I have a friend who recently started looking at the Clubman as a replacement for her current car. A very nice, intelligent person, but someone who complains about EVERYTHING eventually. She is NEVER satisfied with a meal, always sends it back or complains, etc. Nitpicks every shoe, watch, widget she gets.
I just know if she gets a Clubman it will be just a matter of weeks before she starts griping about every little thing. I'm just not excited about listening to it or being around at that point and don't want my continuous enjoyment of the brand marred. Am I a horrible person when I change the subject when she starts talking about being on the configurator? Or should I go with it and just be honest that to me the MINI is for people who love the brand and that to most of us it is way more than just transportation.
Don't get me wrong, I really like her and we see each other a few times a week and enjoy each other's company, just this one aspect is not my fave.

Annette

 

That's funny - I have a friend who's like that and I really go out of my way NOT to make recommendations to her. Can't stand to hear the griping later - I guess I both take it personally like I failed her and also it just gets old.

So I don't blame you. In fact, I'd plant some subtle (or not-so-subtle) seeds to try to change her mind.

 

I have a friend like that, only he asks for advice, never takes it and then complains about his poor choice. He gets a lot of, "I told you sos" from me!

It's kind of fun, actually.

Maybe you could tell her about all the problems that come up on these forums, and suggest that she'd be happier with a Honda.

Dave

 

I sure understand what you're saying. I've a couple of instances, where I've felt exactly the same.
Mine, being a used MINI has meant a bit of checking for any oil leaks that might come about, keeping tabs on things and learning what little I can. I've accepted things as they've come. I have a love for the car and it's origins. Can't explain that to most people I come across.
For me it's always been more than just a car and when the lady in the partking lot tells me she's going to get one, I picture that lady with dirty fingernails and it just doesn't fit.

 

????How do you know my Girl Friends MOTHER------???????????????????????

 

I haven't, but I'm thinking about it. I have a friend who was shopping for a car last year, she thought about a Mini but decided she was too tall for one (she's not). Bought a Jeep Liberty, now she says gas is too expensive so she needs a Mini. I have a feeling if she gets one she'll find reasons to complain about it, but who knows?

 

A couple of people have asked me about mine. They ask about price, I tell them it's expensive and that pretty much ends that. I'm not dealing with the fallout after they get one and start complaining.

 

I advised my best friend not to pick up a CVT MINI. He's not very handy with tools and didn't think it would be smart for him to deal with the inevitable CVT issues.

 

Oh my I would only recommend the CVT to people I despise.
I dissuade the MINI to alot of people, especially the ones who use words like economical, commuter, mpg, inexpensive, econobox to describe their driving experience. And point them to either Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Mazda2.

 

A+

 

ahh, the people that purchase mini for transportation

Talk her out of it, one less grocery getter us real Motorers to have to deal with on the road

Tell her to get a Fiat


Thank you! we all need to step in and do this. The brand and heritage of the car means to much to me and im sure others here also to be ruined by corporate caving into society wanting a economical commuter. Granted, Who am i to say what you purchase but i can have an opinion and understand BMW is riding this all the way to the bank and could care less about the Mini. I miss the R53 days when rarely you saw another mini on the road. Today, while in Pennsylvania I counted 43 minis

 

I've once walked out to my car and saw a girl staring at it. She remarked enviously that she would LOVE to own one. I politely informed her that sometimes, people who buy them wind up ditching them because they can't get used to the odd quirks that come with it (the centrally mounted controls and switches; the cute instrument panel; the drooping window) and even the size! Yes, my MA said that, once or twice, the dealer got a MINI back because the owner couldn't get used to how small it was! I also told her that people who drive them are probably a bit more passionate about cars than others and it's probably not for those who only drive a car to get from point A to point B. She thanked me for the information. As I drove off, she was sitting in her car, pondering everything I said. I have no idea if she now drives one. If she does, I sincerely hope it's giving her miles and miles of MINI-motoring fun.

 

Tell her to get a smart car!

 

Surround yourself with positive people. Your friend sounds like too much maintenance. I would explain the mini experience. If you have to explain it she sounds like a person who will never understand. Move on down the road in your mini.