I was just entering the 405 freeway late this afternoon when I noticed a black over white Countryman S. The car still had its dealer plates. I positioned myself so that I ended up directly in front of him. I waved and noticed the driver didn't respond. After a short while, he changed lanes and passed me, and as he did, I again waved. No response.

Obviously the guy didn't get the memo about the camaraderie aspect of owning a Mini.

CLARIFICATION #1: By dealer plates, I mean those paper things that insert to advertise where the car came from. Not the actual state-issued one.

 

We're camouflaged as SUVs to alot of people...and

There are just people who park their JAG, BMW, & MB and buy MINIs as a transportation to the train station or to run errands. These people are not Die-Hards.

 

John, Although most of us are excited about owning and driving our MINIs, some people see theirs as simply a means to get from one place to another. I wave and some return it, but I would be frustrated if I expected all to return a wave.

One lady I waved at returned the wave, but with a pained look on her face as though she was thinking, "Do I have to do this." Maybe she was having a bad day?

On the other hand I suspect that the MINI that's sporting thousands of dollars of mods will be driven by a person who will return your salute.

 

He had dealer plates, this needs no explanation, it wasn't his car.

 

try to wave at modded cars or very clean cars... that show they like their car

 

Yeah, but they were the paper advertising ones ... the ones you have when your car is new and you have no proper plates yet. Although it could have been the dealer or a salesperson, they usually grab a full metal dealer plate if they are going to be driving any distance.

The more likely explanation is, he was driving in CALIFORNIA. I live in Cal too, and have the opinion that California drivers are just not as friendly. Driving my Wrangler, there is the "Jeep wave." I did it religiously for 3 years, nobody waves back.

I hit 101 along the coast, tons of tourists taking in the view, and I got tons of waves ... every time for a Wranger without out of state plates. Just sayin.

 

I think you get the jeep wave the closer you are to places you are likely to get stuck - you never know whose help you'll need.

 

I've had my CM since April 2011 and got my first wave last weekend from a MINI Clubman - even when I drive my JCW I rarely get a return wave anymore :(

 

Do what I do...I chase them down...pull right beside them and say "Nice Car"...then I wave...pull off.

 

As a person who's primary mods are under the hood and would rather be driving than polishing, you should go ahead and wave anyway.

 

I do find the older R50/R53s are a little more likely to wave (could be the old motoring guide).

I think I average 1 wave for every 3 attempts, not too bad. Still, have yet to get a wave from another CM. I have seen the same one now about 5 times, and he just keeps staring at me with this baffled look .

 

Todays somewhat humorous wave - -

New York Ave., DC. Construction, lanes shut down, shifted, and narrowed. Top speed about 18mph. I see Zaftig's twin coming across the bridge, I'm heading west, he's going east. I blow my horn a couple of friendly times and glance over as he passes. He's about 20 years older than me (do the math), got a death grip on the steering wheel, stiff as a board and white as a sheet. Eyes locked dead ahead with a look of "DC traffic terror" on his face. Needless to say, I did not get a wave or a toot back from him.

Sealy - Who hopes he never gets "there".

 

Some people to know or don't get it. Back in the old days BMW and Porsche owner used to flash their headlights if you came across another one. Not sure if Porsche guys still do it, but it went bye-bye for BMW when about every 5th car is now a bimmer. Sad in a way.

 

On the way home today I was stopped at a 4-way stop. A red/white hardtop with white stripes passed in from of me and I waved. The lady driving gave me the oddest look. Sort of a, "Why are you waving at me, and what the heck are you driving?" look. She was an older lady so it wasn't like I was flirting. LOL!

 

Was this in Westwood by any chance?

Cause that sounds like me. I have a white Countryman S with a black top and black rims.

Though I usually make it a point to wave to other Countryman owners (I don't wave to all Minis...in SOCAL you'd be waving the whole way home).

If it was me I apologize...I must have been in the traffic zone

 

Nope. You're in the clear. It was in Costa Mesa at the Harbor Blvd. on-ramp. Besides, you sound like a very attentive Mini owner. You get high marks. The driver appeared to be a big guy.

 

Heck, I wave at ALL MINIs!. I was driving my F350 today and waved at a MINI. For a second I felt kinda stupid, as I saw I wasn't driving the MINI, but I did get a return wave!

Maybe they know someone with a beat up white Ford pickup!

Dave

 

Hell, I have noticed more waves from new CM owners that other models, I assumed it was because they are seeing the "MINI Wave" postcards at the dealership when purchasing.

Save the wave, all MINI/Mini Models!!

 

Even tho I don't have a Mini yet I give a thumbs up to other motorers here in NJ. No reactions whatsoever haha. I dont see too many Mini's around here let alone CM's, but it is kinda ironic on the day before I order I see 2 CM's. The day I get on a boat I see 5 MC-MCs's-Clubmans for my 45 min rt commute.. its like Mini is willing me towards my car