[plaztik]

So, as I am getting closer to taking delivery of my MCS (should be at dealer 1 December), my excitement is obviously building. So, I am naturally informing everyone I know and see that MINI time is right around the corner.

One of the most frequent comments I get (from friends and family) is, "Oh! I can't wait to drive it!!"

*insert uncomfortable silence here* (perhaps with a few cricket chirps for accent)

Uhhhh...Yeah, right!! I usually just shrug this off like I didn't even hear it in the first place. How exactly does one say, "Hell, no. Your grubby paws aren't getting anywhere near my MINI. Not even in your wettest of dreams!!", without being a total *****?

I'm sure people have experience in this department!!

Your input please!!

Thanks,

- plaztik

MINE!!

[YuccaPatrol]

Well, I am taking the exact opposite approach, but I do understand your feelings, as I have been the exact same way with some of my other fancy cars in the past.

I have chosen a different path, and will toss the keys to a friendly interested stranger for a chaperoned test-drive. That is the positive and friendly image I want for the MINI enthusiast community, and all I can do is set a positive example by reaching out to all those poor souls who cannot for some reason break out of their regular cars and SUVs

I have had enough of the "You touch-a my car, I break-a you face" mentality in the auto enthusiast scene that just does not fit with the revolutionary MINI image. . . .

If she is real nice, cute, and single, I might even sacrifice some wear on my clutch and teach her to drive "stick"

As much as I am going to love my MINI, it is only a hunk of plastic and steel and BMW will happily make me a new one when I need it.

[NiqDanger]

I know that feeling! I don't let anyone drive my Cooper. Much to the annoyance of many friends/family. If they had to that would be one thing but I've never been a 'want to drive my car?' kinda guy, nor do I generally take people up on their want to drive it offers so I think they are all used to it. Having a stick cut down on most of the requests as less then 1/4 the people I know can even drive a standard!

Just play it off, a little laugh and move right along. I only had one person outright insist on driving my car. He was very dissapointed to find out the answer was no. He accepted that I wouldn't after he let a friend drive his M3 for a quickie and got the keys back with the comment 'Got it to 140 on the parkway'.

Now I suppose if I knew the person wasnt a road hazard, and I didn't have the impression they were going to wrap it around a tree, I might give them a chance.

[coopertease]

That is just one of the quarks that you'll have to put up with...here are some more:

What is it?
How much did you pay for it?
Kinda small, isn't it?
Is that one n'them electric cars?

Mostly asked by total strangers...any more?

[binkydognose]

Just this weekend I was asked "How much is that car?" (hear that one quite a bit, what's become of manners?), followed by "where do ya get 'em? Chrysler?".

[stryder]

Quote:

Originally posted by plaztik
How exactly does one say, "Hell, no. Your grubby paws aren't getting anywhere near my MINI. Not even in your wettest of dreams!!", without being a total *****?

Ask your salesman for extra business cards when you pickup the car. Whenever anyone asks about your car, point out its still in the breaking in period, and since you want to keep it for a long time you're they only one driving it so its 'consistant' (maybe you can think of a better word) and well cared for. Tell them where you got the car, offer to let them sit in the driver's seat, give them your salesman's card, and make an offer to go test driving with them sometime if necessary.

Oh, and the stick thing works wonders, as other people have said. Its very amusing to see how many people don't even bother asking because of the transmission.

[YuccaPatrol]

Quote:

Originally posted by binkydognose
[B"How much is that car?" (hear that one quite a bit, what's become of manners?), followed by "where do ya get 'em? Chrysler?".
[/b]

My answers to those 2 questions will be:

1) worth every penny and then some!

2) Just like any $16000 car you might buy, you should really have it custom ordered and built at the factory to your exact specifications. Your Chrysler dealer does that for you doesn't he?

[Clutch Cargo]

You must live in a nice friendly place. Around here nobody asks if they can drive your car. I think it's just considered a major imposition. I personally would never ask for someone else's keys, unless I were married to them.

[YuccaPatrol]

I have had the opportunity to drive some really neat cars at my local road track that I would never get to drive if it weren't for friendly like minded people being willing to share the things they are blessed with. Because of these experiences, I would like to give someone else the same kind of thrill I have had driving a stranger's race-car on the track.

Last time I was out there, a guy with a new Honda S-2000 tossed me the keys so that I could see for myself what a V-tec engine was like. Not exactly my style of car, but I was certainly impressed with the power that the engine gets at 8000-9000 rpm.

Of course, the average stranger that demands to drive my car probably is not getting the keys, but someone who is friendly and enthusiastic might just find that I offer the keys to them first.

[NEMINI]

Quote:

Originally posted by YuccaPatrol
I have had the opportunity to drive some really neat cars at my local road track that I would never get to drive if it weren't for friendly like minded people being willing to share the things they are blessed with. Because of these experiences, I would like to give someone else the same kind of thrill I have had driving a stranger's race-car on the track.

Last time I was out there, a guy with a new Honda S-2000 tossed me the keys so that I could see for myself what a V-tec engine was like. Not exactly my style of car, but I was certainly impressed with the power that the engine gets at 8000-9000 rpm.

Of course, the average stranger that demands to drive my car probably is not getting the keys, but someone who is friendly and enthusiastic might just find that I offer the keys to them first.

Its also a different scenario at the track ... controlled space with people who usually know how to drive VS. taking it out in traffic and driving like an Ahole cause it aint theirs

[Mike Clarke]

I have a simple answer. "Sorry but I am the only driver named on the insurance policy".

[thegrommit]

Quote:

Originally posted by plaztik
One of the most frequent comments I get (from friends and family) is, "Oh! I can't wait to drive it!!"

....

Your input please!!

I just look at them and grin