I live in one of the outter boroughs in NYC. So naturally one would think I've driven my car into Manhattan. But after more than two years of ownership, nope!

The conditions of the road is not the main factor since pretty much all the roads in NYC sucks.

I guess the main issue I have is parking. I'm definitely afraid to park the MINI on a Manhattan street. My bumpers are prestine and I would like it to stay that way . Don't want to be a victim of parking by Braille. And besides, you need a law degree to decifer some of the parking signs. The other option is leaving it at a garage. The cost itself is not an issue with me but I'm afraid to leave the car with a lot attendant. I've heard about a automated garage somewhere in Chinatown. Now that's a good idea. You can even pay with a credit card.

Even when I used to own a Miata, I rarely took it into Manhattan. Most of the time was just to drive there to pick or drop someone off. I did leave it at a lot once when I had to drive in after work for a "date".

So basically, to avoid all the potential headaches, I just take mass transit into Manhattan.

 

In front of the main ticket entrance at any high school's stadium during their homecoming football game.
"The most dangerous place".

 

I've never taken mine for a swim, but it was close once

 

I've never taken mine more than a mile from my house. LOL (Damn not having any plates)

 

I don't like gravel roads...

 

I hate gravel too!!! To bad that my driveway is gravel!

 

My Mini and I almost went BASE jumping last summer, but opted not to

 

I used to take my 04 to Manhattan all the time. Parking was no problem, but the cobblestone streets in the Village where my gf lived were another matter. Of course, it did provide some entertainment when she wore a halter.

 

I haven't taken my Mini through the Rubicon Trail, but a few of our club's runs haven't been far off.

 

I almost went another way with my car.... DMS 50mm Gravel suspension, 15" wheels with gravel/offroad rally tires. I wanted to take it off some sweet jumps. Then, I thought better of it with a brand new car. Maybe I'll buy an older salvage title R50 and set it up for that so I don't worry about bending stuff.

 

I don't blame you. Two years of even occasional driving to and parking in Manhattan (East Village) left my bumpers on my old car pretty scratched up. Luckily I didn't suffer any dents or dings...

Your comment about parking signs reminds me of a scene from Futurama:

Tour guide: "To this day, the signs remain a mystery."
Leela: "Fry, you're from that century. What do they mean?"
Fry: "I asked a policeman about it once. He said that it means 'Up yours, kid.'"

 

On the other hand, a few weeks back I drove my Mini into Manhattan for the first time and saw tons of Minis at the intersections. Lots of waves that day. I was in town for the Memory Walk along Riverview Park and found a really tiny spot right in front of the registration desk, between a school bus and a sideways parked motorcycle. This car was made for parking in the nooks and crannies of NYC.

 

Going full rally would be cool. but...

The reasons for my aversion of gravel...well, some might remember that pic i posted once.

 

Unfortunately, I live in Manhattan. Parking garages cost more than a car payment, so I have been braving street parking. Needless to say, my bumpers have suffered, especially my rear. Front license plate screws are killer. I have multiple dents. You can even see the hexagonal outline of the screws. I used touch-up paint so at least they are not noticeable from about one mile away.

When I move out to the burbs, I will buy a new bumper. Now, I'm used to it and much more aggressive parking now.

 

Mine goes everywhere. It's my driver - and to an extent, partner.

 

Well, I live and work in NYC (Manhattan) and Esmie goes where I go - EVERYWHERE! Yeah,my bumper is a bit chewed up, and I have some dings, but Esmeralda and I are TRUE NEW YORKERS - [FONT='Times New Roman']RESILIENT, which has given us personality. There's not much we are afraid of, and we'll push the limits IF WE ARE PUSHED. And we definately get respect when 4 people get out after fitting into a tiny parking spot and we're LEGAL. We may be battle scared, but we're cool.[/FONT]