Seems like I'm not the only one, but my Mini may just be heading for a new owner. As much fun as she's been, as others have stated, it is just too small. Not sure what I want to replace it with yet though.
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Derek - '07 Mellow Yellow Cooper manual - "Cassy" - Sold
Derek, That's sad news :( I know it's a really hard decision.
As you may have seen, we opted for an 08 Jetta Wolfsburg. I think that it's an excellent value, pretty well equipped, lots of power (200HP, 207ft-lbs), and 33mpg on the highway on regular gas. Color choices were limited, but I'm happy with our choice. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about our experience (it's our 4th Jetta).
Pamlico the 135i you will be hard pressed to find for under 40k. With his car costing half that I doubt he will want double the payments. Also the 135i isnt that much bigger. You can pick up a low mileage 335i for 32kish
Well, the pretty well equipped 135 we purchased was under 40K - we got it for $750 over invoice. If you hold back on the options I'd guess one could be gotten for a good deal less.
Having had great sales and service at Towne with our MINIs I was looking forward to working with them on this car, but they were not willing to go beyond a few hundred under MSRP, so we went local and so far have had an extremely easy time of the whole process.
Based upon about 90 minutes of test drives it certainly does seem larger than the MINI, but if you're looking to take the whole family I agree the 1Series probably isn't the best choice. Our kids are grown so we don't have that concern any longer.
Finally, the 335 is a great car, we looked closely at it, but the 1Series, at least to us, was / is more appealing. The 135 is a different machine that is faster, better handling, etc. Initially the 135 was poo-poo'd as being just a shrunken 3 Series so why bother to get it when the price differential wasn't that great (in fact there is a pretty good difference, although 3 Series financing is better), but as reviewers gain more experience with the 135 there is an awareness that this is more and different than the 335.
Since our car is still at the preparation center all I'm doing here is flapping my gums. Once we have it in hand I may end up singing a different tune, but I hope not.
Update - just got a notice that the car is schedueld to arrive tomorrow (Thurs), so we'll see about all this stuff.
I hate to see you leave the MINI too. As one mentioned the VW. Keep in mind that acording to a close source (marketing rep for VW - he did get half my genes), VW is making a big push for this comming year with most of their models having a desel option. Most will get WELL over 40 and with some flirting above 50 MPG.
-s
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MiniMo - 2008 MINI Cooper S, Mellow Yellow, Checker glass roof, mirrors and sides, black stripes on boot & bonnet, Piaa black HID Rally lights. Zig Around Zoom Zoom
Thanks for the replies. I'm not 100% sure I'm going to sell/trade her, but I want to keep the option open. I feel very much in control here as I have a car that I love and is excellent on gas. Pamlico, I'd love nothing more than to get a 135, but with me back in school, our budget just can't accommodate it. Besides, I need something bigger, probably a truck or (perish the thought), a minivan or, an SUV.
That and as much as I want to fight it, I miss my Mustang. The Mini is fun, but it cannot compete with the rumble of a V8 or the raw power it produces.
I'm in no hurry. If the right situation comes along I'll bite, but in the meantime, I'll enjoy Kassy. Looking forward to making it out for a few Mini meets, hopefully a drive-in night or something.
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Derek - '07 Mellow Yellow Cooper manual - "Cassy" - Sold
Why would anyone get rid of such a great toy? You just have to make some room in your toy box.
Have you considered just keeping it for a sunny day car? That's all my MINI has ever been.
My Rabbit is the every day beater which my wife and car pool in and the MINI is just for fun. I just haven't gotten around to driving it in more than 2 months.
Because I can't afford a car that I'm not driving on a daily basis. With me back in school for the next 2-4 years, our budget won't be all that flexible.
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Derek - '07 Mellow Yellow Cooper manual - "Cassy" - Sold
....but there have been times I've second-guessed my decision to pursue my my Doctorate....
Luckily I got grad school and post docs all completed before we had any kids. Made life a bit easier, but still can be a grind.
Be thankful you have boys. We have 2 girls and our oldest will be getting married next August on Long Island. Planning for all this has begun. This isn't going to be anywhere near an over the top affair but the costs are amazing. I'm not one to use the little emoticons, but
-- Edited by Pamlico at 11:52, 2008-07-10
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Derek - '07 Mellow Yellow Cooper manual - "Cassy" - Sold
Derek - totally OT, but where and what are you studying? I work in Higher Ed and have been considering a PhD for quite a while.
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nicole
Bruto: 07 S PS/W, Alta 19mm Rear Sway, Einkei Wheels, Driving Lights (VIP Custom Parts bracket & Hella 500's), Alta Short Shifter, Stratmosphere coilovers, VIP Custom Parts CAI & Strut Bar
SUNY Brockport for right now. Working towards MSEd (English), with my EdD to follow. However, I have also been giving serious thought to pursuing either an MS as a Physician's Assistant, or going the full distance and complete the MD (specializing in Neuroscience).
I have a little bit of time to make my decision, but I'd like to decide within the next 6 months.
-- Edited by BOSS10L at 14:47, 2008-07-10
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Derek - '07 Mellow Yellow Cooper manual - "Cassy" - Sold
