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Embarking on Mini Experience! |
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Johnnyew 
MINI Motorer 
Joined: February/21/10 Location: Burien, WA Status: Offline Points: 12 |
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 Topic: Embarking on Mini Experience!Posted: February/21/10 at 10:39am |
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My wife and I are finally embarking on Mini ownership and want to make sure we're going about it right. We've been looking at some models and found a 2007 convertible that has just come off of lease (18k miles). Very clean, handles great (auto), pepper white, loaded. What should I look for and what is a good price. Other option would be to go through private purchase with input from the PSMINI crew. All input appreciated and looking forward to meeting up with some of you in Des Moines (Povertry Bay Wine Tasting) next month. John U |
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johnf36
PSMINI Expert Advisor 
PSMINI Member Joined: August/30/07 Location: Ephrata, Wa. Status: Offline Points: 8612 |
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Posted: February/21/10 at 10:58am |
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Welcome have you checked out Nam?
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/ Is it for sale by private party,dealer or Mini dealer? You don't say it it is just a cooper , S or JCW ? Low mileage 07s are going from 18 to 25 depending on what packages they have? The Cabrio's do go for a little more. John Edited by johnf36 - February/21/10 at 11:00am |
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If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough.
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CINIMIN
MINI Motorer
Joined: August/27/05 Location: Everett WA Status: Offline Points: 4676 |
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Posted: February/21/10 at 11:22am |
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Check out this link to a PSMINI Tech Session that will be held at the Seattle MINI Dealership. Lots of MINI owners there to talk to and a great way to get acquainted with the people at the dealership.
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Jack -
<font color=RED>CINIMIN [/COLOR] 2006 CR/W MCS - 6spd - LSD -15% Pulley - Dinan CAI ASA JH6's Koni FSD's 22mm Bar Have you hugged a curve today? |
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Johnnyew
MINI Motorer
Joined: February/21/10 Location: Burien, WA Status: Offline Points: 12 |
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Posted: February/21/10 at 11:25am |
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John - it is through Seattle Mini. It is a Mini Cooper S. Looks like is was garaged and not driven hard at all. Haven't looked at NAM (thanks for the lead). This one is beinging offered for ~$22K. It has a lot of extras including a windscreen that sit behind the front seats to reduce wind when the top is down. My wife is a little concerned about the rear visiblity due to the rollbars.
John U
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Vader
MINI Motorer
Joined: December/11/07 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 900 |
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Posted: February/21/10 at 12:33pm |
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I used to have a convertible ('06) but traded it in for my Clubman. The rear visibility is a bit limited, but you get used to it fairly quickly. You really learn how to use your mirrors with a convertible. Sounds like it could be a good price - what are all the "extras". Does it have heated seats, GPS, etc?
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Hit the Road Jack ...
'13 R56 PepperWhite-HIS '13 R60 All4 Oxford Green - HERS '80 Rover Mini MkVII-EngWh-OURS (really mine!) ('13 R56 IcedChoc-SONS) |
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Johnnyew
MINI Motorer
Joined: February/21/10 Location: Burien, WA Status: Offline Points: 12 |
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Posted: February/21/10 at 12:54pm |
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It has heated seats, CD, rear back up sensors, wind screen (behind head rests). We've got a portable Garmin that we use on the road now so GPS installed not as important. I'm not all that familiar yet with the way many Mini's are configured but sounds like this might be the way go. Also had new Pirelli's installed. |
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johnf36
PSMINI Expert Advisor
PSMINI Member Joined: August/30/07 Location: Ephrata, Wa. Status: Offline Points: 8612 |
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Posted: February/21/10 at 1:44pm |
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Sounds good, and that is right in the middle of the prices. Since it is from Seattle Mini is it Mini Next Certified? What kind of warrenty package is coming with it?
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If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough.
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Hapa Haole
PSMINI Expert Advisor
PSMINI Ambassador (past Events Officer) Joined: October/22/06 Location: Graham-Kapowsin Status: Offline Points: 3256 |
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Posted: February/21/10 at 1:56pm |
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Hi John U...
Come join us at Seattle MINI next Sunday as Jack/CINIMIN suggested. They'll be plenty of us who could give you and your wife some advice on what you may or may not want on your MINI. You're welcome to look at my MINI and I'm sure there's others that'll be there, so you'll have plenty of various MINIs to look at.
However, do you think you can wait that long to buy one?
 I know it's a killer to play the waiting game, but hang in there.Cheers,
Brenda
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Brenda w/LUV2MTR plates- Aug '06 S, Hyper Blue, white top/sport stripes, chrome in/out, all pkgs, English leather, chrono pack, HK stereo, Jan tune, CAI, 15%, H&R coilovers, rear sway bar, control arm
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Hapa Haole
PSMINI Expert Advisor
PSMINI Ambassador (past Events Officer) Joined: October/22/06 Location: Graham-Kapowsin Status: Offline Points: 3256 |
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Posted: February/21/10 at 2:04pm |
Have you looked at Craigslist? That's one possibility. Here's a few I found:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/1610347126.html (2007 for $18,788 in Bellevue)
http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/1608802276.html (2008 for $19,500 in Bellevue)
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/ctd/1607497499.html (2007 for $18,997 in Fife)
Let me know what color you're looking for specifically and I'll keep an eye out for you. Are you wanting an automatic transmission or is a manual okay? Would you like an S or non-S?
