NAM was not a part of my buying my first MINI, of course, (MCO barely existed) but it has been huge influence on my purchase of an R56. With NAM up, rolling, and very plugged-in, it was great to follow every single bit of the R56 launch and be exposed to reviews and information that simply weren't readily available in late '02. As it is, I know more about R56 (and what's available when) than I ever knew buying my first MINI (of course there weren't so many options available back then). To me it's all part of the fun!!

 

NAM was not a part of my deciding to purchase a MINI but it has given me a place to call home and enjoy all things MINI.

My love affair with the car started back in the 70's when I went to Road America for the June Sprints and saw several Mini's competing there. As the years went by I kept seeing the odd Mini at SCCA race events and rallyes and my interest kept growing in the car.

Sadly, Mini's were few and far between and getting harder to find and/or maintain so and I resigned myself to the fact that I'd probably never own one.

Then the R50-53 made it's appearance and now the R56. Next year is my year and I can't wait to place my order for an '08 R56! Till then, I'll just have to live vicariously through other NAM'ers and their posts!

There is definitely a MINI in my future. I just have to endure the wait! :impatient Oh the pain... The pain!

 

I discovered NAM after I'd decided I wanted a MINI. As time has progressed, the forum has been very helpful with information as the MINI made the change from the R50/R53 platform to the R56.

 

Sabre--you're a person after my heart--I watched them at a different track, but with the same result! What color will you order?

 

It definitely influenced my decision. Having a forum like this as a resource makes research on a potential vehicle much easier. I had considered a Mini back in 02 when I got the WRX, but never test drove one. I don't think the S model was out when I was shopping for a car and I wanted the extra power and tunability.

When I made the decision to trade the WRX, I joined the site before even test driving a Mini (drove an R53 in early Sept 06).

-JL

 

No, but MINI2 did to a small extent...