I haven gotten my MINI yet, but when i tell people what im getting they say,

"You got rid of your BMW for that!"

"You had a sweet car now you're getting a clown car"

Even my wife lets me know how "dumb" i am for gettin rid of my BMW.

I hope to God, i didn't make a mistake!

 

Not to fear. There are a lot of people that here that have given up some sweet cars for the MINI and been very happy. There are even more that have have high buck cars and prefer the driving experience in the MINI.

I had one of the people at BMWCCA national HQ tell me that in her view the MINI was the most pure BMW driving experience today of *any* current generation BMW.

Just some thoughts.

Dave

 

Well all I can say is that for the money I spent on my MCS I would have had to spent double in order to find a car that gets more positive attention, or that was more fun to drive. This car is a drivers car, and it is a blast. I know some people are buying it for a daily driver to go to and from work, but to me this is an enthusiast car as much as a Corvette or a Carrera. It is in my opinion the best value on the planet. Drive it hard and you will see. I am telling you more people look at my MINI Cooper S than when I drive my brothers new convertible Corvette.

jc

 

way fun to drive

 

rocketpop - we also received LOTS of grief from friends about getting the MINI but - once they rode in the car - well - enough said :smile: :smile:


Chow!


Donna

 

Rocketpop, you're ahead of the curve...the rest of them will have to catch up to you someday. (...probably all the stares, waves, and thumbs-ups you'll get will slowly clue them in that the MINI really is a special car.) My advise, hang out on MCO...learn all you can...get support. After all, you'll be driving a legend...but one that has dropped off the map for many decades in the US. Some people find it bewildering...but true car enthusiats will get it. You're stepping out of the norm, buddy!!!! (Here's an idea...take your family to see "The Italian Job", but don't tell them MINIs are in it...then they'll REALLY think you're crazy!)

_________________
'03 IB/W Cooper, chrome bumpers, cloth sport seats, leather steering wheel, silver holees

 

Personally, I like to be a trend-SETTER instead of follower. I get nervous if something I like gets too popular. To me and many people I know, those yuppies that wear sunglasses at night and drive their BMW's or the soccer moms that drive their identical SUV's look farrr sillier than someone doin' something a little different because that's what they want to do. Now THAT's freedom!
I'll bet you'll love it. Good luck!
Tim

 

Here is maybe a little different perspective (but in a crowd of MINIACS, maybe not):

There are lots of solid reasons that can justify the MINI. There are the performance statistics. There are all of the rave reviews of the Auto Mags. There are countless stories of people (some I know personally) who have opted for the MINI over MUCH more expensive vehicles and been absolutely thrilled at the driving experience. Factor in the overall economy of the car. The excellent safety ratings (Yes, even for such a small car). The plethora of options (luxury car -esque). Etc., Etc.

....The list of logical reasons is long.

However, that is not necessarily what the MINI is really all about. It isn't about logic. The MINI is about FUN. All of the logical reasons are simply a BONUS! I say that you go ahead and let those folks think you've lost your head. They won't know what they're missing - and that's FINE! We don't want the MINI to be a New Beetle or PT Cruiser - four on every block. Go ahead and be the "underdog" - and feel confident that you're the winner! It actually gives you a deeper sense of joy than knowing you've got the most sensible car. Buying a MINI isn't just about buying a car - it is about breaking away from the norm.

If you're ready to take the leap from sensible and boring into fun and joy (different from happiness) - it is time to buy a MINI!

 

Rocket, have no fear, you're experiencing some "breaking away from the sheep syndrome". Once you get your MINI, others will drool and start begging to be their friend again. Use this power to assert your intellect and demonstrate that they were wrong in chastising you for being an individual!

I've also gotten some static asking why I'm getting rid of my Bimmer too. I don't accept ignorance as a form of communication, so I tell them to do a market research study and get back to me

Cheers,
Ryan

 

I bought my MCS never driving one. Bought it, drove it! It is so impressive, I sold my Porsche. No worries!

