Reflections at 536 Miles, or Why I Can't Drive my MINI Anymore
 

:grin:

Why? My license plate wasn't delivered today by UPS :cry:. The temp expires the 29th :eek2:. Can I still drive the MINI on Monday?

But onto the reflections...

OK, so 536 miles ISN'T a ton of miles in 2 weeks, for some of you. It's amazing for me, as normally I'll put 120 a WEEK on, instead of 270ish. I'm just very very happy with my MINI. I was driving a 94 Voyager before the MINI, which has become the family cargo transport vehicle (with a KBB of 370.00, my parents agreed they should hang onto it). I had to move the Voyager yesterday - it felt like trying to steer a large pregnant cow. Drunk (the cow, that is!). I had to turn the steering wheel 2 or 3 times!

The MINI has been a blast! It's hard for me to say it in words. I think the only fitting comment would be: :grin:

Then, there are the things I notice that weren't shown to me, like the extra special functions the radio has (in FM mode, anyways), or the way the lights dim on/off. The orange lighting. The stiff steering wheel - I was afraid I wouldn't like it, but I have grown to wish ALL cars are like this. The contoured back seats (kinda cool, as they provide more room for passengers), the rear storage compartments, the little baggie for a flat tire. The list could go on and on.

Sure, there are some annoyances - the very overpowered washer jets (if I wanted to get wet inside the cabin, I'd bring a super soaker) which no matter front or rear, get fluid INSIDE the MINI. Sunroof open, the rear washer manages to sprinkle me, or if the side windows are open, a mist of the stuff infiltrates the cabin. Or taking a real close look at the vehicle sticker - it says the MINI has a rating of '1' while the average for vehicles like the MINI had a rating of '.8' for some hokey environmental index (with '.8' being "better"). Or how the headrest just doesn't work for me. But those are small, tiny things.

The multi year wait WAS worth it for me. I kind of forgot about the MINI for a brief period in between when they came out and the end of last year. Glad I got in when I did!!

John

Sure, just dont get stopped by a cop. Then you in TROUBLEEE!https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...s/NAMsmile.gif

Good luck Man. Lots of little things you will find like how nice and clean the boot stays after driving in the rain!https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ies/NAMlol.gif

If you are a driver with a good driving record, I would not hesitate to drive with that expired temporay license (assuming that your temporary license is not related to some previous suspension for serious infractions of the law)

Quite an upgrade from that pregnant drunk cow of a mini-van!

Enjoy!

I wouldn't worry about the plate being expired. If you are I'd just tell the dealer to make me a new one.
(assuming they are close enough)

Yes. Since you've already registered the car, it doesn't matter that you don't have the plates yet if it's beyond your control. If you do get pulled over, just tell the cop you're waiting for the plates to arrive. Just give him your registration card and he'll look you up to confirm that you aren't lying then send you on your merry motoring way. :thumbsup:

Fun eh:grin:
:cool:

Yeah... I'll just refer him to this thread, "But Officer, the people at NAM said it'd be fine to drive with this temporary license plate, honest."

I have a spotless record, would hate to get fined for driving without the proper plate... BUT if you guys think it's OK, since my reg, insurance, etc... is all in order, I'll head out on Monday! The only thing is I'll have to lie about not having another vehicle to drive :sad:.

John

Monday is the 29th, probably good till midnight.

Do you have time in the morning to check before you have to leave?
:cool:

I don't - they open at 9:00. I may just drive it Monday and pretend I thought it expired at Midnight if I get stopped.

People drive with expired tags all the time. Expired temp tags aren't that big of a deal, given you're only a couple of days over. I wouldn't be too concerned about it unless you don't have permenant tags, or new temp tags from your dealer, by the end of the week.

If you get a ticket for plates, give it to the dealer.. it is their fault for not having it...

I got my plates a few days before my temporary license plate expired, but I was too lazy to install it. Took me about two weeks to get to it. No problems, but I always stay at or within 5 MPH of the speed limit. The MINI is just too visible!

Glad to hear that you're really enjoying your MINI! I too drove a Voyager before I got my MINI. It was a 1993 Grand Voyager SE. Many seats and bad gas milage, but overall not too bad as minivans go.

MINIs are the way to go. Plus everyone always wants to ride in the Cooper!

I got the plate on the day it expired at midnight, so all was good :thumbsup:. I did check with another MINI owner, and he felt that if I explained the situation to a police officer, they'd understand.

And at 1,211 miles, I am in heaven (figuratively...).

John

So true!