I got an assignment for school recently.....I have to write a paper about a culture/community that interests me.

So it goes without saying, I chose the MINI community to write about. My teacher seemed pretty interested when I mentioned the topic, so I decided to run with it. I'm not writing anything specifically on NAM, but on the world-wide MINI/mini Culture as a whole.

She did tell me that she may be concerned that I don't have enough knowledge of this community since I don't own the car yet.

So, I was wondering if I could get a little bit of help from all of you?

If anyone doesn't mind, it would be greatly appreciated.

1. What is it about the MINI that originally drew you to it the most?

2. What are some of the traits that all MINI enthusiasts share/have in common?

3. How does the MINI culture differ from other automotive cultures such as Hummer/Jeep, or the huge VAG culture?

I obviously have my own answers to these questions, but the more imput the better. If anyone wants to add anything else, feel free. I may ask for more help later on, but for now this will be a good start.

Thanks again.

 

Okay, I'll pitch in and answer what I can briefly.

1. When I first saw the MINI on 2002 I said, "that's the car for me!" And I obsessed for three years. I bought my '05 MC on July 20th, 2005. The MINI is a great pallette for individual creativity. It's the most unique, eye-catching, and attention getting car out there. It doesn't look like every other make/model car on the road today. My wife says that my MC fits my personality to a tee.

2. From my personal experience meeting other MINI motorists I would have to say extroverted, creative and friendly. Very individualistic and very tolerant of others. Very diverse demographics.

3. I have no answer to this question as I have never spent any time in those cultures, or the automitive culture at all... until now. I joined DC Metro MINIs a few weeks after buying my MC. I personally despise Hummers and SUVs. Jeeps I have no problem with. To me the SUV is a pretentious status symbol. They are designed with an anti social attitude built in as a feature.

You're welcome.

MTFBWY,
--Will

 

1. Like others who bought the first year model in 02' - we ordered ours sight unseen. We had only seen pictures in many auto magazines and fell in love immediately. The whole look of the car drew us right in... We have always owned some sort of British Car (currently still own a 58 MGA)so this fit right in to our stable.

2. For the most part, we all shart a special "Love" for our MINIs. We pamper them, we name them, we treat them like part of the family. We share our ups and downs, happy times and bad, we look for other owners while out motoring so we can wave or flash our lights, we collect everything "MINI" that we can get our hands on. We have been and currently are members of other car clubs and I can honestly say that NONE of them are as enthusiastic about their cars as MINI owners are.

3. The MINI culture (good word you used ) seems to be a much broader type of owner. From someone who just turned 16 all the way up to someone in their 80's. We don't care about driving something that is classified as "bling" or proving that we have to buy something that costs an arm and a leg. We love our MINIs because they are unique looking, drive like no other car on the market and they make us smile every time we look at them.

Good luck on your report - obviously we think you picked a FANTASTIC subject to write about.

Donna

 

1. What is it about the MINI that originally drew you to it the most?

The uniqueness--that nothing else looked like it on the road in 2002. Had the best proportions of design aesthetics and performance. I saw one on the road and for the next year, could think of nothing else.. I had to have one--eventually got a 2003 MC.

2. What are some of the traits that all MINI enthusiasts share/have in common?

In general, most MINI owners are really great people and just love to share their passion with others. A great majority of MINI owners are neither wealthy, nor long time car people, but have become passionate about their cars after ownership. Also many MINI owners have never joined or even thought about joining a car club until their MINI came along. There are also a lot of Technology/IT/Entertainment people who own MINI's! You gotta remember there are the enthusiasts and those that just buy a MINI for transportation. We call them the wavers versus non wavers. You see them on the road, pass by them, and if they acknowledge you--you got a friendly enthusiast. While many of us enthusiasts have grown a little jaded about waving due to the number of non enthusiasts on the road that don't participate in the fun, it's extremely rewarding to find that 9th or 10th MINI wave after 8 non wavers!


