I'm a Mini newby, age 61. I have driven Camrys for decades and never been disappointed but wanted to liven up my commute.
I won’t bore you with the entire story, but I will say that I decided to look for my first sports car in October of 2009. I checked out everything from used 3-series BMW’s to the Honda S2000, and in fact, I had settled on an S2000. When the time came to make a deal on one I realized that, although the S2000 is the most thrilling car I have driven (that I can afford) it lacks some very essential daily driver accommodations, and besides, I don’t want the convertible top maintenance issue either. I decide to test my first Mini about a month ago. I liked it, but it wasn’t the “right” Mini. The one I bought is a 6 speed manual 2004 S version with only 36K miles on it. It is virtually new. After three days of driving it 50+ miles each day I find I am falling in love. My mindset is exactly like it was when I used to drive sport bikes (which I gave up two years ago). I love the heightened level of awareness, the more intense sensation of “driving” rather than just “riding”, and the uniqueness that factor that makes the car a conversation piece nearly everywhere I go. I’ll be depending on these forums to guide me through certain maintenance issues I intend to handle, along with other tip & tricks. I am looking forward to it.

 

Welcome to the obsession from MAD-Town, WI. I sense you are becoming aware of how much these cars "transform" your driving experience. Great to know that another homeless Mini has been adopted. PS: We are expecting pictures...

 

Welcome! WooHoo! Great Handle!Post Pics..

 

I'm just sorry you had to drive Camery's for decades. At least you had sport bikes during what I'd guess to be about 40 years.

 

WooHooo! Enjoy! I know I definitely love driving mine

 

Congrats, welcome to the club, I have an 04' as well, love it.

 

Welcome to the Madness from the WHO DAT STATE LOUISIANA BAYOU REGION . Drive with a smile all the time now . Happy Motoring !

 

It's nice to see another 60+ nubie. Welcome aboard and Happy Motoring.

 

Oh man... I got a rental Corolla about 2 weeks ago when my MINI was being repaired and all I can say is I will never be buying a Toyota. Welcome to the community and post some pics soon

 

I still got the Camry and Corolla, tried to get rid of Corolla for Cash for Clunkers but it did not qualify. I use it for rainy days like today. And the MINI for dry days.

 

Congrats on your MINI!!

I sold my 3 series convertible to buy a MCS convertible. I have had a new 2010 BMW 328 loaner for the past week while the MINI dealer made a repair to my top. I still love bimmers - but I really miss the fun of my MINI.

Happy Motoring!!

 

Congrats and welcome to NAM. You'll find a wealth of Mini info here. Looking forward to your future posts.

 

welcvome... never too old for a MINI

 

Welcome aboard. A MINI will have you forgetting those toyotas pretty quickly.