[huntleycat]

I've just recently become a new MINI owner having always had SAABs (my Mum has a Mini Mayfair 1990 like new with 6000miles but that's another story!). I sold a SAAB Diesel which was a great car but too large for London commuting and bought a 3 yo Cooper CVT with 13000 miles and a very nice spec. Great so far and ideal for the job.
However, I took it for a free TLC service and brake fluid change at Sytner of Chingford (a bit disorganised and over snooty - are they really pleased they sell MINIs?) the other day and realised I had bought a BMW. Look I still have 2 SAABs and would never drive a BM. Everything they say about BM drivers is true IMO.
So my question is, are MINI drivers BMW drivers in drag or do they behave completely differently (perhaps wave to each other or flash headlights like SAAB owners years ago used to?).
This is really worrying me, I cannot admit to taking on the BMW driving temperament - please help me somebody and reassure me that all is well!

[sel]

YOUR A MINI DRIVER NOT A BMW DRIVER....so dont panic!!

and yes MINI drivers wave and flash at each other (99% do anyway!!)..... so stick with ur MINI and leave the sabbs at home!

Welcome to the crazy MINI world!!-do u have any pics??

[Mike Clarke]

Saab drivers are what Volvo drivers used to be

[The Black Pearl]

Saab need to stick to the sky's

[Cooper S Dan]

funnily enough i was driving my dads BMW last night, and his words to me were "slow down - this isn't your ****ing mini you know!"

so that confirms to me us mini drivers ARE NOT bmw drivers

[huntleycat]

No need to be so nasty about SAABs - they are good cars - not what they were though I started with a 2-stroke - lots of character and fantastic handling - some mini similarities there.

Glad to hear Minis flash and wave - that's an added point - SAABs stopped doing that years ago when they became more common. The SAABs in the sky are made by SAAB, the cars now are made by GM who have generally wasted the marque and lost much of the character.

Will try and add pics to this post.

[The Black Pearl]

Yeah but GM make quality cars like the Saturn with some variations on a 4 wheel drive on a 3.5 litre v8. Saab's are a good business car very good diesel engines, but not a touch to bmw or mini for what they cost

[smartbomb]

For me it's a MINI. Built as well as a BMW and yes it does say BMW built under the bonnet.
In the BMW v MINI argument.....
BMW drivers.....
Rarely get let out of busy junctions
Rarely indicate
Rarely drive without fog lights on
Think they DO own the road
MINI drivers....
Enjoy driving and revel in the whole ethos of owning such a funky car

[Lucky Dave]

I went to the BMW show at Gaydon a couple of years ago and got greeted at the gate with "Thats not a BMW"!

Later in the year at a MINI show I got greeted with "Thats not a MINI"!

You cant win either way!

[huntleycat]

List prices are as high as BM etc but actual price you pay is not. The SAAB I sold cost less new than a very slightly specced MC - it also did 50 mpg on a run rather more than my MC!

It also had every extra, full leather, cc, wood, electric seats, heated seats etc etc. You certainly pay a lot for the perceived quality and name of a BM or MINI!

[smartbomb]

I love my MINI, there is something very 'geogoraphy teacher' about Saabs !

[Root Ginger]

Quote: Originally Posted by smartbomb (original)

I love my MINI, there is something very 'geogoraphy teacher' about Saabs !

In a tweed jacket, leather elbows kind of a way right

[sel]

nice MINI.... love that colour combo..... well i am slightly biased!!! as muvlee is pure silver/black

[huntleycat]

So is yours silver and black as well Sel? with black leather??

[sel]

yep!!! (got half leather not full)
only had her since 14th!!! 06 cooper (not r56 shape) ...my last ONE was silver and pink!

(and if u ever take a road trip 2 cornwall-check out our kernow site!!)

[huntleycat]

(innocent remark) 'what happens at Kernow?'

[PaulusMaximus]

Driving a MINI has opened my eyes to BMWs. I used to hate their temprament but I wouldn't look at another brand outside the BMW group. Obviously, MINIs are far more friendly and we aren't like BM drivers. But if like me you would buy a BMW if the MINI ever gets relegated to second car status...

Paul

[smartbomb]

Quote: Originally Posted by Root Ginger (original)

In a tweed jacket, leather elbows kind of a way right

Totally ! Huge boot is ideal for carting around all those library books in plastic crates and tack.

[sel]

Quote: Originally Posted by huntleycat (original)

(innocent remark) 'what happens at Kernow?'

We are a devon and cornwall based MINI club-so we organise meets/runs..... good fun/like minded crazy MINI owner get to togethers

[Fu Manchu]

Quote: Originally Posted by huntleycat (original)

No need to be so nasty about SAABs .

You started it accusing us of been BMW drivers .