3. How does the MINI culture differ from other automotive cultures such as Hummer/Jeep, or the huge VAG culture?

The biggest difference of the MINI culture versus other automobile cultures is the type of people that own them. That is, most car clubs, you need to buy into, and to continue participating, you continue showing off how much you spent recently on topping someone elses car. In the MINI culture, a simple shift **** like a Whalen, or a creative solution to a common problem--my rubber MINI tray that fits between my seats can draw attention! It's really about the people who make the cars!

 

The MINI is small with exceptional lines (ok cute).
The same but completely unique.
If you were introverted you become extroverted.
And the most happy diverse group of people.

 

Just some thoughts...

Remember that the American flavor of MINI culture/community is still in pre-adolescent stages compared to UK (for one example) where it's more mature. I bet this has a lot of implications, if you want to do a "thorough" job on the topic. In my opinion it deserves better than the MTV Sound Bite treatment (and i'm Not saying that you'd mistreat the topic).

Do you think it would be a good idea to compare Mini/MINI community, to other ones that grew up around particular cars in the past? (As I'm writing that, I have mental pictures of older VW beetles, karmann ghias, squarebacks, etc... they sure don't make 'em like that anymore!).

One personal observation about NAM members - we tend to exhibit resistance to being labelled, classified, documented... It's not a conscious thing, not snooty, more like Very Diverse! There just isn't a "typical" MINI or MINI owner. There must be a way you could make this work FOR you, I don't know.

Good luck in your endeavor,
Tatt

 

Just some thoughts.


1. What is it about the MINI that originally drew you to it the most?

Handling, Styling, value for money, BMW support.

2. What are some of the traits that all MINI enthusiasts share/have in common?

Love driving our MINIs, a sense of style and individuality.

3. How does the MINI culture differ from other automotive cultures such as Hummer/Jeep, or the huge VAG culture?

Appeal spans almost all demographics. Those who own MINIs don't care if you're wealthy or not so wealthy, male or female, what you do for a living etc etc etc.

 

1. I can't quite remember what drew me to the dealership that day, but I went. I had given by old 944 away to a local high school as a shop car, and was looking for something to replace it. I've always liked small cars, and once I test drove the S, I knew I had to have it. The entire experience was almost like it was meant to be. I talked to Diane (the sales rep), and she mentioned that there was a 7-8 months wait on S models, but that someone had just cancelled their order and they had a new S waiting to go. I said, "Naw, I don't want someone else's cast-off, let me spec one out and find out what I'd like". So we sat down, and I picked my car: dark silver, black top, luxury and comfort packages, and gotta have a sunroof. Then she showed me the specs for the model they had, and it was EXACTLY what I wanted. So I signed on the dotted line immediately. While we were going through the paperwork, another sales rep asked about the car - he had someone else who wanted it. It was providence that I was at the right place at the right time; from when I first walked in to the showroom until when I drove out with my dream Mini was about 24 hours.

2. I think what we all have in common is our enthusiasm and zest for life; and most importantly we like to DRIVE, not operate, our vehicles. We like to personalize our cars (because we can) and make them an extension of ourselves. People ask me what it's like to drive a Mini, and I say "It's like driving a go-kart with a rocket strapped on the roof." But with a lower center of gravity, of course!

3. I haven't been involved in other car cultures; this was my first new car I ever bought, and I'm so glad this community is here. Flame wars happen, but people here are generally very mature, open minded people, and most negative people tend to leave. I like it.

 

Good responses!...keep 'em coming.

Thanks guys

 

KRGMini05,

Looks like you got some good answers

Is your MINI PW with blue stripes ? Should look real good



When you finish your paper post your grade here so we can

Earl

 

>1. What is it about the MINI that originally drew you to it the most?

KEN: size


>2. What are some of the traits that all MINI enthusiasts share/have in common?


KEN: most of us like cars.


>3. How does the MINI culture differ from other automotive cultures such as Hummer/Jeep, or the huge VAG culture?


KEN: balding... i mean age (although im starting to notice more and more younger people).

