wow.. terrible about your MINI but what a great story you have now (since you weren't hurt).

oh yea:

This thread needs pictures!

 

I can't even express enough thanks to all of you for the kind words; it means A LOT, seriously. Apologies for the crap formatting initially - I was on a bit of a rant so all sense of grammar just went out the window...

emtrey - Very true and I'm grateful. Especially now knowing the damage to the MINI... Mechanic told me the jolt was so violent everything in the engine compartment got pushed backwards, actually denting the firewall. Quite scary to think of how much worse the outcome could have been.

tigwantstoplay - Thanks so much! The MINI really did do it's job. Besides a bit of back pain, a cut where my knee rammed the dash, some bruises from the seatbelt on my chest and hip, and a couple minor burn marks on my arm from the airbag I'm totally fine. Definitely don't have to convinced me in re-ordering, if anything I just love it all the more now!

Chris56S - Yep it's a pain, but at least my wait wasn't that long so maybe I'll get just as lucky on this second order. I already told my MA he better be giving me a discount as he's going to be making a good bit of commission off me in a very short amount of time. Hahaha, the key will definitely remain on my keyring for now. So funny you mention framing as I actually had framed and hung the window sticker just a day before the accident.

PGT - Sorry bout that, formatting improved!

celica414 - What can I say? Drunk drivers are idiots...

mystfynyou - Hahaha, I totally know the feeling! Like in the four days with my MINI (STILL can't get over the fact that it was so short) I was so **** when it came to parking as just the mere though of a door ding was like death to me. But thanks, I'm actually hoping I'll be able to find one on the showroom floor, who knows... I'm actually going to the body shop tomorrow to see it and believe me, MANY pics will follow.

r56mini- Thank you!

tdm156 - Very much agreed.

MMM - Hmmm, good question. Since the MINI was just declared a total this afternoon, I haven't gone over the specifics with my insurance company as of yet. I just figured that I'd have to eat the cost of taxes and fees but I'll definitely check into this. That would help a ton as it's mainly for financial reasons (I'm a college student so buying the first MINI was hard enough) that I'm putting off ordering a replacement. Since the MINI was my first car and consequently my first auto insurance policy, I have no experience with these things. I'll be sure to ask tomorrow though and thanks!

brassknuckles - Oh my, SO true, I couldn't even imagine... The Motoring Insurance is a MINI sponsored insurance policy which is offered through Liberty Mutual. You get like 20% off your annual premium for buying the MINI then signing with them.

mommashine - Yea, they're seriously the worst as it's a completely avoidable situation; UGH! But very well said. So many people assume the MINI isn't safe because of its size, I'd like to think my MINI has proved them blatantly wrong. I'm actually in the process of checking with my MA right now to see if there are any prebuilt to my specs. Unfortunately there's none on the dealer lot which I ordered from, but he should have the results from a regional search tomorrow.

Robin Casady - Thanks! That's the primary reason why waiting seems like the most logical thing to do. Orders should be going in for the 2008's in no time and major changes aside I know it'll help my resale value. I apologize again about that lack of formatting - my Professors would kill me if they saw it, let alone my trying such a thing with one of them.

kfisto - Thank you! As explained above the Motoring Insurance is an actual policy. I considered GAP insurance at first but ended up paying cash for the MINI.

bumble's angel - WOW, very luck break! My dealer doesn't have anything in right now but my MA is seeing what he can do.

andyde - Thank you, yea as much as it sucks (and that's QUITE a lot) things could have been so much worse. That gives me a good measure of peace.

Donna/Mike - Thanks! Unbelievable right???

bfair - I know! And to make it worse, I was never able to get any decent day pics... The happiness is still here though as I've experienced MINI and I know without a doubt that there is truly NO going back.

T-POD - Wow you said that perfectly, thanks so much for understanding. I know I'll have my MINI again in due time and in the mean time I'll definitely keep you guys updated. Goodness knows NAM is about all that's getting me through this with my sanity intact. Yea, the driver is so lucky I could barely walk after getting out the car but I'm definitely not done with him. But thank you a million times over - your post means so much.

Mach V Dan - Hahaha, I know I know - my mistake. But the MINI is seriously beyond amazing, even with all the mechanical damage the frame didn't suffer at all.

jw34 - Thanks!

Rastven - Yep, I have more faith in the MINI now then ever.

mineartg - Hmmm, well now I'm not even sure what it's supposed to mean! But thank you and don't feel the least bit sorry for that criminal - he's very lucky the law is all that hit him.

MINIclo - Yea the jolt was hell of intense but I'm fine. The ambulance came out and gave me a thorough check. With tomorrow making the one week mark I'll probably head in for one last examination just to be sure though. Thanks.

MotorMouth - I guess that's true. Pictures will hopefully be up sometime tomorrow.

