R55 New to NAM and MINI
#1
06-02-2009 | 09:12 AM
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 267
Likes: 1
From: Purcellville, VA
New to NAM and MINI
Hi all,
A few weeks ago I decided to start simplifying a few things in my life. Like, getting down to 1 car. I had a VW GTI that was my daily driver, and an Infiniti G37 that was our weekend toy/fun car. But the G37, as nice as it was, just wasn't 'special' to us, for lack of a better way to put it. My GTI, OTOH, was a blast to drive to/from work, wherever, and we loved it. But, I wanted something... different.
My criteria was pretty simple:
1. Must be fun to drive
2. Must accommodate our 2 greyhounds
3. Must be priced at $35K or less.
While item 3 was negotiable, I really wanted to keep under that limit just so I could realize some savings going down to 1 car. Otherwise, I couldn't justify a new purchase as easily
2 cars stuck out that matched the criteria: VW Jetta Sportwagen Turbo, and the Clubman S. And the Jetta with the 2.0T engine is a rarity in the DC area. And... I've been lusting after a Mini since they were introduced. So...
Just a little over a week ago I took delivery of a Laser Blue / Silver Clubman S from Mini of Sterling. Steve Lee was a delight to work with, and so far my expectations have been exceeded at every turn. My Clubman is relatively spartan, as far as options go: Bridge wheels, A/S tires, Premium package, BT/iPod, and roof rails. This car was ready-to-go, in stock. The only thing I might have added would be the headlight upgrade. But everything else is as I would have chosen
We haven't had both greys in the car yet, but we did take our largest, Bear, for a test-drive before I finalized the deal. He had plenty of space, and I''ll know for sure this weekend if 2 fit as I suspect. If not, there's always her Subaru Outback wagon
I've been thinking about personalizing my Clubman, and so far the only things I really 'want' are either a roof rack or a minidomore setup for carrying bikes or additional cargo. And a nice dog bed/car liner contraption.
I don't have access to my pictures from work, but I'll post some later. Thanks for taking the time to read this!
-Jim (NoVA)
EDIT: Photos as promised:
A few weeks ago I decided to start simplifying a few things in my life. Like, getting down to 1 car. I had a VW GTI that was my daily driver, and an Infiniti G37 that was our weekend toy/fun car. But the G37, as nice as it was, just wasn't 'special' to us, for lack of a better way to put it. My GTI, OTOH, was a blast to drive to/from work, wherever, and we loved it. But, I wanted something... different.
My criteria was pretty simple:
1. Must be fun to drive
2. Must accommodate our 2 greyhounds
3. Must be priced at $35K or less.
While item 3 was negotiable, I really wanted to keep under that limit just so I could realize some savings going down to 1 car. Otherwise, I couldn't justify a new purchase as easily
2 cars stuck out that matched the criteria: VW Jetta Sportwagen Turbo, and the Clubman S. And the Jetta with the 2.0T engine is a rarity in the DC area. And... I've been lusting after a Mini since they were introduced. So...
Just a little over a week ago I took delivery of a Laser Blue / Silver Clubman S from Mini of Sterling. Steve Lee was a delight to work with, and so far my expectations have been exceeded at every turn. My Clubman is relatively spartan, as far as options go: Bridge wheels, A/S tires, Premium package, BT/iPod, and roof rails. This car was ready-to-go, in stock. The only thing I might have added would be the headlight upgrade. But everything else is as I would have chosen
We haven't had both greys in the car yet, but we did take our largest, Bear, for a test-drive before I finalized the deal. He had plenty of space, and I''ll know for sure this weekend if 2 fit as I suspect. If not, there's always her Subaru Outback wagon
I've been thinking about personalizing my Clubman, and so far the only things I really 'want' are either a roof rack or a minidomore setup for carrying bikes or additional cargo. And a nice dog bed/car liner contraption.
I don't have access to my pictures from work, but I'll post some later. Thanks for taking the time to read this!
-Jim (NoVA)
EDIT: Photos as promised:
Last edited by carman63; 06-02-2009 at 10:47 AM. Reason: Added pics
#2
06-02-2009 | 09:58 AM
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
Welcome to the MINI family!!
here's something for the cargo hold: http://www.poochstyle.com/store/pc/v...idproduct=7215
I've seen some folks get a tow put on and use the bike racks that slip on the hitch hookup....
here's something for the cargo hold: http://www.poochstyle.com/store/pc/v...idproduct=7215
I've seen some folks get a tow put on and use the bike racks that slip on the hitch hookup....
#3
06-02-2009 | 11:34 AM
Welcome and congrats on your purchase.
You should be able to find any answer you need around here.
And definitely check out PoochStyle they have some great products. I don't use one myself, I had custom beds made for my old dog (much more padding) but have seen they on display and in use, and they hav worked well for the purchasers.
If you have roof rails on your car then you can attach just about anything to them via Thule or Yakima feet and bars.
If you do not have the roof rails then the only thing available is the OEM Roof Rack. But that will take many of the Yakima or Thule gear as well.
Just remember to have fun with you new car.
You should be able to find any answer you need around here.
And definitely check out PoochStyle they have some great products. I don't use one myself, I had custom beds made for my old dog (much more padding) but have seen they on display and in use, and they hav worked well for the purchasers.
If you have roof rails on your car then you can attach just about anything to them via Thule or Yakima feet and bars.
If you do not have the roof rails then the only thing available is the OEM Roof Rack. But that will take many of the Yakima or Thule gear as well.
Just remember to have fun with you new car.
#7
06-02-2009 | 01:04 PM
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 267
Likes: 1
From: Purcellville, VA
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