New England Off Topic and Banter as Most Brilliantly Proposed by Cape Cod MINI

[rfinprc]

Well, I just finished getting the 03 ready for trade in tomorrow at MoP.

Standing there looking at this car stripped of everything personal, I paused to reflect on the past 4 years of motoring and who I've met along the way. I've always liked driving, and I've always appreciated a car that drove well, but I never fancied myself a car guy. Certainly not the kind who would go hang out with other car guys.

Well, all you car guys (that includes gals), that's certainly changed. The friendships I've made among this crowd have gone way beyond the fun I have with this car. You're good people, and I'm looking forward to more of the same in the new MINI.

It's not the car, it's where it takes you, and who's along for the ride.

[JR9907]

Quote: Originally Posted by rfinprc (original)

Well, I just finished getting the 03 ready for trade in tomorrow at MoP.

Standing there looking at this car stripped of everything personal, I paused to reflect on the past 4 years of motoring and who I've met along the way. I've always liked driving, and I've always appreciated a car that drove well, but I never fancied myself a car guy. Certainly not the kind who would go hang out with other car guys.

Well, all you car guys (that includes gals), that's certainly changed. The friendships I've made among this crowd have gone way beyond the fun I have with this car. You're good people, and I'm looking forward to more of the same in the new MINI.

It's not the car, it's where it takes you, and who's along for the ride.

Agreed!!!!!!!!!!!

[Actual Size]

Seconded!

[yellowmininy]

Nicely put. In 2 days it will be 4 years since I ordered my Mini. I'm fond of saying "and I thought I was just buying a car!". It has been a lot of fun meeting you all, and it certainly was not something I expected driving to Buffalo in December 2002. Here's to more car talk and assorted wackiness in 2007!

[NoNo]

I wholeheartedly agree. I think it speaks volumes that even with a Mazda, I still come here and go out to see all of you. Did I look for a Mazda forum? Yeah, but my heart wasn't in it. I knew nothing could be the same as here. I am forever grateful for the opportunities Vinny gave me.

On a different note, I think I found something to amuse the little beast. A little mouse with catnip that squeaks when it moves. Will I get tired of hearing it? Most definitely. Will it save me loads of aggravation by keeping her from batting at me? I certainly hope so. She seems rather excited tonight. Perhaps it's not the best night to try to decorate the tree.

[yellowmininy]

I used to decorate the tree with a lot of little bird ornaments made from feathers. When I got the cats, it occurred to me that this might not be a good idea. I found some Christmasy cat toys, and hung those on the tree, and the cats wouldn't go near a 'cat-safe' tree. I've been putting the birds on again, along with the Star Trek ornaments, and shark that says "it's beginning to taste a lot like Christmas".

[jcsinnh]

Bravo, Richard, and the new ride looks swell. Are those stock stripes? Have fun today!

[NoNo]

I'm sleepy. I don't want to be at work. My mandatory motivation session is this morning. I want today to end

[Actual Size]

Green onions = E. coli

Dinosaur BBQ =

[jwardell]

Quote: Originally Posted by Actual Size (original)

Green onions = E. coli

Dinosaur BBQ =

I remember more than once trying as hard as I could to keep things down after a night of ribs and drinking, cuz there was no way I was letting those get away!

[blalor]

Do they break out the whips for those motivational sessions? How can management not see how ridiculous they look?

[MaxaMiniBro]

The beatings will continue until morale improves!

[Sheenabea]

Good luck picking up the MINI today Richard! Have fun MOTORING!

[Actual Size]

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell (original)

I remember more than once trying as hard as I could to keep things down after a night of ribs and drinking, cuz there was no way I was letting those get away!

Nothing like a free serving of norovirus with your meal.

[rfinprc]

Hi all,

Well, I'm finally out of the car, at least long enough to make a quick report.

First, MINI of Peabody -- they're great. It's always nice doing business with them, and picking p a shiny new MINI is at the top of the list.

Next, Ian Cull -- Thanks for coming up to share the moment (and lunch) with me, Ian. I'd like to formally propose that we make Ian King, or at least Benevolant Dictator, of all things MINI in New England. Or at least just Ambassador at Large. Even without his charming MINI-appropriate accent, he's a heckuva nice guy.

Next, the car --

WOO HOO!!!

The feel of the car relative to the '03 is very noticeably better. No squeaks or rattles (at least not yet), the improved gearing is great, and there are plenty of small changes that are generally positive. I'm even starting to get used to looking for the clock in the right place. And the leather seats do not disappoint!

Small detail -- I went with a roof rack right away on this one. I know, A DRILL! . But I use the rack a lot, and now that more trips are just two of us (kids getting older) it's key to be able to load up the bikes or skis and leave the Minivan at home. So anyway, the roof rack caps don't come in silver. I was going through all sorts of rigamarole to figure out about getting some painted. Turns out it's not cheap. But, also turns out that the black caps on a silver roof actually look kind of cool. There gonna show anyway, so why not have some fun (Ian concurred, and we know he's a stickler for proper roof treatment). We'll see how it grows on me -- maybe I'll put together a massive group order for silver caps and cover some expense.

So that's it for now. I'll get some photos posted soon.

Oh, one last thing