I have owned many cars in my life. To be honest, I figured I had reached an age where no car would ignite any passion in my desire to drive.

A few years ago, I thought a new C5 convertible would be a car like that. After buying new and putting only 12K miles on it in 5 years I found I preferred to drive my 4x4 Jeep Grand Cherokee, then the 4x4 Tahoe that replaced the Jeep. The big SUV's were comfortable but passion free. That's what cars are supposed to be. Right?

Right. Right until I bought my 07 MCS. Chili Red, red and black interior, black roof and stripes. Six speed tranny and all the goodies. Wow. Before I bought the car, I thought people who named their cars should be examined... by a licensed mental health professional. Or they should get a wife, or life, or girlfriend. Or maybe a dog. My car's name is Minnie. Yes, it is a cop-out, but hey, I don't want someone who doesn't understand to have me put under observation for 72 hours. Who would take care of Minnie while I was locked up?

So now, I have a couple of thousand miles on the car. It drives well. I am learning it's limits and abilities. I have taken to keeping a radar detector in the car, something I hadn't done since I was in my 20's. I will be 45 this fall. I bought a vent clip to keep my iPod from flying about. ( In my Tahoe, it wouldn't ever slide off the center console )

I joined a car club. The mini maniacs of southern california. Keeping up with family activities I have yet to attend one of the get-togethers, but am looking forward to the first one I will attend... I am certain one or both of my daughters will want to come with me - they think I am cool because I drive a Mini. They don't know, but I was cool before!

The car is perfect for me. It is fun and reasonably priced. I didn't get as much a thrill in my C5 at twice the price. In fact, the only other cars I would consider as a replacement today are a Caymen, or possibly a Z4 coupe. Would a car that costs 2 to 3 times as much money be 2 or 3 times as much fun. No way! On top of that, while I can buy whatever car I want, I don't make so much money that the cost difference is without cause to consider.

It is now almost 11pm. I think I will ask my wife if she needs a gallon of milk or something from the grocery...

Paul

 

Groovy, Baby!

Congrats. It is a fun car. My friend with an $85K Porsche is a little jealous.

 

LOL nice write up. I'm entertaining the idea of trading my 996 Porsche 911 in for a new 07 MCS. I actually imagine walking to my garage and seeing a Mini in place of my Porsche....

 

hahahaha.. Congrats.. glad you are enjoying your minnie!

 

The more I read such great stories from happy owners, well, the more depressed I get!!! I WANT MY CAR!!!!! this is the most painful wait EVER!!!. I'm loosing my sanity. :impatient but in a good way...

 

Cool! Very nice write up.
Smile for miles!

 

Nice writeup, Paul - it sums up how my wife and I feel about our two MINIs. Best wishes for continued happy motoring!

 

Very nice!!!

Here's to many more miles of motoring bliss!

 

Nice post, Paul. I can really relate. I'm a tad bit older than you and your post feels very familiar to you. Who knows, maybe one day you and I may not feel those OCD detailing MINI owners are so OCD after all. ..... Well, maybe you won't anyway.

 

Now see, MINI owners get it!!! It's interesting to watch people on the fence wondering if they really should get a MINI or not. All they see is the hype and marketing. Even a test drive is mere infatuation. No, it takes a good bit of motoring for a MINI to burrow it's way into your soul and reaveal it's true character and complex nuances. That's when the love starts, baby!!! Or madness...it's all the same.

 

You took the words right out of my mouth, gokart. Interesting that you spend so much time in my head!

 

Anyone thinking I am insane is a compliment to me. Most people have to be able to rationalize thier behavior to feel comfortable around others.

Me,..I look,..grin,..and ask,..."Why?"

Yes, I am one of the characters who goes out on a limb just because there is a chance it could be more fun than sticking close to the trunk of the tree.

Funny how I have been talking about trees and monkey poo flinging lately though.....

I digress. I do not think it has anything to do with being sane or insane. It's about breaking the mold. Getting out there on the edge of life and living it! It is easier to be safe. But not nearly as fun! I think what surprises people is the number of people out there on that limb. Once you discover there are others of your ilk, it raises the comfort level a bit and you find your groove and never look back.

 

I don't have an ilk.

 

I can't wait until my car arrives in 8 weeks. Then I can drive and not have to read about other people driving.

Grumpy? YES I AM!

 

Still a little grumpy, but the coffee is working.

 

Ouch...that would make me grumpy, too!!!! I hereby predict that you will be very happy when your MINI arrives.........let's see if I'm right!!

 

Great write up Paul!!!

Nice pictures on your site too, very cool indeed.

I'm hoping for the same reaction once I get mine. I have had only one car, my first, that gave me the feelings you descibe. Here's to hoping my Mini does it again...