 

Maybe you can also compare/contrast with people who own Harleys. Those people definitely have a culture all their own, which I could see the MINI developing as time goes on.

 

1. What is it about the MINI that originally drew you to it the most?

When my brother-in-law showed me MINIUSA's website on Christmas Day, 2001, I knew I had to have a MINI. He had owned a new '67 Austin Cooper S and was excited to show me the site. I was just thrilled with the new version of the MINI: its design, its technology, and its connection with BMW.



2. What are some of the traits that all MINI enthusiasts share/have in common?

I've traveled across the US visiting and meeting my internet MINI friends and the thing we most have in common is that we are passionate people. We are very enthusiastic and love sharing all of our MINI adventures, good and not so good, with each other. Our MINIs are more than just vehicles to us... they are like pets or part of our families. We like to motor together, detail our MINIs together, and hang out together ranting and laughing about our funny little fun cars. We also seem to be goodwill ambassadors to all the curious folks that chat us up wherever we go!



3. How does the MINI culture differ from other automotive cultures such as Hummer/Jeep, or the huge VAG culture?

I have not been involved with other automotive cultures. Until I found the MINI, I was pretty much unaware of the car club scene. I am guessing that the MINI has a more unusual and diverse demographic than the other clubs.


Good luck with your project, Kyle!


Clover

 

If Pepper white and the navy blue roof are available for the '07 MY, then I think that's what I'll order. My first car was white and I miss that color. If MINI kills it, I also really like yellow w/ black or cool blue w/ black (for those of you that remember, I almost ordered a cool blue MCc w/ the black roof and stripes about six months ago.) Now that the PW w/ blue is available I like it even better...and this time around I think I'm going for the MCSc.

We'll see what happens next fall when the '07 is released. Until then, I won't know for sure what I'll order.

For the record, I have not seen a picture of a PW convertible, has anyone seen one yet? (sorry to get off topic)

 

Also purchasing a MINI seems to make people who previously didn't care about "personalizing" their cars go to extreme lengths to personalize their MINI. Naming your car, exterior mods, interior mods etcetera all factor into this.

Personally I always loved the classic Mini Cooper but was not confident enough to purchase one since I'm a poor mechanic.

 

I ordered a MINI, but it has not yet arrived, so I can only answer the first:

I like the idea that a MINI looks small but feels big. I like the idea that it looks cute, but has a serious power plant under the hood. I like the idea that status is not conveyed by how much I spent (too easy) but by something ineffable.

I also like pugs, because they look like small dogs, but act like big dogs.

 

1. What is it about the MINI that originally drew you to it the most?

That one is easy. My wife told me to buy one for her. A wise man always pleases his wife.

2. What are some of the traits that all MINI enthusiasts share/have in common?

In general, passion and enthusiasm. A very friendly group willing to always help and do things together.

See https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...1&page=1&pp=25.

People buy the car for different reasons. For example, while some people like to add graphics and "dress up" the car (youify it), other could care less. Similarly, others might like to make performance modifications while others could care less about changing the performance characteristics.

Some people look at it as fun to drive while others view it as an appliance, a cheap means to get to work.

Despite the differences in why people buy it, passion, enthusiasm, friendliness, and willingess to help rule

3. How does the MINI culture differ from other automotive cultures such as Hummer/Jeep, or the huge VAG culture?

Dont know what VAG means. I can speak a little about Porsches having been in a Porsche club for some years. They had their own Xcrosses, rallys etc but it was different. Hate to say it but there were, IMO, classes in that there was a huge difference, mostly in price, between the 911 group vice the 924/944 group. Not at all like the MINI culture but then again, there is very little in difference in prices (unless you go crazy in options).

 

Well, I'm new here but I'll answer for what it's worth

1. I loved the look of the car, it's just so dern cute, isn't it? It's unique and has loads of style without being pretentious, and it's quite sophisticated. I also like that there aren't a ton of them on the road. It's nice to stand out in a crowd sometimes.

