I've owned my fair share of cool cars in the past. But no vehicle has ever taken on this role like the Cooper has. I travelled out of town for Father's day to see family. Everybody wanted a ride! I trust my family and the Mini isn't that difficult to drive for the first time (I like to associate it with the slogan to Othello.... "A minute to learn, a lifetime to master") so I just hand over the keys, hop in the passenger seat, and say go for it.

Everybody loves the little Mini. I think I enjoy seeing the smiles on their faces more than anything. I usually drive them back, and really showcase the handling and suspension for them through some good S curves. People usually aren't even scared because the car feels like it's as stable as a Siamese cat on a clothesline.

So my question of the day is... how often do you give rides or hand over the keys based on folks' desire to? (Don't include it if you force yourself on them and tell them to take the drive, that's not a fair judgement.) How many express interest in riding in your Cooper?

 

Yeah - and your Mini truly IS an "E-Ticket" ride!

 

I don't let anyone drive my MINI, except 1 or 2 very close relatives if need be. Lots of interest and questions from other folks but if they want a test drive, I give them my MA's business card and direct them to my dealer to schedule a test drive.

 

I'd trust other people with my Mini even less than I would a Catholic priest with my son....

 

If I had it personalized or modified, I'd be more protective. You'd have to wring the keys out of my white knuckled palms to get the key out of my Supercharged Mustang. But since a stock vehicle is easily replaceable in stock form should something happen, it's worth a second to enjoy THEIR enjoyment. Try it sometime with someone you trust. It's as cool to watch them behind the wheel the first time as it is to drive it yourself.

 

I am Catholic and I don't find your post amusing.

 

i have a good friend who was going through his automotive mid life crisis and in a period of 2 years owned several new bmws, porsches (2 boxsters, a targa 911) an audi allroad wagon, and a few others-as well as several motorcycles. as a porsche-audi master tech and owner of an automotive specialty business and a large bodyshop, i had access to th e keys of any one of these cars while in his posssesion but-when he bought an 03 MCS i made apoint to ask him for the keys!! he threw em to me one morning and said he would be at work till 5, have fun. i only put about 50 fun twisty miles on that one and that drive put it near the top of my short list. my new MCS is currently scheduled for production and will be mine in september. i havent had a brand new car in 11 years, and havent been more excited about one that i can remember. while i always thought these were cool cars, it was the opportunity to drive one as much as i wanted, not a dealer test drive, that cinched it for me.

 

I let some of our friends drive mine. I even let a couple take it one afternoon as something on their car was being worked on by the rest of the car guys and they had to do a few things. Mind you though that I thoroughly trust these people as drivers. The guy that took it for the afternoon is one of the best drivers I've met. Plus I've been through their pocket books & I know where they live!

 

Absolutely. My point is that I simply don't like to let other people "test drive" my car. I consider myself a very generous person, but when it comes to my car, only 2-3 closest family members can drive it if need be. I enjoy riding in the passenger seat if my sister drives it, for example.

If any other person wants a test drive, we have 4 dealers in the are to choose from, simple as that.

 

Than you really don't have to dignify my post with a response. No, really, don't. Phhht!

 

I wish someone would ask me for a ride. I'm just waiting for someone to say "Hey can I take that for a spin?" But so far no one. Hum, maybe everyone is too scared to ask because? Gee... come to think of it why hasn't anyone asked me.

 

I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. I personally know many catholic priests that lead exemplary lives and devote their lifes to the service of others. Unfortunately, our anti-religion, anti-catholic driven media is quick to exarcebate the "bad apples" and to pass the blame and label each decent, faith loving and hard working priest as potential pedophile or sexual predator.

While I many not find myself in agreement with other faiths, I avoid throwing cheap shots at them, because all that creates is further division, resentment and hatred.

Sorry for the thread hijack.

Moderators, feel free to delete these posts.

 

There was no offense meant. It was just a joke. I've seen Leterman do it. I've seen Leno do it. I've seen Richard Jenni, Jeff Foxworthy and numerous other comedians tell the jokes on the topic. It is funny. That's all there is to it.

 

Its OK. Apology accepted

Since I can't see your "tongue in cheek" all the way from Florida, it is hard for me to "see" whether you really "mean it" or not.

I really like Jay Leno (Not only as a comedian but also as a rabid car enthusiast) but he should layoff on the Catholic jokes a bit, IMO.

 

Besides the tech. at my dealer, only my son and daughter, and my ex have driven my MC. MY daughter is the only one of them to go solo.
I'm more than willing to take folks for a motor, but if they need to borrow a car, the can take my 94 dakota