Hey Everyone,

I have been a member for short time here at NAM. I am a member over at bimmerfest as well and I'm a member of BMW CCA. I usually just browse around the forums without really posting.

I am a college student who has been needing a vehicle for quite some time, for research at the hospital and volunteering. As you can tell, I grew increasgingly frustrated with the unreliable bus system here in southern California.

I actually wrote MINI a letter when I head initial news of the MINI E. It was just announced, no price and no further details were provided for the time (eligibility, etc.) I told them about my current situation and just things going on in my life and told them, an electric vehicle would really help me out (if there is a substantial difference in fuel costs.) A representative from MINI USA called me and told me I had written an amazing letter (I was surprised by this, I'm sure a lot of celebrities have expressed interest in the vehicle at this time as well). She urged me to apply once the application and details come out. Unfortunately, the lease was way too much for a student and I did not meet the requirements (e.g. indoor garage, and a huge list of other factors).

Today I was surprised that after years without a car, my father picked up for me a 2006 Pepper White MCS w/ Sports Package. As a car fanatic, I was at first a bit disappointed that I did not even get to see the vehicle (as I am in LA, and we are from the Bay Area). Another thing that was that I am one of the independent types that loves to research and pay things for himself (I wanted the car to be in my name for this reason, not to be an official owner per se, but to know that I will be paying it for myself).

Anyways, I am glad to finally have a car and will try to put it to good use. I guess I will have to wire my folks money instead of paying BMWFS directly since my name is not on the car?

BTW, it's a manual tranny I have taken a run before in a manual vehicle but will need some more learning, especially in Los Angeles.

Can't put more details yet since I have a lot of work to do right now. But attached are some images if anyone is interested.

Thank you guys for contributing to such a helpful community on these forums and I am happy to say that I am proud owner of a MCS.

Take Care!

 

Congratz!!!! and enjoy it!

 

Congrats!!!

 

Very nice, congrats.

 

congrats on the car and the "drivetrain" as well these cars are so much more enjoyable with a manual. it gives it that old european charm.

as far as being independant, and wanting to pay your own way. I applaud you. it's nice to hear someone from our youth who is not looking to our society for a 'hand out"

And if you really must send a payment to help you sleep better at night, my address is.....

 

Hey, congrats on the car. I'm also from the Bay Area, but staying in LA for school (UCLA).

I just got my car two weeks ago, and yes, you really need a car here even though traffic is a b**ch.

Did you have a BMW before your MINI. I ask because you said you were a part of BMWCCA. I am wondering if there is something like that for MINI's because I was a member of BMWCCA and I loved the autocrosses and car control clinics.

 

I know there are a couple of mini clubs in cali. they have group runs at the tracks. look em up online. i joined DMC here in AZ and it has made my mini experience that much more fun. the club people are so kewl.

 

You owe your dad a HUGE "high five!"

 

"Never look a gift-horse in the mouth"; having said that, welcome to the wonderful world of mini ownership/driving. Your Dad truly loves you and I trust you reciprocate...

 

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome.

My family actually can't afford the car. This sounds absurd I know. It was a vehicle I have been eyeing for some time and I work enough to pay for it. I just asked my Dad if he could keep an eye out for any deals and report back to me. Because I don't have a car down here, and being so busy, I couldn't check vehicles out in person.

I was shocked to hear yesterday that my Dad put the car on his name. My cousin, who is the licensed financial planner and advisor, is putting in a huge chunk for the car. I insisted that the car be put in my name since I would be paying for it, but he didn't want my credit to be affected in anyway. I guess that is fair.

In the last few weeks, I thought about assuming someone's lease. But BMWFS is strict and with my student income (even though I would be able to afford it), they would more than likely deny me (despite my excellent credit score so far).

This works out very nicely and I am very thankful for my family who continues to make sacrifices.

I just wanted to clear some things up. On various BMW forums, any threads talking about parents "getting a car" for their children usually gets flamed immediately. Nothing wrong with that, there are wonderful parents in this world who can do that for their kids. I just hope the kids can learn to be financially responsible.

With student loans on my accounts and preparing for grad school, I think my Dad did me a favor by taking the car in his name.

 

Never owned a vehicle before this. I just drove my folks' car. I just joined because I liked the community, Roundel mag, and the events that I can take part of. I think it's great and I'm thinking of joining some MINI clubs down here in LA.

 

Few years ago I had a BRG MCS, I took to Marina Auto-X a few times, and a couple of runs (in Santa Cruz Mountains) with Golden Gate Chapter. Welcome to NAM.