Hi all...I'm a newbie to the site but have been monitoring for several weeks. I've been waiting for some good pics to accompany my first post, but I couldn't stand it any longer. I promise they will come soon.

I am SO in love with my 2005 MC PW/B! Picked it up a couple of months ago with less than 5K miles, which I have since doubled. This is the perfect DC commuter vehicle (I live in N. Va). I'm averaging in the neighborhood of 34 mpg, even running 68 mph in unconstrained traffic and doing the "stop and go" thing on the beltway in the afternoon.

I now do the following as a rule:
- Move my wife's Hyundai out of our 1-car garage every single evening to swap spots. Since I leave early, repeat in reverse every morning.
- Never park anywhere that lacks at least 6 ft of clearance on either side. Makes for long walks in some parking lots, but it gives me the chance to look over my shoulder at my prize sitting apart in its own place of honor.
- Weekly detailing. Inside and out. Don't even think about getting in with soiled shoes (you can't even take them off and put them in the back).
- Sometimes I just find myself staring in self-indulgence.

Only drawback thus far has been my wife as passenger. On a recent trip home from Harrisonburg, Va we decided to take Hwy 211 east from New Market. I pushed it in the first two curves heading up into Shenandoah Nat'l Park and it was freakin' awe inspiring. I got the kabash put on me after that, as she claimed to be on the verge of hurling. Guess a solo trip is in order sometime.

 

Welcome to both NAM and the MINI addiction. Just remember it is a MINI thing not everyone understands.
Happy motoring, looking forward to the picture.

- KP

 

Can't wait to see your pictures! It seems you've got the signature thing under control, though! If the wife doesn't love the MINI yet, it'll grow on her. Pretty soon you may become a two Mini family, 'cause she'll be so jealous of all the fun you're having in yours that she'll want one of her own!

 

Welcome to NAM, glad to hear you're enjoying your MINI, look forward to seeing the pictures.

 

mineartg - Thanks for the post, and Welcome to NAM.

This has been tested and scientifically validated - for temporary relief of car sickness (for the Wife). Put her behind the wheel for a while. Of course you'll probably have toget Her a MINI too (eventually).

By the way Northern VA is a Motorers Paradise (IMO), nice roads, twisties, and beautiful scenery. I drive 70 mi from Front Royal into DC daily, I can't consider it a "commute" anymore.

Also, You can get two MINIs in a one-car garage. Hmmm

Have fun Motorrrrrin !

 

Hey great color choice! Happy Motoring!

 

mineartg,

Welcome to the NAM community! I'm very happy to see how much you're enjoying your MINI. NAM is one of the few places you can go where people will "understand" your addiction to these fantastic little cars.

Since you live in Northern VA, have you considered checking out DC Metro MINIs, the local club? We have a myriad of both social and driving events throughout the year, and membership is very cheap ($26/year for an individual, $35/year for a couple/SO).

We have a DCMM Forum right here on NAM too, where most of the events are planned and discussed, as well as other banter.

Regardless of whether you choose to join DCMM, I'm sure you'll find NAM to be a fantastic resource for all things MINI.

 

Yeah, I discovered my wife's hurl-o-meter setting on a dragon-like mountain road in my TR7 about 20 years ago... So I think she'll have to stay earth-bound at MOTD'07...

Welcome to NAM!

 

Edge, thanks for the links! I'll check youz guys out...

 

Finally added some pics to my gallery...

 

Super pictures...gorgeous Cooper (I love the looks of Coopers)!! MINI motoring does wonders for one's daily commute, doesn't it?

 

Welcome Mineartg,
I too have more fun when driving solo. These little cars are fun even when driven cautiously. Enjoy