[BruceK]

The latest issue of Car and Driver magazine contains a letter to the editor from a former owner of an Acura (Honda) 3.2TL equipped with xenon lights. Actually, the letter writer still owns the Acura, but it’s the car's xenon headlights that he no longer has. Thieves stole them. Apparently this was done very quickly by violently ripping off the front bumper to gain access to the lights. The damage to his vehicle (repair bumper, fenders and replace the xenons with new ones) totaled $4,300 (over £3000).

The letter writer says the problem is pervasive where he lives and he now wishes he got the lower level Acura that doesn’t feature xenon lighting.

So, beside possible expensive road damage, this may be something else to be aware of when deciding headlight options for your MINI. Will insurance be higher if your MINI has xenons?

[karmuze]

Use for Rodent Repellant System

I wonder if a Tazer™ could be wired into the optional MINI Rodent Reppellant System to provide the potential thief a shocking experience.

Notice that the RRS that was available at the UK launch of the Cooper last July never made it onto the US options list?
Wonder if it is still available as a dealer-fit option?

[Basil]

Blimey Bruce, and you accused Apial of sensationalism!!.

To the casual observer the standard halogen headlights with the power washers looks no different to a Xenon equiped car.

The insurance costs should reflect the price of the car WITH options.

I would consider a key down the paintwork as a higher risk!!



PS. A good argument for pin coding spare parts though.

[Damo]

That was one unlucky guy!