I have not posted here in awhile, but I own a few Budget Rent A Car offices in the northern suburbs. I took a year hiatus from renting minis but the demand is overwhelming. I am happy to say I bought a few S cabrios yesterday and will begin renting them next week.

In addition to the Mini, I rent Smart Cars and the Lotus Elise. If you know anyone looking for an extended test drive or just plain fun, send them my way.

www.budgetnorthshore.com
www.zengarageinc.com

 

Perfect timing.. Someone was just asking about this the other day. I have forwarded your information to them. Thanks for the update!!

 

I get this question from potential clients at least 3 times a month. I will pass on the word. Thank you!!

 

I am amazed that the mini still commands more interest than any other car in my fleet. I owned a very early s, I think it was the 20th that patrick delivered. I started renting them several years ago and sold them at around 30k miles last spring. I have never seen a car stay "hot" for such a long time.
Its a bad time of year in Chicago for cabrios, but I wanted them for next summer.

As a side note, the Lotus is a blast to drive. If you ever need a fun car for a day, do yourself a favor and take one of these for a spin.

 

I am planning to spend Christmas in Milwaukee/Chicago and I wanted to drive up there so my family can see me cabrio MC but I don't really want to drive 16+ hours so I might just take some pictures of mine and rent one of yours.
Great news!
Now all I need is get my ticket for the Blackhaws vs Stars game on Dec 26th and I'll be ready!

GO STARS

 

This is great to know! Thanks for the post. Are all the Minis you have cabrios?

 

yes the minis currently in are cabrios. my previous fleet were all sunroof,sport,cold weather cars. here is something new, delivered last night, i am pimpin in the blue one

 

Woah!! Are Smart Cars actually legal over here? I guess I *have* read that they can be made so. My cousin in Britain has one, in an eye catching light pink! It actually belongs to her hubby, more than to her. He's not afraid of colour, no sir!

Wish I could find a MINI to rent outside of Harrisburg, PA. Cause I'm not driving mine that far, but I'd love to show one off.

 

Smart Cars are not sold in the US... yet. According to smartusa.com, they should be available for the 2008 model year. I drove a Smart fortwo cabrio for a weekend during the Air & Water Show this year. They're fun little cars. Great for big-city driving IMHO.

 

Smart Car was struggling to get EPA certification, they were trying to get certified in CA's extreme regulatory environment.