Its been about one year now that we have been MINIless. We still want a new gen cabrio, still hoping that the quality improves a bit. So here are a few thoughts I had on reflection.

Although I did not like the "visits" to the dealership and associated issues, I can honestly say that I appreciate MINI ownership a great deal. People talk about what a fun car it is ... well ... It is fun.

I truly appreciate what owning a MINI did for us. Truly ...

For 12 years we got into a rut. After owning lots of sportscars, we got into a rut of owning the mundane. Simply cheaper, reliable, and practical. I think I'll call it our "drought years." The MINI got us out of that rut. We both started to enjoy the simple pleasure of driving for the sake of driving again. As my wife put it to me when she went on the MINI test drive "I got my speed back again". (I'm lucky to have a sportscar lover for a wife).

I miss not being able to do simple bling mods, changing the graphics, working with a designer to make unique grapics no one else had ... youifying. The MINI was unique. Buying stuff for the car was fun and addictive. I always looked back at it, when parking, and smiled.

And so as I look back, thank you MINI for giving us both back the meaning of what "motoring" is all about. I mean that truly from the bottom of my heart.

Now I want that JCW cabrio ... someday.

 

Aw, Chowsie got all mushy on us! What was it, the third or fourth beer?

Anyway, I think you hit the points about why the MINI appeals to so many of us despite its' minor (and for some, not so minor faults). Hang in there, 2009 (and the R56 cabrio) is only 15 months away!

 

Chows, this is for sale in my area and have seen the car 1st had multiple of times. I know it is not the next gen, but still real nice. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...90#post1733390

 

Hey Chows,

I for one, am gald that you stuck around on NAM after going MINI-less. Who else would have helped me with my sig?

I gotta admit, I admired your CR-MCS. A very youified MINI. Sweet!

But you know it's true; Once a MINI owner... Always a MINI owner. You'll get that JCW Cabrio. It's only a matter of time!

Motor On!

 

I guess I've read way too many of those Chows "devil's advocate" posts in all of those threads. I've seen him get scores of narrow minded MINI owners frothing at the mouth because he refuses to "drink the Koolaid" and just be another mindless sheep following the herd...

Can this really be the same guy?

 

That was SO nice to read......

Donna

 

Aw, Chows...you're a big softy! We know you'll be back in a MINI in the not-too-distant future. Thanks for the sweet thread. Very classy.

 

Uhmm, actually yeah. I try to be open minded about stuff and see the whole picture from outside the box. I know that sometimes comes across harsh but thats not really the intention. Trying to see all sides of things, I find, to be a better approach to stuff.

I gotta say we both really loved the car for its purpose. We just decided not to put up with the "quirks" until they hopefully work them out

Thank You Ms. Clover and Shh

Only my wife is supposed to know that I'm really a softy

 

Will the real Chowsie please stand up?

 

A very interesting perspective. I've been so caught up in the MINI-things I strongly suspect I've lost my objectivity. Nice to know MINIs meant so much to you.