2. I think maybe that MINI people aren't all that concerned with what other people think of them. They also seem somewhat more open minded. They probably root for the underdog, and don't judge a book by it's cover.

3. I think that MINI owners probably encompasses a lot of people (like me) who would never have dreamed of joining a car club, or naming their car, or getting personalized plates, etc., if they hadn't of fallen in love with their MINIs.

 

1. This is gonna sound weird, but i was attracted to it cause of my raw hatred towards it. I HATED MINI's cause i thought they were ugly and slow. But i was wrong, the more i looked at them, the more i started to like them. and so i figured out that theyre not ugly and slow, they had character and they are quick, small on the outside, big on the inside. And everybody saus that my car fits my personality so perfectly. I was also looking for a car to autocross, and this car is great for that too, while being a great daily driver as well.

2. Originality, passion for owning such a great car...dedication-(when i went to Kings Island there werepeople from all over the place)-and most of all the ability to accept anybody of any age and type into their clan.

3. The MINI culture differs most because of its heritage...The MINI has always been an icon, it has been in multiple movies, won rally races, and is more than just a car to anybody who owns one. Many, but not all, people who own Hummers and jeeps are trying to make a statement. Something stupid like "I have a big car, therefore im a big strong man and can beat you up"..but once again not all...The MINI is a calssic, those other cars will never be classic, with the exception of the H1 and its Military use.

hope this helps

 

Man I would have killed to have had a new Saab when I was 18! I'm sure you can enjoy that thing plenty while you wait for a MINI. Seems like the old school Saab lovers have a pretty interesting culture too. Of course, the hatches are gone so maybe Saab culture isn't as strong anymore.

And I agree with the post about age. For whatever reason, before I got a MINI I was under the impression that it was marketed as a "first car" for young people, to sorta get them started off in the BMW family and move up to getting a 7 series for retirement. Just an "entry-level" Beamer. But it seems it's not really the young people who are getting so involved in the clubs and get togethers and everything. I'm 24, and out in the real world people under 40 tell me "cute car" or something and MAYBE "who makes it" but that's it. Older people will talk for a while, ask a lot of questions, and I give them a MINI of Nashville business card. I'm not saying younger people don't get involved, but it just seems the majority are more mature folks. I tried to not offend anyone!

 

You are SOOOO right about this. With my previous cars (Civic Hybrid, Saturn SL1, Civic, Civic,) i never personalized, unless you consider a few Simpsons bumper stickers "personalizing". I never named the cars either except for saying things like, "let's take the Civic." I have dreamed of owning my own Chili Red/White MINI Cooper since I first saw them in 2002, and I have always dreamed of personalizing it in a Star Wars theme. I call my MINI "Red 5" and even got personalized license plates that read "RED5 XW" (XW is for X-Wing). I have NEVER had personalized plates before. I never even considered them before Red 5 came along.

MTFBWY,
--Will

 

Originally Posted by KRGMini05

1. What is it about the MINI that originally drew you to it the most?

2. What are some of the traits that all MINI enthusiasts share/have in common?

3. How does the MINI culture differ from other automotive cultures such as Hummer/Jeep, or the huge VAG culture?




1. This is an interesting topic. At the time the MINI was announced I had already owned I don't know how many classic Minis. I had been following the news on the New MINI and all the pictures I saw said to me that it might be a logical "updated Mini" if it had been developed as most cars. I was invited by MINI USA to join with other classic Mini owners at a press conference in Detroit held in December before the New MINI was introduced at the Detroit North American International Auto Show. We were asked to bring our Classic Minis to park outside the Press Conference. I was sold on the concept of the new MINI once I saw it in the metal at the Detroit Show in January. I test drove the New MINI at an Ohio dealership in its first week of being available in the US. I took possession of our first New MINI in June of 2003. 30,000 miles later, we have ordered a 2006 MINI Cooper S that we should get in late October/early November. The garage still holds our two classic Minis and the 2003 Cooper S, and we love them all.

