Most liked posts in thread: MINI (BMW) Sold out!

I think what we are all saying is MINI needs to have some models that they make money on to stay on business. We all want them to do that.

But they need a "halo car". For Chevy its the Corvette. They don't make the margin on it they make on other cars but it defines their reputation.

MINI thought that was the GP but what we want is a simpler halo car, a Miata, a BRZ, an early Datsun Z. The market went crazy for the MINI before the GP so the Cooper should be a model to itself with the minimum electronics that the government will allow. Then let us that carry the MINI banner play with it.

 

It is still the best Modern MINI to own period. The proof is in the loyalty of its owners and how many people seek out an R53 over a new MINI. Not to mention those that have had both and went back to the car with a soul.

If you cant see that then you have bigger problems.

I for one would buy another R53 in a heartbeat new or used. They new MINI's are something I will NEVER buy or support. Remember its a car thing not the people that own them.

 

I love walnuts & give all the shells to Metal Man.....

 

I have already ranted elsewhere about the arrogance of BMW and other German manufacturers. But I have to say that the technology being built into German cars is amazing, especially when it comes to stability control and pulling horses out of smaller engines. Still, the technology has no soul.

I think the newer models have become more ugly as they go. Long live the R53!

Pat

 

Everytime time I drive a Lotus (I'm lucky, one of my good friends has a stock 2006), it's the one car I sometimes wish I would have bought instead of the MINI, it's the most visceral car I've driven--it's quite a bit slower than my car, but it growls, spits, and howls, the steering is heavier than pre-subway Jared eating a box of raisinettes; it sounds and feels like a race car.

Never driven the Exige S though; it would be fun to drive a car where you have to go faster to improve the grip/downforce, F1 style.

 

Nannies are soul sucker's..... :frown2: If someone can't feel the soul in a car it is either the car has none or maybe the driver. :wink:

Trouble is all cars now have abs & dsc. At least the dsc has an off switch. Hope you folks use that off switch. Ian Cull auto up with track mode FTW!

Free plug for Doc O......
Ian Cull's Auto-Up V7

 

Ok, I see you forgot to take your medication this morning, settle down.


Yes, what gives car "soul" can definitely make it a PITA as a daily driver, and that has absolutely NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with this discussion.

I won't even address the elitism comment, it's too laughable to merit discussion. You take this personally, that's on you. I don't.

Have a nice day my friend, and Motor On!!!!

 

MiniDave is off his Meds...:lol:

He does not get it and never will. He had an R53 and got rid of it for a Clubvan for god sake. Have you put eyelashes on it yet? :lol:

Funny thing is he still has his old 69 jag, why does it have a soul? Why not trade that for a new jag since its so tech is so great? :nonod:

MiniDave I give up on you, you will never get it and never will. You just like to argue just to make your poor decisions feel right.

Like others have said "Motor On"

 

Who's taking things personally? Not me certainly.....and you don't consider "off his meds" or "needs a nap" as personal jibes at me?

I'm simply pointing out facts, while you guys are trying to argue sentiment - just as different as the Lotus and the MINI.

And it's you guys who have your panties in a twist over the new cars, not me....

I sold my R53 because it was a harsh ride, didn't have enough room inside for my lifestyle, the seats didn't fit me well and it got pretty poor mileage, among other reasons. I said before there were things about it that I liked better than the R55, but that doesn't mean it was no good, or the R55 is the second reincarnation of whatever you all deem holy. They're different cars and the new one suits my current needs better than the R53 did. Simple. Fact.

But you all are arguing how the new cars have too many nannies - your beloved R53 has it's share too, yet you don't find that a compromise to the "soul" of the car? ABS? Yep you got it, DSC? Yep, that too. How about the most egregious nanny, one you can't really do anything about? Drive by wire - it's got that as well. See why your arguments don't make sense? If you don't want comfort access or automatic climate control, park distance control, Navigation etc you don't have to buy them in the new car either - you can still get it without, MINI is not forcing your hand.

And you say they should have continued to make the R53....that sounds like all those guys who say Ford shoulda kept making the 65 Mustang. They sold a million of em, people loved em, they were a great car......or maybe the 32 Ford Model A with the flathead V-8 - great car! sold millions of em, shoulda kept making them.....or how about the Model T? GREAT car, SOLD MILLIONs of them, easy to modify.....in fact the MFR offered whole catalogs of things you could add to your Model T, things like..........brakes! :biggrin5:

And as silly as those examples are in the light of 50 -100 years progress in automotive engineering, so will your arguments seem in a short while.

I understand the sentiment of what you're saying......you like your car better than the new ones. That's OK, no ones unhappy with you for that.

But to suggest that MINI is "selling out" just because you don't like their current offering is just plain silly. Exactly what I said before.

You will absolutely love your cars forever............... till something better comes along. And. it. will.

In many people's minds - even yours (Lotus Elise) - it already has.

 

Hmmm...

It's ok if you believe that MINI hasn't sold out, but it's not ok if you believe that they in fact have sold out. I get it now.

I'm out, thread was fun and good natured, but that went to the wayside due to noncompliance with doctor prescribed medications. Night all.

 

Let's agree that not every one is the best driver out there and need the extra help. The fact they still love MINIs, ALL MINIs, wins in my book. We're all free to drive what we want and say what we want, for now.

So MINI went too far with the F56. Are we really going to turn away a new MINI fan just because they show up in one?

 

I'm trying to be done with this thread, but this bothers me: I have said in more than one post that I'd welcome all F56 owners, I just don't like the car, but that's different than the community. Same thing with the R56 owners, I actually had a letter pubished in Roundel a few years back pleading for everyone to keep the R56/R53 debate "fun" rather than toxic. Hopefully what happened in this thread won't happen with the F56, where some people have posted personal opinions on either side with good points, and others have just attacked opinions without offering anything constructive. You know who you are.

I have also said repeatedly that I get why someone would want the F56, although some on here have missed that (not necessarily you, others who will go unnamed but now have the nickname "Voldemort"), and are failing to see the other side--the enthusiast side--of the coin. What started out as a lighthearted thread got personal to some, it's happened before, it'll happen again.

 

That's what my wife says to people when they ask if we are every going to have kids.
"We are not having kids because I have Dave."

 

Phew!!! Just got caught up on this thread.
Just a thought... Do you think the VW people got upset when they remade the bug? Or remade the remake of the bug?
I kid I kid! Let's not start again.

 

I welcome all mini /MINI owners to come to all events. None of us have the best MINI made unless we have a classic.

I will say this, the way MINI/BMW is going they are loosing the roots, heart and soul of the classic mini design and function with every new generation.

 

This is definitely true, if you look at percentages of R56 owners versus R53 owners who frequent outings and track days versus absolute numbers it's even more striking. I don't see that changing with the F56.

 

Aw for cryin' out loud, All new MINI's look alike!

I have to look really close an' squint alot, to tell the difference between a series one and a series two MINI.

Dave

 

That coming next......

The 4th gen will not even be a MINI.

The MINI lineup will be putti between the other BMWs.
The JUSTA will be .5 series BMW.
The S will be 1.5 series BMW
The JCW will be a 2.5 series BMW.

I am very glad I got my 1st Gen R53 when I did and I will not sell it unless some comes and offers me a butt load of money. Then I will buy another R53 or original GP and do it all over again.

 

Polar ends of the earth, good posts #1 and #2. We will have to wait and see and welcome the new owners when they find M/A.

I am sure those new 2.0 engines will wax us all.

Don