I think that this thread has been taken out of context. It's not a R56 haters thread.

I wave to MINIs, Minis, Kids, Hot Chics and Cops(when I am not speeding ).

The problem, just like with the 1st Gens, SOME of the R56'ers are not enthusiasts... YET. They just don't know that customs of us cult-like MINI owners. It is a sad reality that our dear MINIs are becoming more Mainstream, and less of an Icon.

Be patient with them... They know not what they do...

 

I think I'll get a new MINI when mine runs out of Warranty. Just wave and smile.

 

The VAST majority of MINIs I see (and wave to) are 1st Gen. They just don't respond. I really don't think it's an R53/R56 thing. I think it's just that they have become so common. It's probably a commuter car thing. When was the last time you saw two Toyota (anythings) wave to each other?

It was a great tradition while it lasted...and I'll still keep trying.

 

As someone who rides a motorcycle, I wave to every bike (Harley, Yamaha, Honda, Victory, etc) . I also drive a 2nd generation MCS. I find it amazing that you spend so much time trying to deside if your going to wave at a particular Mini or not . My reason for owning a bike and a Mini is the enjoyment I derive from the experience and the people I pass on the road or meet. Those that don't wave, that's there loss not mine .

 

It's a do you wave thread, an R56 haters thread (if it could last) would be much worse andfar more involved. With the Clssics there were enthusiasts who did/do not acknowledge the R50/R52/R53s as Mini's and now with the R50/52/53 crowd there are enthusists who do not acknowledge the R56, this thread was asking if that opion is around in practice.

And R56 is an attempt by MINI to make MINI's more main stream

I was chastised and flame for saying the R56 would turn away many R50/R53 enthusiasts, well it's happened and this thread shows some of that.

Regradless everyone has got their opinion. And it's just that opinion, and I can respect that.

I saw some Hondas give the 2 finger waves in August, but that was two wheelers.

 

Your coming across as strange

Mark

 

If he's strange does that make me stranger?

 

Excellent. My plan is working perfectly.

 

I'm sure more of the MINI owners I wave at would return the wave - if they would just GET OFF THE DAMN PHONE!

 

I've always been envious of the motorcycle network--I live in the country where "rides" are common. When they pass each other, it seems like every rider salutes the other. What a great sight!

 

Here's my thinking on this:

The Subaru STi sells about 3500 cars a year. The buyers are 100% car enthusiasts. You sort of have to be to get such an extreme (and expensive) car.

The MINI sells, what, 48,000 cars a year in the U.S.? Of which a good chunk (20%? 30%?) of the buyers are car nuts. But the rest are just people who want something a little quirky/stylish/small/whatever to drive. So there's like 33,000 cars a year bought by people who are not into the MINI community, they just like the car more than they like Corollas. And they don't even seem to notice other cars on the road, much less MINIs, or me trying to wave at them.

I keep trying, though.

--Dan
Mach V

 

I honestly thought I was done posting to this thread until I saw this post .

I just want to know how they talk on the phone, hold a cup of coffee, comb the hair, change cloths, and put on make-up, but can't wave.:impatient

 

I wave to all MINIS. However, the 1st generation cars are better looking. I agree, the 2nd geners' don't have a clue....

retroom

 

I wave to all and most of the time I can't tell if it's a 1st gen or 2nd gen. But then again I'm new to the Mini world.

 

I have an R53 and an R56 (well, ok, Steve is getting the R53). With the bluetooth in the new car, I can wave AND talk on the phone at the same time and still have a hand on the wheel (unless it is on the stick, uh oh).

 

Give 'em a wave and a grin!!

Cheers!!

 

We wave ..... and usually flash the high beams a few times. It makes ME feel good!!

 

I couldn't help but notice the error in your signature. It looks like a 07 below the "Steves 05" red MCS.
Since were "seperating" the two in this thread, I thought I'd let you know!

 

well said. I keep on waving too. So does my Wife when she's out driving our MCS. (I told her you gotta do it...).

 

Yeah, it is there not as an "error" but as a convenience. We wanted to put together a nice signature with both cars, but we didn't even have the SS and it would've looked weird to have a configurator image with a real car photo of the CR, so we went the easy way. Of course, on this board, and the need to discriminate, numerous people have pointed out this transgression. We have a lot of nerve, don't we?

 

i'll thumbsup a R56 driver if they wave at me.

 

Easy--they're shifting at the same time!

 

Keep it up, it's a great way to not make friends here on NAM, and keep the radar looking for you

Mark

 

Couldn't have said it better. . . . .

 

Seriously? I was just trying to be funny, not offend anyone. And Merry Christmas to you, too. Wow.