I'm REALLY torn and I need help, guys...

I've found TWO possible replacement cars for Nano - the problem is that they're both awesome cars and I can't decide.

Just to set a baseline, both cars have Sport and Premium packs and black leather interiors. The price differential is minimal and is basically offset by rhe fact that the cheaper car will need rims and run flat tires.

#1 ia another Hot Orange (huge positive), a 2006. It has 46k miles on it (negative), all mainly highway driven. It has fugly rims that I'd replace, and the run-flats on it will need to be replaced due to the high miles. But, it's ORANGE, which Nano was. It also has white bonnet stripes, which I'd just pull off. The orange one has the Cold Weather package as well.

#2 is a 2005, but it's a PURPLE HAZE, which is my other favorite MINI color (just not as much as orange). It only has 5600 miles on it, and has a heartbreaking history - apparently the owner bought it for his wife as a 40th b-day present, but she got cancer and died before she could drive it much. Even though it's a 05, it's basically new, as her husband did not want to drive it and really wants it to go to "a real MINI enthusiast that understands the cars like his wife did" (sob). The car has run-flats that are basically new and the upgraded Web Spoke rims, which are very cool.

So on one hans I basically have my old orange car, which with a little work would be a replica of Nano, just with slightly better rims, but with 42k miles on the odometer (ugh) and on the other, Id have a very nice, basically new Purple Haze, which is pretty cool all by itself.

What should I do?? Is the 46k mile issue really a huge deal? Nano only had 17K miles on it wen it was wrecked...

Thanks in advance!!

 

I'd love to see a purple Nano II!

 

Thinking about this, NANO II would look pretty awesome in purple haze. Like the miles and the upgraded wheels. It would be interesing to see where you take the PH versus HO.

For an 06, that is a lot of miles, even if highway, unless the cost was down a few thousand from the PH with low miles.

Just a thought.

 

I'd definitely go with the PH with the much lower miles.

 

Go for the PH. Given its history you would make the perfect owner!

 

Can you believe I am going to say Purple Haze? With the difference in miles, the HO would need to be a REAL good deal.

Besides, I can't wait to see what you do with that body color and LEDs. Lots of potential there.

 

Hey Bro. Then car does have a heartbreaking history, but not a bad one – sounds like it brought enjoyment to a young lady in her final days. If I were you I’d cherish every moment driving her car – as a gesture put Nano’s name on a cancer conqueror license plate. The previous owner would have liked that.

Btw, I read your post of Nano’s demise, very well written with thankfully a happy ending.

 

Purple haze all in my brain. Go for it! Or steal a silver and black tintop from me and paint it whatever color you want!

 

Purple Haze, Matt !!

A) I've always loved that color... looks very cool in person.

B) The difference in mileage is not small, that's a huge difference.

C) A change of pace is always nice, IMO.

Of course, if you're feeling a connection to the HO MINI because it reminds you of Nano, I would surely understand that. And with your mechanical abilities, you wouldn't worry too much about the mileage on it, or so I'd think.

Good luck !!

 

With 46K, you are giving up 29K of enjoyment, in order to recreate what you had. What you had was amazing, but you've already done that. The purple car will get you 12K MORE fun and take you in a whole new direction.

 

PH +1

 

Go for the purple haze one. It has a lot lower miles, and the new color might be a nice change of pace for ya. I can't say I've seen too many purple haze MINIs around - think of all the you-nique things you could do to that one to make it even more special!

 

As much as another HO MCSC would be great, the high mileage is a concern. Looks like the PH is the way to go. Plus, the history behind it is crying out for someone like you to take care of it.

 

Another vote for the black eyed purple car, it sounds like it is a plum

Only thing I'd look into is add on seat heaters, something I consider a must

 

I would go with the PH too. That MINI needs a nice new home after being apart of that sad story. It will be a great new start for both of you.

 

Well, we got a call from the PH owner this evening at dinner, and while talking to him (we'd petty much decided going that way anyway), Kara asked him what his late wife's name was.

"Her name was Dawn," he replied.

"Well, as you might know," Kara said, "MINI people often name their special cars, so I was wondering if you'd find it weird or not if we named the car 'Dawn' after the owner that loved her?"

Silence.

So now, Kara's worried that the guy's freaked out by we weird MINI people. "Hello, Larry? Did I lose you?"

"No, I'm here," he said, tears in his voice. "I'd be really, really honored if you did that for her. I'm so happy that the car's going to someone that not only will take care of it, but who will carry on the story. I'll just tell everyone that it's sold, and you take as long as you need to get the insurance stuff worked out."

So, how can I say no to THAT? There's just no way...

I was going to have the car shipped, but I'm really trying to figure out a way to get out there to pick it up - I'd really like to meet the seller. He seems like a genuinely nice guy, and having a photo of him and us shaking hands over the car woulkd be something extra-special.

So... unless something unexpected happens, it looks like we'll be getting a PH 2005 named "Dawn" very soon... Thanks guys!

 

This could be bad for me! Once I see you work your lighting magic on a PH it may become hard to resist lighting mods.

 

Glad you found a new car. You have to meet that man in person. It would be the perfect end to this chapter in your story. Good choice on the name. Renaming something 'the second' like 'Spike II' in the case of pets, just tries to replace the previous. Keep a place in your heart for Nano and never simply replace him.

 

Congrats, Matt.

Nice story. Very nice.

 

Looks like I may have to go out alone to drive it home... Kara just can't get the time off work (being self-employed can be tough sometimes). Well... it's all part of the saga, right?

This is sounding like one HELL of a cool MC2 article...

 

Yup. Are you sure you're not making this up? I'm getting "Extreme Makeover [: Home Edition]" vibes.

Seriously, though, what a very heartwarming story... you do need to meet this man in person. It's the right thing.

(and have someone photograph it for MC2 )

 

I promise all of this is happening to me just as I describe...

Here are some photos of the car:

 

That's exactly what I was going to say.

 

Just finished the rest of the thread. I think you made a great choice...good for everyone involved in the situation, seller and buyer alike.

 

I think you will really like the PH. It is a really cool color that seems to change hue from different angles. I wonder if you could add heated seats really easily (if you want them)? Aren't all the seats prewired for heat from the factory?

YAY congrats on Dawn. You have many fun motoring miles ahead!!