OK so for those of you who didn't read my last post...you should go and read the post that reads "ok...i have to ask this.." before reading this one...

I would like to start a revaloution...we need to "save the wave". be nice to you fellow motorist. if you see a motorist that looks at you like your crazy keep your smile and keep waving...they will understand someday...these cars maybe be cute, adoroable, and what else they wanna goo goo ga ga about, but these cars are a piece of history...Honstly it was more of the culture that attraced me to the cars...dont get me wrong they look amazing, and driving one is an experiance that i think every one should do sometime in their lives...soo please SAVE THE WAVE!!!!

 

Try searching. There was a really long thread about saving the wave. It kind of depends on where you are driving and the circumstances. For example, in the S.F. Bay Area, my experience is that if two people are in the car talking to each other, don't bother waving - they are consumed with their conversation. Driver only in the oncomming MINI - you have probably a 50-50 chance of getting a return wave. The best scenario is where the people in the other MINI see your car and point at it - then you have close to a 100% chance of getting a return wave.

 

welcome to NAM
TOMMY

 

Ah, don't take the wave or lack of a wave personal..... it isn't.

Sometimes I wave, sometimes I'm consumed with something else.... like driving safely..... or a conversation, or thoughts, or finding an address, or the idiot riding my tail.... so sometimes I don't wave.

 

Ok, got a wave from a fellow Mini driver today. I think it helped that my window was down, and I was able to extend my arm all the way out.

 

I look to make eye contact before waving... but a friendly double toot of my horn to acknowledge a passing MINI is standard

 

I'm wondering that myself. If I give a short honk, flash my headlights, AND wave with my arm out the window, maybe I'll be more likely to get the other MINI's attention. I'm thinking they just don't see me wave, especially with the windows up.

 

i love the wave- sometimes though- i get so excited that the other driver waved at me i just start bouncing in my seat with a big dorky grin... and i forget to wave back untill they have passed, darn!
so if you see a blue mini with a bouncing non waving idiot driving it- just know im waving on the inside

 

I agree. You really have to be looking at the other driver to see a wave. Otherwise (for me, at least) you're just a passing blur. Plus, I find it takes me a second or so to process the fact that I've just spotted a MINI, and by that time (if they're in opposing traffic) they've already passed.

Now, I have another question, and that is: if I'm being passed, should I turn to see who's passing me? They might be trying to wave at me... but I generally try to resist the temptation to see who's passing me. Am I coming off as unfriendly then? Hmm.

 

The general rule is wave to the car approaching you from the front. Take the cue from motorcyclists and Corvettes - the wave is sort of a salute.

 

It more likely you'll **** of the car in front of you!

 

I get a fair amount of waves, maybe about 30% of the MNIs I see... but I think I'd get more if I didn't have tinted windows - don't think too many MINI drivers can see me waving wildly behing that dark glass

 

Ditto here, but I always wave...

Gotta say, though, that the giggly bouncing all-attention-is-on-the-wave "thing" isn't my bag, and can be unsafe driving. A simple two-finger lift off the steering wheel (if the driver's close), steady hand wave (far), or double-toot (reserved for mini events) is enough. And if I don't return the wave, it's either because I didn't see you in time ("passing blur" comment above) or I'm busy trying to stay out from under the distracted other drivers.