I just wanted to say goodbye to everyone on the forums. I traded in my 2003 MCS last Monday. I decided to get rid of the MINI because it was at the point of needing expensive repairs that I couldn't afford. Also, because of the MCS needing 91 octane, the cost of gas was killing me.

Thanks for the almost 3 years of invaluable information and general comraderie. It will be missed.

 

Soooo...........what did you get to replace your MCS? Inquiring minds want to know.

-Keith

 

A Preus He crossed over to the dark side

 

Good luck to you, skrutzen! Best wishes and hope you enjoy your new ride. We'll be here if you get another MINI! :smile:


Clover

 

Don't be a stranger. We'll talk to ya even if ya don't have a MINI

Nik

 

Good Bye, sorry to lose you, and on the other side, No tolarance for cheap excuses such as "gas was killing me", as if we are driving Suburbans.......

 

You don't really have to use 91 octane fuel.

OK, OK...I'm only kidding. I really don't want to start another discussion on this. Just joking really...truly.

You need to come here and post occassionally, MINI or no MINI.

 

He also said about expensive repairs ahead though. The gas will just nickel and dime ya. I wish there was a hybrid Mini, though supposedly the 07's will have much better gas mileage, so I'm considering trading then.

 

Not directed at skrutzen (best wishes, really) and not to highjack the thread BUT, I don't understand the hysteria about gas prices. The difference between reg and prem is about 20 cents. That's roughly $2.60 a tank. I don't know how many tanks a month everyone else burns but I figure premium fuel costs me about $10/month over regular. If that is gonna break someone's bank their finances must be on awfully thin ice.

 

Hybrid cars are junk.

People wake up!

http://www.wired.com/news/autotech/0,2554,63413,00.html

http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/...ar/P113609.asp

http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/...ra/P116121.asp

http://www.wndu.com/16wheels/082005/16wheels_44131.php


You have been much better off with a new Cooper 5-speed.

 

Read this blog... It will make you think twice about ever getting a Hybrid car.

http://hybridbuzz.blogspot.com/

 

HYBRIDS ARE A SCAM!!


Hydrogen is the way of the future!

 

And the difference is only 10 cents at Costco.

 

Are Hybrids worth it?

http://www.smartmoney.com/consumer/i...story=20031126

 

Hydrogen is the wave of the future, but for the right here, right now, you'll get much better mileage than a Hybrid (And at considerable upfront and long term savings) from any modern day crop of small cars equipped with manual transmissions (MC 5-speed among them) or a Diesel (VW Golf/Jetta/Passat TDI)

I applud BMW/MINI's decision to not pursue the Hybrid scam bandwagon.

 

Too bad Mini USA doesn't import the Mini Diesel. Until a rather large jump in technology happens, diesels just make so much more sense than hybrids. Except for the Truck Daddy crowd, it amazes me how America totally shuns diesels. Aren't something like over 60% of the passenger vehicles in Europe diesel...?
-Barry
[guilty of being a 'truck daddy' with a Ford Powerstroke diesel 1-ton van and enjoying torque with a capital 'T']

 

well, for the right now, you can have a standar shift, front wheel drive 4 cylinder car converted to a hydrogen powered car for around $150,000.

yes, very steep, but like all things technelogical, it will come down eventually. within 15-20 years, i can see hydrogen just as mainstream as "hybird" or conventional internal combustion cars.

one problem with hydrogen cars now is on top of the price to convers, you need to buy and install a seperator somewhere to get you the hydrogen.

 

We don't have the low sulfur diesel fuels required by high tech diesel engines such as the one in the MINI ONE D. However, this is poised to change by 2007/2008.

If you want a Diesel, look no further to VW.

 

Our Mercedes diesel has over 150,000 mi on it and still trucking! Keep the other German in mind if you want a diesel.

-Sarah

 

I'm not so sure that hydrogen is a winner, either - the energy required to separate it from other elements makes the cost of 'usuable' hydrogen prohibitive. There's a good article on this in the current issue of Car and Driver. Let's face it - until the dino-juice dries up, there ain't gonna be a viable alternative. Just my .02

 

The problem is that energy is not free. While hydrogen sounds good, it actually produces more pollutants because most hydrogen would be created using electricity produced from coal burning plants.

What is really needed is the ability to produce cheaper nuclear fuel and more alternative fuels such as solar and wind.

 

If gas is an issue get a Mini ONE D transported in May not be as fast, but gives 1000km (1.6 km in 1 mile) in a 50L (same as any other Mini tank) tank .

-Bill

 

skrutzen - Sorry to see you go but we'll still be around in here if you'd like to pop in once in a while to say Hello...:smile:

Donna

 

With all the talk of hybrids you'ld think some of these "rocket scientists" would do the math. Battery replacement cost on a hybrid=$4000. Fuel savings would average about $400 per year over a standard compact. In 10 years you'll save just enough to replace the batteries.

 

Wow! I Didn't think I would start a discussion on hybrid/diesel technology.

So, I had my MCS for almost 3 years and just under 60k mileage. I was due to replace the clutch because, well, I drove the car hard and didn't enjoy driving it any other way. I definitely miss the handling and rock solid suspension on the car but it was time to trade in while it was still of value. I don't really make enough money to support the vehicle and it's upcoming repairs. I work and go to school part time.

I almost don't want to tell you guys what I got for fear of strong opinons which, for the most part I share with all of you. No, I did not get a hybrid. To be completely honest, I couldn't think of anything less fun to drive; I'd rather walk.

Seriously though, the NAM members here have been the best! You have been extremely helpful and generous. I couldn't ask for anything more. I will definitely stick around the boards and post when I feel I have something to contribute (most likely off topic though) so, this won't be the last of me. And the next time I get a MINI, I'm getting a matching classic one as well.