Greetings to all. I have finally come into full mini ownership. I have been lurking for quite a while, researching and learning as much as I could. Yesterday I picked up my new 06 hb/w mcs. I am very pleased so far. I picked up the car from Patrick mini (one of the sponsors). I was actually fortunate enough to have one of my car choices on the lot with the features I wanted (lsd,sport,prem,cold). So I guess I did not live the ritual wait that most of you did. Which fits my personality a little better.

To add to the story a little bit: I had been going back and forth on a few cars. In the end it came down to two. the mini and a new pontiac GTO. Two radically different tools, but both excited me in different ways. I think the thing that got me the most excited about the goat was that beautiful engine and the exhaust note. I am a old muscle car guy from way back so it was a nice interior and a trip down memory lane with every shift. I don't have to sell you all on the mini but for my typical drive it fit better. In my old car I had tons of power but really no where to use it. It was fast (like the goat) in fact it was much faster than it felt and I could realy only drive it at 20% of its potential 80% of the time. The goat was similar to that. A great motor that sounds great but hard to use a reasonable % of. In many ways the mini fits better with my commute and I enjoy the agility edge I have over.....well everything. (ok most everything) I am waiting patiently for the end of the break end period. I am looking forward to a return to the world of auto-x.
Cheers

 

Nice! I wish I were fortunate enough to have found my MCS on the lot. I called and e-mailed around, but nothing exact (or near exact) that was new. So while you're patiently waiting until the end of your break-in period, I'm patiently waiting the end of final production and shipping.

Like you, I went back and forth on which car. I was looking at the VW GTI MkV. Ultimately, though, the decision was pretty easy for me.

Anyway, welcome to NAM!

 

Welcome to NAM! I hope, and think, you will be happy with your choice!

 

Welcome

Good thing you didnt buy the GTO since its

 

Greetings,

I guess I am not the newest HB/W driver in the Chicago area, picked mine up on 2/25. I also got mine from patrick. Do you have bonnet stripes? Which wheels?

Happy motoring and don't forget to wave.

blake

 

I bought off the showroom as well--I don't think I could do the waiting thing either...
I guess this is a great time for you with the days warming up--I am in St L and we are getting some great Spring weather...
Enjoy...

 

yes Patrick was great. I do indeed have the bonnet stripes and the s-lights. I have really been enjoying the car. Lots of excuses to get out for a run. I have been trying to get finished up with the detailing. In fact I just got back in from the end of the clay bar/ klasse session. I still have to finish up the rest of the sealant glaze in the morning. Thanks for the warm welcome.

 

Welcome to NAM. MINI was a great choice. The GTO is fast, but it just lacks that classic GTO look and feel. Looks to much like a hundred other cars out there. The MINI is unique and has really stuck to its heritage. Stands out in the crowd and is a blast to drive. So have fun.

 

Welcome and congrats it sounds like a real looker.

Check out CMMC ! We're always happy to gain new MINI's. If you frequent Golf Rd, you'll run into me sometime. Be sure to wave

Enjoy your new ride

 

me too. I even had this deep moment when I was discussing finances with my brother and he mentioned how the GTI could probably be had for 1-2k under msrp at the dealer and my MCS was spec'd to 26k(!). He asked, "is it really $4,000 better in your mind?"

I was a bit shocked to think of that way... but in the end I'm glad I went with the MINI. The GTI was fast, but not as much FUN!!

 

welcome to NAM!