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__________________ Zippeee! is an '07 MCS, 6-spd, CR/W with Premium, Sport, and Cold Weather packages, LSD, Automatic Windshield Wipers, arm rest, Fluid Silver colorline, and Union Jack mirror covers. Week 3 build, delivered 2/21/07, one of the first R56s in the U.S. Currently at 79,000+ trouble-free miles, and I'm still smiling. (That's a heap o' fun motoring, too--I work out of my home and never commute!)
Bauers says Mini owners fall into four categories: brand enthusiasts, who relish the car's British racing roots; design aficionados, who like the car's simple elegance; social butterflies, who want to be part of the Mini community; and gas misers, who crave the Mini's fuel efficiency.
Agree. I'll venture that there are a good number of enthusiasts who don't fall exclusively into just one of these categories.
In my case I was aware for a long time of the racing heritage and the historical photos of Minis competing (and winning) against Corvettes and such ilk in major road rally events. When I eventually saw one of the new Cabrios for the first time on the Capital Beltway back in 2003, I was smitten by the design but also drawn to it by its rich heritage. Only after becoming a MINI owner did I discover the joys of gathering together for drives and meet-n-eats with my MINI mates, though I would never consider myself to be a "social butterfly." I think I still have parts of me that fit into all of these three categories.
I could give a rat's about fuel consumption...I know that it's still going to be pretty good even when pushing the envelope (as I tend to do on a recurring basis).
"...indeed the love that the horses of the Rangers bore for their riders was so great that they were willing to face even the terror of the Door, if their masters' hearts were steady..." --- J.R.R. Tolkien
ng (and winning) against Corvettes and such ilk in major road rally events. When I eventually saw one of the new Cabrios for the first time on the Capital Beltway back in 2003, I was smitten by the design but also drawn to it by its rich heritage.
You got a sneak peak then, since the Cabrio's first model year was 2005.
"...indeed the love that the horses of the Rangers bore for their riders was so great that they were willing to face even the terror of the Door, if their masters' hearts were steady..." --- J.R.R. Tolkien
Agree. I'll venture that there are a good number of enthusiasts who don't fall exclusively into just one of these categories.
In my case I was aware for a long time of the racing heritage and the historical photos of Minis competing (and winning) against Corvettes and such ilk in major road rally events. When I eventually saw one of the new Cabrios for the first time on the Capital Beltway back in 2003, I was smitten by the design but also drawn to it by its rich heritage. Only after becoming a MINI owner did I discover the joys of gathering together for drives and meet-n-eats with my MINI mates, though I would never consider myself to be a "social butterfly." I think I still have parts of me that fit into all of these three categories.
I could give a rat's about fuel consumption...I know that it's still going to be pretty good even when pushing the envelope (as I tend to do on a recurring basis).
I agree totally, although my feelings are somewhat different about fuel consumption. I have always had fuel efficient cars--sports cars--so I expected it. Actually, I was appalled that the older MINIs got only about 25 mpg. I ordered my R56 sight unseen in December, 06. At the time I could find what I wanted in an existing '06 (S, 6-speed, sunroof, DSC, red), but I decided to get the new one, based on what I'd heard would be better efficiency with the new engine, and more tractability with the turbo. I've been very pleased. That I could add things like LSD and a personalized build, was so much the better!
I'm most definitely NOT a social butterfly, but I've enjoyed being active in 2 MINI clubs...er...I'm prez of 2 MINI clubs.
As for the racing history, bingo! I wanted a Mini--a red Mini--ever since I saw them racing at our local track in St. Louis. The track is long gone, the Minis are long gone, but there's a red MINI in my driveway!
Funny how many years it took, or how many things transpired before I got my wish...
__________________ Zippeee! is an '07 MCS, 6-spd, CR/W with Premium, Sport, and Cold Weather packages, LSD, Automatic Windshield Wipers, arm rest, Fluid Silver colorline, and Union Jack mirror covers. Week 3 build, delivered 2/21/07, one of the first R56s in the U.S. Currently at 79,000+ trouble-free miles, and I'm still smiling. (That's a heap o' fun motoring, too--I work out of my home and never commute!)
i see the mini mentioned in most car articles similar to this... kinda funny. we're a popular bunch.
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'02 Electric Blue/ White top Cooper S So far: One ball exhaust, Dinan CAI, M7 STB, Alta oil catch can, added OEM driving lights, dropped on Bilstein PSS9's, Detroit Tuned BPV, Alta 15% sc pulley
i see the mini mentioned in most car articles similar to this... kinda funny. we're a popular bunch.
Hmmm. Wonder if there's a Chevy Aveo club? I mean, they're popular, too.
(Excuse me while I barf.)
__________________ Zippeee! is an '07 MCS, 6-spd, CR/W with Premium, Sport, and Cold Weather packages, LSD, Automatic Windshield Wipers, arm rest, Fluid Silver colorline, and Union Jack mirror covers. Week 3 build, delivered 2/21/07, one of the first R56s in the U.S. Currently at 79,000+ trouble-free miles, and I'm still smiling. (That's a heap o' fun motoring, too--I work out of my home and never commute!)
__________________ Zippeee! is an '07 MCS, 6-spd, CR/W with Premium, Sport, and Cold Weather packages, LSD, Automatic Windshield Wipers, arm rest, Fluid Silver colorline, and Union Jack mirror covers. Week 3 build, delivered 2/21/07, one of the first R56s in the U.S. Currently at 79,000+ trouble-free miles, and I'm still smiling. (That's a heap o' fun motoring, too--I work out of my home and never commute!)
Hmmm... income of 125,000. and to think I am only bringing in about 15,000 right now. I wonder what kind of a MINI i will be driving in a year or so when Im making 50,000+.
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2005 MCS--- Alta 17% Pulley| Alta CAI| BRISK plugs| Alta 22mm Rear Sway Bar| MINI Madness 380cc Injectors| RMW Street Cam
If you'd like to cultivate an image of sophistication, try buying a Mini Cooper. The line of Lilliputian hatchbacks appeals to urbane buyers with median incomes of around $125,000. But aside from wealth, Mini owners are a tough bunch to pin down, demographically speaking, since the car has broad appeal.
Itneresting about that median income of $125,000. I wish I fit in that group.
Well, i know that Geo Metros have a popular forum/club
I found out this week that there is a Tempo/Topaz owners club. I was at a rally on saturday and this guy in a tempo video taped us. check it out it is pretty funny.
I found out this week that there is a Tempo/Topaz owners club. I was at a rally on saturday and this guy in a tempo video taped us. check it out it is pretty funny.
Zippeee! is an '07 MCS, 6-spd, CR/W with Premium, Sport, and Cold Weather packages, LSD, Automatic Windshield Wipers, arm rest, Fluid Silver colorline, and Union Jack mirror covers. Week 3 build, delivered 2/21/07, one of the first R56s in the U.S. Currently at 79,000+ trouble-free miles, and I'm still smiling. (That's a heap o' fun motoring, too--I work out of my home and never commute!)
ROHERYN -- 2011 MCS SO/W -- 
So far: One ball exhaust, Dinan CAI, M7 STB, Alta oil catch can, added OEM driving lights, dropped on Bilstein PSS9's, Detroit Tuned BPV, Alta 15% sc pulley
