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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 06:28 PM
  #1  
thehawaiianclubman's Avatar
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"Why didn't you just buy a..."

I have got this question asked too me one too many times and it is starting to bug me. People always ask me why I got such a small car for so much money. My response is always "have you ever driven a MINI?". and the answer is always no. Some of my friends just don't understand what it is like to own a MINI and maybe some of you feel the same way.
Do any of you guys have any stories about this annoying question?
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 06:30 PM
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I've never been asked anything like that.
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 06:36 PM
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i been asked a couple of times and i jsut said... there nothing like it
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 06:38 PM
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I completely understand how you feel! I've been told several times that the MINI isn't "unique" enough for what you pay for them... and I simply cannot wrap my head around it. I have never driven anything else that is like a MINI and I don't think that there is anything else out there that is quite like a MINI. I can't think of anything that even scratches the surface... in looks, or the way it drives.
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 06:58 PM
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Those who asked such questions usually have no knowledge about Mini or BMW. Just take those people for a ride in your car, go slowly...just slow enough for them to start giving you negative comments about your car. When you approach the exit (pick a really curve one) or getting off the exit...wait for people in-front of you to clear...THEN punch it like 50-70 MPH and watch their reaction...either sh*t in their pants or jaw
drops...good luck.

ps. DON'T KILL YOURSELF if you're not experieced!!!!!!!!!!! my disclaimer :-)
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 07:11 PM
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Wow my friends think it's pretty cheap :D They all thought they were more expensive.
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 07:16 PM
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It has been my experience that the people who ask such questions don't understand and never will because they are not "drivers". Giving them a ride will not change their mind. They will just think you are a crazy driver. They are unable to appreciated the handling qualities of a drivers car. I simply answer their questions with "This car makes driving fun"....because driving to them is not fun.
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 07:16 PM
  #8  
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Originally Posted by jjp007
Wow my friends think it's pretty cheap :D They all thought they were more expensive.
Ditto. When I tell people how much it cost, they all say, "Is that all?"

I haven't had any negative reactions. I've had it for more than two months now and people I work with who see it every day are still asking me about it.
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 07:18 PM
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A co-worker told me I should have bought a cobalt. I could only nod in agreement and walk away.
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 07:18 PM
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Made by BMW, faster than a Porsche through a slalom, better gas mileage than your cavalier.........Any more stupid questions?
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 07:19 PM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by BF_
A co-worker told me I should have bought a cobalt. I could only nod in agreement and walk away.
This is an absolutely classic maneuver
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 07:22 PM
  #12  
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I would not even respond to people who ask that question. If someone asks you that question then they are obviously not a car guy (gal). Eveyone who has seen my Mini has commented how cool it is. In fact I have had more compliments on my Mini than on my 911.
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 07:29 PM
  #13  
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From: Planet CROC
I talk about the gas mileage, the handling, the speed, the styling, and the cool people motoring the MINI.

CROC 411
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 07:49 PM
  #14  
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I get asked that all the time even from my family.My response is big things come in small packages as I open the door to show them how roomy the interior actually is compared to the size of the car.

You can always take them for a ride and as you take a tight corner and watch them through the corner of your eye grab the factory installed "OH S***" grab handle should convince them of the great handling too.

But I do get asked a lot what kind of gas mileage I get more then the size of the car mostly due to the fact that gas prices have skyrocketed lately and I always answer with excellent gas mileage.

Remember the MINI Cooper is a premium compact car with premium the keyword so yes it will cost a bit more then regular compact cars but well worth the price.
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 09:06 PM
  #15  
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They don't understand. They don't need to understand.

The same question used to bother me.
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 09:24 PM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by Btwyx
I've never been asked anything like that.
Same. Some clowns will say the car is too small but then they ride in it and change their tune.
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 09:34 PM
  #17  
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just tell them that its actually dirty cheap..... Highest resale value the past how many years running now? Where as their cars depreciated like a lead brick haha.
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 09:44 PM
  #18  
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Originally Posted by bgdc
Same. Some clowns will say the car is too small but then they ride in it and change their tune.
I did have one freind who decided it really was too small after riding in it once. He is *VERY* substantial around, and the guy in the back was almost as big.
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 09:45 PM
  #19  
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I've never been asked that but I have thought that myself... There's really nothing else out there in this price range that I would want or that has as much character as the Mini does so I answer my own question...
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 09:51 PM
  #20  
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I'm not confrontational. But when I pretend to be in my head, I always answer this, "Why do you care what I drive?"
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 10:00 PM
  #21  
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i've had to hear a lot of crap in the year prior to buying my mini. i hear a lot of sentiments about how it's a gay car from the people at work. all my xbox live friends think the car rocks. so i second the idea that you have to be a driver to appreciate this car. it does kind of bother me that my girl friend keeps ragging on it as a clown car. i'm pretty sure she does it just to push my buttons, i may have to run her cat over anyway tho.
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 10:01 PM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by BF_
A co-worker told me I should have bought a cobalt. I could only nod in agreement and walk away.
LMAO
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 10:06 PM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by Btwyx
I've never been asked anything like that.
same here
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 11:11 PM
  #24  
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I dont really see how its expensive, I challenge them to find a comperable car for a signifigantly cheaper price. I looked at honda civic si's the other day and they wanted 23k for a used one. My mini is going to cost 25 and change brand new. Very good price for a very good car, and the fuel economy is the best in its class, as is the fun facor.
 
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 11:30 PM
  #25  
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I did have one friend who wrinkled her nose when I told her what I was buying. Said she hates seeing guys driving them, Mini's and Miata's just aren't a manly car I told her you would be surprised how many men own these little race cars.
 
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