Flashback: November 2009: I begin to look at trading my 2005 Mini Cooper S cabrio because some things are starting to break. Look at a new MINI convertible but 3 things stop me from buying one at the time:

1. the dealer is not breaking down the door to sell me a new one.
2. worries about reliability (mostly on my wife's part but some on mine)
3. desire for something different.

So I buy a 2010 Lexus IS 350 C instead. Been a good car and hasn't given me a lick of trouble. The dealer has bent over backwards to make me happy. It's gotten ventilated seats! The fit and finish inside and out looks like it will last a while.

It has one main problem... IT'S NOT A MINI

Almost a year and a half later I still have withdrawals. I see a Mini driving the other direction and I start to wave and then realize I'm not in a Mini. I miss the go cart. Where my wife love's the smooth ride of the Lexus, I can't feel the road any more.

If a car says something about us, defines us in some way, I've gone from "smile" to "prestige get out of my way you peasant"? I'm not sure I like that. So for the last year I've toyed with the idea of getting into a Mini again.

On the surface the economics would be horrific. I'd realized about a $15k loss on my Lexus. However, I'd lower payments in half probably while still being about to pay it off in about half the time. This really appeals to me after going from a paid off Mini to a large car payment.

I would go get a MINI this minute except:
1. wife really loves the Lexus
2. still worried about the MINI being 'as' reliable
3. same dealer doesn't seem interested in my business
4. it's 'easier' to do nothing than something.

So thanks for reading along with my vent. I guess I'm looking for some support to do what I really want to do (get a MINI) even if it doesn't make a lot of sense.

 

More fuel to the fire. I was playing with the configurator and my 7 year-old son comes in and says he misses my MINI :(

 

What about a new used one that you can make your own? Get a cheap payment , and have 2 cars. Just a thought!! I bought my 07 MCS through the auctions w/ 15000 miles on it. Know I'm in the process of putting some mods on it

 

Keep the Lexus.

Find yourself a pristine '06 MCS.

Life is Good.

....Les

 

Find a clean used MINI and buy an aftermarket warranty? That's what I did, covers nearly everything for four years, and if I don't make any claims I get most of it back. I look at it as $3k in the bank, or, worst case scenario, if something horrible happens I'm covered. If a repair comes up that is near the price of the warranty refund, I use it. If nickel and dime stuff goes wrong, I pay out of pocket.

Life's too short to drive a boring car.

 

+1

 

You know you want to come back, so do it!

 

Dear Mini Withdrawal,

My heart broke for you when I read your initial post.

For crying out loud, if there's one thing I've learned after getting my first Mini at age 57 is, "Life is too short to drive a boring car!"

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!!!!!!! used, new...whatever...JUST DO IT!!!

How was that for justification?

 

I hate to state the obvious, but there are plenty of other MINI dealers that want your business.

 

... lol, "withdrawals"...well over a year later now, could actually be PAWS ... ...kidding

..sounds like some good advice from members here, especially about getting an extended/or aftermarket warranty..if you do decide to go ahead a get another Mini..
J

 

+1. I miss mine every day. While I would love to have an IS, the MINI is my first (car) love.

 

You know you're getting another MINI. You just don't know when...

 

Whats the wife drive? trade in her car on the Mini! have her take over the Lexus(which she apparently wants/loves) and find yourself a nice 06 or take advantage of the kick *** deals Mini is offering on 11's

i was miniless for 11 months....Its hard, very hard. i was fortunate enough that GM bought their POS truck back and was given the opportunity to get my new Mini...

 

cadfael tex --
I was interested to read your post as I'm in almost a reverse situation and struggling to make a decision.
I've got a leased Lexus ES350 which I'll be turning in this May. I'm either getting the same car again or the MINI hardtop. The Lexus dealer has been bending over backward to make me happy and it would be super easy and a good deal to just drop this one off & drive off with a 2011.

I love, love, love the Lexus. Love the mushy drive, like floating on a cloud. Love the roominess inside. The reliablility (this is my second one and before that had several Camrys) for me has been outstanding - zero problems.

BUT, I'm ready for a change and the MINI is fun and cute and I've had my eye on one for a long time. It just will be such a drastic change that I hope I won't be sorry. So reading your post made me think YES, do it, go for the MINI.

 

I'm thinking you've gotten some great advice. Get an '06 and an extended warranty, keep the Lexus. (I just lost my '06 in January and I know I will be getting another in my future).
Or just do what you want, get rid of the Lexus and build yourself an '11 to your specs.
Either way, get a MINI .
On a personal note, I just got my '11 MCS on Saturday and while I was resisting falling in love with it, it's done. Mozart is a very different car than my '06 El Kabong, but still absolutely a MINI. Mozart is more refined, feels more luxurious in small ways, not a sedan by any means, but more detailed. I took him for his first sprint through the mountains yesterday and was grinning ear to ear. I don't know how you're surviving driving a non-MINI.
Annette

 

As someone who recently traded in my 2001 Jeep GC for a 2010 Mini Clubman, I can tell you that I didn't realize just how much I enjoy driving until I drove my Mini! Driving this car is an absolute kick! My Jeep treated me well, but my Mini has brought an entirely different element to my life.

There are very few Minis in my area, but the ones I pass on the road wave cheerfully at me and I reciprocate, making my day!

Just sayin....

 

Yes, it is true that a car is a reflection of who we are. It is an expression of our inner self and embraces the values we hold dear.

I'd say that you should listen to your "inner self". If you've lost that loving feeling that the MINI gave you only to be replaced by turning to the "Dark Side" with the Lexus, then your path is clear.

Give the wife the Lexus and get a good used MINI or find a dealer who will sell you a new 2011! Either way you won't regret it! But whatever you do decide make sure you get a MINI.

Life's short and times a` wasting!

Good luck to you and I suspect that we will see you behind the wheel of a MINI very soon!

 

I've had three wives...

 

I've had 3 wives and 3 MINIs. Not sure where to go with this.....
While I would dearly love to have an IS/F, it just isn't in the cards. Simply can't afford it. So I will continue looking for the right MINI to replace my lost love.

 

To funny !!