R50/53 Am I insane?
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1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Los Angeles
I own a beautiful black 93 Lexus SC 300 with 84,000 miles on it. It is in excellent condition cosmetically and runs perfectly. I have owned it three and a half years. I have driven and fallen hard for the Mini Cooper S. I cannot afford both. I am about to sell the Lexus for the S. Am I insane? Any thoughts are appreciated.
4th Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 457
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From: Moorpark, California
WELCOME to MCO! You'll find answers to everything MINI here, from car care advice, aftermarket options, and local MINI meets, to which dealer is best in your area.
To answer your question, NOT AT ALL! If you think giving something up to own a MINI is a sign of insanity, then you've found the nut house! If you want a car that makes driving more fun than anything has before, get the MINI. If you want to smile every time you see your car's reflection in that big bulky SUV in front of you, then get the MINI. If you fell in love at first sight, that nagging desire to park one in your garage will not go away, it will only get stronger until you go insane. In the end, it's something only you can decide, but I say go for the MINI. It is unlike anything else. It's fantastic!
To answer your question, NOT AT ALL! If you think giving something up to own a MINI is a sign of insanity, then you've found the nut house! If you want a car that makes driving more fun than anything has before, get the MINI. If you want to smile every time you see your car's reflection in that big bulky SUV in front of you, then get the MINI. If you fell in love at first sight, that nagging desire to park one in your garage will not go away, it will only get stronger until you go insane. In the end, it's something only you can decide, but I say go for the MINI. It is unlike anything else. It's fantastic!
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 724
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From: Birmingham, AL
Welcome to the site!
I'm sure others will give you advice... but it boils down to
Two very Nice Rides! One very tough decision.
My advise.... go take a test drive (if you haven't already) and give it some deep thought.
Good luck....
And... again welcome.
SW
I'm sure others will give you advice... but it boils down to
Two very Nice Rides! One very tough decision.
My advise.... go take a test drive (if you haven't already) and give it some deep thought.
Good luck....
And... again welcome.
SW
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 378
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From: Coral Springs Florida
>>I own a beautiful black 93 Lexus SC 300 with 84,000 miles on it. It is in excellent condition cosmetically and runs perfectly. I have owned it three and a half years. I have driven and fallen hard for the Mini Cooper S. I cannot afford both. I am about to sell the Lexus for the S. Am I insane? Any thoughts are appreciated.
Welcome aboard mate! You have indeed entered the nuthouse! as cminigo so succinctly put it! If i were you, i'd say to hell with the lexus and get yourself a cooper! (they're a better conversation piece!:D ) oh, and if you go for a test drive....... you'll know it's your car!!! I fell in love with the car..... but that feeling was intensified when i took the Cooper S on a test drive this past saturday! The pictures don't do it any justice...... and you don't truly realize how the people from these forums feel about THEIR mini's until you're in the seat...... playing with the controls..... and driving that baby!!! I have yet to own one.... but I will have one by early next year! Probably january!! I can't wait!!!
Welcome aboard mate!
You have indeed entered the nuthouse! as cminigo so succinctly put it! If i were you, i'd say to hell with the lexus and get yourself a cooper! (they're a better conversation piece!:D ) oh, and if you go for a test drive....... you'll know it's your car!!! I fell in love with the car..... but that feeling was intensified when i took the Cooper S on a test drive this past saturday! The pictures don't do it any justice...... and you don't truly realize how the people from these forums feel about THEIR mini's until you're in the seat...... playing with the controls..... and driving that baby!!! I have yet to own one.... but I will have one by early next year! Probably january!! I can't wait!!! 
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 4
From: Rochester, NY
Read this opening paragraph from a NY Times article:
LEAD PARAGRAPH - As chief executive of the German luxury automaker BMW, Helmut Panke gets to sample every car in the company's stable. And while he enjoys driving BMW's high-end offerings, like the 7-series sedan or X5 sport utility, Mr. Panke's favorite lately has been BMW's most modest car: the Mini Cooper, which sells for about $17,000. ''Whenever I feel like it, I take one home from the office,'' he said, during a visit to Detroit last week.
LEAD PARAGRAPH - As chief executive of the German luxury automaker BMW, Helmut Panke gets to sample every car in the company's stable. And while he enjoys driving BMW's high-end offerings, like the 7-series sedan or X5 sport utility, Mr. Panke's favorite lately has been BMW's most modest car: the Mini Cooper, which sells for about $17,000. ''Whenever I feel like it, I take one home from the office,'' he said, during a visit to Detroit last week.
