Hey NAMers,
As you might be aware, my MCS has been scheduled for a production slot in week #23 and I've been waiting (im)patiently ever since I placed my order last month!

However, my friends think I've gone nuts. They absolutely refuse to categorize the MCS as a premium compact car, when in fact my OTD is close to $30K. One of my friends is "strongly" advising me to ditch my deposit and get the Acura TSX which can be had for 29-31k. Others say I'd be better off getting an Si or a GTI which can be had for far less.

Of course, they are right in their own way but the only thing that made me buy the Mini was the overall *personal* factor. Its a very hard feeling to describe but I'm sure those who own one already know what I mean. But my friends can't have enough mudslinging and keep bashing me and my Mini. Another friend in my group was talked out of buying an MCS due to the "girlie" factor and social/peer pressure!

How the heck am I supposed to convince those guys that its better than most, if not all, hatchbacks and B-segment cars? I'm beginning to think that I ended up spending a hell lot of moolah on my MCS!

 

No need to convince them. When you get it, and they want a ride in, tell them you couldn't let them demean themselves like that. The head out with your MINI and find some real friends.

 

Just one ride will convince them that you made the right choice and the car is just as strong as the community.

 

Heh heh, that's a good suggestion. But let's be practical! I can't replace the bonds of friendship which have been forged for over a decade!

 

I'm in the Navy, and get harassed about my car constantly. Didn't stop me from replacing my first MC with a MCS Cabrio. If they're real friends they'll accept your decision and leave you alone. It is, after all, your car, not theirs. If they can't get over your choice of car then ask yourself, how good of a friend are they really?

 

I hate to tell ya but with the average cost of a new car approaching $30,000 [Citation], the MINI isn't so premium after all . Don't get me wrong, I love my MINI, but you don't exactly need to have a six figure income to afford one .

As far as the alternatives, after owning A VW Passat, BMW M3, a 260+ bHP MCS, an Infiniti G35 6-Speed, and now my current MINI, all within the span of about 4 years, I can say without a doubt that this is the most entertaining car i've ever owned, and I wouldn't trade it for any car under $100k. I will NEVER own another Japanese car... they offer the most boring and mundane driving experiance i've ever encountered.

 

People that are more concerned with what others think are not ever going to *get* the Mini. Heck, I have to put up with MY WIFE telling me it's a "girl's car" all the time.

Then there is the, "Hey Skuzz, when did you decide to come out of the closet?", remarks from all the guys I work with.

And then there are my Wife's acquintances. She is a commercial interior designer. Every guy she knows is gay. And they are all glad I finally have realized I am gay as only gay men own Mini Coopers.

Like it or not, there is a real stigma out there associated with the Mini. I do not know where it came from or how it propagated. But it is there.

And you know what? I could care less. I am sooooo looking forward to my car getting here.

Good luck trying to convince anyone that is insecure with themselves about the wonder that is the Mini.

 

Buy what you LOVE, not what your friends like (or Love). After all it will be yours, including the payments...

 

There is no comparison after driving a MINI----

 

(Slightly edited because Marlow Main basically said what i was going to say!): ...then laugh when one of them buys a Clubman in a year after seeing how much fun you're having!

 

Hey gforce23,

It must be tough hanging with guys who think SI's, GTI's and Acuras are any less "sissy" or gay than an MCS. They're all econo hatchs w/wind-up rubberband engines.

I had a peer pressure issue when I leased my 1997 BMW. Too many of my clients would see me pulling up to a job in a BMW and greet me with gasps, followed by remarks about how they were paying me too much. I was always having to justify and defend that car (really annoying when you consider that cost less expensive than most SUVs). I also noticed guys in pick up trucks "road raging" me (never happened in previous autos). So... for different reasons, I feel your insult and pain.

When the BMW went off lease, I upgraded to an Audi S4, which cost an extra $10K, yet not a peep from those folks.

