So, the mini was my first stick shift car... so it took some driving lessons from the boyfriend and the dad to learn how to drive the beast, but I finally did it! I've always loved the MINI (of course) but, I didn't realize how amazing it was to drive. Especially when on the first drive home I got thumbs ups, honks, stares and a "wow!"

Now I understand the obessesion and why us Mini people are the way we are!
Anyone else get those Mini stares from other drivers?!

 

congrats on learning stick, and getting the hoots and hollering, im still trying to get waves haha

 

Congrats on learning to drive a stick! Isn't it fun? Oh yeah...some of us have been getting the MINI stares since waaaaaay back in the new MINI day...2002!

 

I've only had my mini for a couple days but I think I've only gotten the "that looks like too nice of a car for you" look.. lol. I'm 24 but still pass for 20/21.

When I told my Mustang pals what I had done I got three primary responses.. "you're insane", "cool car but I wouldn't sell my mustang for it", but also just "congrats and nice choice". I loved my mustang for the pure power but there is somethign about the go-kart in a car that I LOVE!!!

 

Take the "you're insane" folks for a little twisty spin in your MINI and they'll see the light. Happens quite often!

 

Better yet, have them follow you through the twisties, if you don't mind them bending their car.

 

Congrats on the MINI and on learning to drive with a manual transmission. I've always advocated learning stick shift, just because it opens options. Never mind that I like the feeling of control.

I've taught several people how to drive stick, and as far as I know, none of them have gone back to auto trannies in their daily drivers.

And yeah... I have had 2 MINIs over the last 4 years & continue to get stares on a daily basis. If you haven't yet stopped at a traffic light next to a packed school bus, just wait! The kids go nuts (Elementary & middle schoolers, anyhow) for MINIs.

 

Congratulations on learning stick! It's a great feeling of accomplishment, no?

Yeah, you can always fall back on a parking valet job if things get tight.

 

. . . or work at Auto Bell car washes!

 

My MCS is also my first car thats a stick shift and would never trade it away!!
Ive also gotten the famous MINI stares and thumbs up almost on a regular basis to the point that one day at a traffic light there were these 2 pedestrians crossing the street and one of them says loud enough for me to hear "That is the car i want" pointing to the MINI! it was awesome!

 

Oh yes! driving stick is AMAZING... and it gets better every single time i shift gears . I'm trying really hard not to get too into the speeding! It's too much fun!! My boyfriend is in love with my car and continually asks to drive it - i just can't wait to get better at driving so I can smoke him in a race, like he used to be able to do!!

I love the Mini -- And just put on my front europlate today -- and it looks amazing! I have some cell pics i'll post soon.

 

This month is my first year anniversary driving stick with King Koopa. 10k miles in my first year and I dont need a new clutch yet. I must be doing something good. Anyways, since learning to drive stick and driving the mini, it's just so much fun to drive! In my opinion everyone should drive stick when they first get their license.

Motor on!