Suddenly Obsessed, Intangible

[Chris Shontz]

First post, and I'm a pre-newb. Please bear with me. I've always liked the new MINI, and for some reason, on the way home from work two nights ago, I decided that I want a new MINI - just like that. Its like, "****! - I want a MINI." ... Weird.

I still have yet to test drive a MINI, and doing so may still sway my interest either way, but I have a feeling I'll love it ... and I doubt anyone here would try to talk me out of it.

A little about myself - I've been a Jeep enthusiast since before I could drive ... probably around 15 years, and I'm 28 now. I've only ever owned Chrysler Jeep vehicles, and I've had 5 of them since then. So basically, the idea of getting a MINI is a radical departure from everything I've ever known - except that both vehicles share a "cult" following of people, and a great deal of ownership camraderie surrounds them both. I dig that ... alot.

Needless to say, I've been obsessed with the idea of getting a MINI all day. When I went outside, I tried to imagine it parked in my driveway - which is also odd. I haven't done that with other cars in the past. I noted how well it would fit in our one-car garage. I have other browser windows open with pictures of MINIs that haven't left my desktop.

And now the only problem ... I have negative equity on a trade, and excessive debt at home. There isn't currently any room for expenditures such as this. Despite this significant obstacle, I consider the MINI a tangible goal, but it is going to be an uphill battle.

Just out of curiosity, do well-established dealers usually have a few MINIs on the lot?

Is it safe to assume that my nearest dealer has a wealth of visually stimulating MINI brochures that I can oggle at within the confines of my fortress of solitude from time to time?

[minisoopercooper]

Quick - call the doctor - we have a new case of MINI-itis!

It's very contagious and everyone on here is suffering from one degree to another!

subliminal message:

You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI, You will love the MINI,

Great choice mate - you wont regret it - NOW GO GET THAT MINI ORDERED!

[Chris Shontz]

I just got back from the dealer. It was my mission to familiarize myself with the car that I only fancied from afar before today. My experience at the dealer was remarkable. My sales person was very patient, informative, and helpful. The cars themselves only appealed to me more as I poked and prodded them.

Then came the test drive of an 04 S. My salesperson drove initially, winding out the RPMs as soon as we left the parking lot. The performance of the MINI immediately won my heart as I felt my insides catch up with the rest of me. Shortly thereafter, we changed seats and zipped around in the car for nearly 30 minutes - my salesperson only urged me to push the car harder. Roller coaster indeed. I love it.

Below is a picture of the car I drove.



The only aspect of the car that I'm concerned about is, I'm not sure if the back seat is adequate to transport my 1.7 year old son on occassion. He should fit well enough when he's out of the bulky child seat, but the fitment of the child seat is questionable. I'd appreciate feedback on this matter if anyone has experience.

To my great dismay, I'm not currently in a position to place an order, but I will make it my mission in life to do so from this point on. It could be a while. I only feel sorry for my poor wife who has to listen to me obsess about MINIs from this day forward. I have to take her to drive one some day.

[shiredweller]

Don't know about the child seat but am sure others here do.
As a Chrysler fan it might interest you to know that the engine in the MINI is a Chrysler product.
I see the car you drove is an S. Try a Cooper and see what you think. A bit less money. The dealer and most people here will try to convince you that you need to add options to the car that bring the price up a bit. As money is a concern with you I would just like to say that I got my Cooper with zero options [but the HK radio] and I love it. Go plane Jane and keep the price down.

[reills]

Chris,

I ordered my MINI from Prestige last Saturday after fitting TWO child seats in the back along with my 4 year old and 22 months old daughters (that was during the second test drive. the first with just Dan and myself was much like yours.).

Cheers,

Bob

[Chris Shontz]

In response to reills - it is reassuring to know that I'll be able to stuff my son and any future kids in the back of the MINI. It was a minor concern, but a real one. Thank you for your feedback.

Now the big question - Once I've decided that I love all things MINI, how do I put future ownership out of my mind in order to regain control of my day-to-day productivity?

I've been surfing the web relentlessly, and it would seem that a large number of you MINI enthusiasts have completely embraced this world medium to share your pictures, stories, and videos. This poses as a major distraction, as there is enough web content pertaining to MINI subject-matter to keep me busy for months. How am I going to be able to get any work done?

I'm cyber-motoring.

[reills]

There is no cure!!! You are inextricably hooked. No 12-step program can save you. Just give in.

[RobHardyUK]

Yeah i just suddenly had to have a MINI. I have always wanted a civic type r, always. but no, ive ordered a mcs, which ill just make faster

(Might have a fiesta rs-turbo for santa pod coming aswell )

I love speed, and its all i can get insured on at my age (20), and im pretty much in love with the cars looks, build quality for the price, handling and "wantability factor" by me mates

[Chris Shontz]

It's day 6 after my initial epiphany to pursue MINI ownership. It's day 4 after my life-changing test drive. Still shooting for a well-equipped MCS, preferably before 2010. Until then, this sticker will have to do.



Its my fault - and a little my wife's. We both lack spending restraint. I had a well-equipped 99 Jeep Wrangler that I purchased new and had good equity when I got rid of it. But then I got another car, decided I didn't like it, and took it back to the dealer after only a week of ownership and exchanged it for something else. I bent over a good bit for my indecision, and lost a ton of trade-in leverage. Learning experience for me.

[lespurgeon]

Time to start a mini-saivings account. Put away $100 every month. While that won't buy you a MINI fast, it will remind you every month what you are saiving for - which may help you save more.

I bought the MINI to replace a '90 Acura. I figure about 2018 I'll need to replace the MINI - should have enough saved up by then for a new one.

[IBMiniG]

Quote:

There is no cure!!! You are inextricably hooked. No 12-step program can save you. Just give in.

Wrong, there is a cure, bit it is not a 12 step one, it is usually a 36 or 48 or 60, its your auto loan payment, I've got 38 steps to go .

I remember the 14 months waiting, before the MCSs were in the states, before I saw the IndiBlue color in person, tracking it across the pond, all that time lost, no, not lost , time spent enjoying the anticipation of the miles of smiles to come.... keep dreaming, you'll make it work.....

[Trina]

Quote: Originally Posted by lespurgeon

I bought the MINI to replace a '90 Acura. I figure about 2018 I'll need to replace the MINI - should have enough saved up by then for a new one.

I bought my MINI to replace my '88 Acura Integra! I got it when I was 17, and had it for 16 years. Yep, almost half of my life! I got my MINI when I was 33 (Jan '04) My boyfriend teases that I'll have it 'til I'm 66 years old! ... one can only hope...

[AmRov]

Congrats on "seeing the light," Chris! I had a similar epiphany about a year ago. I was driving a BMW X5 -- only 3 years old and paid up -- and suddenly decided it was too big and too "soccer mom" for me. So, after looking around a bit, it suddenly hit me that I needed a MINI. Not sure why... spooky. Test drove one, and left with a copy of my completed order form. Took delivery in February, and have been thrilled ever since!

Good luck; hope you can swing the financials soon! The wait is a killer!

You might see if you can dig up a MINI club where you live. MINI enthusiasts love their cars, and love people who love their cars. My group welcomes expectant and hopeful owners with open arms. This way, perhaps you can be a "navigator" on some MINI runs, to help pass the time (or egg on the desire!).

[lespurgeon]

OK Trina, from the math I'm a year older than you. Looks like we've been living parallel lives - see you on the NOT.