OK, so I've been studying MINIs forever. After seeing The Italian Job, I had to have one. But I just couldn't live without a convertible, so a MINI was out of the question. Until the cabrio came along, of course!

So, I plunk down my deposit last fall, finally order the car in January, and now it's arrived! Chili Red MCS cabrio with lots of goodies.

So life is great, right? Well...

I have what you would call a chronic case of premature buyer's remorse. On any purchase of significance. That is I study and ponder and analyze and worry and question right up to the point where I sign the contract. Once I've pulled the trigger, I usually go out guns blazing and don't look back! But it's a painful process to get to that point...

I love my '00 Passat and my '94 Miata, both of which must go to pay for (& make room for) the MINI. The Passat is (hopefully) sold. The MINI is at the dealer, just waiting for me. Of any car currently on the market, I know it's the one for me: 4 seats for me, my wife and 2 small kids; great handling & performance; unique looks; fantastic owner community (you!); FWD for Utah winters; convertible for, well, it has to be a convertible! If I were to sketch out my perfect car on a napkin, this would be it. Or as close as you can get.

But giving up two perfectly great cars, plus a big chunk of cash for a single (though fantastic) new car....well, it's painful. To me anyway. Having my Apple stock hit the skids this week certainly didn't help matters, as that was going to cover the difference.

Reassure me, people, reassure me! I need a little positive reinforcement here. Get me through to Friday so I can make the jump and never look back.

 

You have NO idea what a treat you are in for. I know you already have two small children....but this will be your baby. You have never had anything like it. ENJOY!

 

Once you get your new MINI, you'll wonder why you ever waited this long!


Do it!:smile:

 

I have this sort of buyers remorse also on big purchases. The MINI though, was the only car I ever bought that I wasn't worried about. I had NO problem putting down a deposit and signing the papers. So I guess I can't really help you out. Sorry!

 

Don't do it! I regret mine everyday. Strangers walking up to me to talk about my car. Constant fights with the wife about who gets to drive it. Face hurting from constant smiling. Having to constantly check my wish list for the next mod. Hours spend on NAM looking for latest tips and advice.

Who needs this!!!

 

The car will be fine. But I'm not so sure about you. If you're that tight on money, perhaps you should pass. There will always be another opportunity to pick up a car. You appear to have a lot of stress about this. Please don't take offense, but, some counsuling might be something to consider.

 

You and I sound like our situations are alike in many ways. I went through the same thing you are now experiencing especially after being hit with between 12 and 15 grand for my daughter's recent medical bills (still not sorted out). We nearly canceled the order. But I can tell you that the MINI has been totally awesome and has been a great way to escape the worries and stresses of life.

One of the best and very unexpected pleasures I have had in my MINI is being able to bring the kids along. I have been riding motorcycles for years and love to get away on my bikes but sometimes I just miss my kids so much. I would be riding down some amazing road and be thinking about my kids being at the beach with Mom and wishing I was with them instead. Now, being able to share the adventure with the whole family, though not quite as fast, has been really a lot of fun. Of course I still go out solo for some much more spirited riding or driving but now I have a choice.

People really get a kick out of seeing my 5 and 2.5 year olds sitting in the back seat with the top down and looking really cool with their sunglasses on.

I came so close to buying a Miata and am now so glad I didn't because once again I would be leaving them home all the time.

 

Yeah, I'd love to see that therapy session:

"Well, it's like this doc. There's this little red convertible I've been wanting..."

 

I completely understand your feelings. It's natural to weigh the issue. Just focus on what you're getting. And don't think so much about what you're giving up. Focus on the positives, man! And, soon you'll be motoring along, topless in the sun.

 

You won't regret it! I know how you feel. I tool delivery of mine 3 weeks ago! And it's just keeps getting better! I can't ever believe I could ever drive anything else.

But think of this. With gas prices... etc... just think of the money you'll save having only one GREAT car! Insurance... etc! You can't go wrong with a car that will have you smiling ear to ear!

 

could not agree more nuff said

 

I understand your anguish over the Mini, but you'll never regret the decision. When I took the family (4 kids!) up to order my 05 Mini and my wife drove the MC 40 they had and she was hooked. She told me she didn't care if we had to drive two cars everywhere she wanted a Mini. So, I sold the brand new minivan we bought last summer and bought here an 04 MC 40. Now after 8 months of motoring you can't hardly get her out of the car! Go ahead and take the plunge because you only live once and your kids will love the car!

 

You are going to love it!

