The banter thread

[Eds]

Mini Yaletown charges reasonable rates (Cheaper than my dealer). I'll have them put my RMW header this spring for 2 hour labour rate.

[beken]

Quote: Originally Posted by Eds (original)

Mini Yaletown charges reasonable rates (Cheaper than my dealer). I'll have them put my RMW header this spring for 2 hour labour rate.

I had Inspection 2 done last Friday along with a pulley install. MINI Yaletown told me I could bring my own colder temp spark plugs in and they would just deduct the price of spark plugs off the normal cost of Inspection 2. Also instead if adding a JCW belt I brought my own in. Being able to source my own at a discount price because I belong to a number of car clubs, brought the cost of installing the pulley and inspection 2 down to about $50 less than the normal cost of Inspection 2 itself. I think MINI Yaletown did a great job and at a reasonable price too. Both MINI dealers in the Vancouver area compete pretty hard for the MINI Servicing business. I could recommend MINI Richmond also.

They are up against some of the tuner companies out there. Garage5 Performance Tuning, though they specialize in tuning Hondas, have a guy that's done some great work with MINIs.

[beken]

Last weekend, Size MINI Club of Vancouver did a night drive to Whytecliff Park. They did meet up stops at Oakridge Shopping Centre, UBC, Spanish Banks and Park Royal. The MINIs were joined by the Audizine club, BMWs, Cars from Euroforums and other tuner clubs. As it turned out, only the MINIs made it through the twisty narrow road into the park. Comments like "roads were scary" and "those MINIs were fast" was all over the forums and this morning, Size MINI Club's forum had crashed due to bandwidth usage for the first time in the history of the club.

Size MINI Club hits the big time on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Size Feb 28 2009 night drive. - a set on Flickr

[beken]

Sure is quiet around here. Have we all abandoned MINI2? Has the MINI culture simply faded away? Where is everybody?

[Ferroequine]

We're still here, but we mostly hang out on our club forum now -- up to 188 members. You're welcome to join us.

I don't think the culture has faded, but a lot of people left MINI2 when Autoforums started changing things. Our club is very active, with an average of 10-20+ cars coming out to our runs.

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ferroequine (original)

I don't think the culture has faded, but a lot of people left MINI2 when Autoforums started changing things.

Belated apologies for all the anti-Canadian junk that seemed to stir up among some (now not very active) MINI2 members.

[xtremepsionic]

Quote: Originally Posted by beken (original)

Sure is quiet around here. Have we all abandoned MINI2? Has the MINI culture simply faded away? Where is everybody?

Haven't been here in a while, still love my 05 Cooper (now with 65000kms), been to Yellowstone, Utah, Death Valley, SF, Seattle, everywhere in BC with it Going again next month!

Although during the 4 years I've also had a Subaru WRX and right now a 325i, the MINI is still the most fun with sticky summer tires and front neg camber plates

Wish I could join the Mini Calgary Club events, but it's so hard now that I work out of town, grr!

[chkm8]

On line, just not sending out too many messages. Would love to see a club developed in Atlantic Canada, but we need a leader and some interest. Workload and work commitments prevent me from starting up something at this time. Unfortunately, both MINI dealers don't show any interest. When you see what the dealers in Mass. and Conn. do, it puts the Canadian dealers to shame.

Being so close to the US, we attend various MINI events States side. Just returned from MINIs on Top, with 6 Canadian cars attending. Looking into the Lighthouse tour with Cape Cod MINIs in late September. Always something fun to attend.

Happy Motoring.....

[beken]

I will be in Alberta the 2nd half of August. Flying to Edmonton and maybe driving to Calgary to visit (unfortunately in a rental car). I have Aeroplan miles to use up prior to them expiring.

Anybody know if I can rent a MINI in Edmonton for a week?

BTW, I just received my copy of MC2 in the mail yesterday. Good to see Morten and the Heather featured.

[heli_guy]

Hi Beken,

If you are around Calgary for the 22nd, we are having our 50th anniversary celebration. Check out minicalgary.com

[beken]

I've signed up on the Calgary forum. Will try and get to Calgary on the 22nd. Not sure if that yet though.

[MINI Artist]

Quote: Originally Posted by beken (original)

Will try and get to Calgary on the 22nd. Not sure if that yet though.

Doing the happy dance!!! A purple MINI!!!

[beken]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINI Artist (original)

Doing the happy dance!!! A purple MINI!!!

Unfortunately, I will not be driving my MINI to Alberta. I'm flying to Alberta and renting a car....hopefully a MINI ?

[MINNOW]

Quote: Originally Posted by beken (original)

Unfortunately, I will not be driving my MINI to Alberta. I'm flying to Alberta and renting a car....hopefully a MINI ?

I believe the Budget on Calgary Trail Southbound at 5905 - 104 Street, Edmonton rents a MINI Cooper, definitely seen the Cabrio, they may also rent the hatchback. Best to book early...

Some of us E-Towners are planning to head to Calgary on the 22nd for the big meet.

[beken]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINNOW (original)

I believe the Budget on Calgary Trail Southbound at 5905 - 104 Street, Edmonton rents a MINI Cooper, definitely seen the Cabrio, they may also rent the hatchback. Best to book early...

Some of us E-Towners are planning to head to Calgary on the 22nd for the big meet.

I tried to book it. Was unable to. My travel agent couldn't find it in their inventory. Funny, they had lots of Prius' (Prii?). I get a Malibu instead. Might try again when I get to Edmonton.