Here's my story, I am Marc from Concord NH, within the next couple days I should be taking delivery of my 2009 Mini Clubman (Hot Chocolate Brown), which will be replacing my long loved, and over due for replacement, 2001 Saturn SL2.

Last Saturday I went to the dealership with all intentions of grabbing up a Subaru Forester that was on the lot, something big enough for my Kona Mahuna Mountain Bike... I got there and the car was in shambles, I walked away from that POS... The sales man I was working with suggested I look at the other recent trades they have received. Nothing interested me, but, in a mud puddle all alone I saw a brown Mini peaking out at me looking for the rescue.

I have been in love with Mini since I was little, my neighbor had a 60's Clubman, I remember one day some of his friends picking the little Mini up and reversing it. I thought such a small car was such a cool thing. In the early 2000's once of my friends showed up at the mall in my town in a Hardtop and I took it for a drive, I almost didn't return with it. What a fun car! (That I wouldn't have to worry about passengers in...)

Some years later, I received a settlement from an accident, I went on the hunt for a Mini, but found out I still couldn't afford my Mini, that would have to be for when I am older and have more money...

5 Saturns, 2 s-10s and a Malibu (I don't want to talk about it) later I found myself back in the car market, knowing what I wanted, I set out to find the perfect little all wheel drive SUV style vehicle, and striking out everywhere...
For kicks I started searching Minis on the internet and noticed that, deep down, I can afford my Mini. Now, I can see you thinking, "he went from searching for an SUV to carry his Mt Bike...."

When I saw that Mini Clubman sitting all alone, I decided for kicks to take it for a test drive (wrong move buddy!). After figuring out how to start it, I took off... and never looked back!

So, here I sit, waiting for the dealer to call me and let me know I can get my car, I've been anxiously waiting for days. Yesterday I received the call, hoping it was the pick up call, I was made aware of some repairs that had to be made before I could take my car, a whopping $3500 worth (which didn't add up in my head, needed tires, exhaust work, tail light assembly). A costly list, but, dealer prices, but I know they'll be done before I even start the drive. At only 60K miles, I know I will have to do more repairs down the line, but, being what it is, I know that, they will be lesser and more far between than my Saturn (whose last year of life included a bad transmission solenoid, brakes, exhaust work, tie rods, ball joints, 3 bearings and a rusty, rotted sub frame). Repairs are being done, hopefully I can grab my car today!

I can't wait to be that 30 year old guy driving around in an old person's quirky little car... with a Mt. Bike on it's roof (because, we all know that isn't fitting inside... the sacrifices we make for our dream cars)

So, as my era of Saturn Fanning comes to a close, I am now here, and hoping this will be the car of my lifetime!

In advanced I would like to thank you for letting me into your little club(man)!

Can't wait to see where this journey brings me!

 

Great story, and good luck on the journey...I predict the Clubby will be yours.

 

Welcome to NAM! Congrats on your purchase and I am sure you will enjoy your new Mini while carrying your bike around.

-Luccia