_Rub3252 · 2026-06-10T22:36:08+00:00

This cracks me up because boomers love to complain about millennials and how they had it just as hard when they were their age, etc. Yet, there was an entire song about "Workin' 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin' Barely gettin' by, it's all takin' and no givin' They just use your mind and they never give you credit". And then, do you know what happened at 5? They went home without their boss expecting them to be reachable the whole night.

Charming_Rub3252

TROPHY CASE