 

Man Msteadman, I'm so sorry this happened so soon after you receiving your MINI, but i'm glad you're ok and the MINI did it's job protecting you. The good thing is that if you wanted to change anything in your order, you now have a good idea of what you'd want.. although it sounded like you placed the perfect order for yourself the first time anyway

 

It's tough even reading about this, but thank G-d you were not seriously hurt. The MINI is the one that always sacrifices itself for the driver, and here we have another instance of such - the MINI is just a safe car, period. Sucks to have to wait through the process again, but I'm sure it will make you appreciate your "second" MINI even more.

I'm so sorry that you had to endure this event, and hope the best for your coming experiences.

Be well and stay safe.

 

Glad you are alright.

Keep an eye on yourself, you might have latent injuries
you are not aware of.

I was rear ended by a monster truck a year ago.
Thought I was OK the first few days (terrible headache,
lots of soreness and some back pain). I didn't go
to the hospital.

Turns out I got a ruptured disk and required surgery.
A year later I'm still not back to right.

You would also want to document any injuries with a doctor
for financial liability reasons.

 

Wow - sorry to hear about the loss of your MINI but am very glad that you came through the accident in such good shape. Good luck with the insurance and finding/ordering a replacement. Take it easy for the next few days!

 

Thank God you were alright.
Trust me, it could have been worse.

Stick around NAM. Get another MINI and enjoy the rides.

 

Good to hear you are ok.

I know you mentioned that you only had the car for a short time, but, If you were to place an order for your replacement today, what would you change?

 

Pics would be great if you can get them.

 

First off, a 4 day relationship is not a love affair, it's just a fling!

Bummer to hear about the crack up, but safe is the outcome we want.

Pry open the build yer own on the MINI website and build a bigger, better, faster one for your next go around. Get more stuff this time, including the optional, dealer installed M60 that pops out of the roof for drunk driver awareness week!

 

Amazingly frustrating story.
Glad you came out unscathed.

Stupid question, was this bonehead a repeat offender? Did he have DUI plates? I woulda kicked his butt bad.

 

glad you are ok...that's most important of all. gotta love the MINI for proving to be a faithful steed

 

Thanks again so much to all of you guys - quite a caring group here on NAM.

KevinV - Yep, that's exactly what sucks the most, a completely brand new car. A couple of my friends have been telling me the same thing, that at least I can change anything I want now. But just as you said that's no reconciliation at all as this one was PERFECT.

Zoomer - Very true, the MINI has now proven it's safety not only to me but to all of those around me. If people thought I was ridiculously careful with the first one, I'm going to be ridiculous with the second.

condor27596 - WOW, quite a story and some very good advice. I'm going to get myself checked out tomorrow as I'm a bit worried that although it's a week later my back is still pretty soar.

rhawth99 - Thanks! I'll be sure to keep that in mind.

4xAAA - Yea, I know it could have been soooo much worse and that's what freaks me out the most. I'll be motoring again soon enough.

rockridge - Hmmm, hard question. Seeing the Web Spoke wheels in person (they looked like crap to me on the configurator) perhaps I'll go for them over the Crown Spoke but I can't even say for sure. Also I MAY spring for the exterior chrome package but without the chrome mirrors. Well at least I'll be getting the powerfold mirrors for no additional cost since my first MINI had the cold weather package and the second one will as well.

Duffer - Soon as I can make it over to the bodyshop (either later today or if not then for sure tomorrow) I'll have them on here.

PHX ATC - That may be true but one HELL of a fling it was. Ah, that M60 would be worth any price...

89AKurt - Yep, it's seriously insane. Turns out the guy had no priors at all, so clearly I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

piccolo - Love it more now then ever!

 

UPDATE! Just heard back from my insurance company and looks like I'll be ordering sooner then later after all. Not only do they completely cover taxes and fees (other then registration which is only $55 in PA anyway) but if my second MINI is slightly over the price of the first one they'll reimburse me the difference. You actually lose out if you order a cheaper MINI as the amount they pay is wholly based on your replacement car; I don't know how things would work out if I decided not to buy another car at all. Go Liberty Mutual!

 

Sorry for your loss! I 911d a drunk driver 2 days ago. He was driving a red Porsche Carrera with CA tags here in PA. He was all over the place on a 4 lane highway at 4 PM. I hope they got him before he hurt someone.

 

Msteadman,

Glad the MINI proved its safety features. Where in PA are you? I've noticed since I got my MCS that oncoming traffic seems to ignore me at one lane bridges and don't bother to slow down or stop. In the first few hundred miles, a guy clipped my side mirror. Luckily it folded without so much as a scuff mark. I don't know if I would have been as fortunate if I had powerfold mirrors.

I guess they figure MINIs are small enough to squeeze through without their bothering to yield.


On the bright side, now you can get those features that you regretted not ordering the first time.

