I waved at MINIs before I got mine back in May of this year.

While traveling from Florida back to Tennessee last March I was in my F-350 dually diesel crew cab towing an antique flywheel engine on a trailer. While going through Atlanta I saw an Electric Blue with white stripes coming up from behind very quickly. About the time he got even with my trailer he slowed down to look at the engine. I was watching him because I had been wanting to get a MINI for some time and I was admiring his MINI. We made eye contact in my side view mirror. He then pulled up even with me. We both gave one another a vigorous thumbs up to compliment one another's mechanical wonders.

I live in a fairly rural part of Tennessee, but there are about 5 or 6 in our small town. When we see one another out and about in town we almost always wave and/or flash lights at each other. When I go up to the big city (Murfreesboro/Nashville) I usually see at least 3 to 5 MINIs. I get about a 80% return rate of returned waves.

How about somebody coming up with a small flag that can be slipped over the radio antenna with the "Save the Wave" logo on it?

 

That's a cool story. I got a wave (in the form of a peace sign) from the driver of a yellow MCS today while out to lunch with a friend. My friend said Jeep owners do it too. I was like "You don't say?"

I waved at someone on the way home from work today but they didn't return it. I think they were oblivious. Oh well. I'll wave regardless. It's fun whenever you get a return wave; you never know who'll respond.

 

I've been so busy trying to pay attention to other MINIs/waves as well as traffic that I completely missed my friend AND FAMILY waving their arms off from their Expedition!!!

 

I always give a peace sign when I wave. I have had my MINI a month now, and I would venture to say, I get about a 10% return.

 

Count me in on that 10% if I ever cross your path in Illinois.

 

yes, yes, yes. And I feel bad if I miss one...

 

Ditto!

 

I got a wave back, but I'm not sure if it counts...

I was driving the other day, and saw an Electric Blue MCS coming the other direction. The quick reflexes kicked in and I got my arm out the window in time to get off a nice wave. The cute brunette in the MINI even waved back! It was then that I realized she probably didn't understand why I'd waved. I wasn't in the MINI, I was driving my truck! Still, if a cute young lady like that wants to wave at me, I'll take it however I can get it.

- Jim L

 

This weekend's count - 5 waves initiated with 1 return and 1 wave received which I missed but my wife returned!

5 years ago when we first got a MINI, everybody waved - but then I only saw another MINI about once a week. Now I see 5 or more A DAY and only a few wave back. But in total I get more waves now than way back then!

This subject comes up on a motorcycle forum I'm on, too - the ultra-cool 2-fingers-held-low "harley" wave. Gold Wing riders never wave - the joke is they are too busy adjusting the volume on their CD players. That's pretty funny over on my MC forum, but I guess it loses something in translation over here!

 

It counts - you were in your "MINI Support Vehicle" and TRUE MINI enthusiasts understand and wave anyway.

 

No depends on if they look like fellow enthusiasts

 

Yeah, the arm JUMPING out of the car, waving itself off at the elbow probably was a subtle indicator of enthusiasm.

 

I enjoy waving at fellow MINI motorists, but I must admit that of late, I often wait to see if they're looking in my general direction before flashing a wave, or offering a peace sign, or even nodding. I just feel dumb if I make any gesture that I'm sure will go unnoticed.

 

+1.....since most don't even bother to look at another MINI

 

ill give a nod or something to other minis that appear to have something done to them...like another car enthusiast. Most that i see are just people who bought the car for, well...a car.... they could care less i bet

 

Sad but true. I always try to flash / wave, but I'd say I've gotten about a 25% return thus far.

 

Yes, yes, yes. I still wave and I don't care if the person doesn't get it. All MINI sales staff should be advising all new MINI owners that other drivers of MINIs are going to be waving at them. So wave back!!

 

Sadly, my daily commute has lately been MINI-less. A carpool situation done out of the kindness of my heart has forced us to take the Big Tree SUV.

I find myself waving at MINIs who I am certain must be shaking their fists at my giant gas-guzzler (at least mentally) like Snoopy at the Red Baron!

 

I wave all the time. Maybe 10 percent return. Fact is there are a lot of MINI's in the Seattle area so I think the cachet has worn off. I wave anyway all the time.

Pat

 

i still wave.

 

Recently, I am actually having a bit more luck with a quick flash or two than I am with a wave alone.

 

Waved in '02 when we first got our MCS, and still do. There's still not that many Mini's around. Newer Mini drivers seem at first surprised by the wave, then get into it. It's fun, low-calorie and no cost. What's not to like?
Ian
'02 MCS
'76 2002

 

I still wave, too. I'd say about half wave back, although that doesn't stop me!!

 

Came across another DS/B with bonnet stripes, so we looked like twins(although he had nicer wheels). We gave each other the nice choice nod of approvel. but yeah.....everyone should keep the community going.

 

Yeah, I generally don't care what the response is anymore - I still wave or flash! Lately, though response has been relatively good!