This is my first post to the NAM forum.

Last week, I had an epiphany to pursue ownership of a new MINI. For over 10 years, I've been a cult enthusiast of Jeep vehicles, and I suppose I still like Jeeps, but ever since my "epiphany" another four-letter word has made itself at home in my psyche.

Its like I suddenly realized that I don't drive off-pavement enough anymore to justify embracing lethargic, bulky, and uncomfortable 4WD vehicles as my daily driver. One day every week consists of a very long drive halfway across Pennsylvania, and into New Jersey. Shouldn't I be able to enjoy and savor this commute?

That justification was part of the natural progression that inevitably led to my interest in the new MINI. I had always liked MINIs in the past, and acknowledged their profound external characteristics, and alleged "fun-ness", but lacked any first-hand experience with the vehicle.

So two days following my initial epiphany, I made a trip to the closest dealer to familiarize myself with the vehicle. I already knew that I liked it from afar, so I had to find out if I liked it up close ... and also make sure that it would meet my day-to-day needs, in terms of practicality.

My experience at the dealer was nothing short of remarkable. My "Motoring Advisor" was a pleasure to talk to and extremely helpful. I test drove a red MCS MC40 (if I'm not mistaken), and it was an absolute blast. Coming from years of Jeeps, the MINI felt like a Ferrari to me. My motoring advisor urged me to push the car hard - I have no idea what the speed limit was on that back road. Roller coaster indeed! I love it!



The appeal to me is not so much a sports car. I love the sports aspect of the MINI and will definately pursue an MCS, but what I love about the MINI is the whole recipe that makes the car what it is: performance, personality, practicality (somewhat), customizability, and community. I have no desire to look at other cars. It takes something special to get me excited like this.

Unfortunately, I'm not in a position to order a MINI yet. I've got negative equity on a trade, a new house, a newish son, and my wife and myself both lack spending restraint. I need to do some saving, and/or acquire buckets of cash - but I'll make it happen one day, hopefully sooner than later!

Until that time I'd really like to try to participate within the MINI community, post on forums, attend events, and whatnot.

Well, that's pretty much my story. Hopefully soon I'll be in a position to order a new MINI. Until then, I put a sticker on my Jeep Cherokee to serve as a constant reminder of my goal.

 

Glad to have you join the ranks, even if you don't own one yet. Believe me, the obsession only grows...

I don't have mine yet, but I still go crazy and wave at the ones I do see. They are probably thinking 'who's that crazy lady in the mother-car?'

BTW, where'd you find the Let's Motor decal?

 

Welcome, vmote, to the crazed, delightful world of MINIacs. LY is right, its only gets worse once you're motoring every day.

There's lots to learn here....hope you can return often. Learning to do a search is helpful as is using the pulse (both at top,top right). Other than that ask all the ???s you want and have fun!!

 

Welcome aboard my friend!:smile: LOTS of great people and information in here.. Great sticker by the way!

Chow!

Donna

 

LOL. As a Jeep Cherokee owner and a new MINI owner I can understand your plight. The Jeep is great in the winter, and for towing and hauling things, but the MINI has become my fair weather vehicle of choice!

 

Welcome to the grin factory! It took me a couple of years to get in a position to buy a MCS and it was a struggle holding back.


Good luck and continue to post!

 

It took me a couple years to get in a spot where I could buy mine. One trick I uses was to buy MINI stuff every once an a while (matchbox cars, models, etc.) I have a giant 1:8 scale remote control MINI in my living room as a result of this process .

Just hang in there it will be worth it...and We'll still be here. In the mean time just hang out on NAM and motoringfile.com.

Sean

 

As for attending events, it's usually not too hard to find someone willing to share their passenger seat! If you really want to be impressed, try to make the Dragon run!

-Paul!

 

Oh... just hang out here for a few more days and you'll find a way...

I remember when I had my feelers out: I found NAM (MCO) and read horrible, evil posts about people who were getting tremendously crappy fuel mileage, which was a major concern of mine when choosing a vehicle. I posted, people posted back -- some got fair mileage, some got great, some were frighteningly single digit.

But I bought one.

Ohhhhh... did I buy one.

You can't control it.

You shouldn't even try.

:smile:

 

Thanks for your great responses, gang! I appreciate all of it. I already feel extremely welcome, despite my current poser status. I'm looking forward to posting more often - providing my potential contributions are worthy.

That decal is my own creation. I have a small, informal sign making business on the side. I couldn't get MINIs out of my mind, so I created that decal as a product of my obsession. I sell a bunch of novelty decals on eBay, and occassionally do work for businesses and organizationss.

