How Many MINIs Did You See Today?
I saw 5 different MINIs on Gran Via in Madrid on Tuesday in a 2 hour span. Mostly MCS models, 1 Cabrio w/ the hood up. Yesterday only 1 S CR/W and last night on the way to dinner saw a blue MC with a color matched checkerboard roof. Can't wait to get home so I can drive my MINI!!!
This morning I saw my car's dark blue counterpart! (not sure what year/what color, since it was very overcast and dim out) Since it was overcast, and I was turning - they were also maneuvering - we did the happy blink exchange. Which they initiated!!! (FOR ONCE!) Couldn't get the phone camera out fast enough to prove it though.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Dublin, CA
So far I've seen 14 today. seeing as I am in the East Bay, somewhat near SF we do seem to see alot. 4 Cabrios, 2CR, 1 Green, 1 LB. 3 JustaCoopers 2 PW/B, 1 Laser/B.. 7MCS 1 Brand new AB/W from MINI of SF, 3 CR/B w/B bonnet stripes. 2PW/B 1 Mellow/White.. 4 of them were in the DVC parking in Pleasant Hill, 2 in San Ramon on Crow Canyon road. 8 on Highway 680. My favorite of the day was the AB/W in the DVC parking lot
Sorry Phone picture
Sorry Phone picture
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
I was tempted, but it was after I dropped $300 and it was $125. Besides, I have about 100 clocks of various types, if not more. There would not have been a place to put it.
I would agree with you, but see other posts in here where MINI USA denied warranty coverage on what they considered competitive events, notwithstanding the MINI owners' position that they were not competitive. I would submit that simply referring to something as a "track day" may put one in trouble with a service advisor looking for a reason to deny warranty coverage, so when going in for warranty work don't even mention the words.
In the end, it's MINI's vague wording ["any competitive"] that controls since they are the ones with the checkbook, so to speak. Who needs the hassles.
In the end, it's MINI's vague wording ["any competitive"] that controls since they are the ones with the checkbook, so to speak. Who needs the hassles.
Hmm. This week has been kind of an odd week for MINI sightings - I haven't seen any of the "regulars" I normally see. Strangely enough, at lunch, I had some girls in a blue new beetle give me the headlight blink and a HUUUUUGE wave. I don't know who they are, but I waved and blinked the headlights back. This still makes me smile, despite not getting it from another MINI owner...
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: New England
Michaelsf, I notice on your most recent batch none have stripes. Is that a trend over there or do you just happen to take more pictures of Mini's sans stripes?
I prefer Mini's without stripes for the most part.
I prefer Mini's without stripes for the most part.
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
Now that you mention it, I guess more people go without stripes rather than with. But I have seen stripes at times, just not that many.
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
That's kind of why I always switched over to Euro plates and covered my VIN whenever my car was involved in anything remotely close a "competitive event". I was a bit paranoid after reading the horror stories on here. My car is no longer under warranty, but I still continue to switch to the Euro plates to keep my car a bit more ambiguous.
1) were not aware of the posts in here where other members were denied warranty coverage because in the SA's opinion the person was in a competition, as defined by MINI; and
2) do not realize that MINI holds the power in this situation and a member's opinion about what does and does not constitute "competition" does not hold any weight when MINI denies a claim.
Last edited by MichaelSF; Sep 11, 2008 at 10:52 PM.
oddly enough, within a 1/4 mile stretch of road, there were four of us including my car. At the stop light, I had one on either side of me, and one several spaces up. Several minutes later, as I was merging onto the freeway, there was one in front of me.
Definately the most MINI's I've ever had around me without being on a run!
-Chase
Definately the most MINI's I've ever had around me without being on a run!
-Chase
4th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
Didn't count today, but did park in front of a CR/UJ MC when I got home so I could look out my living room window and see this:
This CR/UJ parks here occasionally. The house two doors down is a rental, and I think that the owner lives there or visits someone there.
This CR/UJ parks here occasionally. The house two doors down is a rental, and I think that the owner lives there or visits someone there.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Newtown, PA
Here's the balance of the pics for the day, that is, on my ride today.
