:smile: HI,new guy here. After 3 yrs with the Vette, Preceeded by three yrs with a Z28, which followed 7 yrs with a 5.0 Mustang (all modded)-I took the plunge--ordered an '05 MCS/Non Cooper Works. I pretty much ignored the arrival of the MINI in '02 because of my previous experience with 2 cars I owned that were made in England. A '59 MGA (bought used in the 60's) and a '71 MG Midget (bought new in '71). Those of you over 50 may relate. Anyways, I found myself smiling each time I would see a MINI (albeit--not too often because I rarely saw one) and finally had the opportunity to drive an '02 MCS a month ago. I was impressed. Enough to "motor", well I was driving my Vette over to Jacksonville, FL (Tom Bush MINI) to do a real test drive. Well, if I wasn't sold (which I probably was) prior to a great test drive, I was when we finished. I was lucky to have a "car guy" John Banar (owner of a '01 modded Mustang) as my MA. Signed up for an 05 MCS and was advised earlier this week MY MINI is scheduled for week #31 build.

I am very impressed with the MCS, even with less than 1/2 the HP it more than makes up for it in motoring fun. I am also very impressed with this forum (as well as others) and the MINIUSA site. I look forward to reading and sharing with all of you. NICK

 

Congrats on your MCS order. Now for the worst part.....the wait. :smile:

Oh, and welcome to NAM!!!

Nik

 

Hey Nick. Welcome to the NAM group firstly.
I know what it's like to go from a crazy horse machine to a MINI. I went from a '01 SVT Lightning to a '02 MCS Even with half the hp I'm still having a blast though.
So have you sold or traded the Vette yet?
Cheers,

 

Glad to hear that a big-V8 fan make the MINI-move!

You'll love your new MCS and you'll keep motoring!

 

Have a look at Sunshine MINIs for Florida talk and events:

http://www.sunshineminis.org

James

 

A vette must be a sweet ride,but any MINI is a hoot of a ride

 

I traded my 2000 MB CLK430, which I picked up in Sindelfingen, for my MINI. I have not regreted it one time. I'm not a wealthy guy, I'm a car guy, and it just so happened that I sold a business and I had a wad of cash. My dilemma was what to do with it, save it, or blow it on one hell of a family vacation. So thats where the trip to Germany and the CLK came in, but once I got it back to the US, I was constantly worrying that someone would key it, or ding it. And I certainly couldnt drive it anywhere near its potential. After 2 years I saw a MINI and fell in love. Yeah, the Merc was a great car, but my MINI is a great pal. Believe it or not, the ride is very similar, the backseat room is about the same, and so is the resale. The MINI is faster(top end) and when I get my 19% pulley it will accelerate almost as fast. You'll have a blast with your new MINI, and now you'll be able to take a couple extra friends along for the ride!

 

Nick
It’s well worth the wait. I got mine in Feb this year. I’m somewhat interested in cars, but this is a car I’m really, really in to (which is pretty strange since at the end of the day its just a lump of metal and plastic). All I can say is this car has soul. I can’t wait to drive it every day. The Mini is just so much fun. Motor on :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: