Caution: Long newbie post ahead:

Hey NAM'ers, I'm 26 and live in Fairfax VA (Washington DC 'burb). I have yet to own a MINI, but am constantly thinking about them since my test drive.

Cars I've driven in the past: 89 Dodge Daytona, 2000 Dodge Neon, and I currently drive my wife's 2003 VW Jetta. None of these cars have ANY giddy-up.

We've been in need of a 2nd car for some time now (not dire need though, I can drop the wife off at the metro for her commute). This past weekend we finally went out to test drive some cars. Here is my long recap:

- Went to the VW dealership. They saw that we had a Jetta, we test drove a Jetta and a Rabbit (I like hatchbacks). Both a lot nicer than our current car. Man was this dealer desperate to get us to buy on the spot. Had his manager come over and give us a pitch and everything.

- Went to Toyota to test drive a Prius (my wife wanted to try one) and got laughed at by the dealer. "Hahaha. We haven't had a Prius last in our lot more than 24 hours for the past 6 months. People buy them without ever testing them." Crazy.

- Went to the MINI dealership. Test drove a MCSa. What an awesome little car. Granted, I have never driven a fun car... ever, but this was so fun. I got out and let my wife drive, and she was smiling the whole time. It was funny... because she wasn't 100% keen on the idea of a MINI.

Yes it has basically no trunk. But, I like small cars, and I love the fuel economy.

So, basically, I'm hooked on the MINI. The only thing holding me back is that I'm waiting for a landscaper to come do my house (we've had some water in the basement due to poor drainage). Once we confirm that landscaping has fixed the problem and that we don't have to spend thousands of $'s on a sump pump... off to the dealer I go. They have quite a few on hand, and I'll probably just buy one off the lot.

What a great community you guys have here. Cheers!

 

Welcome!!! Yes, it is amazing that folks don't necessarily think of a MINI right off the bat...I'm not sure why. I suspect it is still, after lo these many years, a bit of a leap from the ordinary to own a MINI. Strange, because they are utterly fantastic motor cars in their own right. That MINI cuteness factor may wear off, but the superb driving dynamics just continue to impress year after year.

 

Indeed. This will be MY first new car (wife bought the Jetta new), and I expect to run it till it dies which I'm hoping will be 150k+.

To be honest, I've always thought of Mini Cooper's as death traps in the land of the SUVs. It wasn't until I saw the recent crash test pictures of the Mini vs the F150 (where the Mini was less crushed) did I even consider purchasing one.

I can guarentee that there are a lot of people scared of the safety of a MINI. From what I see though, it's all good. Engineering > size.

 

Welcome!! Another one assimilated.

Really though once you drive a Mini, as you have found, they are nearly impossible to resist!

 

i may have lurked past you at some point over the winter when i was in DC.

 

To all LURKERS out there. We love you all! Lurk all you want. Because we all know that sooner or later lurkers become lookers who become lovers who become owners.

PCUinDC, having said that, if cost is at all an issue, why not consider buying a used MINI. There are many fantastic cars for sale on NAM, and you would not go wrong buying one from someone who knows and loves and has caressed their car. I myself have only owned one (an '03 MC that just turned 90K) for about six months now. It's been fantastic, and I'm looking forward to enjoying it for many years to come.

 

Cost isn't a primary issue, I just want to wait a little to see the outcome of this other high-cost problem with my house

After that, maybe I will decide to buy a used/previously loved MINI. If all is well with the house though, I'm buying a brand spanking new MCSa. heh