 

Msteadman, as a fellow week 35er, I want to say thank God that you are safe and I am saddened by the whole thing. I still remember not too long ago we were talking about whether our cars got on the Patriot and that we would be among the first ones from our week to take delivery. Very sad. Your MINI died as hero, for saving your life.

I am happy that you have an awesome insurance policy (maybe I should have checked with Liberty Mutual first? They are across the street here in Boston ) and that you are reordering soon. Please keep us posted of how things go. Will you order pretty much the exact same car, with a bit more options?

Best of luck, my fellow week 35er. You will always be a week 35er in our hearts!

 

Glad to hear that Liberty Mutual is coming through for you, Msteadman. They seem like a great company.

 

Man, that's a horrible story with a happy ending - you are in one piece. You can't reconfigure you and order yourself again! We love our MINIs, but they are just hunks of metal and plastic after all, and it looks like they are designed to save us lumps of carbon and water! Thanks MINI, gives me comfort!

I hope they throw the book at the DUI driver. They should force those stomach implants on drunk drivers that make you violently ill if you consume alcohol. That way, the only risks to them drinking is to themselves. THAT would make them think twice.



P.S. Please don't tell Marvin I called him a hunk of metal and plastic

 

Hey Msteadman,

I saw that you were wondering about web spoke wheels and exterior chrome. Here's a pic of them on a SS like yours in case you like them

 

Makes me glad that the MINI is my wife's daily driver!

It's a tragedy for sure, but hey, you get the thrill of taking delivery of TWO MINIs in a short time. Be careful- happy motoring!

 

M,

I'm really sorry to hear about your MINI.

Also being a Week 35'er, I was enjoying reading your posts about how much fun you were having with your car while I waited for mine. I can imagine the emotions you must be feeling now. I know that I would be sickened if anything like that would happen to Otto.

I hope that you are able to find a replacement soon and that you have better luck with the next one.

Take care,

Bill

 

Speedwing - Wow now that is insane; and talk about starting early! It never ceases to amazing me the amount of people who drink and drive, it's a major problem.

jascooper - Yep, the MINI definitely did its job. I'm about 45 mins outside of Philly in Lancaster. But oh my goodness, that's ridiculous! It's a pretty small city here so thankfully I didn't have any issues with that in my first few days. I've actually heard quite a few NAM members telling similar stories to yours. Pretty impressive that the mirror was able to take that impact without a scratch though.

Beijing66 - Thanks! Those were definitely some good times and Lord knows I'll probably be even MORE obsessed with tracking it this time around; Although I dunno if that's possible as I was pretty bad. MINI is now officially my savior, I'm pretty sure they've earned a customer for life. But Liberty Mutual has been great. I didn't know much about them since they don't advertise a lot, but figured if they're supported by MINI USA then they must be pretty good. I'll be sure to keep you guys posted. I should be ordering within the next week or 2 and specs will remain pretty much the same. The only switch I've decided on is I'm gonna swap from the Crown Spokes for Web Spokes and I'll be adding the exterior chrome package but without the chrome mirrors. I'm also on the fence regarding swapping my original Piano Black trim for English Oak... Any thoughts are appreciated.

MMM - Yep, they've definitely been proving themselves thus far. They actually called me earlier today to see how I was doing. After letting the rep know that my back is still somewhat soar she gave me some type of special code which I can bring to any hospital in my area and they'll charge whatever examination fees directly to Liberty Mutual, no out of pocket expenses whatsoever. And strangely enough they aren't even charging me a deductible. NICE

egon - You're quite right in that; well said! And that drunk driver idea sounds like one hell of a good one.

KevinV - HOTT! Is that your MINI? I'm totally sold on the Web Spokes.

Madoc - That's really true - not many people get to go through the excitement twice in just a matter of months... Almost TOO much excitement for me though.

wolf617 - Thank you so much. Quite the coincidence that your MINI's name is Otto and the dealer I ordered from once and will soon again is Otto's.

 

Msteadman-

I'm so very sorry to hear of the loss of your MINI. However, what really matters is that you're okay. You can always build another MINI, but not another you!

It must have been the most incredible roller coaster of emotions to be so excited for the month or so that you had her ordered, then four days later she's gone. I would have been beside myself.

It's kind of sad since we both had MINI's that were brought home to Lancaster within a day of each other.

Make sure to get yourself checked out by a medical professional, just to be careful. Also, find the time to show up in court and look the drunk driver in their eyes on their court date. If the judge can see the person it effected, it makes a bigger emotional impact. Hopefully justice will be served.

Once again, I'm grateful that you're safe! Stories of MINI's sacrificing themselves for their owners makes me happier than ever that I chose a MINI. Although the loss of a MINI is sad, it's nice to know that they're so incredibly safe.

Good luck ordering or finding another MINI. Keep us updated here at NAM.

~Bert

 

noooooooo......i'm so sorry to hear that :( ....good thing is you're ok and you got full purchase price .