This was across the street from Marina Green, coincidentally there was this one in the driveway and a few blocks down, another in the driveway. Never noticed them before. Looks like the MINIs in these pics don't get to rest in the garages. Too bad because it gets quite damp at night, with the fog and all.
Another strange coincidence, these two MINIs on the same block, so to speak, were both convertibles. I am beginning to think that some MINIs are segments of the same worm, cut into pieces and wiggling around the same part of town.
The other MINI a few blocks down from the BRG MINI.
This dark silver MINI was parked at the Fort Point - Crissy Field area. This was one of four Dark Silver MINIs I saw. I don't get it. Why do I see none of a color on some rides, then on a day like today I see four. Recall the Marina Safeway where there were two yellow in the same lot, practically next to each other. Then another time there were two blue MINIs in the same spots as the yellow. Really odd.
Another Dark Silver parked on Hyde Street, next to the cable car. Around the corner was the Pepper White that I got with the cable car in the shot. MINIs are everywhere in this town.
This is the Pepper White that had the new car paper plates on it [see previous posts.] Looks like he got his plates now. A real shame that this nice, new MINI S has to park outside. I will be keeping an eye on it to see what kind of damage it suffers from being outside. The owner keeps it very clean. Over the past month it has appeared "just washed" despite it staying out in the damp, dirty environment all night and day.
Just another shot of the same car, to document its pristine condition front and back.
This was across the street from Marina Green, coincidentally there was this one in the driveway and a few blocks down, another in the driveway. Never noticed them before. Looks like the MINIs in these pics don't get to rest in the garages. Too bad because it gets quite damp at night, with the fog and all.
Another strange coincidence, these two MINIs on the same block, so to speak, were both convertibles. I am beginning to think that some MINIs are segments of the same worm, cut into pieces and wiggling around the same part of town.
The other MINI a few blocks down from the BRG MINI.
This dark silver MINI was parked at the Fort Point - Crissy Field area. This was one of four Dark Silver MINIs I saw. I don't get it. Why do I see none of a color on some rides, then on a day like today I see four. Recall the Marina Safeway where there were two yellow in the same lot, practically next to each other. Then another time there were two blue MINIs in the same spots as the yellow. Really odd.
Another Dark Silver parked on Hyde Street, next to the cable car. Around the corner was the Pepper White that I got with the cable car in the shot. MINIs are everywhere in this town.
This is the Pepper White that had the new car paper plates on it [see previous posts.] Looks like he got his plates now. A real shame that this nice, new MINI S has to park outside. I will be keeping an eye on it to see what kind of damage it suffers from being outside. The owner keeps it very clean. Over the past month it has appeared "just washed" despite it staying out in the damp, dirty environment all night and day.
Just another shot of the same car, to document its pristine condition front and back.
Meanwhile I have a friend that lives in the S.F. area and I told her I was getting a MINI - she must have thought -- big deal since they seem to be a little more common in S.F than in PA. I'm lucky if I see 3 a day, although I've noticed a bit more sightings lately.
waiting for the next sighting
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
How sad that the Pepper White has to wear what appears to be a bumper sticker!
Meanwhile I have a friend that lives in the S.F. area and I told her I was getting a MINI - she must have thought -- big deal since they seem to be a little more common in S.F than in PA. I'm lucky if I see 3 a day, although I've noticed a bit more sightings lately.
Meanwhile I have a friend that lives in the S.F. area and I told her I was getting a MINI - she must have thought -- big deal since they seem to be a little more common in S.F than in PA. I'm lucky if I see 3 a day, although I've noticed a bit more sightings lately.
Some people put the permit on their windows rather than dirty up a beautiful bumper. See below, with the sign saying who can park where.
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
I am sorry SIR!!! I have been remiss in my posting duties.
I have some additional sightings that I will upload immediately, if not sooner.
Please don't suspend me. Please..... I am begging you man, have mercy...
Oh... here's my real response:
I have some additional sightings that I will upload immediately, if not sooner.
