Hey guys,

I knew I could share this here because it would be appreciated and unlike my family members, I wouldn't be laughed at (it's not "just a car!") - yesterday I was driving home from work (downtown Richmond, VA) and it was just horrible. First there was a huge van that was in the wrong merge lane and instead of signalling and waiting for me to give her a chance to get over, she nearly took out the front of my car! On top of that, I could see her screaming four letter words in her rearview mirror - nice.



Once I got off the interstate another car nearly clipped me. Then this stupid girl in front of me flicked her lit cigarette right onto the bonnet of my beautiful MINI. As if it isn't bad enough that cigarettes will kill you anyway. THEN I got behind a truck and he threw a rock up on my windshield and I thought it had chipped! You guys, I really almost cried, it had been such a bad day for poor Stella. Luckily when I got home it turned out there was no chip (after I scrubbed the windshield within an inch of its life) and I managed to calm down. I just don't understand why people are so crazy!

Anyway, sorry for the rant, but it's just so frustrating when you have a new car that you love so much and other people just don't appreciate things! Ugggghhh. I really do love my MINI and I want her to stay beautiful for as long as possible. Is that so wrong?

 

Obviously there is some kind of "hit" out on Stella to see who can cause the first dent/chip/scrape. I hope you make it through your first month with her without any damage!

And don't worry that your family thinks "it's just a car"...you have your NAM family who will always understand!

 

oh wow glad to hear you didn't have a chip in your windshield and all is well now.

 

sniff..sniff...I almost cried just reading your post. Glad you and Stella are okay. We're always here for you dear.

 

Thanks so much guys I really feel much better. NAM is so awesome!

 

You're right...we do understand!! Some days just turn out strangely, but it does make one wary about how we interface w/ traffic out there. For example, I avoid certain parts of D/FW simply because of development and the excess numbers of rock-hauling trucks. Certain lanes in certain places I avoid due to big puddles that splash yuck all over my MINI, expecially if I'm somewhere behind a big 'ol SUV. I am also given to passing big trucks "in a purposeful manner" to get out of their way...got me a ticket once because of this, but I'd do it again.

Takes nerves of steel, cat-like reflexes, and a good bit of focused awareness, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

In the end....much as I hate to admit it....the MINI literature is right: it does add up to "motoring experience." My MINI has a war wound or two (that only I can see) and has others that have been repaired w/ dispatch, but it all serves to steel my love and affection for this little car. We've been through a good bit together, and it's always willing and eager to take on a new adventure each day.

 

You are lucky, i picked up my new Hot orange s cabrio on Friday and within three miles of the dealer had been hit by a rock that caromed off the hood into the windshield and caused little nicks in both. i hope to be covered for a while .

 

Just take it one day at a time

 

I know how you feel, when our 4 wheel baby got her first booboo, I had a fit!!!

 

After my wife sideswiped Swifty in our driveway, I haven't had to worry. Still hate dumptrucks throwing mud from their wheels.
Some days there is more of a negative energy from other drivers, that's why it's best to be courteous hoping it will rub off.

 

And all these damn bad roads in the area have shook me and my car so hard my passenger side strut tower is mushroomed.

 

It's just a CAR, first MCS my windshield was cracked early on and replaced and then was totaled and now I am on my second MCS, see below, and I couldn't be happier. Try riding a motorcycle out there, you have a choice, spend all your time upset and afraid or "FORGET ABOUT IT"....

 

Actually, this is not JUST a car, it's the first car I've ever bought on my own and it's my college graduation gift to myself. It really represents a lot that's going in my life right now - namely, my financial independence. I can't help how I feel about it.

mdsbrain, what does the mushrooming look like? Roads in Richmond are horrible too.

 

BLASPHEMY !!

 

The tops of the strut towers aren't flat and start to push up/mushroom.
I have pics but they don't help explain when looking at a bare tower.

EDIT - Found a pic from a fellow NAMer.


See around the VIN # how its raised?

 

Katherine... sorry to hear your story, but it sounds like you had relatively good luck.

I just don't understand why some people are so oblivious when the drive... wait... I think I know... they aren't having any fun driving their SUVs and minivans and Corollas. (this from a former Corolla driver, soon to be Mini driver).

happy motoring from here on!

 

I totally agree. Every car I've ever had was a hand me down old used clunker. Those were just cars. This is the first car that I've gotten to chose the color, the options, heck, even the make and model year. I'm totally obsessed with taking good care of him, because I've never had a NEW car. That's not to say I don't expect that at some point along the way something is going to happen, but I'm still being careful to do everything I can to keep him looking great as long as possible. I'm glad you're enjoying Stella!

 

I feel your pain... "just a car" indeed (snort).

Be safe and keep alert!

 

Wow, thanks everyone!

I really can't believe how supportive this community is - it's really quite fabulous.

 

I live in Richmond But i used to live downtown... the potholes are killer, people don't know how to drive, and they could care less if the slam into you head on as long as they get to where they need to go.

I like it much better in Glen Allen... but i'm sorry to hear about your bad day. I love it downtown just because it's full of mini's!

 

Thanks! Downtown is sort of crazy. I'm working downtown and living at home, but planning to move out to the Glen Allen area as well. And then possibly moving again if I get into a good law school...

 

i wanted to work downtown, but i don't think my little miata could handle much more abuse.

i'm sure i'll see you around if you end up out where i live i still give thumbs up to mini owners... cause i sure miss being one!

i forgot to add... if you get into and out of law school... i could work for you. I'm a legal assistant :P

 

No kidding! I'm a paralegal

 

I tried telling myself that after being rear ended, but it didn't work. Like katherine, this is the first new car I've ever purchased and it's representative of where I am, and the accomplishments I've made so far, in my life. So to me, it's not just a car.

 

Try tying your self esteem to accomplishments, family, community and relationships, it may produce memories that will last your entire life. You may think the MINI is a big deal now, but that thought will not sustain you when you are "old and gray", the other things may.

It is "JUST A CAR", drive it like you stole it and have fun with it. That's what it's for. I never mind the first good scratch, saves me a whole lot of detailing time from then on out. No more obsession, just good drivetime.