Hey All,

I have had a chronic sense for staying in debt (Car Buys) over the past 25 years. I have always bought and then traded in a year or two. This as you know ALWAYS keeps you upside down and makes each purchase even worse.

I bought my MINI new in 09 of 02'. I LOVE the car and have enjoyed driving it. I am going through the "phase" however, and began test driving some cars a day or two ago. Even though I really like some of the new 05's (Mustang), I decided to relent and drive some 04's (dealer incentives, rebates, etc.). NOTHING even close to the overall "feel" and cool look of the MINI.

When I first bought my MINI, I spent hours perusing this sight (original site actually) and enjoyed reading others' comments about their MINI's and their passion for them. When the sight "changed", I lost a bit of interest (my loss). Just this morning I began reading several posts and have a renewed interest again. Not just for the website, but for the car again. Although I feel very tempted to trade for a Cabrio 05' MINI, I'm going to keep what I have. I think that owning the first production model year may prove valuable as the years progress.

So thanks everyone for your passion that you express each day through your words here...

Coop.

 

Hey, don't feel so bad. At least you trade your old ones in. My wife and I just ordered a 2005 MCS and it will be our 6th car for just the two of us. Once I buy a car, and care for it, I can't bring myself to sell it. I gave each of my kids a car, but still have 5 left. How are you going to give away a 1991 Mercury Capri XR2 Turbo in perfect shape? Or a first year New Beetle, or a Land Rover? The mystery is how you can trade them in! I'll probably keep the MCS for at least 15 years. Maybe a grandchild will want it.

 

I'm the same way there Coop. Friends are always razzing me bout having a different new car all the time. I'm kind of a car connoisseur. I'm always taking new vehicles out for a test drive. Got a wack a car brochers of cars that I've taken out. But again, I'm the same way. Just can't really find anything as fun as the MINI. That SRT-4 is a blast, but..........it's still a Neon. Thre's a few other fun and stylish beasts out there, but none really as great as the MINI, so I'm sticking with her for awhile. Nobody really believes, 'cause I've said that before, but I think it's true this time. Unless something really outstanding comes along.
Cheers,

 

My car cycle is about 5-6 years per car for cars that I enjoy driving.

There's just comes a time when its 'time' to move on and explore other
cars. (ofcourse unlike joedentist, i don't have room to put more than
4 cars at a time right now. ...and im filledup at the moment).

(the shortest was 6months for a brand new Protege5 which was suppose
to be my beater..sold it before its first oil change. just rediculously
underpowered).

 

I also do the same thing. In fact, we are going to trade in my Jetta this weekend for a new car for my girlfriend - she wants a small SUV - probably a Rav4 or an RX320. I have only had the S for a few months and I am already looking around. I will probably, however, wait a year or so and get the Lotus Elise. The MINI is too much fun to get rid of. I also have a classic '68 Mini Cooper S (my third classic Mini) that may be on the block in the near future.

 

Cooperman, Good to hear your passion is renewed. Passion is not a feeling I have ever had for a car unitl I purchased Blue Cat (:Blue), 04 Cooper and never understood people who got excited about cars. They are for getting from Point A to B. Had driven a 90 Honda Accord EX for the past 11 years and was turned onto Mini by a friend . Drove it and fell in love. Had to have one and I am so glad I did. Can't believe driving can be so fun. My HOnda was a great car; functional, rock solid dependable but definitely not passionate love like this. Guess you look for different things a t different times in life and Im so glad I found BLue. The other thing I love About Mini is it's fuel efficiency and I feel downright righteous, among other things, driving him. :smile: I have people ask me about him at the gas station, wherever. Men especially say their wives/girlfriends want one, love them, so cute, etc., etc. and I have to agree. Yesterday a gentleman asked me if it had a spare as he was concerned about his wife's safety.There are misconceptions about MINI; confusion about the Cooper and the "S" and it's fun talking about it and helping clear them up. I know men love them too but they are PERFECT chick cars. I refer folks to miniusa.com and this site too. Surprises me that not more marketing is done to capture the feminine segment of the market. I tell everyone who asks to buy one, especially if its for your wife or girlfriend. You'll be in her good graces forever as well as make America's highways more aesthetically pleasing and our country more fuel efficient.:smile:

 

The MINI is a great car. I've driven my car for almost a year now, and I have to admit, sometimes I wish I was driving other cars. So I'll decide to go test drive something else or ride/drive my friends' cars, but they just don't have the character of the MINI. When I get behind the wheels of my MINI again, I am reminded why I love my car so much. I plan on keeping my car for a very long time.

When I'm done with pharmacy school and have more disposable income, I"ll make my MINI one of the baddest street MCS around. But that's not for a long while.

Other cars I will own in the future are: Datsun 240, Nissan 240 SX and whatever variant of the Lotus Elise in about 5-6 years. The two nissans will be my project/track cars. The Lotus Elise will by my weekend warrior.

 

Cooperman,

Aloha and welcome back. Except now it's NAM.

Good to hear about you and your appreciation for the MINI.
Hopefully everything will fall into place for you.

The best way to get a feel for a MINI is to stop driving it and spend a week driving something else then go back to the MINI and see what you think.

Motor ON.

 

The good news is that your Cooper's resale value is outstanding. The residuals have held steady and trade-ins are fantastic. I'm actually on my third MINI in as many years.

 

Thanks All,

Your emphathy and support are appreciated!

Coop.

 

Please let me know when you decide to sell your classic Mini.

 

I used to suffer from Coops malady until I decided "want car, pay cash....no cash....no car" I still suffer DDS's malady..... 7 vehicles, three race cars and a trailer couple of trailers....all keepers....in TWO continents, soon to be three!
I part with cars with a deep sense of sadness.....I am still ruing the day I traded the patrol car for the MINI......signs of getting better....I was so PO'd at the Probe from stranding me, I still only think about it twice a day......and my Mexican suburban....black as the ace of spades.....or the blue one from Texas....FWD......I will never, ever forget about my Fiat 1200s or my Saab Sonnetts......heaven help me if I settle on a farm with barns again.....heaven help me......