Please don't suspend me. Please..... I am begging you man, have mercy...
Oh... here's my real response:
Last edited by MichaelSF; Sep 12, 2008 at 02:57 PM.
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
OK... here's some scraps I had from previous sightings, that I have not had time to edit and post.
This is provided for the Member who commented on there not being many MINIs with stripes. A true statement, but again with great coincidence I just got this pic of one parked in my neighborhood. Sidenote: this is the same MINI in the other pics that has a God awful door ding on the right door.
ACTION SHOT!!!!!!!!!!
Snapped this one while on my scooter. I'll tell you, it was a chore whipping out my cell phone, snapping the pic then putting the cell phone back in its holster, all before the light changed to green. The things I do to provide pleasure to all you voyeur pervs.
Same MINI, except without me trying to be artistic by getting my scooter in the shot.
Nice Dark Silver on *** Hill, on my curb.
This is provided for the Member who commented on there not being many MINIs with stripes. A true statement, but again with great coincidence I just got this pic of one parked in my neighborhood. Sidenote: this is the same MINI in the other pics that has a God awful door ding on the right door.
ACTION SHOT!!!!!!!!!!
Snapped this one while on my scooter. I'll tell you, it was a chore whipping out my cell phone, snapping the pic then putting the cell phone back in its holster, all before the light changed to green. The things I do to provide pleasure to all you voyeur pervs.Same MINI, except without me trying to be artistic by getting my scooter in the shot.
Nice Dark Silver on *** Hill, on my curb.
Last edited by MichaelSF; Sep 13, 2008 at 11:15 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
You MINIers in San Fran sure are numerous.
Here in N.J. MINIs of all types are still rare. I had the opportunity on Wednesday to drive for 65 miles during morning rush and, while watching both directions and avoiding the A-Hs, I only saw two MINIs. It is not unusual to see no more than three any time I have been motoring and since July, when I ordered my soon to arrive MCCS, I have seen only one "Clubman".
It does however add a flavor of uniqueness to owning one here on the east coast.
Here in N.J. MINIs of all types are still rare. I had the opportunity on Wednesday to drive for 65 miles during morning rush and, while watching both directions and avoiding the A-Hs, I only saw two MINIs. It is not unusual to see no more than three any time I have been motoring and since July, when I ordered my soon to arrive MCCS, I have seen only one "Clubman".
It does however add a flavor of uniqueness to owning one here on the east coast.
Does it count if I saw a MINI on the cover of a local magazine?
http://www.richmondmagazine.com/ME2/Default.asp
http://www.richmondmagazine.com/ME2/Default.asp
Seeing CHILI RED!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 523
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
I saw a yellow MINI Cooper S yesterday AND got my first wave! It was pretty cool, as most MINI drivers I encounter on the road seem to look everywhere but me and my MINI.
I was so shocked that I got a wave that I just nodded as I drove past. I would have waved, but I was in the process of preparing to turn down my street.
Hey MichaelSF, you might snap a pic of my car this weekend if I make it into the city. A buddy of mine from Virginia is in town for a medical conference and I might go in to see him. My first "road trip" woo hoo!
I was so shocked that I got a wave that I just nodded as I drove past. I would have waved, but I was in the process of preparing to turn down my street.
Hey MichaelSF, you might snap a pic of my car this weekend if I make it into the city. A buddy of mine from Virginia is in town for a medical conference and I might go in to see him. My first "road trip" woo hoo!
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Newtown, PA
You MINIers in San Fran sure are numerous.
Here in N.J. MINIs of all types are still rare. I had the opportunity on Wednesday to drive for 65 miles during morning rush and, while watching both directions and avoiding the A-Hs, I only saw two MINIs. It is not unusual to see no more than three any time I have been motoring and since July, when I ordered my soon to arrive MCCS, I have seen only one "Clubman".
It does however add a flavor of uniqueness to owning one here on the east coast.
