So in a little less than 2 weeks I will be getting on an airplane and flying out from Arizona to Virginia where I have a new job waiting for me. My life in the high desert of central arizona where my jeep has happily crawled through dirt mud and sand is being replaced by a new one requiring a vehicle more friendly on the road than off as I commute to work in Fairfax and tour the eastern side of the country.

What sort of vehicle would be best for this task? Well, my little sister (Istara here at NAM), the certified MINI erm.. 'enthusiest' had the obvious answer. A MINI can wake up and go to work in the morning, a MINI can happily accomidate day trips here and there, and a MINI is always ready for fun. And so, since fun is pretty much the meaning of life I am now in search of a MINI. I was directed to register here and post here and then.. I'm not really sure, but since this is the place to start here is where I'll say hello to all and how happy I am to be here ready to get started.

 

Welcome, soon to be neighbor! Smart sister you have, she is steering you right! You will have two dealerships close to choose your MINI from. I got lucky and found what I wanted on the lot in Annapolis after driving eighty miles there to check it out. Keep us posted on your progress and good luck!

 

Welcome aboard! Fasten your seat belt and enjoy the ride! Though I don't live in the DC area, they seem to have a great club there, so you'll have lots to do on your days off. Oh, and don't assume that a new MINI is the only way to go. There's something to be said for the original new generation MINI.

 

Thanks! The MINI that has been recommended to me is the 04-06 MCS model. I kind of like the original new style plus I'd probably be able to pay cash for one (especially if my house in AZ sells sooner than later). The only real hangup I have so far is that my preference is an auto trans for city driving, and I'm also kind of addicted to paddle shifters after spending many hours virtually trying out the MINI in Race 07. These seem to be a lot less common, and it's not like I can't drive a stick (though most of my manual trans experience is on a motorcycle) so maybe I'll have my mind changed for me.

Other than that all I know of that I really need is a good deal on something in good condition. I should be able to pick something up from relatively far away which should hopefully give me a good number of options. Advice in the area of actually picking something out and especially referrals to specifically good deals are of course more than welcome .

 

I had a hard time finding a selection in manual transmission! The dealerships were loaded with autos. You should not have a problem finding something you like. Seems most city commuters want autos for the ease of drive.

 

Happy hunting in the MINIverse.

CROC 411

 

+1

The traffic here lives up to it's reputation. You say that you are going to work in Fairfax, where do you intend to live. I have spent an hour in traffic to go five miles. It is a big change form the wide open spaces.

 

I intend to live as close to work as financially possible, as that's what I've heard about the traffic there but sadly I've also heard the closer you are the more expensive housing is (almost exponentially it seems). I'll be staying with friends for a while and possibly looking for a roommate situation nearby once I kind of get the area figured out.

 

Well, I found a MINI I like (05 MCSa) but it's in Philly and I'm still in AZ for another week and change. If anyone is around that area and might be so kind as to test drive it for me I'll be grateful forever .