My wife and I are moving to the Portland area in a few months. Looks like a beautiful city/state. We can't wait to explore the area, get jobs, etc. Of course, the MCS will be moving with us. We are trying to coordinate a coast-to-coast road trip once we are back in the USA. We are anticipating a lot of saddle sores! Should be fun!
dan

 

Welcome to the great pacific northwest!

Be sure to check out our website www.pdxmini.org when you get into town for the latest info.

And if you are interested you can check out the Central OR MINI site at www.coma.ms.

 

Welcome to the Northwest (when you get here) . Hopefully the fall rains will not yet be here when you arrive. If so, it's of no matter, there's still so much to see and do here.

You must check into the PDX mini club like scott said. It's well run, fun, organized, fun, thrills, fun, eating, fun....you get the idea. There are over 120 members and near 80 MINI's. Events all over the pacific northwest.

PM any of us and we can help you out if you like.

 

I have family who moved to Portland and having visited give it a big

Beautiful areas for driving, and Rasmussen Mini has to be among the nicest Mini dealerships I've been to.

Good luck with the move :smile:

 

Wifey and I are counting down. We'll be in the states in 60 days. Portland area in 90 days. I have been reading good things about Rasmussen MINI, and it looks like MINI Madness is in town as well? Sweet.

I am hoping for some advice from y'all, since we will have to find a domicile very soon after we arrive. Where is a good place/city/suburb to live? My brother speaks well of Camas and Vancouver, WA. Suggestions?

Many thanks for any help,
dan

 

Alta is local as well.

We live in Vancouver and like it quite alot. It's a little more slow paced than Portland. In the couv you're only a few minutes away from anything in OR, and housing is cheaper, though prices are going through the roof in the whole area.

Keep in mind that there is no sales tax in OR and no income tax in WA. Living in WA and working in OR you get hit with both, so try to avoid that scenario. Commuting between the two sucks during rush hour. The OR-WA commute is against traffic and not as bad, plus OR residents can buy most things tax free in WA with an OR id.

Some of the suburbs of Portland are fine as well, Gresham, Troutdale, etc. Just stay away from any commute that involves 26 out to Beaverton/Hillsboro, the traffic is horrible. I would avoid North Portland if possible as well.

 

That is some good info. I never thought about where commutes may be toughest. We'll consider that when we look around.

thanks,
dan

 

New question...
In WA or OR, is it legal to mount only a rear license plate? Is it required to mount both front and rear?

Oh, and are there any particularly MINI-friendly insurance agencies out there?

Thank you for your help,
dan

 

I'm sorry to say, it's required in both states. However, it doesn't appear to be heavily enforced. I know several people in both states that don't have them and only occasionally get pulled over with a warning or ticket.

As for insurance, can't help you much there. I just added my MINI to my existing policy, no problems. Haven't changed insurers since.

Chris

 

I've had my MCS nearly three years now and have never had the front plate on and have never been pulled over for it. Actually, I don't have front plates on any of our cars (3) and have never had a problem.

 

Ditto for me. I have had never had a front plate mounted. No issues as of yet. I do carry the front plate in the trunk though.

 

I may just leave it off then. That is more aerodynamic...

dan

38 days and counting...

 

Oh boy, oh boy! One week until Portland!
The MINI is somewhere on the ocean taking the cruise of a lifetime over the Atlantic, through the Panama Canal, then over the Pacific to Seattle. I can't wait to see my car again.
The wife and I have been inundated with family for three weeks now. We are worn out. I need to go motoring... bad.

dan