tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188890142024-03-13T19:22:01.090-05:00Confessions of a MINI PoseurUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18889014.post-44235578533155769722008-03-03T00:49:00.002-05:002008-03-03T01:09:53.691-05:00The John Cooper Works<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2307054072_973ff3a482.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2307054072_973ff3a482.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Although I have previously posted my planned MINI build, the new John Cooper Works MINI is promising. It would be about three thousand more than what I want out of a MINI, but the concept of the car as a pure, purposeful, performance MINI is certainly tempting. Why would I want to lose things such as the sunroof, sport suspension, LSD, and Laser Blue for a performance package?<br /><br />Let me review what will be available through the JCW car. First are the engine upgrades: new turbo, improved air intake and exhaust, and optimized computer tuning. This gets the car up from 172hp to close to 207hp. Next are the clutch, transmission, and short-throw shifter. There is also the four-piston front brakes for even faster stopping times. An electronic differential lock will simulate an limited slip differential. The JCW will also have limited edition 17" wheels. The other details are still unclear, but the Hi-Fi sound, Anthracite headliner, and piano black/fluid silver dash may be included as well. The cars top speed also increases from 140 to 148 miles per hour.<br /><br />It has always been tempting to spec a stripped down Cooper S with just LSD and Sport Suspension, even bypassing a metallic paint color to create a no-nonsense street and track attacker. A no-option JCW would represent that idea to the extreme. <br /><br />And that last word may be just why I pass on a JCW. It is almost too extreme. The R56 is already very fast for such a small car. When I test drove one a year ago, I quickly realized my limits are reached far before the car's. I'm not saying I have ruled out the JCW, but my concept of my MINI will have to change before that decision is reached.<br /><br />Besides, who goes 148mph in a MINI? Seriously...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18889014.post-69304490755327078212008-03-01T09:16:00.002-05:002008-03-01T09:26:02.330-05:00Are Your Wheels Dirty?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2315/2302309256_c34197bf73.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2315/2302309256_c34197bf73.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Often when I'm driving down the road, I see cars with absolutely filthy front wheels. Sometimes, the car will even be relatively clean, but the wheels are blackened with brake dust. I know that not everyone sees their car as an extension of who they are, but you can learn a lot about a person from the condition of their car.<br /><br />If you peek in my Saturn, you will see a few fast food bags and cups, some books in the back seat, as well as a <span style="font-style: italic;">Cars</span> booster seat. I live a life on the go and don't have much time to clean up the mess. I try, though. :)<br /><br />The Saturn isn't really my car. When the Neon died, I inherited it since we got the minivan for my wife, and I've never really gotten attached to the Saturn. It is living on borrowed time until I can sell it and finally get my MINI. Don't expect to see trash in the MINI.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18889014.post-6993048013002623752007-10-25T22:23:00.000-05:002007-10-25T22:49:02.866-05:00A New Build<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1366/1417659350_7bd3b09b4b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1366/1417659350_7bd3b09b4b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>This week, Motoringfile announced the <a href="http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/10/18/mini-usa-releases-2008-prices/">USA pricing for the 2008 MINIs</a>. Fortunately, there was not an increase in the base cost of the Cooper or Cooper S coupes, but there were a few changes in the packages that have prompted me to adjust my build. The Premium Package changes in '08 to no longer include the Multi-Function steering wheel.<br /><br />I had originally opted to get the Premium Package, because I definitely want the Panoramic Sunroof ($850) and the leather Multi-function steering wheel ($550) which totaled to $1400. The Premium package included both as well as the automatic AC, which was a $550 option as well. This was a deal worth taking.<br /><br />The Premium Package no longer includes the Multi-Function steering starting with the 2008 model. It has been replaced with Premium Sound, which still makes for a good package, but no longer what I want. I'm now going a la carte with the sunroof and steering wheel which did drop $200 to $350, which is another bonus.<br /><br />The other change that will affect my build is the cloth leather interior now includes both a choice of color line and premium dash. This is a $1000 option which previously included just the color line, which really made it too pricey to add. I had always wanted to get the Pacific Blue color line and Brushed Aluminum dash to have the interior match the exterior of the car. Now for essentially $500 more, I can get the Pacific Blue Cloth leather interior as well.