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1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Los Angeles
Thank you all for the ENTHUSIASTIC welcome!!! I have been reading the posts on this site for a while now and getting swept away with all things MINI! Looks like I've officially committed myself to the nuthouse! Well, I couldn't be happier. I know what's going to happen with the Lexus. It will get sold. I guess I just wanted reassurance that it was not a totally crazy thing to do. But I have been reminded that it must be sold precisely BECAUSE it is a crazy thing to do!
When I test drove my first MINI I started audibly giggling like a little kid. I learned to drive on a go kart and this brought it all ba ck in spades! I started lusting for a BRG Mini with tan interior. I liked the lines better than the S. Then I drove the S and to make a long story interminable I am now pretty much set on a dark silver S with black top and black interior, with premium and sport packages. I'm a little concerned about the ride from the 17's (I've read a few reviews that say the S with the 17s is just too jarring) but I think I'll go with them anyway. If I can figure out how to upload pictures, I will send some of the MINIs I was looking at.
So there you have it. Thanks again for all the warm, enthusiastic responses. You know how to make a MINI Lunatic feel welcome!
When I test drove my first MINI I started audibly giggling like a little kid. I learned to drive on a go kart and this brought it all ba ck in spades! I started lusting for a BRG Mini with tan interior. I liked the lines better than the S. Then I drove the S and to make a long story interminable I am now pretty much set on a dark silver S with black top and black interior, with premium and sport packages. I'm a little concerned about the ride from the 17's (I've read a few reviews that say the S with the 17s is just too jarring) but I think I'll go with them anyway. If I can figure out how to upload pictures, I will send some of the MINIs I was looking at.
So there you have it. Thanks again for all the warm, enthusiastic responses. You know how to make a MINI Lunatic feel welcome!
1st Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 37
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From: Burbank, CA.
Insane is good...I had a beautiful 96' Cad. STS with 24000 miles..
I saw a picture in a magazine last Nov. 2001 of the MINI. All I could
say was "SEE YA"..took a BIG depreciation hit when I sold my Cad. I
didn't care..had to have one..and is worth every cent..
Dark Grey/White top "S" page 2 MINI members...
You won't be disappointed...
Ron
I saw a picture in a magazine last Nov. 2001 of the MINI. All I could
say was "SEE YA"..took a BIG depreciation hit when I sold my Cad. I
didn't care..had to have one..and is worth every cent..
Dark Grey/White top "S" page 2 MINI members...
You won't be disappointed...
Ron
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Coordinator :: Mid-Atlantic
Joined: May 2002
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From: Baltiluthermonium
I'd pick the Mini, but that is just my opinion......
And if you think that you may be insane.....well you have come to the right place, my friend. I think the vast majority of us are completely crazy about our Minis!
Cheers!
L.Mini
And if you think that you may be insane.....well you have come to the right place, my friend. I think the vast majority of us are completely crazy about our Minis!
Cheers!
L.Mini
Neutral
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8
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Not at all. I am selling my 79 toyota Landcruiser that I have owned for 14 years to make room for the MINI. Those drives up the canyons will never be the same. My Chili Red MC should be arriving at MINI of Murray in a week. The cruiser is currently for sale on ebay and should be gone in time. sniff, sniff. 
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 141
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From: Arizona, USA
Welcome to the MINI asylum. 
I just gave my brand new 2002 Saab 9-3 to my mother-in-law. 205hp, loaded. A beautiful blue with tan leather interior. Insane? Maybe, but loving every minute of it. The Lexus is a great driving car. My wife has an Infiniti QX4. Just like the Lexus the Japenese luxury cars are awesome, but they have no soul.
I'm getting the 17" wheels and if the ride is too bumpy I'll buy a mouth-piece. You hit the mark when you talked of how the MINI made you feel. When I was in high school everybody wanted a VW GTI, but all I got was a $200 dollar car that was so bad that I let people put drawings and signatures on it with a perm. marker. The MINI is my GTI and will bring back the soulfulness to the garage that is missing since the demise of my 635. It is also going to bring back the kid in me, because it makes me giddy too. Get in there and get your MINI and enjoy it for all that is impractical about it. You can always pick up a nice, used Lexus later, but you know that you will peak into the garage every night just to take a look at your MINI before you turn in. I never do that with the Infiniti, as nice as it is.
Best of luck on your decision and happy motoring.
Jason
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LY S/Blk top, all options, except nav. (in a Mini you should want to get lost)
I just gave my brand new 2002 Saab 9-3 to my mother-in-law. 205hp, loaded. A beautiful blue with tan leather interior. Insane? Maybe, but loving every minute of it. The Lexus is a great driving car. My wife has an Infiniti QX4. Just like the Lexus the Japenese luxury cars are awesome, but they have no soul.
