My wife made a comment several months ago that when she got her next car, she wanted something smaller than her 2002 Ford Explorer (which she loved BTW) and with a "stick". Yes, my wife actually wanted a manual transmission. Anyway, I immediately thought of the Mini. I have a 70 mile round-trip commute everyday, and ever since I found out that would be the case roughly 3 years ago, I have often "joked" with my co-workers, saying I was going to get me a Mini Cooper to drive to work. The humor in that was that first I am 6' 3", and second, they had always known me to drive big SUVs. I have a '99 Lincoln Navigator, which I am replacing with an '07 MCS, and prior to that I had an Expedition. Loved them both, but my wife and I are at the point where I kids are both in college and have their own cars, and we simply don't need the big gas guzzling SUVs any longer.

A 300HP, 30 gallon premium gas sucking SUV is not exactly the most economical commute vehicle. Besides, while there's nothing I don't like about my Navigator (it's been a great vehicle), it's so comfortable that I sort of get bored everyday driving to and from work. I needed a little excitement. Enter the Mini. I bought my wife an '07 Chili Red MC (she loves it), and I'm waiting on my Astro Black MCS to find its way onto a ship as we speak. I can't wait!
I hope they both turn out to be relatively trouble free, but right now that's a risk we're willing to take. The cars are definitely different. There's nothing else like them on the road.

 

when I get mine here is the reasons why I'll get it;
Reslae value, you can't get better than a mini
gas mileage
fun factor
handling
turbo
customization factor
3 years of free service

 

Not a bummer A good husband ALWAYS pleases his wife

 

why did i buy my Mini?

if you have driven one then you know why!!!!

 

When my brother-in-law showed me the MINIUSA.com site on Christmas Day, 2001, I KNEW I would have a MINI ASAP! I just fell in love with them and read everything I could to learn more about them.

I joined several MINI enthusiast sites, got on the list at my dealership, took delivery of mine August 28, 2002, and began my happy motoring career.

When Jet Black was added to the MCS color line-up, I was smitten, spec'd out yet another MINI, and traded in my Cooper for my 2003 Wicked Wanda on April 4, 2003. A week later, I took her on a 10,000-mile road trip through 22 states, including attending the first Dragon meet.

I have owned many cars -- our other vehicles are an old Isuzu Trooper and an older Corvette -- but the MINI is by far the best all-around car I've ever owned, and has this fabulous community that I love so much. I still peek out the window at her and am thrilled.

My dealership's service started out a bit shaky, but its service department has really improved the past two years. Now that I am out of warranty, I have several terrific independent shops that are owned by MINI-owning mechanics for my service needs.

 

No really profound reason other than I wanted one. I look at it as my bass boat or Harley Davidson.

 

OK, first off it was a 50th birthday present to myself. No one else was going to buy it for me. I always like small cars despite being a big guy. My brother drove a Ford Pinto hatchback for a few years. You had to turn off the AC if you wanted to pass anyone. I wanted an AMC Gremlin when they were new and then when the Pacer came along I almost bought it. Everyone thought I was nuts. And maybe I am, but thats to bad.

Finally the day before my 50th birthday I loaded my two daughters into my pick-up and off to the MINI dealer we went. That was the first time I drove one. My youngest daughter asked what the thing was I kept moving around in the center. I told her it was the "Fun Stick". Three days later I went in and ordered it.

Tonight I just turned 30,000 miles and I still get excited driving it.

 

Because after test driving about 30 other cars under 30k...the mini is the only car that made me smile inside and out.

Mastercard commerical: Car payments $370, price of premium gas $4...daily dose of happy: PRICELESS

 

1. Because everybody in the world doesn't have one.

2. Because it is a bunch cheaper than a Vette or Porsche.

3. Because it gets good gas mileage vs the performance.

4. Because it is a Cabrio.

5. Because it looked like it needed a home.

6. Because it is British and BMW so will probably drive me crazy with quality issues.

7. Because it is kind of cute in a homely sort of way. (Bulldog!)

8. Because every boy needs a dog. (See 7 above)

9. Did I mention fun?

 

That's why I bought mine
Also because it's helluva fun to drive!

The same reasons I own a Mac, an iPod, a Wii, and soon...the iPhone.
People disparage them but they all secretly want one!

 

Ahh, NO. I have no need for an iPod or Wii (whatever that is), not a $500 iPhone. Nor do I secretly want one

AM radio is fine with me

 

#1 - Because I've wanted one for too many years now!

#2 - But, why I'm actually getting one (delivery mid Aug) - to get me out of the drivers seat of hubby's new Shelby GT500. He wasn't counting on me enjoying the car.

#3 - Hoping to not visit the gas station for go go juice as often as in the GT500.

#4 - Can't wait to do some drive abouts with other local Minis since our Mustang club seems to be only interested in driving to and from car shows only. We like our weekend get aways with our toys.

So many more reasons, but I must get back out and finish cutting the lawn before the July 4th fun.

 

Wow, I love reading all these responses! A similar thread of FUN seems to be woven throughout!

As for me, I've always loved smaller cars. I used to drive a Mitsubishi Eclipse and then a Saturn Coupe. But I started to feel like I should drive a more practical car, so I went to an Olds Alero, and most recently a Ford Escape.

However, most of my driving is solo or with one passanger, so that 20 MPG started to sting a bit. I really didn't need that large of a vehicle, so the call to get something smaller and sportier kept getting stronger. Of course, with improving gas mileage being a factor, many true "sports cars" were out. But when I test drove the MINI, I couldn't wipe the smile of my face for a good couple of hours! I was hooked, and there was no going back.

I don't even have my MINI yet, and I'm already obsessed!