<br /><br />Overall, the price of my MINI will increase by $300 to a total of $25,700 before tax, tag, and title. I'm going to also make sure the dealer doesn't add the $1000 worth of junk all dealers try to add to the car. I know they are just trying to make a profit, but I'm trying to keep my monthly payment close to $400.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18889014.post-73663040340299791122007-04-04T14:28:00.000-05:002007-07-24T22:09:41.947-05:00The Road Not Taken<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgskGZBq8qmjiDEeF36gEyME_tYi_aTUmT5gc2bgnohThvgM-aeioMnD2uNbGJH7K5EoEn7ejCyasUVsvi-TpGnCNNtNpRjKJ-yZq90dmwqTTsaP4OCct2aBPaezunba3XYzs/s1600-h/mountain_road_tunnel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgskGZBq8qmjiDEeF36gEyME_tYi_aTUmT5gc2bgnohThvgM-aeioMnD2uNbGJH7K5EoEn7ejCyasUVsvi-TpGnCNNtNpRjKJ-yZq90dmwqTTsaP4OCct2aBPaezunba3XYzs/s320/mountain_road_tunnel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049657313349517458" border="0" /></a><table style="text-align: left; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td>Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—</td><td><a name="18"></a></td></tr> <tr><td>I took the one less traveled by,</td><td><a name="19"></a></td></tr> <tr><td>And that has made all the difference.</td></tr></tbody></table> <div style="text-align: left;">- Robert Frost<br /><br />While traveling along the highways and interstates, I often spy a small winding road trailing alongside. The road always looks smoother, cleaner, purer than the mass-produced courier of high speed travel on which I ride. As the side road and I part ways, I often long to explore the journey it holds, but the hurried pace of getting to the destination takes priority, and the promise of adventure is abandoned.<br /><br />I expect that my time in a MINI will include many travels along the less traveled paths. I often take short trips to local stores late in the evening, and I imagine that those trips will be lengthened somewhat, as I search for roads to make the drive longer. <br /><br />That is the essence of <span style="font-style: italic;">Motoring</span>.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18889014.post-30923537777509160932007-03-11T23:30:00.000-05:002007-03-11T23:45:24.773-05:00A Yellow MINI?!?!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/418430741_1531ee91b0.jpg?v=0http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/418430741_1531ee91b0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/418430741_1531ee91b0.jpg?v=0http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/418430741_1531ee91b0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I may end up with a yellow MINI... specifically Mellow Yellow, one of the colors available on the redesigned 2007 MINI. I wouldn't have thought that I would want a yellow car, it is definitely not one of my favorite colors, but after seeing it in person, it is quite desirable.<br /><br />My list of color choices on my future MINI is pretty short - Laser Blue, which has been presented multiple times in this blog; Chili Red, the classic MINI color; Pepper White, classic in its simplicity; and now Mellow Yellow. I've always wanted my MINI to stand out in a parking lot, just like my now dead Intense Blue Neon would. It was easy to spot in a lot, because I would only have to find the brilliant blue pearl amongst the sea of silver.<br /><br />Mellow Yellow fits the requirement for parking lot boldness. I especially like how the color looks with the black roof and bonnet stripes. Those black body accents in addition to the grill and wheel arches make the MINI look like an angry bumblebee or a taxi in disguise. The '07 MINI Cooper S I tested was Mellow Yellow, and I could definitely motor around wrapped in a sunny disposition.<br /><br />Laser Blue is still my number one color choice, but Mellow Yellow is slowly creeping past Chili Red for second. As always, Pepper White is lurking in fourth place waiting for me to go for a more subtle appearance.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18889014.post-78435710522281985762007-02-24T23:54:00.000-05:002007-02-25T15:32:52.849-05:00Save the Burbles!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/160/402403654_e1f8bef8f0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/160/402403654_e1f8bef8f0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>There has been a lot of debate within the MINI community over the changes that were made from the 2002-2006 MINI with the release of the 2007 MINI. There have been claims of BMW softening the car for the general consumer, the car losing its soul or character, not having the same driving feel, changes made for profit, and that it is ugly. As US consumers begin to test drive the new MINI and compare it to the previous generation, some feel their concerns over the changes have been justified, while others discover that the new MINI has retained nearly all of the character the previous car - it is all a matter of perception.<br /><br />I have always been in the optimist camp regarding the 2007 MINI. As information was revealed over the past year at <a href="http://motoringfile.com/section/r56/">MotoringFile</a> about the R56, I was thrilled to hear about the improved power of the new engines, the slightly reduced weight of the new body, and the maintained handling characteristics of the previous generation car (R50/R53).