Here is the URL to my site. Feel free to check it out. There is only one MINI themed decal right now, though.

http://www.vmote.com




The way I see it, the more MINIs, and MINI stuff I have to look at in my day-to-day life, the more likely I will be to expedite the process of actually acquiring one. That's just the way I am - I need to be reminded of my goals regularly, or I start to settle with mediocrity, and thats no good.

Not to go hippy on you guys, but if I'm really spiritually connected to my vehicle, its almost meditative. I become one with the vehicle, the universe is in sync, and the energy is all around me. Thats the way I've felt about Jeeps for the past decade, but in order to feel that way in a Jeep, I need to be off-road. If I can drive a car that makes me feel that way while I'm on the road - more power to me.

This is barely relevant, but here is a short video clip of me driving my Cherokee off-road. I love this video!

http://www.vmote.com/personal/movies/xj_hill.wmv

I'm losing a bit of interest in Jeep and off-road right now because the community is focused on vehicle building and "extreme" obstacle oriented trails and competitions. My interests lie moreso in less extreme "off-pavement touring", which is simply exploring, surmounting random obstacles, and sometimes driving to specific destinations of interest. Unfortunately, my perspective is shared by few, but the fact that there is no public land that allows vehicle access around here is also a detrimental factor.

I've been thinking alot about this, and motoring is a very logical alternative for me. All of the elements that I value are offered in abundance in motoring - community, exploring, destinations, and challenge (of a different sort). In other words, I don't think I'll need to mount a winch on the MINI. Most importantly, most enthusiasts seem to share my appreciation of these elements. It kinda makes me wonder why I ever got into off-road in the first place.

Sorry to ramble on. I enjoy typing, and thinking aloud if you can't tell. I used to maintain a blog, but I never knew what to talk about. I'm sure most people would rather watch C-SPAN than read a blog by me.

Thanks again for welcoming me! Feel free to keep 'em coming.

 

the compulsion to motor only gets worse with time. Once you turn to the small side, there is no going back.

Wecome to NAM!:smile:

 

Hi, vmote! Welcome to the NAM clubhouse! I like your enthusiasm! You will find a way to get your MINI. Where are you located? I wish you were in my neck of the woods...I could take you on some fun rides in my Wanda!

:smile: You'll get your MINI...and you'll get it soon! :smile:

Clo/Wanda

 

I guess if I'm serious about pursuing MINI ownership, I need to get the 96 Jeep Cherokee monkey off my back (still owe 5800 ) and get an inexpensive temporary car.

Oh that will be the life! ... I can see it now:



The ladies would absolutely swoon if I cruised the strip in a sweet ride like this. Ugh. That is almost a fate worst than death. I'd be the envy of the local Amish and Mennonite community. Not that I'm definately going to get a Dodge Aries K, but it was the first car that came to mind.

I could use some encouragement here. It will be difficult for me to downgrade from the Cherokee to a less desirable, temporary car - but doing so would really help my cause.

 

Its been about 10 days since I've formally become interested in MINIs, and I'm still just as obsessed. Actually, its really improved my mindset - not just in terms of affording a MINI, but in terms of improving the quality of our lifestyle by reducing debt. I feel I've become a bit more proactive in this regard ... although I have yet to prove this claim.

Like I mentioned above, getting rid of the Cherokee and getting an inexpensive, yet hopefully reliable, "clunker" for lack of a better term. That'll free up some cashola and help me save. Also, possible debt consolidation, a yard sale of flea market proportion, and some small ways to help market my home business. All good stuff!

Of course I've been thoroughly exploiting the 05 configurator in the meantime. That is alot of fun. I'm pretty much bent on an S model, equipped with the GPS nav more than anything. I'm a bit of a geek, so I feel totally obligated to outfit my car with one of these.

Initially, I wasn't too fond of bonnet stripes - but something happened to change how I feel about this. I think I was in the showroom when I decided that the MINIs with stripes and markings looked very sporty, but I don't usually feel this way about other cars. I usually like the clean, monochrome look.

I think I'm leaning toward dark silver with black stripes, black roof, and chrome line package.



But I don't know ... I also like the more traditional british racing green with white stripes, white roof, and chrome line package.



