Countryman speccing.

[Derfinn]

Thanks Ferg!
I'm loving it. Just hit 4,000km this week. After 2 months, never did so much driving!

And I've realised, never took any pics for here! Must rectify that.....

[Derfinn]

Bit of an update, Hank the Countryman is now over 2 years old, approaching 2yrs 3mths, to be precise. I'm loving everything about Countryman ownership....except the Diesel engine.

Unfortunately, I have some bad news to report. On Saturday night/Sunday morning, Hank was vandalised. Brake fluid was poured over him, and this has resulted in paint removed from the roof, rear passenger door, boot, rear spoiler, bumper and rear quarter panels.

I've received the estimate from my dealer, over €2,500, 3/4 days work.

[MiniMpi]

Oh Jesus !!!
Truly gutted to hear this Derek............totally soul destroying........
Best of luck on the repairs etc buddy.

[Derfinn]

Thanks Ferg.

There's a little bit more to this, that I can't put in social media, but this is very upsetting.

Thankfully the Gardai have been very supportive, but there is very little they can do.

We did find the gloves that were worn, that have brake fluid residue on them. It is very rare to get a print from the inside, but it is possible, so fingers crossed! (Although, I'm very unlucky!)

[irlmin]

Really sorry to hear this Derek , I am sure the bodyshop will do a decent job and as I always say '"he wheel is always turning" 'and I am sure its only a matter of time the scumbag is dealt with .
G

[Masterbiker]

Whoever did this should be forced to pay for the damages and then drink a bottle of the brake fluid!

[The cake]

There really is some sad individuals in the world, such a needless act of vandalism. Clearly someone that knew what he was doing. At least in the middle east they could cut his hands off.

[Derfinn]

Thanks folks.
Hopefully the perpetrators will get their comeuppance soon and severely!

Fingers crossed for tomorrow, the Insurance Assessor is coming to take a look.

[MiniMpi]

Best of luck Derek.

[James Downes]

Where did it happen.

[Derfinn]

It happened outside my apartment block, James.

The news since is that the insurance co have agreed repairs, so that's good. Initially was going in tomorrow, but I've asked for a petrol F56 as a courtesy car, so was pushed back to next Tuesday. Which suits better, as I'm off in England this weekend.

[James Downes]

Make sure you get a reputable company like Align Auto Repair Centre they are SIMI approved and are approved repairers for Axa, FBD, Chartis and Travelers and many others.

3 year guarantee for repair work.

I got my van done there, not cheap.

[Derfinn]

Thanks James.
I going to Frank Keane MINI, the dealer where I bought him. They have their own body shop. Plus it's easier to have it all done in the one place.

[Derfinn]

It is difficult to believe that Hank is approaching his 5th birthday.
Odometer is almost reading 103,000km. A

And despite the vandalism, there was never a moments difficulty with him. It took me nearly 3 years to appreciate diesel power, so that probably helped! (Although.....sometimes I really really really miss the pops, burbles and bangs from my R56S....but you can't have everything!)

So, anyway, tomorrow we are heading into Dublin for the launch of the new Countryman. Again, I have to admit, I did not like the initial photos, but I am slowly coming around. I wonder could the speccing process be about to begin again!

[irlmin]

I think you will find a huge step forward in Tech and build quality on the new Countryman . like all MINIs however you do really have to tick the boxes , one thing I would not live without from now on is LED headlights --they are just amazing . also consider getting away from the dark side and get a' full fat' petrol S model , when you come to change again diesel will be like an anti social disease !! you know my take on it , Diesel is for lorries, Gas is for cookers, electricity is for toasters , and petrol is for cars !! anyway best of luck with the speccing , btw did you get my e-mail yesterday having problems sending mails sometimes at the moment .
G