I turned 59 in October. It's hard to believe that, because I remember coming to America (I emigrated from England at age 17 with my family), I remember graduating from high school and from college. I remember my first girlfriend, my first job, my wedding, my children's births, and now their graduations. But yes, I really am 59.
I fell in love with cars pretty early, and I know how a really good car can transfer its attributes to me. I become more athletic, more reliable, more prestigious because that's what my car is. It isn't really as shallow as it sounds, because I've made those choices myself. So I owned Triumph, Austin Healey, Lotus, Porsche, Mazda, Audi, and BMW. But when I became a part of a family, with a wife and children, my personal fulfillment focus shifted from what could help me be "all that I could be" to "all that I can do for those I love." So I sold my high-end stereo with the tube amps and the Martin Logan CLS speakers so the family could have a large-screen TV. And my cars became Toyotas, Nissans, and Subarus.
I'm now the CEO of a wildlife conservation organization, and life can be stressful. But spending 90 minutes or so each day alone in a great car can help. So I needed to figure out which car.
I wanted a car with good fuel economy, because personal responsibility is part of both my and my organization's mission. I wanted a car with all wheel drive, because when I need to be somewhere, I need to be there. I wanted a car in my parking space that would tell my board members, supporters, and staff that I am aware of what it means to have the job I have. And I wanted them to know that I have the style, taste, and personality to lead, not just manage.
A Mini Cooper S Countryman All4 does that. I feel good driving to and from work, I feel that I'm sending the right messages, and I my family is neither broke nor embarrassed by my actions.
Is the Countryman All4 a compromise? Absolutely. But it's not a sell-out. Compromise is what grownups do, and I've pretty much accepted that it's time for me to be a grownup.

 

We have similar beliefs. I got rid of my huge gas guzzling Buick Lucerne to get a countryman. I haven't regretted it once.

 

That was very nice to read Thank you for sharing the story of how you came to be in a MINI

 

Thank you for posting your MINI story!

 

ZUMAN: As a married, successful, 59 yr old, I forwarded your comments to my wife, who thinks I'm a little crazy for choosing All4 over Subaru. Sorry, I too want a car that is a bit more than an appliance!! For that we have the family van!

 

Great story, thanks for sharing!

 

I turned 59 in September and celebrated by ordering the MINI Convertible S that I had wanted since they released them. I then put my 2008 Clubman S (my absolute love with 5400 miles) up for sale along with my 2010 Subaru Outback with 1840 miles on it. I had never liked the Outback. I bought it 4 days after my husband died as I gave his Suburban to my brother who needed a car. The Outback drove like an old person's car--indeed my sister called it the elderbus.
I ordered the Countryman ALL4S one month after ordering the convertible. The CM is in transit at this moment, but the convertible arrived in November (along with several snow storms).
I took a bath on both cars I sold, but I couldn't see owning a car I didn't enjoy. Selling the Clubman was to help pay for the Countryman which is more appropriate for Prescott's mile high weather.
After losing a husband and 4 dogs in less than 18 months I just decided life is too short to not at least have the two cars that will make life more enjoyable. It's so much better than looking back at life and wishing you had lived.
Now I hope that neither MINI catches fire. That would be the crowning touch to 2 tough years.