Hi guys, I figured I should stop by and introduce myself before I start posting elsewhere throughout the forums. If you haven't figured it out yet, my name is Chris. I'm a car enthiuast from Littleton, CO (gotta love the altitude.)

My friend has gotten my hooked on Mini Coopers. His mom has a Stage II Mini that I was fortunate to get behind the wheel of for a night. Needless to say, it was amazing and now I'm seriously considering buying a 2006 S. The only downside is that I have to wait for the same friend to buy my current car, a 2004 Subaru WRX w/ entirely too many extras on it.

While I'm in love with the Mini, I'm sure going to miss the All-wheel drive and the damn-near 300 wheel horsepower. That being said, I hope the outstanding handling of the Cooper S and the several cosmetic modifications (and maybe a few small power mods as well) will make me love the Mini more than my Subaru.

Anyway, hello

 

Hey Chris. You aren't by chance a pirate, are you?

 

Hi Chris, I am also from he world of awd traction. This is the first winter for my MINI & I was more than a bit worried about lack of traction. When I ordered my MINI I spec'd the LSD thinking it would help & it does. I also bought a set of Hakka 2 snow tires in a narrow size, 185/65/15. So far it's worked out well for me. It's no awd substitute, but it's a workable solution. Best of all I'm driving a MINI.

 

Hey Chris - welcome to MINI world!

 

Welcome!

 

Not sure you will miss your WRX. It maybe a faster car but it does not drive like a mini

Good luck with the Mini shopping.

 

I was in your same shoes about a year ago. I sold my highly modified '03 WRX and bought an '06 JCW MCS. I still absolutely love it. Sure, there are times when I miss the Rex. Especially with the endless snow we've been having. There's nothing quite like 4 wheel drifting in a Suby. But overall, I am very happy I made the switch. I'm having more fun AutoXing the MINI in STX than I did the WRX in SM (and I get to go up against and beat the majority of the WRX's). Having Randy Webb right here in our backyard makes mods convenient. Welcome aboard and good luck with your MINI shopping.

John

 

Thanks for the warm welcoming, guys and gals.

Wharf rat, I sure am a pirate! I do reign from awdpirates.net

I went and test drove a demo Mini last night since my friend works at the only Mini dealer here in Colorado. Having already driven a Stage II, I know what to expect as far as the car being "quick." Of course it's no WRX w/ a ton of horsepower, but the thing is very responsive compared to my WRX. I love the fact that there's no lag

I wasn't sure what to expect as far as handling goes. Needless to say (for being stock with a sport package) the car is absolutely INSANE. After toying around with it last night for 30 minutes, I'm totally sold. Let's hope my friend buys my WRX.

The only thing I am wondering about is insurance since I'm 21 and may be getting my own plan. We'll see I guess. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

Welcome to NAM!

 

Chris...

I don't think you'll regret getting a MINI. Welcome (hopefully) to the world of MINI!

Chuck

 

Welcome, Chris.

I sold my '04 WRX (wagon) and got an '06 MCS this fall. I love the car and for me it's much easier to shift and I am not missing that bleepin' turbo lag. I autocross in stock class and have yet to get him out on the course (we don't start racing until March here). I enjoyed the WRX but I think the mini is more appropriate for me.

As far as insurance. I have progressive and it was $16 cheaper/mo for the 06 mini vs the 04 WRX wagon, same coverage. Hopefully that will make you happy.

Good luck selling your "Rex". My husband has an Sti so I still get to get my suby fix and we still have the AWD. Hopefully you won't miss yours too much. Too bad we can't have it all, eh?

Gabby

 

Chris, I know what you mean about missing AWD. I just traded in a Honda Element last week for my new 06 MCS. Yes I am a bit concerned since I drive up into the snowbelt to Vermont for snowboard trips. I think I will be ok this year since winter is mild, so I think I will pick up an old beater Subaru legacy wagon or something for the winter with high miles, something you could consider your self.