To all the wonderful people that we met on drives with CMMC, thanks for the memories.
Two days before my 50th birthday, Nov 2002, I picked up my 2003 MC. I had spent numerous hours on this web site waiting along with many others the six long weeks in anticipation of my new "fun" machine. I was not disappointed. Driving the MC was the most fun I've had in a long time. (Behind the wheel of a vehicle, anyway).
Eight days before my 52nd birthday, I drove the 50 miles (each way) to and from my dealer for the emission recall. A trip I'd made numerous times for various problems. While at the dealership I talked to a MA about trading in my MC for a MCS, now, instead of waiting another year til the end of my Owner's Choice Lease. She told me that a MINI dealer wouldn't give me the true trade-in value that I would get at say, an "Acura dealer". Faced with the prospect of another year of "lease" payments, financing a ballon payment at the end of 3 years in order to realize true ownership of my MC brought me to the realization that I would be paying in the least 8 yrs. for an 8 yr. old vehicle, or getting a new car every 3 yrs. and having car pymts. for the rest of my life.
Having bored all of you with my rationalzation, six days before my b-day, I traded-in my beloved MC. Recieved 2500.00 more than I owed, 6250.00 cash-back and other allowances and drove home in my MCS replacement, a Saturn Ion Red Line.
Let the flaming begin.
Gonna miss you guys.
Greg And Maggie
Former CMMC members
member #34

 

No flames from me. The Ion Red Line seems pretty cool, but I haven't driven one yet. You should post again in a few weeks and let us know what you think once you've had it a while.

 

So you traded a car that you'd owe on forever for one that you might actually get to own in a few years? Sounds like a wise move to me! Hope you enjoy your new car. And when, you're ready, that the right MINI will be waiting for you! :smile:

 

happy b-day!

 

So...It's been almost a year since I traded my MINI. In that period MINI sighting have increased from one or two a month to three or four a day here in NW Ind. I miss the MINI at times, though I don't miss the ache I'd get in my right leg on long trips, due to the sport seats lack of thigh support. The Recaro's in the RL completely support the thighs to the knee joint. Seems a shame that MINI will not be offering the Recaro's in the US. I would give up the protection of side air-bags for the comfort and increased driver stability afforded by the larger side bolsters of the Recaro's in a heartbeat. Oops... I already did. Saturn's design staff took a mediocre automobile to the Nuremborgring and came away with an automobile that, in my opinion, comes close to equaling the handling capabilities of the MINI. Keeping in mind that I switched from a 115 hp Cooper to a 205+ hp (closer to 219 hp after mods.) RL that is larger, heavier, approx. 500 lbs. and has only ABS as an electronic driver enhancement, in my experience with both cars on many of the same twisty roads the Saturn is just as capable as the MINI with slight understeer if the corner is entered too fast. OK... lift that throttle, touch that brake slightly, grab third gear, get'R down to sixty as we enter that cloverleaf...and off to your right she wails... Oh S***, as she grabs the JC handle.

 

Glad you still like your Saturn.. Miss you and Maggie on the drives!

 

Sounds like you're doing good. Enjoy what you have.

 

too bad there won't be another Hoosier at the Starved Rock drive this weekend, but we don't mind a Saturn motoring with us, do we?! I do remember meeting you and that ol' LY(?) MCS (?) of yours at last year's SR drive... Hey, honk when you see me around the area. Happy motoring, i guess.