When I returned the S4, I cut my car expense (and mass) nearly in half by leasing an '03 MCS. I've greatly enjoyed both Minis more than my '84 GTI, '89 SI, '97 328is, or the 2000 S4.

Hey, if the MINI is a girlie car... that might not be bad. I'd much rather attract all the girls with my girlie car, than sniff armpits with boy racers who sit around comparing the size of their rubber bands.

 

Wowee! Awesome pep talk guys! This community is awesome!

@rustyboy: The only Japanese car I consider as "good" is the Infiniti G35. I was actually planning to buy that but it was waayy out of my budget.

@dbmini: Three of my closest friends own a GTI while two have a TSX and a TL. The rest make do with Civics, Accords and Camrys. No wonder the MCS doesn't stand out as a premium small car in their minds. And you're actually right, there are tons of chicks who really dig a guy driving a Beetle or a Mini.

As you guys just said, I'm going to hold out until I get my Mini. After that, its payback time!

 

I have to say, that quality-wise, the MINI is way better than the GTI. My next-door neighbor is a VW fanatic and I have never seen someone have so many issues with 3 cars, back to back...it's crazy.

Anyway, that wasn't originally what I was going to say, but when I saw them trying to equate a GTI with a MINI...eek.

What I was GOING to say was I agree with everyone who said once they have a ride in it, they will shut right up. My husband, several of his friends and coworkers, and even my own parents gave me a hard time:

"It's so SMALL!"
"It looks unsafe!" (my mom)
etc, etc

One ride, and now they all love it. Even my mom.

 

Girlie factor? That's the absolute LAST thing I think of when I see a MINI. Are these people on crack?

 

This is not a democratic decision...It's your money, your car and your the one that is going to be driving it. Will they also vote on your spouse, job, house, vacations, clothes, haircut, etc, etc... Do what feels right for you!

 

I'll bet they've never driven a Mini. If I go into the store and leave my husband of 25 yrs. in the car...girls of all ages come up and start talking about the cute car. He's had just as many fellas come up and ask about the gas mileage. (Those who need a "man's car" to improve his self image...needs more than just a car...Your "friends" sound like they need an attitude adjustment, plus they sound a tad homophobic.) Those who protest too much????

 

Screw'em.

You'll have a whole new set of friends thanks to your new MINI. I do. Go with your NEW friends to MOTD6 next year and you'll have HUNDREDS of new friends. All of whom "get it". And your "old friends" will still think you're crazy. Especially after you describe MOTD. I know. I'm living it. Their loss. I'm having the time of my life.

 

Let each of them drive it. Take them out to some mountain twisties. Be sure though to push in the sport button first. You're not going to convince them with words.

or, better yet,

Take each one to your local dealership and wait while he or she takes the car out for an hour or so. Don't forget to mention the sport button.

 

Trust us and Trust yourself - you made the right decision. Sooner or later you've just got to go Rhett Butler on this: "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn" what you think about my choice in automobiles. Part of the legacy and heritage of owning a Mini/MINI is teaching yet another generation of naysayers the timeless story of David and Goliath.

 

Don't forget to remind them that you have to buy a MINI because you need to undercompensate... or else it just wouldn't be fair!

 

 

This is SO true, and something that the newer folk around here will learn as time goes on.

So well said!!

 

So, I guess we all have to learn, sooner or later, that friends aren't always looking out after your interests when the give opinions . . . they may just be trying to keep you down to their level. Clearly, you know better about cars!

 

If they are truly your friends they wouldn't be pressuring you. I've tracked my MCS and passed too many high end sports cars to count. Take them to the Dragon (ATL isn't that far away) let them experience a MINI- just remember to bring barf bags for your buddies - you wouldn't want a mess on your new seats.

 

LOL, I've actually had the experience of hurtling down the Dragon with my passenger barfing into a makeshift Kroger plastic bag!
You seem to be a regular visitor to the Smokies...let me know if you're interested in teaming up. I usually head over once every fortnight but am sure that frequency will increase once I get my MCS.