Who knows. Both of these cars may be totally different from the one I finally purchase, and that may be a year or two ... or three away. It really depends. Patience is a virtue. :smile:

I know the box on the roof isn't very becoming, but I felt compelled to add it as an option. I figure that would help give us incentive to take the MINI on road trips instead of the Forester. Not that there's anything wrong with the Forester, but ... you know. Yeah, I don't think we'd buy a box, otherwise - and I certainly won't leave it installed.

Yesterday, at our Labor Day picnic, I told my dad about my new pursuit. He couldn't believe that I was this enthusiastic about MINIs ... nor could he believe I took a test drive. He was totally jealous. All my life, my dad has been into old MGs and Porsches - usually of the late 60s, early 70s variety - so naturally, the MINI is of interest to him.

 

you can have the best of both worlds:

 

cool video -- and you and i should get together (maybe we already know each other) as i am also a Jeep person, who is pretty involved in the Jeep world, who has come to the same conclusion as you in that i do not go off-road enough to justify my gas usage and daily uncomfort -- nor do i like where the sport is going...

I have been lurking here and asking questions and all i can say is that these people on NAM are wonderful....very friendly and helpful and just a blast -- so you are in the right spot...

so welcome from another Jeep-owner/mini-wanting person....
we should form our own support group to help us both get our mini's faster !

 

Hiya, Peep! Glad you dug the video. It's possible we already know each other, or have crossed paths at least. I am a full-time employee for OK Auto 4wd & Tire based in New Jersey. I was also active with NJJC when they first formed, PAP, RC, and a handful of PA-based clubs. I also don't like the direction the sport is going - I can do without it.

Anyway, hope you get your MINI sooner than later too!


I've been obsessed for nearly a month, now. I configure a MINI roughly once a week. Its frustrating.

Looking into a possibility of a home equity loan, not to buy a new car, but to consolidate - it'll help a little if we do it, but I don't think it'll be enough to make that big of a dent. We'll see.

Selling the upside-down Cherokee is a big option, and will help a little, but I haven't taken steps to do that yet. I guess I loathe the idea of getting a completely undesirable temporary car, so I'm dragging my feet.

For some reason I keep returning to this forum to read about how new MINI owners absolutely love their cars. I have mixed feelings about this: 1) it inspires me and reminds me of my goal, but 2) it also reminds me of how painfully far the goal seems.

I'm afraid, worst case scenario, that by the time I am able to get into a brand new MINI, the vehicle will have changed in a negative way. I'm exagerrating, but perhaps the MINI Cooper will be replaced by a MINI SUV. I'm not so much concerned about future performance as I am future character. The current MINI Cooper has character out the tailpipe. I'd hate to see that uniqueness fall by the wayside in 07 or 08. I'd also hate for MINI to become a <gasp> PT Cruiser, or H2.

Those of you who have been buying my MINI decals, thanks. I really appreciate your patronage!

Yep, so I'm just going to continue to toil and sacrifice, and see how it goes. I'm a firm believe you can accomplish anything that you put your mind to! Welp, I've got motoring on my mind.

 

I too have seen "the light"

Today I sold my '66 Ford Bronco that has been my daily driver for the
last 6+ yrs. This rig had taken me over all kinds of California backcountry
including the Rubicon. I've had this vehicle for longer than any other that
I've owned.

But alas, there's no time to shed a tear for my beloved Bronco, 'cause my
'05 BRG/MCS should be in next week.

YEEEEEEHAAAAAAA



I'm ready to motor!!!!!

 

vmote --

i am sure we have crossed paths -- i am a member of Blue Mountain and co-founder (and president) of an all-girls Jeep club called "Jeepin' Jezebels" (check out our site www.jeepinjezebels.com).
I have attached a picture of me and my TJ in action below -- :smile:

I love my Wrangler, but i am getting more and more frustrated at the fact that to take it off-roading, i have to drive 2 hours and use a tank of gas before i get there....

Plus i think im the only Wrangler owner who washes and waxes her Jeep with zymol products !!!

and i am TOTALLY with you on the fear you have that by the time you can afford the MINI, it will have changed in a negitive way...i think about that all the time and it gives me little baby panic attacks !!! so know that you are not alone on that one...

we should form a club -- "MINI Wanters" or something like that -- and i agree -- once you put your mind to it...i think you can do anything...

One question to my fellow jeep person...think it will be strange being so low to the ground?

where in NJ is your shop?

 

[QUOTE=bdmini]I too have seen "the light"

Today I sold my '66 Ford Bronco that has been my daily driver for the
last 6+ yrs. This rig had taken me over all kinds of California backcountry
including the Rubicon. I've had this vehicle for longer than any other that
I've owned.

