Hi All,

I'm John. I just (about a month ago) traded my VW .:R32 in for a Mini Cooper Coupe S. So far, I like it a lot. It sure is zippy!

It took me a while to find this forum, but I'm glad to have found a community. It looks like most of the other forums are spammed out!

And now, the obligatory photo:

 

Love it! That looks a lot like mine! I have an Eclipse Gray w/Silver roof/mirrors

 

Wow, R32 to MINI Couper S? Wondering what the motivation was on that one. People rave about the R32.

Regardless, welcome to the community, sir.

 

@Bill: Thanks for the welcome.

I had the .:R32 for about a year and a half and it was a great car. Loaded to the gills, AWD, good amount of power, unique, and definitely fun to drive. I LOVE DSG, I truly think its one of the best transmissions out there in a car that people can afford (The Ferrari flappy-paddles might be better, but I can't say myself). Not many engines sound like that 3.2L VR6, especially with a set of Borla pipes.

HOWEVER, it was truly a gas-hog. I went from a 1 mile commute to a 40 mile commute and the fuel bills racked up. It was also much more expensive to insure at "250hp" with the 3.2L. And out of warranty. Admittedly, it was responsive but it felt dull, with power constantly flowing between all four wheels.

So, I went looking for a car that would be efficient, less expensive to insure with a great warranty, but the car had to be fun to drive. No Chevy Sonic Eco would work for me. I always liked the MINIs and the MINI culture and the customizability of that car (I like to mod my cars a bit) and saw one triple black MINI on a lot here in Milwaukee. This thing handles like its on rails, which everyone says. I compare it to a scalpel, its just incredibly precise. You turn the wheel and it goes. Plus its a 6-speed. The dealer gave me a good deal (about $2,000 under sticker) and I pulled the trigger.

I was sorry to see the .:R32 go, with the 6 disc changer and heated seats, automatic everything, AWD, wookiee soundtrack, expensive repairs, etc. But thus far, I'm happy with the MINI. Except for when I need to give anyone a ride. I guess that saves on gas, since I can't take more than one passenger!

I'm looking forward to becoming a part of this community. I'm already working on planning some events for the Milwaukee MINIs group and am amped to get involved!

Happy Motoring! !

 

Welcome to the group.

I like the VW, but now you've got a proper sports car (even if FWD).

Curious, why the MCS Coupe and not the JCW Coupe?

 

Hi James, thanks for the welcome!

The VW was great, but not a sports car, persay. The MINI, even if less powerful than the VW handles like a sports car. I imagine it will be hard to hang the rear end out in the snow, but I'll survive.

I was trying to cut cost out of my driving situation, and the JCW just didn't make sense from that perspective. I also wanted to keep insurance costs down, and the JCW was incrementally more expensive. Plus, the roads here in Wisconsin are TERRIBLE and I'm not sure a JCW's stiff suspension would survive!

 

John, sounds like you're going to fit right in around here, brother. Glad to have you. Hope maybe we'll cross paths at one of the big national/regional meets.

Disclaimer: I had an '05 MCS, and when I left it behind, I was *this close* to either a GTI or R32, but opted for the Mazdaspeed3. Partially for sticker price, partially for fuel economy, and partially because the VW seats were like plywood, and built for skinny folks. (Which I ain't) After 3 years absolutely digging the MS3, though, the Coupé just grabbed me and I had to have it, so I let someone else benefit from my well thought out MS3 mods and obsessive maintenance habits.

Never regretted the MS3, although I always missed my '05 MCS. So coming back with the Coupé just felt right.

I've been involved in a number of car scenes over the years, and I can honestly say that I don't think you'll find a more welcoming, accepting group than the MINI crowd. We'll also give the top tier of car clubs a run for their money on enthusiasm and pure you-ified individuality.

 

Hi Bill,

I know what you mean. I was "grabbed" by the Coupe too. It's a really is a great looking and unique little car. The R32 had more options and more power, but that wasn't the point of making the switch as I intended.

Previously, I had a Wrangler Rubicon, which had a pretty awesome owner scene, deep aftermarket, and fun "off-the-beaten-path" schedule. The R32 scene was really cool too, but I'm not as interested in stance and moar low like some of those guys are. The MINI scene has always, from the outside, seemed like a really fun thing to be a part of. Lots of customization and ownership, loyalty to the brand and general fun.

I'm excited to be involved and looking forward to learning more.

I appreciate the warm welcomes everyone!

 

Hi John, welcome to the group! I'm sure I'll see you at an upcoming MilwaukeeMINI's event. Saturday even?

Jim

 

Hi Jim,

I think I'll come out for the poker run. I've got a wedding to go to in the afternoon, but it will be fun to get the new car out into the twisties!

-John