So here's my question. I've owned several cars before (Camaro, Lebaron, Seebring, Civic, and a Iszuzu Pick-up), yet I never seem to connect or feel the way I do about a Mini Cooper. Why? And is the reason I feel drawn to this unique little car the same reason as others. Is there a common thread here. Are we all rebels, or thrill seekers or something like that?

For me, it started out with a trip to Europe and falling in love with the "smart car", only to find out it's not available in the US (why Canada can get them but not us is beyond me).

So, now I looking for something funky, different, unique. Then I found the mini cooper. I haven't even got my MC yet (late Feb. is my arrival date) and I find myself scouring the web for any and all things Mini. Am I'm addicted. (do they have a Mini anonymos)

So I've always considered myself a rebel. I never cared about what other think. My definition of style is what is on my back. I'm considered the black sheep in my family.

So, is this a common thread to fellow Mini owners or did I just have one too many glasses of wine tonight at dinner?

Not all who wonder are lost!

 

I don't know why it is - but I agree with you.
Saw my first MINI in mid 2002, placed an order for an MCS (9 month wait then) but within a week I had to be driving one *now* and got an off-the-lot MC (GBMINI#1) ... currently driving and still loving GBMINI#3. I sometimes wonder what other car I would drive - but there are none out there that attract me.

 

I have a pug-faced dog and a pug-faced car. The saying for pugs is 'Multo in parvo' -- a lot of dog in a little space. Perhaps the MINI slogan should be 'Multo in automobile'.

I like things that seem one way on the outside, but are surprising on the inside: finely patterned cloth, cheap tasty wine that is so good that when you find out the price you say "Now that's good wine", a nice view out a window that you never get tired of.

 

Welcome to MINI-holics Anonymous, snooter! This is actually NOT the place to recover, but rather is the MINI Asylum, where we go deeper into the addiction...woo hooooo!

In my family, I am the maverick (no, not the car...LOL), the rebel, the artist, the very individualistic one. I have met MINI folk all across the US in my annual solo cross-country roadtrips, and I guess the connecting thread amongst them all, besides the MINI, is that they have marvelous senses of humor and are quirky!

All ages and genders love and own MINIs, an incredibly varied demographic, which I am sure is way different from what MINI ever projected as the market for their little MINI Cooper!

 

mine was both liking the look of the car, but primarily I was interested from a performance basis.

The performance&fun : value ratio w/ the mini was to me unbeatable- other considerations were a Porsche Carrera and a E46 M3, but after driving the S I had to have one, I figured I might as well get the JCW package to ensure that I'd be one of the fastest small cars on the road.

 

Same reason why I picked the MINI. I'm a sucker for cars with incredible steering reponse. Oh yea, and the community is a plus ++..

 

There is no other car like a MINI, not even close. First car I ever bought, and someday one'll probably be the last, too. Been at it with 'em for 30-some years, and never get tired of lookin' at 'em, or driving 'em. Eminently tossable, and an automatic grin-maker - even to bystanders. I have never felt so sympatico with another car, only with Minis & MINIs - the new follows the old in an amazingly close degree of fidelity. I look forward to every time behind the wheel.

BCNU,
Rob in Dago

 

It's called the Chruch of NAM for a reason

 

Ever try to quit smoking? Waiting to take delivery of *your* mini is much worse

 

Hmmm... Could it have anything to do with the cars you owned previously? You finally hooked up with a real car. There are many others out there.

 

LOL that's great! Can I use that?!

 

Hey Snooter,

What color are you getting?

retroom

 

It's the dark silver with black convertible top, the two tone leatherette interior (silver and dark grey) and silver dash.


i'm gonna add some stripes from Cooper Flags. Bonnet and boot (G2) and side stipe (the intimidator). Just can't decide if I want them in Black or Frost.

 

For me, being different is a big reason I have my MINI. In my family we are all somewhat different so its no biggie to my family.

I agree that my MINI has caused me to feel differently about this car than any other car I have owned.

For the last 20 years or so I have always owned at least two cars. Generally because I do a lot of driving. Having two cars is a good way of not putting too many miles on any one car. So I have had one car for weekends and fun after work. When I got my MINI that was supoosed to be its role. But I have been so in love with my MINI that I have a hard time driving anything else.

So I have been thinking of replacing my other car. But I want something that I will actually drive. Something that will cause me to not want to drive the MINI 100% of the time. It is very difficult to come with a reasonable alternative.

The thought has crossed my mind more than once to make my other car a MINI.

Yep, a lot of us are nuts.

 

I'm not necessarily a rebel but I'm not a mind-less follower either. Basically...having been around British sports cars in the 60s, I had become tired of automotive mediocrity. I've always loved Minis....so here comes the new MINI...I'm in!!! It was pretty much that simple.

I do think MINI owners have certain general traits based on my observations. They tend to be less solely focused on competition and proving something (even in highly competitive venues)...there is in the background always something quirky and fun about MINI ownership and MINI owners. I mean, I don't care how you cut it, MINI/Minis have always had an element of cuteness that no one can escape. No one. So owners I've met, almost w/o exception, have a quirky, fun, humorous...even cheeky twist that I think is absolutely great!!!

