I was motoring along last Saturday, going to pick up my daughter, and happened upon someone driving a nice BMW 330i. I didn't think much of it as I pass a fair amount of these folks. When I was about 200 feet away, the guy in the Bimmer flashed his headlights, gave me a thumbs us and waved as he passed. It caught me totally by surprise and I didn't even realize it until I was already past him. I didn't have any time to react and wave back or do anything. In my own little world, I was a bit embarrassed that I didn't acknowledge someone who obviously had some positive feelings for our wonderful MINI's. I hope I have the opportunity to encounter this person again so I can at least make an attempt to make ammends.

It's nice to know that there are some non MINI drivers out there that know what we know (and possibly lust for what we have).

 

I forget when I'm driving other cars and wave at Mini owners. Most don't respond. But they don't wave that much here in CA anyway....

Matt

 

--Some times I'll pass by a MINI or another car that was giving me the thumbs up or the Hawaiian version, the shaka sign..see below:



Origins: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaka_sign

If my hands are busy I try to at least give them an acknowledging nod, or wave a shaka sign out my window in case he/she is looking back at me through the rear view.

No worries though. The MINI has a lot of fans and if you even smile when someone sends you a positive "on the road" acknowledgement then it'll be enough.

Snobby is turning your head or looking away sharply and speeding off. I get that from Mercedes drivers a lot. Oh well. I think you're okay though.

 

I hate it when I somehow miss any chance to wave back. It's ok though, it happens.

Maybe just for fun you could take a 330i, or any new "3", on a test drive (for recreational purposes only, understand). I have read that they are very nice and a "driver's car" too.

Wave to No One In Particular - Invest in Good Karma,
Tatt

 

It happens. It actually happened to me recently in my MkV Volkswagen GTI. I passed a Tornado Red Audi A3 2.0T in parking lot. My GTI is also a Tornado Red 2.0T.. so I guess you can our cars are cousins. He flashed his lights and waved but before I realized what has just happened, he passed me. I'm totally new to this as my last car was a Honda Accord.

From then on, I've been more alert about things like that.

 

LOL!!!!!!!!!

 

It could also be a MINI owner in their "other" car. Or an ex-owner (sheepishly admitting to now owning a MX5 [Miata]). I try to give a nod or a wave to people I am passing or being passed by if it seems they are also car-guys/gals and are into their cars. Even the kids with the ricers. They have a passion for it, too. As tattman said "invest in good karma"

 

I chuckled @ that too, but my boss drives an Accord (that his teenager keeps finding ways to dent ) so I "held my tongue".

If one deliberately ignores waves and greetings, does that mean there's already enough friendliness in their (sorry excuse for a) life?

Pondering,
Tatt

 

In the dark w/ headlights on I'll toggle my front fogs on and off a couple of times when I recognize a MINI coming my way. My way of saying hey! :-)

 

I dont think anyone would call you a snoob for nto waving... like said before, a "snoob" would look away sharply and drive away... or just out right ignore you. Being a VW owner and I guess "enthusiast" I love it when people wave to me or give a thumb up, and also feel really bad when I notice it's too late.

 

I was driving around the infield at Road America and my girlfriend said "that guy in the BMW just waved at you". I had totally missed it! Oh well...I chalk it up to complete sensory overload. It was Road America after all.