My wife and I and our four MINI dogs (Chihuahuas) recently moved from Southern Indiana to Southern California. This necessitated a search for a new daily driver (dd) as my Hummer H3 was gulping the gas 3 times faster than previously since I now drive three times as far to get to work. I looked at Hondas, Toyotas and a couple of other weak contenders but I was pretty sure the MINI was my choice for the new dd so I looked here and on a couple of other forums for configurations and info on what were the options I'd want and what colors I was partial to on a MINI Cooper S. I found the car I wanted in LA and the wife and I took a trip there a couple of weekends ago and picked up a Pepper White/Black MCS I'd had my eye on for a couple of weeks. We bought it at Nick Alexander MINI from a salesman there named Jerod and totally enjoyed the experience (easily my best in 30 years of car buying).

I have to say that I am very impressed with the engineering and quality of the car as well as how efficient the space usage is, but the performance is really what surprised me the most. Now, I have a couple of modified 2002 Corvettes that are wickedly fast and great-handling but I was very pleasantly surprised at how quick and maneuverable the MINI is. I was concerned I might become quickly bored with it as a dd but it's a very entertaining and highly competent ride that I'm sure I will enjoy for a long time. Heck, I haven't even finished breaking it in, so haven't explored anywhere near its limits, and it's obviously a quick, nimble car. I take the Ortega Hwy. which is about 30 miles of challenging canyon roads and the MINI is perfect for it. Plus, it's cute as hell (that's from the wife ). We love this car!

I spent the day today giving it a thorough cleaning, detailing and polishing with various Zaino products and 303 Aerospace. So without further delay, here are some pics of the newest addition to our stable. (Excuse the dirty Vette - she's next. )

 

Loves it! Especially the wheels Be sure to take it up some good driving roads once you have broken her in.

 

Thanks for all of the great pics. It's a sweet looking ride.

So, whatcha got there hiding under the cover up on the lift?

 

Hey patches! Congratulations on your new MINI!

The pics are sweet!

 

Love it dude.If you are interested in selling it then do let me know please..

 

Nice pictures. Great looking car. Love the black wheels.

Congratulations.

 

Thanks for the great comments, guys.

Under the cover:


What parks on the other side (I should get a pic of the Humbler and the MINI together:

 

Sweet ride. I'm a big fan of your wheels. Are those the standard headlights?

 

Nice! My husband's '11 Z06 and my MINI get along well!

 

Those are the Bi-Xenon HID's - one of the requirements I had for a new car. I have installed aftermarket HID's in our Vettes due to poor halogen performance at night (projector stylem not just the bulb retrofit). Made a world of difference. I will always outfit a new car with HID's if it's available as an option. They are so much better.

 

Looks like you got the black headlights too, which I'm guessing was the question. I wish I could have gotten them on my JCW.

 

Ed, is that you ?!?! It has to be...I don't know too many people with a red vette that call themselves Patches.

Small world huh?

I just picked up a MINI too...well, I got it for my daughter (It's been snowing here in GA. I'll post some new pics after I get her detailed).

From what I can tell so far, this place is just as cool/informative/friendly as CorvetteForum.com. I think you'll like it here

By the way, in addition to the MINI, I still drive my first love:



Glad you're doing well !

Happy motoring !

Marvin

 

Sweet looking MCS, Patches. Please keep us up to date on any mods or observations. Have fun with it.

 

Sorry - yes, those are the black-bezel headlights which I did specifically want.

Marvin! Yes, it's me! Hope all's well with you and Pat. You C6 is beautiful. I'm in SoCal now with a new, better job and company. Still miss Atlanta a lot.

Thanks y'all - I know I will enjoy commuting in my MCS.

Ed