So, I bought my first MINI in the fall of '08. In the spring of '10, I had some financial troubles and had to trade it in. I have missed my MINI every day since then!

Fast forward to now, my financial problems are over, and I am thinking about getting another MINI. For you ex-MINI owners, would you purchase a MINI for the 2nd time, or just get something cheaper??

 

As a former owner you know what to expect and what to look for.
You get what you pay for!
Cheap is cheap.
You owe it to yourself to drive something special.
Be one of a kind, not one of many.

 

+!!!

If you can afford a MINI now, then don't waist anymore time...GO GET ONE!!

 

I think you guys are right! I need to start looking again!

 

I had two MINIs ('03 and '07) and found another small car that I liked even better. I guess that made being MINI-less more tolerable. Thing is, MINIs had a corner on the market to some extent years ago, but I think there are some good other cars out there and more on the way. Some of these are better are, in certain ways, better at being a Mini than a MINI is!

If it sounds like I totally got over MINIs...well, I guess I did! I still love motoring, just within a different set of parameters.

 

Gokart, I have read over the years how you were in love with your MINIs. I agree that America is fortunate that we are finally being offered choices in fun little cars!

What is the current ride that you are so enamored with? I am a small car nut.

 

A very good question...but one I feel it unfair to discuss in a MINI-enthusiast forum.

Suffice it to say that I got that crazy, whip-tastic steering back (that my early '03 Cooper had) and much tighter turning radius...all in a very Mini package. It's not particularly quick, but I have no interest (actually, make that anti-interest) in that. Straightforward precision and driver engagement (not speed, not gadgets) is what I crave.

I love small cars, too...always have. I had the Sprite when others had the 3000. City cars are my current point of mini-car fascination since they are a better match for what I prefer.

My only real point here is that Mini-DNA can be found outside the MINI marque if one in inclined to look for it.

 

So a SMART car is in your future.

 

Ah, Gokart! So not fair Here you are still hanging around on NAM after all these years and you won't fess up to whether your sled is a FIT, or I highly doubt it, a Smart car.

Just so not fair....

 

No changes planned, but I am wanting to see what the iQ might be like.

I know, I know...sorry. I lurk here only because of the MINI Rocketman.

 

which blew up like the CVTs tended to do. I traded it in eventually for an HHR SS with the stage 1 GM kit so I had 295 HP. It was quick and more useful while still giving me over 30 mpg on the highway. I never got over my mini though and after 2 years away I'm back. My 02 justa was more raw and fun but I'm learning to like my 11 cooper s almost as much.

 

I had a similar situation back in '06. I got a mini and was only able to hold onto it for a very short period and had to trade it in. Ever since that day, every time I saw a mini, I missed it. It wasn't up until a week ago, that I decided I was ready to get a mini and keep it this time. I say go for it!

 

I agree. You only live once and life is short. We may as well enjoy the "little" things while we can, like Motoring!!

I'm just not sure if I want to be practicle and look around for a used one I really like, or build a new one. Decisions, decisions!!

 

I understand completely. I let an Oxygen Blue MINI go a couple years ago because I thought I was being too extravagant. Every day since then I have missed her.

So, when I saw the Ice Blue this fall, I knew I had to have one again.

Little Smith is on order, named after my father who died on 1 January. He was a car fanatic from way back. He went downhill after he gave up his drivers license a few years ago.

Motor before it's too late

 

Well, we have something in common. My father passed away on January 6. I know he really liked my first MINI. Hopefully he will like my 2nd one!