Today my MINI got a new companion: My girlfriend Sam picked up her new Space Blue/Grey MINI Cooper!
She wanted to replace her aging Golf with something fun and practical, but there were no intentions of getting a MINI, nor was I encouraging it as something different would be more practical. Of course she loves minis and was always jealous of the fun I had driving in the many mini events she’s been a passenger on. We test drove a number of cars she liked including the Versa and the Mazda 3, and were really just planning to take a MINI drive for kicks. She didn’t know stick to drive mine so we stopped by MINI of Peabody to drive a Cooper with CVT. I’m sure I don’t have to explain to you what happened next; within half a mile she was in love!
The MINI was several thousand above the price range of the other cars Sam was looking at, but thanks to its top residual value the lease rates were actually LESS than the other cars! So she placed an order at the end of August for a base SB/G MINI with no option but a MFSW. Through September we went out once a week to practice driving stick. Within a month, her mini was here!
She has a few days to get a lot more practice driving so she can participate in this Sunday’s MOP driving event and BBQ. Huge thanks go out to Joel, Vinny, and Elise at MINI of Peabody for making such a quick order and delivery, and for dealing with some nightmarish registration issues with the Mass RMV–even taking some of their own time after hours to get things straightened out! As usual, MOP went above and beyond.
Congrats, Sam! I didn’t realize the delivery was so imminent after talking with you guys this past weekend. Hopefully jumping into the day-to-day routine of driving a stick won’t be too shocking. 😉
Comment by blalor — October 5, 2006 @ 7:25 am
Thank you so much!!! It felt like it took forever to get the car but really it was quick. I am going to drive the car as much as I can and hopefully everyone at MOP event will see my skills. I am just thankful to MOP for working so hard to get me my “Iam”. He is a wonderful addition to our odd family.
Comment by Sam I Am Mini — October 5, 2006 @ 8:51 am
Congratulations 🙂
Hope you’re fully comfortable with stick shifting soon
Comment by Ian C. — October 5, 2006 @ 9:00 am
Glad to see your MINI finally arrived. We’ve already put 450 miles on the one we picked up from MOP last week.
Comment by rich — October 5, 2006 @ 11:37 am
Why was I not informed of this in AUGUST? Sam, you are in BIG trouble with me on the posting board.
But, I do like the car. And the color.
Comment by Anna — October 5, 2006 @ 1:45 pm
Also, I am very entertained by your spam blocker question, Josh!
Comment by Anna — October 5, 2006 @ 1:46 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHAA
Also, nice that you got a new car.
Also also, AAAAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAA
Comment by DDD All Star — October 5, 2006 @ 2:09 pm
So, what problems did the Mass RMV give the MOP folks? My baby is due in next week, and I’m curious to know how the Commonwelth will make it more difficult. By the way, you are my MINI god–I’ve read basically every entry you’ve posted. When I was placing my order with Vinny, it was like we both knew you (even though only he has met you). Hope to see both you, Sam and your MINIs at upcoming MINI events.
Comment by Donald — October 17, 2006 @ 8:31 pm