1st off, hello everyone! I don't have a Mini yet, but I've been considering a purchase. Due to recent surgeries, I'm having to give up my love for motorcycles for at least a few years. Many years ago I had a couple of Fiat X1/9's and even a Miata. I'm thinking that I can replace my itch for the curves with a Mini since it handles well and will give me more power than the old Fiats, plus Minis are cooler than Miatas. So, I've spent some time reading up on Mini and I've lined up a test drive on a used '05 S model this weekend. If all looks as it should, I hope to own that car by the end of next week. One quick question: What is the best place to mount a front license plate? Virginia requires the front plate and I think it is illegal to just place it on the dashboard as some people do. I hate to mount one to the front of a Mini because the front of the Mini is so nice, but I'm hoping some of you can post pics on this thread to show me it can be done without making the car ugly... I look forward to getting to know you all and your Mini's on here. thanks, Jeff
Hello Jeff and welcome to M/A! And more reliable than those Bertones. Good choice on an 05 S! Some people use the no holes mounting bracket the screws into where the toe hook goes. Mr. Jim
Welcome to the Alliance from another native Virginian, temporarily on the wrong side of the Mason/Dixon line . Jim
Thanks for the replies everyone. About 2 minutes after I posted, I found the platypus thing on another thread. I don't like it, but it seems to be the best choice out there. If all goes well I hope to have a MCS in the garage by next week at this time! I'll post pics if it goes as expected...
Jeff Welcome to the site and I know the area you live very well as I was raised in Altavista but left the "Cavalier" state many years ago. Used to go to the New Loudon drag strip, not sure if it is still in business. Like one of your other replies, I wish "I was in Dixie", not god forsaken Illinois. From One "sore back" to another.
You know my area better than you imagined. They do still run 1/8 mile at New London every few weeks or so. I live close enough to it that I can hear the cars and bikes through the woods when they're racing there. I grew up here too, then moved to NC for about 10 years for work. Now I'm back and glad I'm back "home." Funny how growing up in this area all you want to do is escape, but once grown we all realize how nice the area is and want to come back. That seems to be a common theme with people from Gretna, Altavista, Lynchburg... Anyway, hopefully I'll have a MCS within the week so I can burn up the roads between here and the parkway!
Welcome to M/A and MINIs! Like a previous post said, a 2005 Cooper S is a good choice. I've got three MINIs, am 09 Clubman S and an 07 Cooper S and recently picked up an 06 Cabrio S for the daughter. I swear, I like the Superchaged car a lot. Actually, looking for another 05 or 06 S to play with as a fun/toy car. While you're at it, check out our group, Hampton Roads club MINI at Hampton Roads Club Mini - Home we do several events each year throughout the state of Va and one of our most popular events is our Fall Colors Run through Western VA around Monterey, west of Staunton. As for the front license mount, check out this one from Go MINI Go. I have one on the 07 & 09. and I personally think it's the best! 'NO HOLES' LPB Kit - GoMiniGo-Home of Innovative Products for your car Also check out their 3rd brake light pulsar. It really lets people behind you know when you're braking!
Jeff, Strange enuf, you are going to have a near twin car in Forest VA very soon. I just bought a MINI with the same color scheme and wheels, but with the blackened headlights, and mine is a Clubman. Should get it next week sometime I hope, being shipped in from Michigan. I live near Jefferson Forest HS. I am sure we will be seeing each other around, though my wife will be driving it more than me during the weekdays. Looking forward to seeing each other on the road. Ron
Hey Ron, Look forward to seeing the clubman in Forest. Have you seen the white hatchback at Sonic near your house? One of the girls that works there drives it. I never realized how many Mini's there are around here until I got one. You should sign up for the Tarheel Mini club too. I think it's the closest club to us.
Jeff, Never noticed the one at the Sonic. Thanks for the info on the Tarheel Club. No word yet on when mine is shipping. With the holiday weekend, I'd imagine that a lot of truckers may be taking time off, so that could delay it a bit. What kind of bike did you ride? Ron