<br /><br />However, as information about how MINI has attempted to mainstream the car by smoothing the rough edges, I began to be concerned. There were often complaints that the Cooper S had too rough of a ride, so in response, MINI made the Sport Suspension a cost option on the Cooper S like it is on the Cooper. The throttle and steering response were viewed as too responsive by the non-enthusiast customer, so the responsiveness was toned down. Fortunately, MINI has included the Sport Button to return the car's agility. Finally, after the MINIUSA press day in Arizona, Gabe from MotoringFile reported that the exhaust burble was removed from US specification cars due to customer complaints about the backfiring noises (known as burbling to the MINI community) the 2005 and 2006 MINI Cooper S made. I was stunned.<br /><br />When I first heard <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLAJDxegxFg">this video on YouTube</a> of the 2007 Cooper S exhaust, I was thrilled with the thought of putting around town in my MINI - it growling and snarling at every mundane SUV, minivan, and Honda Civic it passed. Unfortunately, MINI made a "refinement" without providing an alternative for the enthusiast. From what I understand, the loss of the burble is an ECU adjustment, so it should be programmable, so I think that it should be available upon request.<br /><br />I don't know what must be done to save the burbles, but if they can be exterminated due to complaints, then they can be revived through the same means!! SAVE THE BURBLES!!! Let your Motoring Advisor you want a noisy MINI!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18889014.post-81723322892325801932007-02-20T00:39:00.000-05:002007-02-21T07:22:54.849-05:00My 2007 MINI Test Drive<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/159/397568325_e4267f1497.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/159/397568325_e4267f1497.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The day finally arrived. After months of waiting, the 'R56' MINI was for sale in North America. I had seen plenty of pictures on the internet for months now and disguised cars captured in testing variations by the automotive press for over a year, but now I finally had the opportunity to see the new MINI in the sheet metal. <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">My family took a trip to Century MINI in Greenville, SC to see the '07 MINIs. After a 2 ½ hour drive, we arrived just after lunch time. The new MINIs were lined up facing the dealer. There were Coopers in Chili Red, Pepper White and Mellow Yellow, and the Cooper S was available in Sparkling Silver and Mellow Yellow. Unfortunately, the color I have been most anxious to see in person, Laser Blue, was not present. The dealer had received a car in their launch shipment, but it was purchased on Saturday.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Now I must confess, I've not had much experience with MINIs. I had visited Century MINI on a cold, wet, dreary day in November and test driven a 2005 Chili Red Cooper S at the local BMW dealer. Other than that, I've just been window shopping.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">After checking out the 2007 MINIs on the lot as well as some of the 2006 models still available, I had an opportunity to speak with a woman who has a 2006 Chili Red Cooper S who had just finished test driving the Sparkling Silver Cooper S. She was thrilled with the new car and was claiming it was better than her current MINI.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Now it was my turn. I got some seat time in the Mellow Yellow Cooper S. The car seemed to have just the Sport Package. The interior was the checkered cloth with the base checkered dash and grey colorline. The only other option I spotted was the rear fog lights. Not the spec I plan on ordering, but I would definitely get a feel for the road handling ability of the car, which is the reason I'm interested in a MINI anyways.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">After getting my son's carseat secured in the rear seat, we headed out for our test drive. The Motoring Advisor guided me to a road they use to demonstrate the cars abilities, which includes a series of challenging corners with significant elevation changes. It was a little too residential though, so it was hard to really open up the throttle. When I pressed hard on the gas, I could feel how ready the engine is to launch the car forward. I had also turned on the Sport Button so that I could feel the difference in the steering response. The few corners that I did take aggressively easily proved that the MINI was beyond anything I have ever driven or owned. I pushed the car through a corner near the end of the run, and I could tell the car wasn't anywhere near its limit even though I had reached mine. I didn't even realize how fast I went through the turn until the MA pointed it out. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Compared to my automotive history of domestic midsize and small cars, the MINI felt very solid all around. The steering wheel was very comfortable and responsive, especially in Sport Mode. The cloth sport seats were snug, but comfortable. The fabric almost feels synthetic and became slightly uncomfortable as the car heated up during the drive. I really didn't adjust the seat or steering wheel, but was still fairly comfortable. I did have an issue when I tried to use the LATCH system of my sons carseat to connect to the lower anchors. The seats fasteners are too wide for the recessed bay so I couldn't use them. I had to secure the seat with the seat belt and the top strap to an anchor in the boot. I really didn't play with any of the controls at all. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The MINI Cooper S is all that I've ever dreamed it to be. If only a Laser Blue Cooper S was on the lot so I could see what that color looked like outside of my computer monitor. It will be a very long year while I wait to purchase my MINI in 2008.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18889014.post-1166103696239124932006-12-14T08:08:00.000-05:002006-12-14T10:04:59.456-05:002007 MINI EPA Mileage Estimates<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://static.flickr.com/134/322225478_05369ded8f.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://static.flickr.com/134/322225478_05369ded8f.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>This week, MINIUSA released the official EPA mileage estimates for the 2007 models as reported on <a href="http://motoringfile.com/2006/12/11/mini-usa-releases-2007-mpg-numbers/">MotoringFile</a>. The 2007 Cooper has an EPA mileage estimate of 32 city/40 highway and the 2007 Cooper S has an estimate of 29 city/36 highway. Both of these numbers are improvements over the previous generation, but what I would like to know is, "What happened to high mileage per gallon compacts?"<br /><br />Just twenty years ago, 30 city/40 highway was not a great feat of efficiency for a 4 cylinder compact. The website <a href="http://www.mpgbuddy.com/index.php">MPGbuddy</a> has records of many automobiles mileage per gallon ratings back to 1984. The Honda Civic of that year was reported with ratings of 42 city/55 highway; the Volkswagen Rabbit was rated 35 city/44 highway; the Dodge Omni was rated 34 city/49 highway. Japanese, European, and American automotive manufacturers were able to produce compact cars with gas mileage that would make today's post-Katrina consumers rushing to trade-in their SUVs.<br /><br />The comparable vehicles offered today by the three manufacturers are: Honda Civic with 30 city/38 highway; Dodge Caliber with 28 city/32 highway; and the Volkswagen Rabbit with 22 city/30 highway. We may also include the Honda Fit with ratings of 33 city/38 highway. So what has happened in 20 years that would cause such a drastic loss of fuel efficiency? Today's engines are marvels of engineering with technologies including Variable Valve Timing to provide optimum fuel provisions during driving conditions to improve economy, but they still do not match the economy of compact cars just twenty years ago.<br /><br />Upon further investigation, I found that in the mid-eighties, several auto-manufacturers released vehicles designed to get the best fuel-efficiency as reported in this <a href="http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=travel&res=9807E4DE143BF930A1575AC0A962948260&n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fSubjects%2fE%2fEnergy%20Efficiency">New York Times</a> article. These cars weren't comfortable, well-options, or fast, but were able to get you to your destination in the most miserly fashion. The rise of hybrid vehicles in the past five years is the auto-manufacturers attempt to provide the fuel-efficiency of these small cars of twenty years ago, but still maintain the comfort that consumers have grown to expect. I would like to see MINIUSA bring the MINI One D to the states to show the auto-manufacturers that hybrids aren't the only solution for optimum fuel efficiency.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18889014.post-1163046623056287302006-11-08T23:11:00.000-05:002006-11-08T23:56:34.413-05:00My First MINI AdventureOn Tuesday, I took a trip to <a href="http://www.centurymini.com">Century MINI</a> in Greenville, SC. It is one of the closest MINI dealerships to my home, and I decided to visit the dealer to meet the motoring advisors and talk to them about my interest in getting a MINI in early 2008. Just a little more than one year left before I get my MINI!!<br /><br />The day was dreary with overcast skies and light to heavy rain throughout the day. The drive to Greenville was nice in spite of the rain as we wandered through the small towns of South Carolina along Highway 25. I have a choice between Century MINI and one of the dealerships in Atlanta, and the nice, leisurely drive to Greenville solidified my choice. A scenic drive through back country roads better exemplifies the spirit of motoring than a straight drive down an interstate at 70 miles per hour.<br /><br />Century had quite a few MINIs on the lot. They had received their final allocation of 2006 cars while the factory in Oxford began the conversion to produce the R56 MINIs. There was a substantial selection of both convertibles and coupes. Although it was raining pretty heavily while we were at the dealership, my 2 year old son and I were able to enjoy walking around under the umbrella looking at all the different MINIs pointing out the different colors.