I'm getting the 17" wheels and if the ride is too bumpy I'll buy a mouth-piece. You hit the mark when you talked of how the MINI made you feel. When I was in high school everybody wanted a VW GTI, but all I got was a $200 dollar car that was so bad that I let people put drawings and signatures on it with a perm. marker. The MINI is my GTI and will bring back the soulfulness to the garage that is missing since the demise of my 635. It is also going to bring back the kid in me, because it makes me giddy too. Get in there and get your MINI and enjoy it for all that is impractical about it. You can always pick up a nice, used Lexus later, but you know that you will peak into the garage every night just to take a look at your MINI before you turn in. I never do that with the Infiniti, as nice as it is.
Best of luck on your decision and happy motoring.
Jason
-----
LY S/Blk top, all options, except nav. (in a Mini you should want to get lost)
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 755
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From: San Diego
>>I own a beautiful black 93 Lexus SC 300 with 84,000 miles on it. It is in excellent condition cosmetically and runs perfectly. I have owned it three and a half years. I have driven and fallen hard for the Mini Cooper S. I cannot afford both. I am about to sell the Lexus for the S. Am I insane? Any thoughts are appreciated.
Rent a MINI for a week, then decide. Ron
Rent a MINI for a week, then decide. Ron
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
You are not insane. For sheer driving pleasure (unless you need to car pool 5 kids, 2 dogs and a little league team) get the MINI. My family has a BMW X5, BMW325 and Porsche 356S and I take our MINI WHENEVER possible. It's a joy to drive in every kind of traffic condition, easy to park, great mileage. I've owned (as drivers) about a dozen cars and many more for investment. I really can't think of a car I've enjoyed more than our MINI. Besides, what's wrong with insane. 
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
NO - I'M MORE INSANE!!
Putting lots of $$$ into my HONDA CIVIC DX - (just replaced the master cylinder) - $270 + (one front tire) $80 = $ 350.00. Waiting for my MCS production in DEC 02' delivery MAR 03'. My honda has 147,000 miles and trying to WAIT ....for my new MINI! I'm not sure what else will go wrong next????
Thought i could save some money to put $5000 grand down in MARCH. I guess saving will be a little tougher than expected. )Q&%)$@* !!!!!!!
:???:
Putting lots of $$$ into my HONDA CIVIC DX - (just replaced the master cylinder) - $270 + (one front tire) $80 = $ 350.00. Waiting for my MCS production in DEC 02' delivery MAR 03'. My honda has 147,000 miles and trying to WAIT ....for my new MINI! I'm not sure what else will go wrong next????
Thought i could save some money to put $5000 grand down in MARCH. I guess saving will be a little tougher than expected. )Q&%)$@* !!!!!!!
:???:
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
>>I own a beautiful black 93 Lexus SC 300 with 84,000 miles on it. It is in excellent condition cosmetically and runs perfectly. I have owned it three and a half years. I have driven and fallen hard for the Mini Cooper S. I cannot afford both. I am about to sell the Lexus for the S. Am I insane? Any thoughts are appreciated.
I don't know where you are but in Virginia you pay a property tax on your cars every year. The charge $4.67 per $100 value. So if you owned a Lexus at worth oh...$40,000 = property tax of $1,868. This is above sales tax, plates, safety, emissions, etc.
If you buy a MINI for say $25,000 at $4.67 per 100 = $1, 167 in property tax.
Big difference right there. Plus you fit in parking spots better!
I don't know where you are but in Virginia you pay a property tax on your cars every year. The charge $4.67 per $100 value. So if you owned a Lexus at worth oh...$40,000 = property tax of $1,868. This is above sales tax, plates, safety, emissions, etc.
If you buy a MINI for say $25,000 at $4.67 per 100 = $1, 167 in property tax.
Big difference right there. Plus you fit in parking spots better!
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 43
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You are not insane at all....the Lexus is definitely a nice ride (my friend has one) but is definitely not a car you will get noticed in! Imagine yourself in the MINI surrounded by the cutest little gadgets and doo dads...and that is just the interior! How often can you get a car that is "different" and not everybody and their mother drives one?
My friends and family laugh at me every day and are sick of me talking about the MINI, THEY think I am INSANE!! I am OBSESSED with it, how will I be able to wait until November?????? My car (87 Acura Legend) was just stolen last week....such bad timing, huh? NOVEMBER, where are you??
My friends and family laugh at me every day and are sick of me talking about the MINI, THEY think I am INSANE!! I am OBSESSED with it, how will I be able to wait until November?????? My car (87 Acura Legend) was just stolen last week....such bad timing, huh? NOVEMBER, where are you??
