Apparently the term is 'Mini Cherished'. What is the difference I ask myself?

Open any used car magazine and there will be used Minis for sale in various degrees of condition and age. Speak to any Mini owner and you will find that their vehicle has been cherished for many years. Many of them are given names by the owner to personalise them - strange but true.

The Mini has been in production since 1959 and is still going strong. Spares are still available and restoration projects are going on all over the world, tucked away in garages and barns as enthusiasts on-going projects.

Races are organised throughout the year at Brands Hatch and Snetterton with categories such as Standard Mighty Minis, Super Mighty Minis and Xtreme Mighty Minis for the hardened racers. Miniworld owners club arrange events throughout the year such as the British Mini Fair set for January 2008 which will include trade stands, pride of ownership display, club displays and competitions.

Festivals, shows, meetings and action days are structured well in advance and the London to Brighton race, set for May 2008 promises to be the event of the year.

So, it is apparent that Mini owners don't just view their vehicle as a means of getting from A to B. They truly cherish them and take every opportunity to show them off. In fact, owning a Mini comes with a whole social structure of its very own.

But if all Minis are cherished what of the Mini Cherished official label?

BMW have taken over the production of Minis since 2001 and therein lies the cut off point for Used Mini. Owners of this treasured little car that makes such a big impact everywhere it goes now have the choice to market their Mini through Mini Cherished.

The Mini Cherished Programme won the Used Car Scheme 2006 from Auto Express magazine for their service to Mini owners. All Minis advertised through this site have had a full health check carried out by official Mini technicians. If the car is not up to the standards that keep Mini up with the best, the technicians will fix it with genuine Mini parts, ensuring its 12 month MOT and MOT cover. All paintwork and trim will be restored to suit its age and mileage and a full valet will be carried out.

A full service history, as well as an independent vehicle history with mileage checks, accompany an unlimited mileage minimum 12 month warranty. Mini Cherished will offer advice on optimum tyre replacement and treatment as well as their own emergency service. They can also arrange test drives and help to obtain insurance quotes.

And just for fun, Mini Cherished offer access to the MINIstry of Ownership. This is an exclusive area which can offer information on fun events, chat rooms, route planning, driving tours and financial assistance. Accessories can also be obtained to personlaise your cherished Mini perhaps avoiding the need for a name!