Picked up my Yellow S today, after ordering in Mid September. The following are my first impressions:

1. The dealer, Motor City Mini, and the salesperson, Dave Harting, were great. I advise anyone to put them on their list of dealers to contact if you're looking for a Mini.

2. The car is a blast to drive. Very different from my minivan (which I'm keeping with 2 kids to cart around). The car feels the road, and you feel connected to it. Very solid for such a small car.

3. Driving home on expressways, I found myself inching up to 75 mph and 4000 rpms. I got a little nervous, not wanting to go over 4500 rpm....then I remembered I had a 6th gear! Problem solved, and the car motored smoothly at 3000 rpm.

4. While motoring in 6th, I was watching the road and the scenery and enjoying the drive. I looked down, and suddenly I was going 90 mph. Wow...didn't feel like it.

5. This one will stay with me for a while. Looking down at the steering wheel, the Mini emblem faces you, and staring back at me was my face with a huge smile on it reflected in the emblem. That was fun.

I didn't need to buy this car, as we already have very good transportation. It may not be practical for a family, but I'm looking forward to my next outing. I'm almost scared to take it to work in the cold and snow (in Michigan), but I may not be able stop myself.

I've read about many of the problems some owners face (with discolored cooling fluid and overflow canisters separating), but I'll take them and deal with them when they happen.

So far, so good.

Just wanted to share.

 

I doubt anyone who bought a MINI actually NEEDED it. Wanting is much more fun than needing...especially when you get what you want.

Enjoy.

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PDX_MINI: 2003 MCS CR&W Sport/Cold/Premium packages, 17" All season

 

seeing your own grin in the mini logo is my favorite too!!
Motor On!

 

Great report, MIMiniDriver!

Have fun motoring in your new baby! Love the reflection comment...so cool!

Cheers!
Clover

 

Needed it? My doctor actually prescribed my MINI!

 

>>I doubt anyone who bought a MINI actually NEEDED it. Wanting is much more fun than needing...especially when you get what you want.
>>
Nope, I was lucky enough to just happen to NEED my MINI this year! Perfect timing, right? My 87 Acura Legend has been my car for 9 years, and after commuting with me for all this time, decided it was time for retirement! Around March of this year, my friend told me that the MINIs had been brought back and I jumped up and down with excitement (my neighbor had an original Mini and I loved it) and said "I'm getting one of those!"....right now, my MINI is on a truck to the dealer!! YIPPEE!!! <-----ME

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I've got a teensy weensy tiny little obsession...and it's for a MINI!!
<img src="http://www.liquid2k.com/peace108/mini2.gif">

 

Oooh, Congrats, Nunnother!!!

Soon you will be motoring....better build up those grin-muscles!!!

 

>>I doubt anyone who bought a MINI actually NEEDED it. Wanting is much more fun than needing...especially when you get what you want.
>>
>>Enjoy.
>>
>>_________________
>>PDX_MINI: 2003 MCS CR&W Sport/Cold/Premium packages, 17" All season

PDX, I'm glad you're enthusiastic about your MINI...and CONGRATS! to MiMINIDriver on your new ride :smile:

But I do take issue with the idea that no one "needed" their MINI. Hey, it's a car and it's transportation...and as such, I needed it to replace my equally cool car (10 years ago) that had finally seen the end of the road. I would love to be in the position to buy things solely for their neatness and just because I "want" them, but I for one need to be a bit more pragmatic about how I spend 23 grand. That said, I'm glad that I was able to fulfill my transporation needs with as good a car as my MCS seems to be. I bought this car for it's value -- i.e., maximum fun/handling for the price -- and I'm sure I'm not alone.

 

I wonder if that MINI symbol on the steering wheel would pop you in the face if the airbag goes off...

 

>>I wonder if that MINI symbol on the steering wheel would pop you in the face if the airbag goes off...


I'm sure it would, but it would do it with a great deal of respect and affection.

 

All I NEEDED was a car (four f#&*ing wheels and a seat, as Steve Martin would say) but I WANTED the MINI enough to plop down the extra dough. I always told myself I would never buy a brand new car, but this one changed my mind. It is much less plagued by the typical new car phenomenon of instantaneous 10-20% depreciation.

 

Congratulations from another MI MINI driver! I took delivery from Dave at Motor City MINI on Nov 12th, and my experience was similar to yours....great!

I have reluctantly parked my MINI for the winter. The excessive use of salt around here is just too much for me. I'm anticipating getting back on the road sometime in March.

Looking forward to seeing you on the road!

 

Congrats to everyone that just picked up or will very soon receive their MINI! All of us on here totally understand your excitement and make sure to post pics as soon as you have them! (I love looking at other people's MINIs!)

 

Congrats!!! Enjoy!!!

 

For those of you taking issue with what I said about NEEDING a MINI, take a look at the post from chrisneal re: Steve Martin - that was my point. I remember asking for a car from my parents when I was sixteen and that time I NEEDED a VW GTI (old style w/BBS rims). My parents thoughtfully pointed out that while I did NEED a car, I didn't NEED that car.

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PDX_MINI: 2003 MCS CR&W Sport/Cold/Premium packages, 17" All season

 

Did I actually just point out logic learned from my parents?

 

I am from Mi also,,R "S's" were on the boat together, (I picked my MINI up frpm Cinn Mini on 10/10 and have 5000 miles on it!..Red with pack 1,2,3 with black top..from Livonia..

 

I ::needed:: my MINI