I just bought a 2014 Mazda 3 i Grand Touring. Excited about the change, but also really sad to leave (hopefully just temporarily) the wonderful MINI community in terms of car ownership. My lease couldn't have ended at the worst possible time with the 2014 delays causing 2013's/CPO's to vanish and then the short 2014 production year resulting in price increases/requirements on the 2015 I didn't care for. I wasn't really a fan of the F56 anyway, but the 2015 changes just cemented my decision it wasn't the car for me. It's just been a nightmare trying to find a new 2013 or 2012/2013 CPO that had what I wanted (I searched as far west as Denver) and missed out on a few there due to bad timing (they sold literally two days before I was going to be there!). It's funny how something so simple can change your entire life in terms of the vehicle you own! I do love my 2011 Justa and considered just buying out the lease, but it's iffy if it would be worth it as the value of the car is teetering around the residual value and it's been in two accidents (1 major, 1 minor).

Initially, I was planning to order a new 2013 before they ended production, but because I did a pre-paid lease I couldn't participate in the pull-ahead program as that's only for normal leases. I would have lost the money I already put into the car, so was pretty stuck with my end date in July. Then when the 2014 model was released, I just couldn't see myself in it. I'm hoping the gen 4 will fix some of the issues I have with it, but it's probably not going to. Fingers crossed.

Anyway, I'll still be a part of the MINI community in my heart and online, I just won't own a MINI anymore!

 

Wishing you well on your new automotive endeavor!

 

Quiter!

Just kidding - Please have fun and enjoy your new ride.

 

Good luck with the mazda, I hated the one my wife had. Useless pos.

 

Good luck with the Mazda 3! They are nice looking cars (My wife wants one). I have owned many Mazdas in the past, and have loved them, so I hope you do the same!

(Of course, that was PRE-MINI... now I don't know if I can EVER leave!)

 

Mini-mine, too bad we can't keep you, and ship Richardsperry elsewhere instead!

 

Enjoy your new mazda! I wish you could of found a 2013 MINI. My ma still says to me she wishes they had more 2013s. There are many mixed feelings about the new f56.

 

Thanks guys! Well it's not so bad. Change is good every once in a while and I kind of want/need the extra space now I live in Seattle and there are so many places to bike, camp, etc.

Anyway, really just a downgrade from MINI owner to MINI enthusiast ha. Hopefully I'll be back in the MINI ownership camp when it comes to buying my next car!