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 295
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From: OC brat now living in St Augustine FL
Yes, your are insane, but than again we all are on this site!
Only you can answer the question to turn away your Lexus. I have met people who have turned in BMW's and the Audi TT convertable for a MINI. So are you insane? YES, we all are thats why we own one!
Only you can answer the question to turn away your Lexus. I have met people who have turned in BMW's and the Audi TT convertable for a MINI. So are you insane? YES, we all are thats why we own one!
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 32
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I had TWO Alfa Romeo 164 4 door sedans in a row (9 years). My second was a beautiful '94 with 75000 miles. I swore there was no other car to own until I saw the MINI website. I bought mine the first 10 minutes the dealership was open and have never been happier. It is the worlds perfect car.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 233
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From: Virginia Beach
___________________________________
I own a beautiful black 93 Lexus SC 300 with 84,000 miles on it. It is in excellent condition cosmetically and runs perfectly. I have owned it three and a half years. I have driven and fallen hard for the Mini Cooper S. I cannot afford both. I am about to sell the Lexus for the S. Am I insane? Any thoughts are appreciated.
___________________________________
Yup. Your insane. And you surrounded by total MINI nuts here at minicooperonline! Seriously, drive whatever you want and what makes you happy. I have a 2000 Jetta VR6 fully loaded and customized. I'm ditching it for my MINI that is on order. My friends and family think I'm nuts ditching my car already, but once I saw the MINI I wanted one. Once I drove the MINI I knew I had to have it immediately! I met several people at my dealer who were replacing their Audi, Lexis and Acura for MINI's.
I own a beautiful black 93 Lexus SC 300 with 84,000 miles on it. It is in excellent condition cosmetically and runs perfectly. I have owned it three and a half years. I have driven and fallen hard for the Mini Cooper S. I cannot afford both. I am about to sell the Lexus for the S. Am I insane? Any thoughts are appreciated.
___________________________________
Yup. Your insane. And you surrounded by total MINI nuts here at minicooperonline!
Seriously, drive whatever you want and what makes you happy. I have a 2000 Jetta VR6 fully loaded and customized. I'm ditching it for my MINI that is on order. My friends and family think I'm nuts ditching my car already, but once I saw the MINI I wanted one. Once I drove the MINI I knew I had to have it immediately! I met several people at my dealer who were replacing their Audi, Lexis and Acura for MINI's.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,247
Likes: 6
From: British Columbia-Canada
Strait-jackets are in this year! 
Welcome to the insanity called "MINI ownership".
I for one was more insane though. Gave up my '01 Ford SVT Lightning. Fastest production truck made. Giving it up didn't really be 'done-in' by the MINI. There was also the 10mpg factor, no winter driving, insane amount of tickets, loss of license, etc. But the Cooper'S' did grab my attention enough to take a low bid on the truck just to get my Cooper'S'. After a test drive, I was sold. Don't dwell on the past. I say drop the Lexus, join the MINI craze, and just think about the future to come with it.
Cheers,
Welcome to the insanity called "MINI ownership". I for one was more insane though. Gave up my '01 Ford SVT Lightning. Fastest production truck made. Giving it up didn't really be 'done-in' by the MINI. There was also the 10mpg factor, no winter driving, insane amount of tickets, loss of license, etc. But the Cooper'S' did grab my attention enough to take a low bid on the truck just to get my Cooper'S'. After a test drive, I was sold. Don't dwell on the past. I say drop the Lexus, join the MINI craze, and just think about the future to come with it.
Cheers,
Neutral
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
Are you insane? I think not. MINIs are so cool 
I don't think that you should hold back if you really want one. Besides, next to a MINI, who wants a Lexus? (I'm sure it's a nice car, but i'd take the mini
I don't think that you should hold back if you really want one. Besides, next to a MINI, who wants a Lexus? (I'm sure it's a nice car, but i'd take the mini 
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
>>I own a beautiful black 93 Lexus SC 300 with 84,000 miles on it. It is in excellent condition cosmetically and runs perfectly. I have owned it three and a half years. I have driven and fallen hard for the Mini Cooper S. I cannot afford both. I am about to sell the Lexus for the S. Am I insane? Any thoughts are appreciated.<<
csemetko, The great thing is, you can get an '03 with the BRG paint! So, go for it! The MINI is more like a family member than a car...it IS nuts! But we all love that it's nuts! Get on a list and get motoring!
Cheers!
Clover
csemetko, The great thing is, you can get an '03 with the BRG paint! So, go for it! The MINI is more like a family member than a car...it IS nuts! But we all love that it's nuts! Get on a list and get motoring!
Cheers!
Clover
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