Another day in the workshop. The goal today is simple: earn as much money as possible and visit the junkyard to see what we can salvage. As you can see, I’m low on funds—just 3,100 credits. The target is to reach at least 5,000 so we have something to spend at the junkyard. Right after opening, I get a call from a lady asking me to check her “machine.” that word alone nearly killed me. She said her annual inspection was coming up. I was hopeful—it sounded like a simple job. She mentioned the fluids were the priority. But as usual, never trust a client who doesn’t know the model of their own car. She brought in a Mini Cooper RS 56 (aprox)
At first glance, everything looke d fine. I started the inspection, and to keep the story short, the front brake discs were trash, and some of the brake pads were ready for the bin. Nothing major. No other issues… until I opened the hood.
Never again will I trust a woman who doesn’t know her car. Worn camshaft, useless accessory belts, burnt spark plugs, an ignition coil with less power than my morning coffee, tension rollers barely hanging on, and a timing gear with no teeth. Goodbye, 3,100 credits. But I’m a professional, and if she was referred to my shop, this has to be a 10 out of 10 inspection. After investing around 1,000 credits, I gave it the final touches. Fluid change, a quick wash, and done.
She was happy and paid me nearly 2,000 credits for the job, bringing my total to 4,100 credits. One step closer to starting the first real project.
Mini Cooper S R56 – Fun Facts
Neo-retro design with a signature touch It was designed by Frank Stephenson, who also worked on iconic models like the McLaren MP4-12C and the Ferrari F430. The R56 preserves classic elements such as round headlights, a chrome grille, and a floating contrast roof.
Engine change compared to the R53 Unlike the R53, which used a supercharged engine, the R56 Cooper S features a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine developed in collaboration with PSA Peugeot-Citroën. This improved both efficiency and performance.
Aircraft-style switches The interior includes aviation-style toggle switches for functions like fog lights, windows, and the sunroof. They’re located on the dashboard and overhead, adding a unique and slightly eccentric touch.
Oversized central speedometer The speedometer is placed in the center of the dashboard and is unusually large. It’s visually striking but not very practical. Still, it’s part of the model’s charm.
Tiny trunk It offers just 170 liters of cargo space, making it impractical for long trips or heavy loads. As they say, this Mini is more of a “whim than a utility.”
Symbolic rear seats The rear seats are narrow and only comfortable for two small passengers. If the driver is taller than 1.80 meters, rear legroom basically disappears.
Style over function The R56 was designed as a car to enjoy, not for practicality. Its design prioritizes style and driving experience over comfort or versatility.
Source:Coche del día: MINI Cooper (R56) - espíritu RACER
All the photos in the post were taken by me playing these games