Hey:

You've probably all seen the Apple "Switch" ads - PC users switching to Macintosh. Well, I've been a Mac-a-holic for years - but now I'm making the "real switch".

I'm giving up my Celica GTS (6 speed, VVTi engine - redlines at 7800 and screams like a banshee!) for a 2003 MCS.

I've over-researched the damn thing and read every comment from owners, reviewers, car mags and man-in-the-street interviews.

I've even downloaded the owners manual and read it front to back.

I'm not sure what my internal struggle has been. I love the look of the car and the test drive I had was a blast.

So why the internal struggle? I dunno - maybe it's my concern about run-flat tires, or the fact that my skis might not fit inside the car (although two different Toronto area dealers (how lucky are we - 3 dealers in the general area, although none really close) measured and apparently I can fit up to 190s up and between the seats).

I also struggled with colour choice. I was first going for the British Racing Green - partially as a tribute to my Triumph Spitfire. But in the end (somewhat due to female family pressure) I've fallen for Liquid Yellow with black bonnet stripes.

Now, of course, I can't wait for the damn thing to arrive. It may not be until Novemeber or so - at which point I'll have to get a set of snows and the inflation/puncture kit. However, I have 16 inch snows on wheels for my Celica - maybe they'll fit.

What really pisses me off is I dropped $1000. (Cdn) 4 months ago on AMAZING Pirelli Supersport tires. These things stick like glue. No road condition shakes them. Oh well, they'll soon belong to the new owner of a used Celica.

Did anybody else do mental gymnastics before committing to the World's Most Unique Car?

Oh - I forgot.

My Mini-to-be is called:

My Sharona!!

>>Did anybody else do mental gymnastics before committing to the World's Most Unique Car?

Yes, for me it was get the MCS or wait for a WRX STI? All it took was one test drive with a brave sales rep, and the decision was made, of course being the type of person that loves instant gratification had a lot to do with it. Just today, I cancelled my order for a 2003, and went for a 2002 that was available now, I don't care that it only has one key, since only one person at a time can drive it anyway, plus 30 years from now I can tell my grandkids about my first year Mini Cooper S.

Rygold,
I do the mental gymnastics in my sleep. :grin:

I too over-researched the MCS, read everything that I could get my hands on and test-drove it...twice! I knew the car better than the dealer when I first arrived! BTW...the MINI (Cooper or S) is more than 1" taller than the Toyota Solara and the Oldsmobile Alero, as well as being more than 5" wider than them too! I think I just had to convince myself that the MCS is going to be the best car that I have ever owned, period...well, maybe except for my '64 Austin Healey Sprite... :razz:

Yeah, I got Mini on the brain and have been combing the net for whatever info I can find. I'm trying to be patient because I have a refundable deposit for an S that won't get built til June 03 :cry:

The temptation is to drop 2 grand over MSRP for an 02 S right now, but not get all the options that I want.

Something about this car makes me lose my friggin' mind.

:razz:

Cheers!
Clover :lol:

what on earth could you be have to be waiting for until june /03 for options?....the model year is half over....what is going to be special about your order..


Curious mini looker!
:roll:

>>Yeah, I got Mini on the brain and have been combing the net for whatever info I can find. I'm trying to be patient because I have a refundable deposit for an S that won't get built til June 03 :cry:
>>
I'm afraid I must ask the same Q...I ordered last week and am expecting a Mid Jan. '03 delivery

some one said they had read the manual for the mini online!!..where would i find that??

i know like i need any more info to confuse my decision, but what he heck...i gotta know more.. :smile:

you can get the official and non-offcial owner manuals at this address:
MINI Manuals

:smile:

>>>>Did anybody else do mental gymnastics before committing to the World's Most Unique Car?
>>
>>Yes, for me it was get the MCS or wait for a WRX STI? All it took was one test drive with a brave sales rep, and the decision was made, of course being the type of person that loves instant gratification had a lot to do with it. Just today, I cancelled my order for a 2003, and went for a 2002 that was available now, I don't care that it only has one key, since only one person at a time can drive it anyway, plus 30 years from now I can tell my grandkids about my first year Mini Cooper S.
>>

I've got my deposit down for the WRX STI... can't wait for that monster to arrive!! Don't get me wrong... my MCS is awesome. But the WRX STI with all wheel drive and 270 horses will just be a plain bad ass on the roadds!

