That's right I am her new dad.

Let me quickly introduce myself.

I am a big time motor enthusiast, do all my own work, almost wish you could purchase new cars with only a 30 day warranty.

Been on the planet for 57 years and counting. Was born in Montreal, relocated to Richmond Virginia 17 years ago, live just South in Midlothian.

Always loved the look of Minis, one of my first drives, when the gang would "borrow" the parents car after school. If I remember correctly it had a positive ground electrical system.

Decided a few weeks ago to sell my '10 2SS Camaro and get something fun that got a "little" better gas mileage. Went through all makes and decided on a MINI. Knowing that I went on my search, which is half the fun. I knew I wanted at least a CooperS or a JCW, had to be manual shift.

Last week I stumbled on NAM, registered then went straight to the classifieds. That is when I saw Syco R53's listing, it appeared to fit me perfectly, but I had never heard of Dinan (sorry, I guess I was asleep under a rock). After researching Dinan and Charlize, I had to have it.

Working with Randy has been great. I sent a friend to take a look and test drive her and it was a done deal.

We need to finalize the paperwork and get her to her new home, 2,600 miles away. I could use any advise on this. I think if I am going go the transport route, it needs to go covered. One quote I got "from the company (Jay Leno) uses was 1,900". Driving her back would be an adventure, but I don't know.

Bye for now.

 

Drive her back. MINI road trips are fantastic.

 

--

 

The MINI is small enough to be put into a moving van so call around to area long haul movers. When we moved to FL from Pittsburgh they put my VW Rabbit right on the truck.

 

Fly / Drive. Take 2 weeks and make a vacation of it!!!

 

You purchased a very nice car! Congrats! I looked at the for sale post and had to wipe the drool off of my laptop ;-) It would be a fun drive if you can find the time.

 

Welcome!

 

Congrats, new papa!
I vote for drive. After having my MINI for a week and putting way too many miles on her, I believe the drive will go much faster than predicted.! Or I'll volunteer to do it for you

 

Nice purchase Dinan Mini's are a rare breed and more so now that they dont do them anymore. Got a Dinan part or 2 on mine atm.

 

Congrats on your purchase and what a great one at that!

My dad currently has a 2010 Camaro SS...I've been trying to get him to get a JCW instead.

 

Hmmmmmm
Let's see - You buy one of the nicest MINIs on NAM and you are thinking of having someone else take Her across country? Isn't that little like asking the hottest girl in high school to the movies and then sending a cab to pick her up to have her dropped off at the box office to meet you? I think we all know what will happen next.

Now what better way to get acquainted with your new car than to drive it back yourself. I actually think that if you don't and once you start to drive it you will regret that you didn't take that first trip with her.

This is a car that was made to enjoy. So enjoy it.

Just my 2 cents.

 

Grats on a great purchase!
There's no better excuse to take a vacation, fly to get it & drive it home. Like the purchase, it'll be a decision you won't regret!😊
One downside on Charlize is you won't find anything to mod & upgrade anymore.

 

I wouldn't mind that! Especially with a Dinan... but now he only has to pay for repairs if something breaks rather than both repairs and mods. As we all know that can get pricey.

 

There are plenty of moving companies that will treat this car right. When I sold my classic mini, the truck that picked up the car had a beautiful M3, old E-Class Jaguar, a Packard, among other cars. Get the right company and the car will be in good hands.

 

Thanks for all the advice, making me feel welcome and giving me a good laugh.

I have decided to drive her home with my 17 year old son. Only problem is that I have to wait till August 24th, that's going to be really hard.

I am not nearly as good a writer as Randy when he documented his first 500 miles, but I will try. "My First 2600 Miles" Could be epic, I can just see it now, people lining up while I drive by, waving flags on over-passes, TV interviews, LOL

 

 

The best decision!
Though in cases like this, the wait would seem eternal!

 

Congrats
Definite road trip & take Tail of Dragon on way to RT95 (more than once)..

 

I purchased a new car in California and I live in NJ. I had Horseless Carriage deliver it for me. $1800.00 and I had my new car in perfect condition and with only 3 miles on it.

 

Not sure if it's more painful for the Seller or the Buyer to wait.

I keep wanting to drive Charlize...

 

Enjoy driving her home, and good luck not having your son beg you for the car!! What an awesome car that is! I'd stand on an overpass and cheer and wave a MINI flag! Wait a minute... do you pass thru San Diego? I so would do it!!... LOL! Take pictures, lots of pictures!

 

The wait is killing me.

 

My son won't get the car, this will be a keeper.

Not going through San Diego, working on the route now.

We have relatives on my wife's side that live in CA. In her youth see would go there every Summer and work at her uncle's restaurant just up from Manhattan Beach just South of Rosecrans, it was called Sloppy's, best sandwich shop in South California at the time.

Her cousin now runs the sandwich / antique shop at the Hearst Castle parking lot in San Simeon. Her other cousin is a Remax agent with his wife in the Manhattan / Palos Verdes area. Their family name is Lucas, this being such a small world maybe someone here knows them.

 

I have been thinking about your last statement. I don't even have her yet and I could not hold back. I purchased one of the last Dinan Strut Braces yesterday. They are on sale for at a 50% discount until they are all gone. Here is the link if anyone else wants one; http://www.dinancars.com/specials/Th...le-50-OFF.aspx

 

Good of Randy to leave something for you to add!