I've been browsing these forums for a while and hope to be ordering a MINI soon (my first brand new car).

If you want to experience disrespect and disgust on the road, try driving a 1963 Dodge Dart station wagon! I had one about 10 years ago - great car, slant-6 engine, push-button transmission, and plenty of power. But some drivers - most notably ones who had BMWs, Mercedes, and (of course) SUVs could not bear the indiginity of being behind a Dodge Dart. It didn't matter how fast I was traveling - and I experimented with a few drivers - they would just have to pass.

 

You know, oftentimes old cars really stink - literally, the exhaust smell is terrible. I have avoided and gotten around old cars, diesel trucks, etc because of that, the exhaust fumes make me feel ill (of course I try to recirc the air but am too late sometimes, and really, it doesn't do much). I don't know the motivation for the people that passed you but I doubt I'm the only one with that reason. (And if I get the feeling any car doesn't have the greatest brakes or stopping distance I'll avoid being in front of 'em too ).

 

IT'S NOT A F'IN BERET!!! IT'S A FLAT CAP!!



I wasn't wearing at the time either. Just broke it out this weekend in fact. Flat caps are jeans weather. I have a fisherman's hat for the warmer months.


-Paul!

 

Ever since that stupid Jeep Commander backed into me, I've felt like people were out to get me. It seems like every day that I'm on the highway I look in my rear-view and see the blue Ford oval or Chevy bow-tie from a giant SUV and can't help but think how shorter my 60-0 mph time is than theirs...

 

I live in Cali, and yes I have seen a difference since I got Sparky.
I don't know why they do it, but sometimes it is a bit concerning.
I even have Civics and Mustangs pull beside me and rev the engines.
I usually wave at them in my rear view mirror

 

I have noticed that more, and more people want to race me. It doesn't matter if its a red light, or cruising on the highway. I know this car is the ultimate pocket rocket, but damn can't I just have one day that people don't want to race. When I'm in those situations I'm sure glad I bought the Coop S, because to their dismay I leave them in the dust. Also, I've been behind a mini at night and I have to say. The tail lights are really anoying. They are bright as hell!!!

 

With a one-ball, it'd be disturbingly easy to mount a windshield-washer-fluid tank where the "other ball" used to be... while the "oil slick" usage would likely be illegal, and spraying a fluid onto the hot exhaust to create steam/vapor would likewise be unwise, it'd be, well, nice to have. Those washer fluid pipes and nozzles are easily available ina salvage yard, and the nozzles can be aimed ANYWHERE!

(pronounced in a low, soft, but authoritative voice: "Not recommended for usage on public roads. May be illegal. Probably is. Your actions are your responsibility.")

 

Hey, lighten up Sparky! I drove a `65 Plymouth Valiant 225ci slant-6 for many years as my first car. That chassis holds a special place in my motoring heart!