>>what on earth could you be have to be waiting for until june /03 for options?....the model year is half over....what is going to be special about your order..
>>
>>
Nothing really special about my order. Being in Northern California, I have limited options to pay at MSRP from a relatively close dealer. I'm trying not to shell out 2 grand to get a car now. Especially since I won't get it the way I want. But I may soon bite the bullet and just do it.

:grin:

Want Mini...*drools*

yea...up until my order day, I saw just this side of 0 MINI's on the road...the day after I ordered, I have seen at least 1, in some cases 3 (one in the parking lot of my office even!). I think that they all knew I ordered and are just helping to keep me crazy :eek:

No mental problems here.. except the MC/MCS problem... and that was cleared up when i eventually drove the MCS... :grin: around where I live you need passing speed... , and the only other car I was intrested in was a WRX, I didn't even feel like taking the time to test-drive one after i drove a MINI... (not to mention, I really did want a MINI more, but my wife wanted me to test drive a WRX, as I was also intrested in one of them also, and she wanted me to 'make sure' i picked what I wanted. Well, after she saw how much I loved the MINI during/after my test drive, she didn't press the issue any more... :grin: )

Rocketboy_X

The only problem I had was the wait before Tabby came. Now that she's here, the only problem I have is my family rolling their eyes whenever anyone gets me started waxing eloquently about Minis! About a week after we picked her up, Mini called my husband at work to ask if there were any problems, complaints, etc. He said "Yeah, I got a problem!" The flustered telephone surveyor said, "What is it?" He laughed and said, "When anyone asks about the car, my wife gets started and I can't shut her up!"

At least you know you researched the vehicle and made a GREAT decision! You can't go wrong with a Mini :cool:

You guys are amazing!

I can't believe how obsessive we all are about the car, and the cult behind it.

No other vehicle has this much web-based passion, that's for sure.

My family is pretty sick of my MINImania (and I've only just ordered the thing). But then, they get sick of all my passions: my Mac, my new skis, marekting campaigns. Speaking of which - check this, our latest:

[URL=http://www.bennettgold.ca/news/adcampaign.shtml]

Check the second image "Pain-Free Parking" and let me know what you think!

You guys are amazing!

I can't believe how obsessive we all are about the car, and the cult behind it.

No other vehicle has this much web-based passion, that's for sure.

My family is pretty sick of my MINImania (and I've only just ordered the thing). But then, they get sick of all my passions: my Mac, my new skis, marekting campaigns. Speaking of which - check this, our latest:

http://www.bennettgold.ca/news/adcampaign.shtml

Check the second image "Pain-Free Parking" and let me know what you think!

I am glad I am no more crazy than the crowd! I am selling my 95 C36 AMG Mercedes. It has 70k on but runs and looks brand new. But I caught the bug! My dark silver/black S is due for delivery on Thursday. I am looking forward to a fun weekend.

S.D. :cool:

I totally over-researched the MINI before I decided to order one. I read every magazine article on the MINI and searched the 'net for any articles on the MINI. I was torn between the MINI and the Subaru WRX and the upcoming WRX sti. But, I'll admit that I am a slave to creature comforts and options. The WRX had no sunroof, no leather, no heated seats, no climate control and no NAV system. So advantage MINI. The Subaru drives like a banshee and is very fast. Advantage WRX. But, the MINI handles just as well and, in my opinion, is a much cooler looking car. Advantage MINI. So, I decided to go with the MINI and am eagerly awaiting my late January delivery. :grin:

The MOMENT I set eyes on the Mini I KNEW I HAD TO HAVE ONE......it's not even that I just wanted one....I believe I remember saying "I NEED that." I wasn't even really looking for a new car either. My boyfriend told me about the website back at the beginning of this year....as soon as I saw it I started saving money for the downpayment and I figured, hey I am fresh out of college with a brand new job....I NEED THAT MINI. My old car would have been paid off this year!

It is so fun being on here and talking with all the other Miniacs that are just as obsessed as I am....at least I know I'm not alone!

Cheers!
L.Mini