The n/a with 5 speed automatic just didn't do much for me. It felt fine, like a nice, not worn out version of my 850. The 850 was like a rocketship compared to the 240, then the Mini was (is) a go-kart compared to the 850. Each was a easy easy sell. I'm being silly, but I think I'm looking for more.

The transmission reminded me of my mother's 960 with it's lock-out torque converter. It seemed to shift too much, hunting for the right (preferably higher) gear. An automatic is a must for this car. I'd like it to be a preferred option for the Life Partner as a winter driver rather than driving the Mini through the muck.

I didn't even look for a filter. I know they switched to a cartridge filter at some point - surely they had by '04.

160k does sound about right for the struts. I think it was a little later that I felt them go south on my 850. If we find a newer car I think I might find the time/money to rebuild the front suspension of it, now at 196K miles and feeling it.

Thanks,
Will

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