I've wanted a MINI for over 6 years.. Couldn't justify the expense for a long time due to my addiction to exotic motorcycles... A man has got to have his priorities, but... all good things come to those who wait. Especially those with a plan. On my 55th birthday last year, I received a retirement check I'd been waiting for. It was just enough to cover a 2012 mini S. Woohoo!! I'd consider the car a well deserved gift from my former employer of 23 years. Just compensation for hard, indentured servitude and thankless abuse. ... Anyway.. the check arrived on time, but my plan went horribly awry. While I was waiting, the economy crashed and burned... To make things worse... I went in to the nearest dealer and instantly hated the new mini body style.. What the #@&!? Double whammy.. Geezz.

Any investor would tell you that a wise person should hang on to his cash until things turn around.. (fingers crossed for after the 2012 elections) rather than splurge his newly acquired nest-egg on a new car. Change of plans... As I don't like the new body style, I decided to look for a used 2008-11 model in the colors and options I've been dreaming about. I'd put down 1/2 the nest egg, finance the balance, and save the rest of the cash in case congress makes things even worse... which seems likely.. Win/Win.

Last week, after a search .. no.. a holy quest worthy of legends, I found what I wanted at Ferman MINI of Tampa.. (I'm in Asheville, NC, BTW).. 800 miles from the car. A 2008 S with only 23K on it.. Lots of sweet accessories. The seats I wanted, hi-end sound, etc etc.. Absolutely mint. The couple that traded it in bought it new. They were in their 70s and the records were meticulous to the point of obsessive compulsive. I made the deal on the phone, booked me a flight and flew down yesterday morning to pick it up and drive it back. Did I mention I've never even driven a mini? After lurking at this site for the past few years, asking questions here and with every mini owner I'd come into contact with, I was convinced that I'd love the car...

Yesterday, after the papers were signed and the money exchanged.. I got my first drive in the car.... (11 hours worth) and I can honestly say.. This is true love. The wait was worth it... It'll take a few days to figure out some of the idiosyncratic features, but otherwise.. I now understand the cult following.. I'm now one of you and proud of it..

I know I'll have some newbie questions from time to time. and yes.. I know how to use the search feature so I'll try not to be burdensome.. Permission to come aboard?

 

Congrats on getting the Mini you wanted and retiring. Hopefully, you will have a long healthy retirement and "mini" years of Mini driving.

If they still let you , you should drive to the Biltmore House and have a picture of you and your car in front of the house. And also, don't forget to get a milk shake at the Biltmore dairy.

 

Permission to come aboard indeed! Welcome, that grin shouldn't leave your face for quite awhile. Good luck.

 

Congrats on a beautiful MINI,!! Enjoy and happy motoring!

 

Greetings, pirate, nice ride!!
Question though, could you elaborate on what you mean by "new body style"??
Curious, since the current body style on the R56 hasn't changed since 2007, aka the 2012
is the same as what you already own.

 

They don't let you drive by any more...That would be a scenic shot, though. Never tried the shakes!!

 

I was referring to this offering..http://www.miniusa.com/sections/gall...xt_1024_06.jpg

 

Coupe S?

My 2012 has some slight differences, but overall its the same....which I think is pretty awesome! Why change something that's so classic and perfect as it is!

 

agreed... FYI... I was referring to the direction the designers at MINI seem to be headed. The salesperson I spoke with at the MINI of Nashville said they'd all have this newer body style soon.. which I think is a mistake.. ZERO idea if the sales guy knew what he was talking about.. No matter now... I've got the car I've been waiting for.. Couldn't be happier!

 

Not a chance! The coupe is just something new to the mix....I heard they were going to have a coupe like convertible roadster...which will be cool....but the classic HT and Convertible are here to stay.

 

Agree with about not liking the Countryman. Sounds like you got a great buy on the 2008. And wow living in Asheville you get to do the Sunday morning breakfast thing at the Mt Pisgah Inn. Where you gonna get service done at ??

 

Congrats on the new ride!