I can relate. I owned a 2003 MCS JCW, most fun car I ever owned, but I needed 4 doors with a new baby in the house, so I went to a 2005 S4 - 340 HP, AWD, Recaro seats, Bose sound system. Tons of power, great handling, worlds greatest car ever for a long road trip, a beautiful car etc... But I missed my mini. Now that the my little girl is 5 years old and can buckle herself into her booster seat, the Audi is gone (great memories) and a R56 MCS is back in our garage.

Thing is, the mini while having 1/2 the hp pf the audi , it is much more usable hp for the world we live in, and AWD of the Audi is really nice, but so is the handling of the mini and the 1500 less lbs that you are throwing into corners. Power to weight ratio is pretty darn close, not to mention the difference of 14mpg vs 25.5 plus mpg.

I think the BIGGEST factor about owning a Mini that all Mini owners can agree on and that only Mini owners understand is: you always look forward to driving the mini, even if you are going somewhere you would rather not. No matter if going to work, having to go to the dentist for a root canal, running an errand, picking you child up from a band competition at midnight after everyone else is in bed, or taking a spin around town when you really have no where to go, just to drive.

Not to mention the fun that awaits with unlimited mods and accessories that are out there for you to make a car that is truly unique and your own.

I'm done rambling now, enjoy your new ride.

 

Yeah, you really need to ask any of your friends if they've got one of these... check out the resemblence in the headlights!

 

NICE lineup! Thanks for the sneak peak on the photo in my inbox yesterday. Glad the wheel worked out to your liking! the only thing I gotta say is I think the blind spot thing is exaggerated in your post. I guess I have gotten used to it or something, but for what it is I think the visibility is A-ok. In fact I prefer driving the Murci over my CLS 55 that I traded away to get it. I swear it is more comfortable on the freeway. i DO agree that the cell pics and video takers can be a bit much in some cases!

I also agree about the MINI. I REALLY love driving Howard. Fun to drive, more than fast enough (especially for yours when all the ALTA stuff goes on) and nice to be able to take it anywhere!
Congrats on the new "child"! Talk to you more very soon!