So, now the MINI has been on the US market for over a year. Do you think you'll stay loyal to BMW and buy one of the MINI's bigger, more expensive, brothers?

 

no

 

What for?

 

Probably not, but I will buy another MINI.

Lobo

 

OK Lobo, I have to say it - that face in your sig freaks me out!

 

>>OK Lobo, I have to say it - that face in your sig freaks me out!
Thanks!

Lobo

 

having had several BMW's I was drawn to the Mini BECAUSE it's a bimmer. I've had Triumphs and MG's, they did not endear me to english manufacturing. So BMW is the sell. I cannot see how MINI folk would be put off bimmers as their needs change, except for service experience.

Still I don't see alot of MINI folks moving into 740il's anytime soon

 

>>So, now the MINI has been on the US market for over a year. Do you think you'll stay loyal to BMW and buy one of the MINI's bigger, more expensive, brothers?

No. I think I will always have things in life more important to spend $35-50k on than a car. A house, traveling, college for my far-in-the-future kids (shudder). And frankly, I'd be very self-conscious about driving a BMW. I bought it in spite of that. I don't even like to tell people that the MINI is a BMW. I feel like it makes me seem much more overprivileged than I already am. I'd feel like a jerk in a 3-series, even. No offense to those of you that love those cars, but they're not for me.
_________________
2003 Cooper, Borla exhaust, Moss intake, Magnecor plug wires - Brookline, MA

 

>>having had several BMW's I was drawn to the Mini BECAUSE it's a bimmer. I've had Triumphs and MG's, they did not endear me to english manufacturing. So BMW is the sell. I cannot see how MINI folk would be put off bimmers as their needs change, except for service experience.
>>
>>

I did have a very nice 2002 once ... and the BMW reputation was a real draw for me too, but .. in larger sport/luxo sedans, there are several to choose from (like Audi!) and if I ever need to shop for one, BMW will be considered ... but they also have some heavy-handedness (like not allowing us workshop manuals) that helps to keep 'loyalty' at bay ...

 

LOVE those 2002s! Now that's different.

 

Don't think so.
To me, the attraction was MINI itself, not the fact that the company is owned by, or the car co-engineered by BMW. If I decide to forego MINI in the future (which I can't see doing right now unless I move to Alaska), then I will decide what my needs are. If I move to AK for example I'd get another Subaru.
I like MINI because it's a MINI, not because it's a BMW!

 

>>>>OK Lobo, I have to say it - that face in your sig freaks me out!
>>Thanks!

 

Why would I? I want, have, and drive a MINI, because it's a MINI, not because it's a cheap BMW...

Rocketboy_X

 

totally! my other dream car is the current 3 series coupe. sweet *** car. but living where i do i would only get that if i also had another car. rear wheel drive is just not what i want to be stuck in snow in.

 

>>
>>Still I don't see alot of MINI folks moving into 740il's anytime soon
>>


rather judgemental statement imo, dont you think?

 

>>Still I don't see alot of MINI folks moving into 740il's anytime soon
>>
>>>>rather judgemental statement imo, dont you think?

I don't think this was some sort of classist snub, which I'm guessing is how you must be interpreting it to be offended. The point is that the MINI is desirable because it's a MINI, and its drivers love their intimate connection with the road and the smiles the car puts on people's faces. The 740i is a land barge that is totally in the opposite school of thought as far as driving goes. Plus I suspect that more people look at a 7-series and think "rich pig" than "wow, nice machine!". Most MINI drivers would probably rather be driving a VW GTI than an Audi A8 - get my point?

 

Mini's have a bigger brother?

 

Not a chance in hell!

 

Chis,
I agree and disagree with you and also understand why you might not want a BMW. I loved my 328 it was a great car! The seven are awesome as well. Expensive, but drive so well for their size (hardly a barge.) Drove one for a week last year and it is an incredible car.

I agree that many by bimmers for the "I can afford" the best reason versus for having a great driving car. But, many by MINIs' for the "in" or "cool" reasons versus it being a great driving car.

Both a great cars that fit different needs. Both definitely deliver a great driving experience for those that push them.

 

Mmmmm ///M5. Sweet Sweet ///M5. :smile:

 

>>Mini's have a bigger brother?

MINI's bigger brother is the BMW series of cars.

Mini's bigger brother is the Morris line of cars. Not much bigger, but bigger.

 

I've been in Lust with the M5 long before I thougt of getting a MINI. I didn't get the MINI because it was related to BMW, but because it handled like I've always wanted a "street" car to handle. If the opportunity ever arises, I'll be on a waiting list for an M5 for sure.



Craig

 

>>Mmmmm ///M5. Sweet Sweet ///M5.
>>
>>
... I read a column in some mag years ago (rodent tracks or some such ...) about a texan who used to race - remember those chapparells? - and he showed up for the interview in a 5-series ... enough of an endorsement to keep me glancing at 'em years later ...

 

I think the people for whom this "strategy" will work are those who primarily drove American cars or American/foreign SUVs before the MINI. People who used to think that the holy grail was a Tahoe or a Park Avenue or something, and who now have discovered what driving is really all about. Perfect example is the guy in that CarTalk (?) article that kensmini posted this week - went from deciding between a Suburban or an Expedition to buying a yellow MCS! You can bet that when his family grows and he needs more room, he wont be going back to that way of thinking.

And I take back the barge comment about the 7 - I know it's not exactly a Grand Marquis or something, and handles far better. But it's opposite of a MINI, and is desired for very different reasons.

 

I have always wanted an M3, as long as I knew they existed...M Power ..mmmmm

I bought my MINI because it handled like my friends 3 series. Impressive stuff.

Heck, after seeing "Ronin" a few times, I want an Audi S8 as well