<br /><br />After the visit at Century MINI, we headed west on Highway 76 towards Dillard, Georgia. My wife and son were going to take a nap while I drove the 90 minute trip. Shortly before the SC/GA border, I was greeted with a nice curvey patch of road with changing elevation, surrounded by golden autumn trees in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains. I imagined what it would be like tossing a MINI through the corners. Of course, the Chrysler Town & Country minivan I was driving prevented me from fully enjoying the road, but I did my best to push the minivan and enjoy the drive.<br /><br />When we reached Dillard, GA, we stopped at the <a href="http://www.dillardhouse.com">Dillard House</a> to partake some of the best Southern cooking in the world. My wife and I have eaten there several times, and it seemed like a great way to fill out our day trip to Greenville. For those who haven't been there, what's on the menu is what's brought to the table, similar to eating a meal at home. If you run out of something and you want more, all you have to do is ask. The highlight as always is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Country_ham">Country Ham</a>. Of course, my other favorite is fried chicken. Other items on the menu were barbeque chicken, country fried steak, green beans (my wife claims were the best ever), mashed potatoes, fried okra, a pumpkin casserole, stuffed peppers, creamed corn, and others I can't remember. You will definitely be given more food than you can eat. Desert was an ubelievably delicious apple brown betty.<br /><br />After gourging at the Dillard House, we headed back out into the rain to travel home. Usually when I travel to Dillard, I come from home, so I easily remember the route back, but since I had come from Greenville, I lost my bearings a little and took a longer path than usual. It also was dark at 5:00, so it was even more difficult to note any familiar landmarks. I managed to get us home safe, but added about 30 or 45 minutes to the travel time back.<br /><br />Although I don't have a MINI, I consider this my first MINI adventure. Ultimately, we traveled 400 miles to eat lunch. The journey was the point of the day, not the destination. We got lost, but it didn't matter, because we still made it home. Oh yeah, and there were MINIs involved.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18889014.post-1142200081139229332006-03-12T16:33:00.000-05:002006-03-12T16:48:01.153-05:00I Love My WifeRecently, my wife revealed that if it were possible, she would get me a MINI. We both understand that currently, a new car is not in our budget, but she knows how much I want one, and would be willing to get me a MINI if she had the means. <br /><br />But not just any MINI. She would not try to find one in the area and purchase it to surprise me. Although, I would greatly appreciate it, she would much rather know <span style="font-weight: bold;">exactly</span> what I want in a MINI and get it. Every option right down to the cloth seats (which have now become extinct). She loves me well, indeed!<br /><br />So what options would I want? My current desire is to get a Hyper Blue Cooper S. Let me just jump over to the Configurator at <a href="http://www.miniusa.com">MINI USA</a> and put together my dream MINI. Well... the white roof is a must have; although the new silver roof might look quite nice, but white it is. LSD on a Cooper S is an absolute as well. I would also throw in the front and rear foglights, dual-pane sunroof, and onboard computer. For pure asthetics, I would want the Lapis Blue leather interior and Hyper blue interior surface panels so that the inside of the car would match the outside. Last, but not least, would be the 16" R90 wheels. I'd love to get the 17", but the price differential is insane.<br /><br />That gives a grand total of $25,971... ouch. Now I am reminded why I want to get a used MINI.<br />By the time I'm in the market for a MINI, this car should be sub 18k... hopefully.<br /><br />I love my wife. :)<br /><br />Happy Motoring.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18889014.post-1137691110212489322006-01-19T11:51:00.000-05:002006-01-19T12:18:30.476-05:00MINI of Tampa BayI was in Tampa, FL on a business trip last week. Prior to leaving I checked for MINI dealerships in Florida and found <a href="http://www.minioftampabay.com/">Ferman MINI</a> very near my hotel. Friday afternoon, I took a trip with my family to visit my first MINI dealership.<br /><br />When I pulled up to Ferman MINI, I immediately noticed the extremely large volume of MINIs on the lot. All of my previous readings on forums, Motoringfile, etc. indicated that I should only see about a handful of cars at the dealer, but I was surprised to see easily 50 MINIs waiting for a loving family to take them home.<br /><br />As we pulled up to the front, I noticed a row of empty spaces which I immediately assumed were for customers, as I drove our Chrysler Town & Country up to park, something became very clear - there was no way our minivan was fitting in those spaces. There was a lone MINI sitting in the furthest spot, and I noticed that the parking spaces were MINI sized!!! There was no way the <span style="font-style: italic;">T&C</span> was fitting in four spaces, much less one, so we parked at the next dealer, which was currently unaffiliated.