Mini Drivers - kindred spirits - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

kmeinhold · 01-28-2008, 12:36 PM

I've noticed lots of looks/waves/smiles from Mini drivers - almost get the sense they feel like were kindred spirits, doing battle amongst Navigators and Hummers.

Today a Mini driver waved and said; "Great car - looks good" To which I responded; Thank you, very nice too - that thing is huge!

Amethyste · 01-28-2008, 12:40 PM

Yeah...
I had a mini before and I still love it very much. I am hesitating between my smart or a mini. I can get a brand new Mini for 20K. so to me the price difference from the smart cabrio and the hard top mini isnt too much in my book. If you stick with the standard engine ( not the S ) I think the gas mileage would be pretty comparable. I loooooooove the way the mini handled the curves and I thought it was a strong car.

SmartJJ · 01-28-2008, 01:09 PM

I'm on my second MINI and expect my smart in a couple of months. I personally know at least 6 other MINI owners (and members of MetroplexMINI in Dallas/Fort Worth) who either have a smart or have one expected in the first half of this year.

As one of the first MINI owners in the area, I know that many MINI owners know firsthand what it is like to have a car that draws attention. (Shoot, that happened in 01 when I got an early Audi TT, too). People roll down their windows at stop lights to ask what it is. You get lots of friendly waves. So I am not surprised that MINI drivers bestow similar attention on smarts and their drivers.

I have noticed a large number of MINI owners here, as well. I would almost bet that they outnumber owners of any other vehicle on this website!

Amethyste · 01-28-2008, 01:11 PM

SmartJJ,
I sent you a message - but I'd like to know how do you like your mini? Why are you getting a smart?

**jwight** · 01-28-2008, 01:12 PM

Have to do this or the other Mini owners will be unhappy - the last new Mini was the 2000 model. The later ones designed and built by BMW are MINIs. Not a big deal, but in the interest of accuracy thought I'd mention it.

SmartAzz · 01-28-2008, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwight

Have to do this or the other Mini owners will be unhappy - the last new Mini was the 2000 model. The later ones designed and built by BMW are MINIs. Not a big deal, but in the interest of accuracy thought I'd mention it.

I stand by my position that as long as Mini is not an acronym I'm not about to worry about making it all caps (as I don't care about the lowercase case for Smart branding)

We've had two new Minis (and the husband had a Morris MCS too some time back).

Fun cars but not without issues and dealer service, as always, is not all made equal. Hoping the Smart will be fun to drive and own as well, as for service crossing fingers..

It would be great to see some love from Mini owners around here (and there are a ton of 'em), glancing at NAM I saw a bit of negative stuff towards the Smart, but good as well, and i have a feeling face-to-face people will be friendly.

shack01 · 01-28-2008, 01:28 PM

That's funny! I used to be addicted to NAM but have the same affliction now for this site. Haven't been to the NAM site in weeks. Better go over there and see whaaaa's up.

Fellow MINI person,

tm

MrVvrroomm · 01-28-2008, 01:47 PM

My wife drives a new MINI. She looked at the smart...says, meh.

smart cynce · 01-28-2008, 01:48 PM

We've had two traded in Mini's to far!

I think it's the small European car thing - we're all from the same blood.

KWScott · 01-28-2008, 01:52 PM

Hey, all you mini drivers... a mini has been on my short list of possible next cars for a while now... and if I don't get my smart in a semi-timely manner, I might get one still. My current vehicle needs to be replaced soon.

I have a question for you. I'm a pretty big guy... average height, well above average girth (though I've lost 20 lbs in the last month), and I fit well in the smart.

How's the mini for driver space? I've been meaning to go find one I can sit in, but just haven't gotten a roundtuit yet.