Minis...

[Mike Schumacher]

so what's the attraction. why are you a mini enthusiast. why did you pick a mini over all other cars that are available on the market.

for me it's simple and nothing ground breaking. my dad owned 3 classic minis when he was a lad and all he ever talked about when i was a kid was minis and the threee he used to have. i suppose i was brain washed, but in a good way
When BMW started production, i think it was a natural choice for me. plus paps promised me £5k if i got a mini

[:: Jon ::]

had the classic, loved it, new one came out, loved it, simple....

[wildchild jules]

First car was a classic mini and loved the fact it was the type of car people remembered and used to just know, so when the new Mini came out I eventually decided I would have to have one, and in the end had two! To be honest at first I didn't want a new Mini as having had a classic I wasn't sure if it felt righ having a new one, but I like the new one so much I did it again and got the Cooper S.

[vickietots]

Took one out for a test drive when looking at new cars, loved it, ordered it same day and cancelled all my other test drives!! Have never regretted it. Still feels 'new' to me even though it is coming up for 2 this year.

[Becca3003]

I was doing work experience at BMW in Bracknell with my dad just before the MINI was launched. Dad had borrowed the keys to one, and took me for a spin in it one lunch time, since then I always wanted one and had to have one for when I was able to drive! Got my wish too!

[sel]

friend had one....took me for a spin....went home-week later...bought one....i was addicted to all the circles.... like a cok-pit

[MaTTy_P]

Always loved the classic when I was little (still intend to own one one day) and fell in love with the new one whilst learning to drive. Tootled up to the dealers on the day I passed my test and placed an order for a 04 MINI One

Been in love ever since.

[Buffster Bird]

I took one out for a test drive when I was replacing my 7 year old RAV4. It was the most fun to drive and practical of all the other cars I tested. I'm now on my second one.

[NJP]

I own a classic which I drove daily until recently (and even across Europe in the Italian Job) but after moving house I decided I needed a new car to drive the 40 miles a day to work and back, and keep the classic for weekends.

I was pretty set against getting a MINI, in part because I'm a member of a local Mini club, and couldn't cope with the stick I'd get!

I went to look at several cars, and took 2 test drives in the new Audi TT, but it just wasn't enjoyable to drive. My girlfriend's mother owns a Cooper, and suggested I tried a MINI, so I went for a test drive in an R56 Cooper S, and was instantly sold on it.

Quite amused by the mk1 / mk2 debate on here. As a classic owner, I can't really see a huge difference, but I'm pleased that the fuel economy of the new S made it a viable option for me.

Loving the car. Just hoping that nobody from my local club sees me driving it...

[humph]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jonmorgan (original)

had the classic, loved it, new one came out, loved it, simple....

Ditto. Unfortunately I had to have a string of company cars in between.

[Hartge220]

Passed my driving test (mid seventies) in a 1969 Cooper, had a tuned Cooper S after that, then quite a few other cars. When the 'new' Mini came out I have to admit I didn't really like it that much, BUT, it did grow on me and 18 months ago part ex'd a Civic Type R for my MCS. It's still bringing a smile to my face luvin it

[tyrerc]

dad had mini's and when i was old old enough to be interested he would show me the pics and all the bits he still had/has to this day.

he hated the new one when a friend got a Y reg ONE and i loved it back on 2001.

[KostaLot]

Never used to like them, thought they were extremely gay. My mate standard building competition versions at the end of 2004. So i started liking them after i spent mny weekends and evenings working around them

[medilloni]

Quote: Originally Posted by Hartge210 (original)

Passed my driving test (mid seventies) in a 1969 Cooper, had a tuned Cooper S after that, then quite a few other cars. When the 'new' Mini came out I have to admit I didn't really like it that much, BUT, it did grow on me and 18 months ago part ex'd a Civic Type R for my MCS. It's still bringing a smile to my face luvin it

Ditto. Passed my test early 70's, first car was a Mini, then rallied an 'S' (then got sensible and raced Karts).

Traded a Civic Type R in for my S early this year - I think the S is quicker in the real world, and handling is miles more fun

[Richard82]

My Dad had a mini with spots & stripes when he was young & I loved it. When I passed my test at 17 I wanted brand new old school mini but they were still quite expensive.

Got a post card with a new mini on at the motor show a year or so before they were released and basically once I could afford one & had used my MG ZR for 3 years I bought my MCS & LOVE IT!!