Hi everyone,

I've always loved the new MINIs. I remember test driving a Cooper back in 2002 and being blown away! I had a Mustang GT at the time and man did I think about trading it for a MINI! Anyway, fast forward 10 years, still never having owned a MINI, and its time for a new car. Some friends of mine had purchased one of the first Fiat 500's to be imported into the US. I thought it was great! Such a cool little car. I really went back and forth on both - I could save a few thousand grabbing a Fiat...but the MINI was always in the back of my mind. In the end, the combination of the release of the Fiat 500 Turbo and saving a chunk of cash was just too much. I was in love with the MINI, but I settled for a Fiat.

That was 8 months ago. I'd thought about trading it in or something a few times since then, and everytime I saw a MINI I second guessed myself like crazy. And then, last Friday, while I was on my way to work, I got hit, and hit hard, by a tractor trailer wheel that had come off of a moving semi. It was dark, and by the time I saw it coming at me, it was too late (I was moving at 65 and the tire was coming at me at nearly the same speed). Luckily, I walked away with literally a scratch. One scratch. But the car was totaled. Just destroyed.

In the end, I got a decent amount of cash from the settlement. Not enough for a brand new MINI, but considering the circumstance, my father is putting in a little bit of cash and helping me buy the car I always wanted. And it just so happens that I found a car at a dealer about 90 miles away that could have been built for me. 2013 MINI Cooper S in pepper white with a black roof and mirrors.

I can't tell you how excited I am to pick her up on Wednesday! Glad to be here.

Michael

 

Sorry to hear about the wreck glad your ok. Congrats on the new mini post some pics up when you get her.

 

You're gonna love it! Congrats and enjoy!

 

Sorry about your accident and I am glad you are OK. Good luck with the MINI and be sure to post some pics when you have it. Dont forget to wave.

 

Can I borrow your Dad?

 

Seriously, my Dad is a pretty awesome guy. I didn't ask - he volunteered. I don't think I'm capable of asking. I think he's one of those dads who'd rather help me out with something now than leave me some change when he's gone (or at least that's what he tells me). Plus he bought a BMW Z4 twin turbo a couple years ago and I think he liked the idea of the MINI because of the BMW connection. They're such nice, well built cars. And hopefully safe!

 

Welcome to NAM! Glad you were able to walk away from such a potentially deadly accident. Can't wait to see those pics of your new MINI Cooper S. Happy and safe motoring and don't forget to wave.

 

Here are some pics of the Fiat post wheel...

 

Glad you are safe. That fiat did a good job of protecting you.

 

WOW! Glad to hear you are okay! Congrats on the new car:D

 

Yikes! My '14 Roadster is on order, so I'm renting a car from Budget (sold my previous vehicle). And Budget gave me a .... Fiat 500 with the same color, wheels, etc.

I hope you enjoy the heck out of your MINI! Look forward to your pictures.

Dave

 

Crazy situation, but glad you are ok. It just goes to show that a small car doesn't mean immediate death in any crash. The car is most likely not repairable like a huge boat of an car, but it does its job at keeping you safe.

 

That Fiat gave it's life so you could find your calling of a MINI. Welcome to the cult!

 

Thanks guys! And yes - small car doesn't mean death machine! These cars are made really well and the airbags are just amazing pieces of engineering. Having said that, I'd like to never experience them again first hand.

I really can't wait to pick up my car tomorrow morning. Pictures coming soon!

 

Let me welcome you to the NAMily, MiniTitanS!

First off, glad to see that you are ok after the run-in with that errant wheel!

That is an interesting tale of how you finally got the car you were always meant to have!

Now we only ask a couple of things of you, now that you have joined the rest of us MINIacs...

How about posting some pics of that PW MCS to share with your brothers and sisters here on NAM cause we love pics... yes we do!

When you see your fellow MINI/Mini drivers out on the road we ask you to wave! In fact, here's your chance to be extraordinary...

You are eligible to take the oath and join the League of Extraordinary MINIacs and save the wave!

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/general-mini-talk/256292-want-to-join-the-league-of-extraordinary-miniacs.html

OR you can join up on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1404...group_activity

C'mon raise that right hand and take the oath!

Enjoy your MINI and Motor On! !

 

Your enthusiasm is amazing. Keep it going

 

I think it was meant to be that the Fiat would die for you in order for you to get a MINI, You've received your punishment for not getting a MINI the first time and now you will enjoy the bliss of driving a MINI Don't forget to wave at every MINI you see!

P.S. If/When the Modification Bug bites you, don't go to crazy too soon

 

Thank you everyone! Here she is...the wheels become black tomorrow - then she'll be perfect.

 

Great color!

 

Nice color. I'm ordinarily not a fine of the blackout look (old guys like me usually favor chrome), but it certainly looks okay with the Pepper White. Must be the sharp contrast that makes it so attractive.

Enjoy your MINI!

 

I hear ya TD! I keep looking at all of these threads about covering up the chrome while I am polishing mine! The blackout look is cool but I like a bit of chrome!

 

When I was a little kid in the 1960's, then a high school student in the early 1970's, chrome was king! You practically needed sunglasses to walk through a high school parking lot.

Seems like many of the 50+ crowd share the same sentiment. I "get" the blackout look because it is different and, at times, very appealing. I just bring myself to adopt the look over my strong preference for chrome.

Put your sunglasses on when you see my Roadster on the street!

 

How about some chrome viper stripes on your soon to be Pepper White Roadster, Dave.

 

I get the chrome / black thing. Some of it's generational, but for me it's about the white on black. I love black wheels with white cars. Different strokes!

 

I have black wheels on my PW also, I like the look.