Right...OctaneGuy is a true MINI fanatic and has the results to prove it. In addition we must also remember that many of us considered his detailing of a loaner as perfectly reasonable behavior. Perhaps we are worse than we realize......and by worse I mean insightful and intelligent.

 

I'm definitely in good company!
This is what the MINI community is all about.

I belong!! I belong!!!

 

Does anyone have a problem with me using some of the things you've said in my paper? I'm not taking credit for any of it, I just wanted to use some of things you guys have said as quotes.

 

I think we all knew you were writing a paper when we answered the questions. Quote away!

 

Yeah! Quote away., but please post your finished work! I think it will be interesting reading for the "typical Mini enthusiast". : ) Hope you get an A.

 

I hope your prof signed off on your topic for this paper. Judging from the reaction of most of my friends to my own personal case of "MINI-mania" your prof could easily think you're completely daft. Risky perhaps...but I applaud your pursuit of truth of the MINI kind. Sad thing is that we are completely convinced that we are normal....and NAM doesn't help!

The first clue I had to presence of a MINI culture was the observation that we...completely unselfconsciously, consistently, and without hesitation...refer to a MINI's "boot" and "bonnet." Doesn't raise an eyebrow....doesn't get a laugh. It's completely normal word usage...among MINI owners. The others? Well, they not only raise their eyebrow and laugh, they also make smallish circular motions with their forefinger to their temple (and they think I'm not looking...ha!!).

 

I saw a new MINI for the first time at a local used car lot. It had about 200 miles on it and was a CR/W MC. No options at all and a list of around $17,000. They were asking 22K and I filed away, "I want a MINI", until my 60th birthday about a year later. Used that as a reason to call Roadshow, 225 miles one-way, and ordered my 03 MC over the phone.

I was aware of the original Mini and it's racing heritage. I noticed most of the early buyers were older men. Now that it's became more widely known, and with the help of movies such as The Italian Job, popularity among young people has gone way up.

I hope the designer of the new MINI won awards for his efforts because he did a terrific job.

 

Me too! It was a 2002 PW/B Cooper - I was it in October of 2002. The dealer (used car lot at a Honda dealer) was asking $26K!!! I'm sure some lunatic bought it.

 

You might get extra credit if you cite Kurt Vonnegut's theory of Granfalloon

 

Your paper's probably done by now, but hey, here's my two cents. It's too fun of a topic to pass up.

1. What is it about the MINI that originally drew you to it the most? The style! My SO is a gearhead, so I saw one at an auto show right after they came back to the states. In a world of generic (boring) cars, it was the only thing worth viewing at the show. From that day until July 19, when I placed my order, I told everyone, "My next car is going to be a MINI."

2. What are some of the traits that all MINI enthusiasts share/have in common?
I got home a few hours ago from MINI Day at MIS (Michigan International Speedway), and after being around 30 or so MINI owners, all I can think of is a common need for speed. We were a mixed bunch of people (although I might have been the only female driver on the track, I think the other women at the meet were navigators...I'm not sure) and even though we were told to keep our speed around 70, I was definitely the slowest driver, holding my speed at 95. (Don't laugh. I've only had my MINI for a month, and it was my first time on a race track ever. And yes, it was way cool!)


3. How does the MINI culture differ from other automotive cultures such as Hummer/Jeep, or the huge VAG culture?
I think we are a more relaxed, accepting culture. We don't have to prove anything to each other; we've already proved it by owning a MINI. We can be different and have fun together. You don't have to be a complete gearhead or racer or any other "type" to fit in. Those who bought a MINI for the style are just as welcome as those who bought it for the speed. Heck, I love my MINI so much I made a scrapbook (with Electric Blue front and back cover) about the process of buying and picking up my MINI. (You can peek at it here: http://www.scrapbook.com/scrapbook_l...y.php/cat/5724). Other people scrap their kids or pets; I scrap my car! I doubt there are many Hummer/Jeep people who do that.:smile: