So I'm not a MINI owner (yet) but today I rented a 2015 MC. This car lives 1 block away from me and I rented via ZipCar. It's so tempting not to rent it on a more regular basis but ZipCars are expensive. I paid $57 for 3 hours today. Totally worth it LOL.

In those 3 hours, I tested driving to work (planning routes for when I get a MINI), did a grocery run, and went on a fun ride down the Sawmill Parkway. Lots of fun. I totally thought the car was an "S" but its a Justa. It feels mega fun to drive, so before I honestly was not considering a Justa but I totally will consider it when the time comes for me to get a MINI. I'll be in the market for a 2011-2013 used R56 MINI hopefully by Spring.

Picture above was when I rented it for a wedding I was shooting in the summer.

I honestly can't wait to drive again, and more specially finally get a MINI I've been lusting over for so long. I haven't owned a car in 5 years since I moved to NYC, but last year I moved up north to the burbs, and its time to get a car because rentals are getting expensive, and for the convenience.

Back to wishing and dreaming. Hope everyone had a good weekend.

 

Now you need to get one, nice story.

 

Good test drives. Mini and the Sawmill Parkway. Use the Sawmill every time I go down that way and always time it during non commuter hours. Taconic State Parkway is another nice Mini drive... but never attempt during rush.

You definitely need to get a Mini. Hope you do.

 

So the real question is, when are you getting your new MINI?

 

Just a heads up: The F56 "justa" is 1.5L turbocharged. The R56 justa is 1.6L normally aspirated. There is a considerable difference in performance.

 

I'm aiming for a late February/March Purchase.


Good to know. I'm looking for 2011-13 R56.


When it comes to reliability, I've been almost completely avoiding N14 models because of what I read . Am I being too critical of the N14s?


The only "must haves" for me is that the car needs to be Laser blue and black hardtop. Anything else is debatable. I've seen some sexy 2009-2010 Laser Blues out there but I go "meh". Am I wrong by doing this?

 

Should be able to find one... as long as you're willing to travel a bit. Unless you get lucky and one pops up near where you live. Laser Blue is one of the better colors on a 2nd Gen Mini. From what I've read, once N14 known trouble spots are fixed up, they're OK. I'd tend to be on the lookout for a lower mileage 11-13. Hope the perfect one shows up!