I bought my second MX-5 last fall and was really enjoying the car, but crawling in and out of it in a crowded work parking lot got really old. I had a regular Mini as a rental a couple weeks ago, so I decided to check out the S.

After test driving the S, a couple GTIs and the 500 Abarth, I was sold on the Mini. Yesterday I made the 4 hour drive from Charlotte to Atlanta to pick up my '09 Pepper White S.

I loved the rear wheel drive layout of the MX-5, but I know I'll enjoy the extra practicality of the hatchback design (and back seat). Pepper White wasn't my first choice and I didn't get heated seats, but I got everything else I wanted (S, 6 speed, xenons, nice wheels, no cloth, dual sunroofs), so I'm happy.