M-Blog

Date	Miles	Comment	Image
January, 2001	n/a	My original introduction to the New MINI: The North American International Auto Show, COBO Hall, Detroit. I was  there as part of  Subaru of America’s SIPP (Subaru Internet Performance Panel) to see the US introduction of the WRX. New MINIs were on display, and I got a brochure.  Looked cool!	New MINI prototype at 2001 NAIAS
January, 2003	n/a	Los Angeles International Auto Show - They had the MINI Supermarket ride.... Judy and I each sat in a couple of MINIs to see what the legroom was like. At the same show, we each also tried the seating in a Mazda Miata and a Toyota MR-S Spyder... Much to my chagrin, Judy had legroom issues with the Toyota, and neither of us could get comfy in the Mazda!  The MINIs, however, seemed fine - front and rear! By the way, contrary to UK reports I've seen about weak  US reception of the new MINI, Every auto show I attended had long lines of us waiting to try the MINI on for size - Plenty of enthusiasm!	MINI kiddie ride at LA Auto Show. "Rides:$16,850". (The coinbox says "Quarters Only".)
October 16, 2004	n/a	Judy and I rented a PT Cruiser for Todd & Nancy’s wedding in Portland, Oregon - but accidentally got a convertible.  We actually tried to refuse it, as neither of us were thrilled with the concept.  When we found out there were no hardtops available, we grudgingly rented the ragtop, and over the course of a fine northwest autumn weekend, learned that well-designed convertibles can be pretty darn nice! The performance of the PT Cruiser left a lot to be desired, especially after we discovered we had rented the Turbo version!  I'm amazed that some folks can't tell the difference between these and MINIs... There are definitely some similarities, but to me, they have very distinctly different looks.	Chrysler PT Cruiser Turbo Convertible
November 2004	n/a	I took test drives of both hardtop and convertible MCS at Long Beach MINI.  Started thinking seriously about getting one.  Discovered the yellow convertible - went hunting for online images. Started visiting MINI-related websites, forums, etc. Shelved the idea for a while, due to finances, and 10-12 month wait time quoted for new orders at Long Beach.	A nice yellow MCS convertible pic I found on the web.
January 8, 2005	n/a	During our visit to the Air & Space Museum while on a trip to DC, Judy got me a nice keyfob – now I just need car to use it with!	My Air & Space Museum souvenir and the MINI Accesory catalog
January, 2005	n/a	Judy treated me to a fantasy weekend in Las Vegas for my 50th birthday.  She rented  a Lotus Elise for me from Rent-A-Vette. (A great place! They clearly care about the cars they offer.) Although it was tremendous fun, I realized that the Elise is not a practical possibility for me:  Too small (We had to keep the top open for headroom, and too much of my time behind the wheel was me either ducking down to see under the windshield frame or sitting up straight and looking over it!); too expensive ($40 grand is unbelievably affordable for such an exotic performance car, but still too rich for us!); and too frustrating (This car begs to be driven at speeds well over 100 MPH - I tasted this on a lovely winding two-lane briefly.) ... However, the experience did help me identify certain charactersitics I wanted in my next car. (Link to more Lotus images coming...)	View from inside the Lotus as we cross the Hoover Dam