 

I bought my Mini Cooper S after owning Numerous Modified VW's (Rabbits, Golf,Jetta, Cabriolet) and a few company cars (Startus, Intrepid, Taurus). All I can say is that This is the best driving car I have ever owned. I get the Clown car remark from some people but after a ride and parking it in a tight spot. I say Can your Big car do that...lol. Plus it turned a bunch of heads at a VW show this past weekend.

Dump the WIFE..lol

 

Rocket...

They are sheep.

Baaaa........ baaaaa......

baa.
~Kelley

 

Actually, with me it's gotten to the point of people saying "You *need* a MINI." There are actually a few people in my sorority who are into the car, though not as much as I am. Don't worry about breaking with the status quo. Heck, I am the status quo... which would explain the "get the darn car" philosophy of my friends. Be yourself, and don't listen to everyone else about everything. Do your own research, and if it's the car that fits you best, well... get it. :smile:

 

Yesderday I drove a friend's 2002 BMW 3 series,an is model with 5 speed.It's a great car,but for smiles behind the wheel,I prefer my Mini.I have owned some great cars in the past,including:Alfas,Porches and BMWs but I've never owned a car that was as much fun as my Mini.

 

dude, I test drove an a4, a 330, and ended up giving my IS 300 for the MCS. I hated being lumped into the ubiquitous (my big word for the day) sport sedan category.

those cars are everywhere and they're boring. the MCS rules, and it makes you grin every time you look at it

 

The MINI is the most fun you will have in a car for under $50,000.00!

 

I get the same stuff daily from my friends and wife (especially the clown car bit). I've been a Porsche guy for years (owned 5 of them) and am giving up my 911 Cabriolet because the MINI S simply is more fun to drive. The fact that it will be cheaper to maintain, get better mileage, etc. is just gravy. Until the nonbelievers drive one they won't get it. That's fine with me because hopefully you won't see one on every corner like the Boxster or the PT Cruiser.

 

Got rid of my "Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson" for this little car. Had an M3 Cabriolet that I ran on the Nurburg Ring. The Mini is really a Mini BMW! The biggier sedans have lost touch with the Motoring Experience. This thing is phun!

 

I got loads of grief too - but I don't care - they don't know what they are talking about. I had to have the MINI, as nothing else could compare in my mind! I'm guessing you will love it and won't regret the decision. :smile:

 

>>I haven gotten my MINI yet, but when i tell people what im getting they say,
>>
>>"You got rid of your BMW for that!"
>>
>>"You had a sweet car now you're getting a clown car"
>>
>>Even my wife lets me know how "dumb" i am for gettin rid of my BMW.
>>
>>I hope to God, i didn't make a mistake!

Could be several reasons behind such comments:

they don't understand how much fun a MINI is and what it is all about.

they are jealous because they don't have the guts to dump their bore-mobile for a fun car.

they are not into having fun in a car in the 1st place.

they are married own a house have 2 kids and a boring job lots of stocks and can't wait for retirement.


My last few cars:

2003 MCS
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback Ltd
1973 MGB-GT
1982 VW Passat

The MINI is the best car I've owned, and certainly the most fun!
I keep joking that I had to sell my MG and get the suby wagon to prepare for a possible midlife crisis. Can't already own a sports car when the crisis hits!

 

>>Rocket...
>>
>>They are sheep.
>>
>>Baaaa........ baaaaa......
>>
>>baa.
>>~Kelley

 

I've not got the clown car comment yet, maybe I should go and buy some balloons to float out the window. Seriously though, every single person who has been derogative of the car, is really enthusiastic after a ride. If I let them ride! :smile:

"Down here we all float!"

~Joe

 

There are some nice cars out there right now...but most of them are very boring.

The exterior and interior of the MINI, to me, make it the most interesting and visually pleasing cars on the market.

Plus it handles like a dream. Can your BMW take a sharp turn at 60?

 

It's been a year since I sold my 325ci for my MINI and haven't regretted it for a second. The MINI is so much more fun to drive and live with.

 

I haven't gotten the clown car comment either, but yesterday when I had a flat, one of my coworkers told me to go down to the vending machine at the office and replace the flat with one of those little chocolate donuts.