Here in N.J. MINIs of all types are still rare. I had the opportunity on Wednesday to drive for 65 miles during morning rush and, while watching both directions and avoiding the A-Hs, I only saw two MINIs. It is not unusual to see no more than three any time I have been motoring and since July, when I ordered my soon to arrive MCCS, I have seen only one "Clubman".
It does however add a flavor of uniqueness to owning one here on the east coast.
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
Great day, counted all day.
A new record: 54.
Had to send myself an e-mail on my Blackberry to keep track.
More world of the unexplained.
Yesterday I commented that it was the first time I have seen a gold MINI. Well today I saw another gold MINI. No, it was not the same one. The one I saw tonight was a convertible.
Also, confirmation we must have the most MINIs per capita. On one City block I saw a total of three on one curbside, then around the corner another three, then down the street another two.
Will edit the pics and post. For now, here is a MINI I saw. Can you see it.
A new record: 54.
Had to send myself an e-mail on my Blackberry to keep track.
More world of the unexplained.
Yesterday I commented that it was the first time I have seen a gold MINI. Well today I saw another gold MINI. No, it was not the same one. The one I saw tonight was a convertible.
Also, confirmation we must have the most MINIs per capita. On one City block I saw a total of three on one curbside, then around the corner another three, then down the street another two.
Will edit the pics and post. For now, here is a MINI I saw. Can you see it.
Last edited by MichaelSF; Sep 13, 2008 at 10:23 AM.
Seeing CHILI RED!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 523
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
Nope. I see a bunch of scooters. No, wait. Let me clean the sleepers outta my eyes...no, still don't see it. Unless you mean that sliver of a MINI in the distant background. How did it get here from Hawaii? Did it swim?
My car might be in your sights today. Heading into SF to see an old friend. Should be cool. Literally. It seems like it's always around 25 degrees cooler than Sacto!
My car might be in your sights today. Heading into SF to see an old friend. Should be cool. Literally. It seems like it's always around 25 degrees cooler than Sacto!
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
OK, here's my Friday sightings, some anyway.
Don't see Purple Haze too often, but here is one of the two I saw tonight. The other one
is below. The Sidewalk edition.
THIS GUY, IN SIXTY MINUTES FASHION, TRIED TO ESCAPE MY LENS. BUT I GOT THE SHOT AS
HE WAS MAKING HIS GETAWAY!
Many Marina District women were all decked out, for the Friday night festas.
Here is the MINI from just off the boat, from Hawaii.
This one gets posted because it was near my condo. It increased my count at the last minute, it gets
posted. Owner went with the blacked out look. Has yet to give it the full Vinyl Styles treatment.
Don't see Purple Haze too often, but here is one of the two I saw tonight. The other one
is below. The Sidewalk edition.
THIS GUY, IN SIXTY MINUTES FASHION, TRIED TO ESCAPE MY LENS. BUT I GOT THE SHOT AS
HE WAS MAKING HIS GETAWAY!
Many Marina District women were all decked out, for the Friday night festas.
Here is the MINI from just off the boat, from Hawaii.
This one gets posted because it was near my condo. It increased my count at the last minute, it gets
posted. Owner went with the blacked out look. Has yet to give it the full Vinyl Styles treatment.
Last edited by MichaelSF; Sep 13, 2008 at 01:15 PM.
4th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
Wow, 54?! Amazing. How funny that I saw a Purple Haze today, too, parked out in front of my work (a spot that seems to attract MINIs because it's a short-term spot, and over the last couple of days, I've noticed at least 3).
I know of 3 Solid Gold MINIs (all hardtops) in SF. One lives near Masonic & Oak, another lives near West Portal. The other one I've just seen driving about.
Saw a Velvet Red on my way home today, not a color I see very often.
My commute is so much shorter now to the new job and doesn't take me through quite such MINIful territory as it used to.
I know of 3 Solid Gold MINIs (all hardtops) in SF. One lives near Masonic & Oak, another lives near West Portal. The other one I've just seen driving about.
Saw a Velvet Red on my way home today, not a color I see very often.
My commute is so much shorter now to the new job and doesn't take me through quite such MINIful territory as it used to.