One word says it all - "WOOHOOOOOOOO!" I am sold but can't decide on which MINI or which color combo. The dealer had quite a few in stock, lots of different colors. I fell in love with the Cooper S in Electric Blue with white but hubby wasn't crazy about it. We both liked the British Racing Green with white and the Velvet Red with black.

Our test drive was in a MINI with Premium package. We opened the roof and windows and zipped around for about a half hour. I couldn't believe the handling. We were out on the interstate behind an 18 wheeler and my husband suggested I go around him and open it up a little just to see. Well, the lane change was so smooth and fast I didn't even realize I had done it. HEE! I hit the gas and ZOOM - sailed past him. I was surprised that the large trucks and SUVs didn't intimidate me at all. The car just doesn't feel that small. It feels like you're in your own little pod or something. And the visibility is awesome. It took me a few minutes to get used to be able to see so much.

Now we just have to wait to see if our 94 Camry is totaled or if the insurance company is going to fix it. The bumpers are cracked, the hood is bent and jammed, grill is shot, headlight and some of the other interior stuff is crumbled so I have a feeling it's a total. If not, will have it fixed and sell it - will probably get more for it that way. Then it's time for a MINI. We were thinking a RAV4, too, but after that test drive last night we know what we want.

Laurie

 

:smile: :smile: You've come to the right place for info. and great friends :smile: :smile: :smile:

Deciding on the options and color will be your biggest decision - they are all great colors - buy what you like - you'll be happy with whatever you choose

Chow!

Donna
donna@dcmetrominis.org

 

Hello Laurie and welcome to the MCO.

I love the screen name you choose! (do you think it will change if you take delivery on a MINI)

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

 

that sounds exactly like my first test drive! woo hoo! congrats on being hooked!


Craig

 

Wanting a MINI is the easy part.
Choosing just one
MC or MCS, what color, what options now things dificult

 

Glad you liked the Velvet Red/Black! Did you know Velvet Red is being discontinued after the 2003 model year? That'll make them more unique/collectable. If you see one on the lot and like it -- grab it!

 

>>Glad you liked the Velvet Red/Black! Did you know Velvet Red is being discontinued after the 2003 model year? That'll make them more unique/collectable. If you see one on the lot and like it -- grab it!
>>


My thoughts Exactly!! The Velvet Red/Black is a vvvvverrry nice color combo and will not be repeated. Driving a MINI is unique, a VR/B will be even more unique

 

Cooper S in electric blue with white roof and white stripes is the way to go. But then again, I am not impartial on that...

No matter what you choose, you can't go wrong. The car will make you happy everytime you drive it.

Michael

 

Hey Laurie, If you guys buy the Rav 4, I don't think anyone will come up to you and and ask you questions about the Rav, however you buy the MINI just be ready to answer alot of questions from alot of people. The MINI is one COOL ride.

 

Thanks for the welcome everybody. I landed a loan yesterday at a good rate so now we have to look for the car. I went into the MINIUSA website and tried out the different colors. I am really partial to the Cooper S in Electric Blue with black top. Somehow that black top really does it for me with that blue. Definitely still considering the Velvet Red, though. Purty!

I'm having fun with the options, too. I didn't know there was a roof rack available. That makes vacationing a little easier.

I'm really getting excited. We've already decided if they don't total my car we'll just take the insurance money to use as a down payment and sell the car for parts. Am I desperate or what?

Laurie

 

>>Thanks for the welcome everybody. I landed a loan yesterday at a good rate so now we have to look for the car. I went into the MINIUSA website and tried out the different colors. I am really partial to the Cooper S in Electric Blue with black top. Somehow that black top really does it for me with that blue. Definitely still considering the Velvet Red, though. Purty!
>>
>>I'm having fun with the options, too. I didn't know there was a roof rack available. That makes vacationing a little easier.
>>
>>I'm really getting excited. We've already decided if they don't total my car we'll just take the insurance money to use as a down payment and sell the car for parts. Am I desperate or what?
>>
>>Laurie
Aloha and welcome to MCO,
You can pick a MINI based on color or on model.
The electric blue is only available in Cooper S while the velvet red is only available in the base cooper. This makes a difference if the color is key or the model is key. Take your pick. Later on there will be no more velvet red while the base cooper is likely to get the electric blue in 2004- just a rumor yet.
Did you drive both the Cooper and Cooper S, what about the CVT (automatic for $1250 more) vs 5 speed.? All are good options but run different prices.

 

Hi Laura and welcome!!!!

I agree... I knew I had to have the MINI when I hit the on ramp to the freeway in St Louis. I was in 4th and was merging at 90 from a dead stop on a short ramp sliding between a station wagon and a semi and then blasting around the station wagon. Then got it out in the country. True love.

jc

By the way... BRG/white is an excellent option.

 

I drove the base cooper and it had plenty of zoom-zoom for me but I really like the front scoop, the space cloth seats, and the electric blue of the S. Don't know if that's justification enough for $2000+ more but hey, if I was being practical I'd be getting that RAV.

My only hitch is that the loan I got is only guaranteed for 6 weeks. I'm sure I could apply again and probably get the same rate but I'm going to look at all the dealers in the vicinity and see if anybody has anything close to what we want. Do you know if out of state dealers will ship if they have what you want in stock? We do have 3 dealers within an hour's drive so maybe we can find something we love in stock. Too bad I have to drive to Jersey this weekend. Jersey?! I think there are 2 dealers up there - woohoo!

Laurie

 

Contact Mini of the Hamptons, who advertises on this site (look in the vendor announcements forum). They say they usually have MCS's in stock and will ship anywhere. One MCO'r had hers shipped to CA recently. Mini of the Hamptons may have the model/color you are looking for (without markup, too).