2. I am not sure that there are many common traits of MINI drivers, other than the fact that most of us seem to enjoy DRIVING. MINI USA has certainly found out that there really is no one demographic that fits all of us that are MINI drivers. We are a weird bunch!

3. But, some of the other car culture groups have their share of weirdness as well, I would guess. The one main difference I would guess is that the MINI culture is not really conscious of class, money or station in life. If you enjoy driving your MINI you are accepted.

Good luck on your paper.

cheers,

Paul

2003 MINI Cooper S (soon to be 2006 MINI Cooper S)
1967 Austin Cooper S
1968 Morris Woody Traveller

 

A lot of the "youifying" thing is MINI marketing. They have done an excellent job at pushing a million different options along with many different graphics. However, this is not an exclusive thing to MINI. We've always named cars ... cars have their own personality. As to vanity plates, same thing. You got to be into the car. MINI does an excellent job of marketing the personalization thing and it works

 

1. What is it about the MINI that originally drew you to it the most?

The first time I saw a clean profile of the front of the car. It looked a lot like an older porsche 911 only nicer. It looked like it was smiling at me. That didn't hook me 100% though. What started to convince me was the reports from car enthusiasts that they terrorized the race tracks, and the fact that it is a fuel miser, and rides with BMW comfort but without any of the pompousness.

2. What are some of the traits that all MINI enthusiasts share/have in common?

Aside from the fact that we are all have OCD towards this car, Mini enthusiasts seem to yearn for something different and original. They don't look at another Mini and think, "I'm gonna setup my Mini the exact same way!" They go the complete opposite direction most times. I also don't think Mini enthusiasts care about the common view of what is prestiguous or a status symbol. That is, in a day where SUV's and V6 luxury cars show that you have made it, Mini owners have chosen a car that goes the exact opposite way. They care more about having fun with their car, rather than being like everyone else.

3. How does the MINI culture differ from other automotive cultures such as Hummer/Jeep, or the huge VAG culture?

I think the most substantial way the Mini culture is different from other car cultures is its interactive involvement on the Internet. This is the only car company that shows you on the web when your car is being built, shipped over the ocean, prepped at the distribution center, and finally received by your dealer. You can also watch movies on how the car is built, how it is prepped, and even listen to interviews by people who run the company and or manufacturing plants. No one else does this. Not Ford, Not Toyota, Not Honda, and certainly not Nissan. The web site that Mini has put together has so much content and information as well as on-going ad campaigns that you can't help but become a fan of the car and the car company. It is a playful friendly culture that encourages you to "play" with your car. I have never seen another car company print and give out for free "bullseye" stickers to put on your mirrors so you can play a "get a bullseye with a bug squash" game while driving. The car company and the culture have a deep respect for the car itself, but it has an even bigger respect for having verve in life and having fun in all aspects in life.

--pyratio

 

1. What is it about the MINI that originally drew you to it the most?
The neat, compact styling, with performance.

2. What are some of the traits that all MINI enthusiasts share/have in common?
Diversity. Some appreciate the Mini for nothing more than a fine sporty car that it is. Others enjoy the benefits that come with the efficient packaging. I think by virtue of buying a car that kinda sticks out, most owners are not afraid to be different.

3. How does the MINI culture differ from other automotive cultures such as Hummer/Jeep, or the huge VAG culture? Depending on how long your paper has to be, you may want to devote a paragraph to contrast the Mini culture to the New Beetle culture (or lack of it?). Mini/BMW has done a great job of pushing the quirky ads, and Harley Davidson-like accessory products which undoubtedly helped fuel the culture.

What I believe is that the car's configuration lends itself to a very broad market: it is a fine personal car, commuter car, sport compact, etc...the Miata is also, but with the addition of backseat, Mini appeals to even more. I absolutely love the Honda S2000, and Porsche Boxter but having to occasionally pick up my 3 kids from school, I had to look in the Mini showroom. I think it overlaps several niche categories very well.

Don't forget the proper MLA reference citation! We want you to get an A, without plagarizing! JK. Good luck!