However, I do wonder about the long term accomodations for 2 children. Our MCSC is pretty cramped in the rear seat unless LARGE compromises are made in the front seat. Much less room when compared to the hatchback. The trunk has as much space for luggage as my motorcycle. But for two, it's awesome

 

I too worry about big purchases all the time. I just backed out of a contract on my first new house because I was very uncomortable w/ the payments and cost. My last two vehicles were Dodge Ram 4x4 Ext Cabs (96 and 00). The wife wanted a G35 Coupe but we just couldn't make the payments on that. The MINI payments were less than the truck, less gas, free maintenance, etc. She gave in and we got a 03 MCS. Now we too have fights over who drives the MINI. She transferred her Honda to our son and we now "share" the MINI. That really just means I scrounge for a company vehicle during the week and sometimes at night or on weekends I get to drive my car. She is now wanting a second MINI or to trade up to a 05. Go figure. If you can make the payments, go for it.

 

Fortunately the car doesn't have to be a family hauler (the wife has a Honda Pilot for that), and I'm in my car solo 99% of the time. But I'd love to load up the kids for a Saturday morning drive up the canyon, a Sunday joyride around town, grabbing some ice cream one evening, etc. They're only 4 and 1, and will be in booster seats, so leg room shouldn't be a problem. Yet.

How about taking another adult couple out for dinner? Uncomfortable, but doable, correct? In the showroom I put the driver seat where I needed it then climbed into the back. I'm 5'11", and it was cramped, but I fit. I wouldn't want to ride back there for an hour, but for shorter trips I'd be OK. Worst case: put the taller guys in the front and the shorter women in the back.

I'd compare the back seat room to what I had in my Honda Preludes of yore. It definitely has more rear seat room than my CRX had, or my current Miata has.

 

When you take your first hairpin turn, you will have no remorse.

I suffer from buyer's remorse A LOT. But I've loved the MINI from day 1.

 

Look at it this way: It will be better to deal with the potential buyer's remorse than the certain non-buyer's remorse!

 

Laguna, you will sign the MINI contract, be given the tour of your new Cabrio, and the grin will begin! I guarantee that your face will be aching with happiness!

Putting the tall guys in front and the shorter ladies in back certainly works for going out to dinner, etc. I wouldn't recommend it for a roadtrip, but for quick jaunts around town, it is certainly doable.

The Cabrio is one of the best-looking cars out there...and definitely one of the most fun! I respect your pre-purchase jitters. But once you take delivery, you will forget all that!


Clover

 

I would hesitate to buy a MINI, especially a convertible if the back seat needed to be used on any kind of regular basis. I look at my MINI as basically a two-passenger vehicle with the ability to seat four people in an EMERGENCY. The back seat will be very difficult to get to in order to put your kids in car seats. You may want to try it in the showroom before you take delivery. I love my MINI and it has been a great car, but every car has its limitations. A MINI just does not have much room in the back. As others have said, if money is tight you may want to re-think this purchase. As nice as the MINI is, and as much fun, if you are having to stretch to pay for it you will lose some of the fun factor.
Good luck in your decision.

 

Definitely room for two couples for a short drive. Me 6',190lbs, wife 5'7",115, friends 6'2" 180lbs (skinny ba$tard), 5'7"120. Best to have a short person drive, but it'll do in a pinch!

Alay your fears. As a Miata and CRX guy myself, I'm loving the MCS. Yes, it's a chunk of change (more than two miatas AND the CRX!,used) but it's pretty much worry free, and damn cute!

 

It most certainly will. I've had my 21 y.o. 6'2" son in it for that trip to dinner. His only comment .... "that's the most uncomfortable seat I've ever been in"

It's obvious he has never squeezed into the back of a 911

 

All will be fine my friend. The first time behind the wheel and you'll be wondering what all the fretting was about....you will LOVE THE CABRIO...

Donna
02' CR/W MCS (gone to MINI heaven - burned up)
05' Cool Blue MCSC "Ariel"

 

After months of debating on a car, my wifes not perticularly prefering the Mini...I have decided that this WILL BE the car of choice. Now if its the 05 or the 06 (last year!!) I'm not certain.

But the clincher was when my wife said, "If what you say is true about resale value, you could always sell it and not loose your shirt"....


yah, I guess I Could...


-kutch

 

Are you kidding me? Our MINI is the easiest car we have to put our kids in. Just drop the top and lift them over the side. Piece of cake.

 

I've said it before & I'll say it again-"GO FOR IT' You'll love your Cabrio & this is coming from an "old" Miata owner

Lois