But alas, there's no time to shed a tear for my beloved Bronco, 'cause my
'05 BRG/MCS should be in next week.

[QUOTE]

CONGRATS to you !!!! you gotta show us pictures when you get it!

 

Peep,
I know OF Jeepin' Jezebels - although I'm not a member.

Its a small world!

I started out as a member of Blue Mountain Jeep Alliance in early 97, and became an officer shortly thereafter. I gradually stopped participating with BMJA, and now I'm most active with Keystone Krawlers - a predominantly Lancaster/York PA club that isn't Jeep specific ... although I'm little more than their forum mascot right now, since my interests lie elsewhere.

OK Auto, 4wd & Tire is based in Stewartsville, near Phillipsburg, just across the river from Easton, PA. OK specializes in off-road, but is not limited to off-road by any means. We have our hands in just about everything! I am their in-house web developer / overseer of the online store - work out of my home office in central PA primarily, but drive to New Jersey once a week to work. Its actually during this 2.5 hour drive that I yearn for a MINI the most! http://www.ok4wd.com

I don't think I'll mind being so low to the ground - however instead of taking the dirt road less travelled, I'll probably have to stick to the paved road less travelled.

Yep, I'm really excited, Peep! This is a different world for me.

 

My mood today is:

 

Welcome vmote, I can totally relate, I was completely obsessed with MINIs before I got mine, and believe me, it doesn't go away, just changes from wanting one, to not being able to wash it, thinking of ways to 'you-ify' it, etc. My wife is thankful that my 'dream car' was in the 20,000 dollar range, and even though we have 2 small kids, it might not be the most practical purchase at this time, but she said it will probably be the last time for awhile that I can get something I really want like this, so I should go for it. And it really isn't that impractical, 2 car seats fit fine in the backseat, and if we're going somewhere we'll need the giant double stroller, we take her Honda CRV.

 

Yes, I'm in your category of wanting, but not yet able to afford, a MINI too!
It's sure tough! I love my 92 Geo Storm but am really craving a MINI.... I've loved them before this newer version came out... I saw the older ones when I was in England in the mid 90s and was so excited when the newer version came out.

I'm looking, dreaming, drooling, surfing and immersing myself in anything MINI. I went to a MINI event here in Columbus last week and it was so much fun to see so many MINIs in one place. The commeraderie is so awesome! I REALLY want a hot orange convertible/cabrio.... but I'm sure since I can hardly afford a regular Cooper that would be too far reaching. I have to look into my finances... since I bought a house 3 years ago things have been too tight.

It's so neat to get on here and read about people with the same obsession - it seems to help when owning one seems like a distant dream.
It's probably a good thing the dealership is kind of far for me... or I'd bug the poor motoring advisor to death! He's so nice and happens to be from England! We had a great chat when I came in and I did take a test drive... I figured if I was going to be so obsessed I better find out if it was comfortable for me to drive... I'm 5'2" and some cars just don't fit well for me.

I have been on here a couple of weeks absorbing all you have to say and it is so fun. I have so many ideas for what I want to do when I get one... deciding on a color/and options is so hard, I guess it's good I do have some time to decide!
Thanks for listening!

 

I don't know, folks - I'm pretty frustrated right now. I think it is probably folly for me to want a MINI at this moment in time, and I should try to get it out of my head. Its hard, because I like cars - I work in the aftermarket automotive industry.

In summary, we owe 17k on a 13k Forester until mid 2009, and I owe nearly 6k on a 4k Cherokee until late 2006. That combined with numerous other nickel-and-dime debts make wanting a new car ... any new car, an absolute act of futility.

Now, my wife loves her Forester, and I like it too - its really practical, safe for my family, and well equipped ... but ... before the Forester, I got a Land Rover and decided I didn't like it and took it back to the dealer only a week later - putting me in a situation where I could replace it with something else, but only at that dealer. I was trapped! ... so we got the Forester, which we had also considered.

Fortunately, all is not lost. We do actually like the Forester. It was a good choice - however, I am just very disgusted by the whole ordeal. What was I thinking?!? You could call me an "idiot", and you wouldn't be wrong.

I'm just venting a little. It was (is) an unfortunate learning experience. I was rushing to replace a vehicle that I had just sold - and I shouldn't have acted so hastily. We could've come out ahead.



I'm just sharing my story - it really doesn't have a purpose. It certainly isn't my intent to "play the violin", so-to-speak, and I don't expect advice. I just like to type, and I tend to describe my life very openly on the various web forums ... which isn't always good.