Hi,
First new MINI I saw was 3rd week in May, on I-64 just out of Charleston West Virginia as I was heading west on way home to Indiana from a week long training school. It was a Chili Red w/ black top and mirrors, not sure if an S or not. I was struck by the uniqueness of it, the aura of automotive coolness that surrounded it. I didn't act on my curiosity at that time, just figured it was some rare import. Weeks ago I was winding my 'Vette ('95) through the twisties and there's a Cooper S behind me, also enjoying the abundant curves in the road. I recognized that it was the same "rare import" model that I had seen on the way home from West Virginia. I decided that as soon as I came up on a place to pull off I was going to try and signal him to pull off with me-- I wanted to check out this mysterious, exotic and cool looking, little car that had been my companion through the curves. But he turned off on a secondary road behind me, and my chance for a closer look was gone.
Since then I decided to find out about this car. Now, I can't get it out of my mind. I'm afraid I might have "MINI fever", specifically, MINI Cooper S fever. I read about how much fun they are to drive. I'm the type that likes having something different. I find myself hungry to read about anything MINI. My wife's first reaction when I showed her a Cooper S on the net and telling her I was thinking about one was, "You'd sell your Corvette for THAT!?" That was her initial reaction, but then she looked closer..."Hey, what IS that?" she asked. By the time I finished telling her about it and showing her more photos, the heritage behind the car and how the legend was resurrected she was smitten also... enough that she came home from the bookstore with the January '03 issue of 'European Car' magazine, which has the new MINIs on the cover.
There are a couple obstacles for us. Nearest MINI dealer is about 150 miles away. We are now in the time of year when the market for convertibles is weak (my 'Vette is a convertible), so my car may not fetch as good a price as it will in the spring.
I'm currently evaluating my options. My impulsive side is screaming at me to place an order and put down a deposit. My sensible side is saying wait until spring and get your corvette sold first.
Yes, much too late. You could buy another car, but it won't help. Once a MINI is inside your head (and heart), you can't get it out anymore. So you can better buy it
Yes u just have to get one. theres no option. and I'm going to ask the same question... WHAT you are selling your vett for that!?! Sure why not. I love the MINI!!!! where are u from that the nearest dealer is 150 miles away?
Go ahead and put the $500 or $1000 down to save your place in line and you can sell the vette between now and the 6-10 months it will take to special order one.
Roadshow MINI in Memphis has been wonderful in helping me with a long distance out-of-state sale. Dorian is my salesperson and she is great.
I have just heard that the base model MINI has been tested by Road and Track on the slalom course and only 4 cars ever have been faster. The non-s version completed the run at a speed 3.1 mph faster than a McLaren F1.
I am selling a LR Defender 90 as well as a very well prepared VW GTI that I run non-competitively on my local road track to get this car, so I know the feeling of being asked why I am trading in some sweet cars for this tiny little economy hatchback.
Hey RipSaw, welcome to the club
Order it now, sell the Vette in the Spring when your new custom spec MCS arrives.
I think the only thing you'll be disappointed with is acceleration. I love my MCS but still don't feel it's really fast. I'm saying this despite having driven my MINI at 135 mph on open roads, and around rotaries and clover leafs faster than I ever thought possible. It handles like nothing else but the acceleration is lacking. Coming out of a Vette you will really notice this. But, you'll be able to throw the MINI around alot easier than the 'Vette.
It's been said that there's no replacement for displacement, and if you are used to the torque of a V8 you'll surely notice the difference.
Missing my buddies Dan, Ed, and Diane but glad I have three angel buddies, And on a quest to Right Secco's Wrongs
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Sure why not. I love the MINI!!!! where are u from that the nearest dealer is 150 miles away? 