MINI owners also don't seem to mind being, or at least being related to, the underdog. In a world in which one is frequently surrounded by SUVs, owners I've met tend to readily accept being small. We don't mind not being the absolute fastest off the line either (although we frequently are)...we seem to have a more balance view of automotive value and performance.

I've seen lots of people walk into the MINI showroom....and back out again....simply because they could not make the leap to something out of the ordinary. MINI owners, naturally then, might tend to be more adventurous and free-thinking...enough to "go there"...perhaps following their heart along w/ their head??

Just a few random observations...

 

Or maybe we just realize something the others don't. That this car is one of the "funest" (yes refered to being more than just fun) things I have driven in a while. While the suspension needs tuning it still provides one of the biggest bags for the buck . If I ever get another car it would be a lotus elise

 

For me the Mini is a prime example of good design as well as a fun per dollar element that is off the chart - especially the Cooper. While the MC gives away the acceleration of the MCS, it is so tossable, still surprisingly quick, and delivers outstanding mpg. I think it appeals to anyone who appreciates good design and the concept of "less being more."

 

im my case, I always liked boxy little cars (hatch backs), so had to get one.

when i was little, i always wanted the Honda City..but never released
in the US. not missing it though. hehe.

 

Hmm... Well, for me, it was not performance that attracted me to the car -- I only found out later what a rocket they are.

I like small cars. Most of the time, peple are just driving themselves or one other person. A big car seems like such a waste.

I like unique styling. There are so many cars that are identical. I had a Red 64 VW bug hat I loved, but the new beetles just didn't have the same "spirit." The MC had it.... a plucky little car that looked like a car, not a rocket ship.

I was not looking for a little hot-rod. I wanted a fun small car, but I did want to drift into some kind of midlife-crisis mobile. I wanted the standard MC.

As it happens, I picked up a used Chili Red 2003 MCS and -- oh my! -- is it fun to drive!

 

I agree, Minis are (arguably) the automotive poster child for "less is more." Stuff of legends. For someone who embraces this basic philosphy, a MINI...if only on a symbolic level...is hard to not love.

 

Personally, I think there are two things at work here. First you have to like "sports" cars, although, personally, I don't think the MINI is really a sports car per se, it certainly is sporty and emphasizes performance across a number of dimensions. Second, in my experience, there are certain cars that just get it right. By right I mean that they have the appropriate amount of chassis for HP, the right weighting for the steering and gear box and a rare quality of enjoyability in that they don't do anything to **** you off.

IMO, a trait of this type of car is that it has made a series of compromises in all the areas of automotive design, as a result of which, it becomes a fine blend that simply works well. Two cars I've owned in my life that fit this were a 1961 356B Porsche and a 1986 Porsche 944. These were cars that like the MINI did not represent the pinnacle of performance in any category, but when taken as a package were extremely satisfying. The MINI wins no individual awards IMO. It isn't the fastest accelerating, best handling, most fuel efficent, best braking, most practical, best looking etc... etc.. car in the world, BUT put it all together and you have one of the sweetest little cars of all time, and I do not say that lightly. I detest FWD as a rule, but here it works and it works as well as anyone has a right to expect. Happy Motoring and Welcome aboard!

 

Well, I haven't taken delivery yet, but I'm moving from a Suburban to an '06 MCS I ordered 1/8/06. I'll be 60 this year, maybe I'm going through my 2nd childhood, I dunno. My first car in 1963 was a rusty Triumph TR3 until I bought a red 66 1/2 Mustang Fastback to which I applied an off center white racing stripe from hood to back bumper. Later after a divorce, I got an AH Sprite, then a sweet MGB GT and next a hot 77 280Z. After that came a bimmer 320i and a long succession of trucks until now.

In all my years, I don't think I've looked forward to anything more than delivery of my MINI. I quit smoking in Feb. '05...this waiting may cause me to start back! (NOT!)

 

I was looking for a car that cost too much, had no personality, would blend into a crowd, handle like a pig on slop, and drink gas like college kids suck-down beer.

In a brief, occasional moment of clarity, I bought the MINI anyway (What WAS I thinking?).

Gosh, have I been disappointed. It's craptastic, you know . . .

I will awaken from this dream soon and be reunited with a 76 Pacer wagon (straight six/automatic) with fake wood sides. Until then, I shall continue to drive Percy-Bob like I stole it, cuz it's all a dream anyway.

 

i always liked the small performance hot-hatches. Back in Europe, drove Peugeot GTIs in late 80s, post US arrival had several VW GTIs, and a Bimmer in the past. Mini drives like a real sports car, feels tight, very predictable, forgiving, has a lot of gadgets, never shows age, holds value, turns heads, unique, and the most important, everytime I drive it puts a smile on face.

 

For me the MINI is about handling (we have an MCS). It is definitely a driver's car. The MINI offers more feedback to the driver through the controls (and seat!) than any other car (in factory configuration) I have driven in 30 years of enthusiastic driving. I prefer it to a Porsche 911. I will caution that I have not driven a Lotus Elyse yet--but I wouldn't get one anyway because it doesn't meet one of my basic criteria that the car must hold four passengers in a pinch.