<br /><br />Since there was such a large quantity of MINIs on the lot, I was able to see pretty much the full color palette, including the newest colors: <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Solar Red</span>, <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-weight: bold;">Royal Grey</span>, and <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;">Space Blue</span>. (colors simulated... not necessarily actual representations) There was a fairly even spread of Coopers v. Cooper S, and there were also a good number of Checkmate packaged MINIs available. I was able to get a close up look at both <span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255); font-weight: bold;">Hyper Blue</span> and <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">British Racing Green</span>, both of which are my current color choices for whenever I finally get my MINI. My wife really liked the variety of colors, but the purple ones caught her eye. I'll admit that <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;">Purple Haze</span> looks really nice with a silver contrasting roof, but <span style="font-style: italic;">it is purple!!</span><br /><br />We were greeted quickly by a Motoring Advisor, and I let him know that we were from out of town just checking out the dealership. He inquired about our closest Dealer, and I let him know that they are both about 100 miles from our home, but like a dummy, I let him go and didn't take the opportunity to take a test drive. I missed my chance!!! ARGH!!! I could have nestled into the comforting seat of an S and take one for a spin around the block and finally see what my dream car feels like to drive.<br /><br />Once again, I scared my wife, as I pointed out differences between the cars. I was quick to say what color each was and show her the differences between an S an the standard Cooper. I was even able to tell if a car was going to be more than $25,000 just by looking at it and noting the options before looking at the sticker. She says I have an obsession, but I think she is wrong... Wait a minute, I think I already confessed to an obsession here... <br /><br />Happy Motoring!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18889014.post-1132032557031982212005-11-15T00:15:00.000-05:002005-11-15T00:29:17.043-05:00White Roof RadioI admit it... MINIs have made me download MP3s and burn them to CDs.<br /><br />About 1 and 1/2 months ago, I discovered a podcast named <a href="http://www.whiteroofradio.com">White Roof Radio</a>, aka the <span style="font-style: italic;">Woofcast</span>. A podcast is a home grown radio show transmitted via the internet through iTunes or available for download. The show is hosted by db, Todd, and Gabe, and each week they cover MINI news, events, and other topical information. White Roof Radio is well produced, and the hosts do a great job keeping the show entertaining from week to week and preventing to content from becoming stale.<br /><br />I download the weekly show Sunday night, burn a CD, and listen to the Woofcast while driving to and from work <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> in a MINI. I've posted comments about the show, voted for it on podcast rating sites, and even entered myself as a "listener" on the <a href="http://www.frappr.com/whiteroofradiolisteners">frapper map</a>. I may not have a MINI, but I can live vicariously through MINI owners who have taken their enthusiasm to a whole new level.<br /><br />Someday, I'll be able to listen to my archived Woofcasts in <span style="font-style: italic;">my</span> MINI, but for now I'm satisfied to commute to work and dream of bulldog stances, supercharger wines, boots, and bonnets with a smile.<br /><br />Motor on!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18889014.post-1131770586157780012005-11-11T23:27:00.000-05:002005-11-11T23:43:06.166-05:00Obsession...I admit it. I'm a MINI Poseur. I don't have a MINI Cooper... yet. I want one. I want one very badly. I know that I will get one, but not as soon as I'd like. Possibly in two or three years at the earliest. So, what does a MINI-obsessed person do while he waits? Go absolutely crazy.<br /><br />I know it is not good to obsess over something, especially something which cannot be realized for several years. There is so much that will happen in the coming years that I don't want to overlook while waiting impatiently. I have a son and wife who I love very much. There is so much time to spend with them which I don't need to spend consumed with something I don't have. Obsession can rot you from the inside, making you overlook the things which are more important.<br /><br />So how can I handle this? By making fun of myself. Perhaps that is taking the obsession too far as well, but it will be entertaining to any who happen across this blog. I want to keep things in perspective and realize that I must wait. Though this blog I'll reveal some of the great MINI resources I've found and have bookmarked. :)<br /><br />First up: <a href="http://www.miniusa.com">MINI USA</a>. If you haven't discovered it, welcome! The best part of the site is the Configurator. Build a MINI; save a MINI; retrieve a MINI. This is locale number one for the prospective MINI owner. Make sure to sign up for brochures from MINI. I did shortly after the new MINI was released in the United States and received a nice little book about Motoring. I haven't received anything else in the years since. :| Maybe I'll get some new brochures when the redesign happens in 2007.<br /><br />Well, that's it for a first post. There is a lot more to come. Stay Tuned and Happy Motoring!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0