I am sad to say that I traded my MINI in at Hendrick Acura on Nov 5th.

I started a new job and I needed to have a car that I could drive more than one customer at a time in. My new employer is providing a car allowance, but not enough to buy and maintain a new car and keep the MINI. This was a hard choice to make for me. I have had my MINI for over 4 years and put over 95,000 fun miles on it. My new car is an Acura TSX. It is a nice car, but not as fun to drive as the MINI.

I stopped by Hendrick Acura yesterday and there was a couple looking at the MINI. I got an opportunity to talk at length to them about my MINI. I am happy to report that they bought the MINI and plan on joining the club. The new owner is Mike. He has a BMW and has had MGs before.

I want to say thanks to all my MINI friends. I plan on staying a member of the club even if I am MINIless. I hope there can be another MINI in my future.

Thanks
George

 

Well what a sad story with a great ending.

 

George, your name was thrown around at the DDM day yesterday--all good of course. You've made your mark, you're here to stay, it doesn't matter what's in your garage tonight!

BTW, that is a good car too, for a sedan. ;-)

 

George,

When I told Barb about this she said its like the end of an era

We understand how hard a decision like that would be to make, can't imagine having to go through it..............

Glad to hear you're sticking with the club, but I'm sure you know it wasn't the car that made people want to hang with you.

It was the great rate Austin gave us on wheel cleaning!

We love ya man

 

Truly sad news, George. Here's hoping things work out and you can once again find a MINI in your garage. Like Chris said, though, it's great that you still plan on hanging with the club. You're a man among men and would be sorely missed.

 

George!
I can't believe you sold the MINI.
If I had known, I would have bought it from you and put it in a museum.

A little ironic that you bow out as the 1st gen MINI2's also finish out.

You will always be a MINI owner in our hearts. I think we go back to the fall of 2002 meeting at Century MINI for some of their events.

I move that we name George a lifetime M2C2 member!

 

I too felt a sinking feeling in my gut when I read this. George you are one great guy and I hope you find another in your garage one day. Truly glad to have known you and been part of that MINI era of yours

 

He'll be back...

 

Fear not, Mr. Kail. There will be another Mini in your garage someday. The Honda (oops, Acura) will serve you well, but the memory of the Mini will never go away.

To paraphrase what the Porsche people say, you're not without a Mini, you're just in between your last and your next one.

Mike Killian
Charter Member, M2C2

 

George,
I hope you will still come by the dragon for and other big events. The news made it seem like the world stopped (and I'm not even in the M2C2 region)! I am glad to see you plan on staying with the club. Good luck with the new job.
John DaCrema

 

George
This is a shock. I know you'll have another MINI soon. I am so glad you are staying in the fold.... things would not be the same without you around. Remember I sold my first MINI and couldn't stand being without it... so I'm back. I bet you'll do so well in this new role that you'll be able to buy 2 MINI's with your bonus next year.
A

 

George, I've got an open seat on any of our drives... and if you can't stand the speed You can drive.

 

Thanks to everyone for the kind words. It does help ease the pain.

It just shows that the best part of the MINI is the people that drive them.

When I looked back at my MINI pictures it's amazing all the places we have been the miles we have driven the different events and adventure of building M2C2 together.

I know there is a bonus out there (that Robin might not see) that could help get that next MINI. I like Michael's thought that I am just between MINIs. Keith I will take you up on the offer to ride in the passengers seat. Remember King's Island. I had to send you with Austin on some of those rides I could not handle, so go easy on me.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone soon. Please remember Austin and I will work for rides cleaning wheels on drives (hint hint).

I think my new license plate for the Acura will be NEEDMCS, any other thoughts?

 

WANABMCS ..............

 

George,
I can't believe what I'm reading!!!! The MINI is gone!!!! I'm in shock!! Austin must be in mourning. But I understand that you had to make the decision that was best for you at the moment. I have been wanting an Acura for a long time myself so I'm a bit jealous also. I guess you could say I'm conflicted at the moment. Anyway, I agree with everyone else. You'll have another MINI soooon. I am disappointed that you've decided not to work the Show with me on Saturday. You should come on out and do it anyway. No one is more of a MINI enthusiast of you are. Please reconsider and work Saturday morning Besides, I'm wanting to sign you up for the London trip. You don't have to have a MINI to tour the plant!!! Hope to see you Saturday.

Eric

 

Sorry to hear about all this. I talked with them to buy your Mini but just can't afford to sell any more stock til after the 1st of year. Don't like to donate to Uncle Sam. Oh Well, Mike got a deal and the cleanest high milage car around. I would have loved to have it but I'm getting a 07 after the 1st of year for wife. Need to get up with you, as I have been carrying your money around for a month. Its burning my pocket, saw some new CHROME yesterday!! You'll have another Mini soon but the job and family always come first. Luke

 

I plan on going to the Auto Show Friday night with my father. He along with Austin and I always take in the Auto Show together. Austin is going on a scout camping trip, so he wont make it. Austin was real upset about selling the MINI, but hopes I get another one sooner than later.

I will also be there for Saturday morning. I wanted to give my official place to some one else so they could benefit from the goody bag. Luke please hold off on that new chrome, I will catch up with you soon.

Thanks
George

 

George
Luke....hold off on chrome????
Art

PS... When does Austin start driving? I really see two MINI's in your future

 

Dang George. That's not the kind of birthday present I would expect from you!! Your blingmobile will be sorely missed, but you'd still better show up at club events! As one of the clubs founding fathers, you're always welcome, even if the new wheels won't be able to handle the twisties. Smokey told me this past weekend of your trade, and as he rode beside me in Oz while testing out the installation of Lee's sway bar and hanging on to the door handle, "It isn't the same in the passenger seat!" You'll get another MINI soon. Debiw did!! In the meantime, you're always welcome to ride with me, and who knows, you may learn to hang out the window and take pictures of the other MINIs, just like my better half does!!

 

George,

You and Austin will be missed. I enjoyed our one ride last year and thanks to Austin for the cleaning lessons. Good luck and hope to y'all again!

Todd

 

George... I'm shocked... I never thought I would see a post like this from you..
But I understand and you need a car that fits your lifestyle... I too might be looking to sell the mini... It wont be for a year or so... but we will be moving within a year and are watching our finances... I enjoy the mini.. and it has been a great car... but I have the fever and have been looking at the BMW 335 or a vette (again).
Good luck with your new job... Hope to see you around soon...
The TSX was a good choice.. Honda makes some great cars and the TSX is very refined and fun to drive... Keep in touch...
Mike