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Brenda w/LUV2MTR plates- Aug '06 S, Hyper Blue, white top/sport stripes, chrome in/out, all pkgs, English leather, chrono pack, HK stereo, Jan tune, CAI, 15%, H&R coilovers, rear sway bar, control arm
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Johnnyew
MINI Motorer
Joined: February/21/10 Location: Burien, WA Status: Offline Points: 12 |
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Posted: February/21/10 at 11:18pm |
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We're so delighted with all the great input from the crew! Like the ones on Craigslist and by comparison with the condition, mileage and Mini Next Cert of the one we've been looking at it sounds like it fits our needs. Assuming that many of you have done business with Seattle Mini (meeting there next Sunday, correct?) that you're satisfied with service (personal and mechanical) from the organization? Again, really appreciate all the input! John U |
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Genie B
PSMINI Expert Advisor
PSMINI Member Joined: May/30/08 Location: USA Status: Offline Points: 2153 |
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Posted: February/21/10 at 11:41pm |
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Helloooooo! It's always great to hear about someone coming into the MINI world!
Sounds like you've found a MINI that's calling out to you!
Seattle MINI seems to be very friendly and trying to do right by MINI owners. I would think their Certified program would be a safe bet - I'm assuming they stand behind the cars.
Whatever you end up with, you're certain to enjoy driving a MINI! We'd love to see photos when you get your MINI
Cheers!
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Vader
MINI Motorer
Joined: December/11/07 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 900 |
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Posted: February/22/10 at 12:04am |
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I have had wonderful experience at Seattle MINI (NW MINI has been good to us as well). I think the MINI Next Cert would be a nice perk since you know they stand behind the car. Can't wait to meet you guys and hopefully your new "family" member soon. |
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Hit the Road Jack ...
'13 R56 PepperWhite-HIS '13 R60 All4 Oxford Green - HERS '80 Rover Mini MkVII-EngWh-OURS (really mine!) ('13 R56 IcedChoc-SONS) |
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johnf36
PSMINI Expert Advisor
PSMINI Member Joined: August/30/07 Location: Ephrata, Wa. Status: Offline Points: 8612 |
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Posted: February/22/10 at 2:06am |
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Seattle Mini
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If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough.
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GR8SCOT
PSMINI Skilled Member 
PSMINI Member Joined: September/13/08 Location: Des Moines Status: Offline Points: 343 |
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Posted: February/22/10 at 1:03pm |
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Hi John! Good luck on your decision! Don't let me plan your day for you but ...get it!! Yeah, me likey my new pepper white mini! I hope you will be able to make it to the Poverty Bay wine festival on March 7 also! No pressure... but the wine festival is only 2 weeks away! We must show up those Triumphs!
Alison
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2015 Blue/White MC with white bonnet stripes
Alison |
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Johnnyew
MINI Motorer
Joined: February/21/10 Location: Burien, WA Status: Offline Points: 12 |
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Posted: February/23/10 at 12:08pm |
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Went over to Seattle Mini today to look at the Pepper White 2007 C convertible (very clean) as well as the selection of 2010 C hardtops they have in stock (have to at least check!). There is a special on through March that gives credit for either auto trans or Permium packages. Found a couple that filled the bill but had an appointment so had to postpone test drives until tomorrow. I'll keep you all posted - perhaps I can provide a new addition to the cadre at the Poverty Bay wine festival! Again, thanks for all the input.
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Rob N
PSMINI Expert Advisor
PSMINI Member Joined: August/13/04 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2020 |
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Posted: February/23/10 at 10:30pm |
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Like they said in the song, "Go Johnny Go!!"
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Rob, Vickie and Alice
COOPR-S The question is, "When you turn on your car does it return the favor?" |
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Johnnyew
MINI Motorer
Joined: February/21/10 Location: Burien, WA Status: Offline Points: 12 |
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Posted: February/24/10 at 9:18am |
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Well, we dropped a hunk of our children's inheritance today and don't feel one ounce of remorse! After all, isn't Mini ownership a higher calling! More info and pictures after I pick up the little cutie. Hope to join the gathering at the Poverty Bay wine tasting this coming Sunday and introduce myself and our new addtion! Thanks again for all the information and support. John U
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johnf36
PSMINI Expert Advisor
PSMINI Member Joined: August/30/07 Location: Ephrata, Wa. Status: Offline Points: 8612 |
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Posted: February/24/10 at 9:33am |
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Congrates and it sounds like Seattle Mini did a good job, you could make the tech session at Seattle Mini that is coming up.
John |
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If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough.
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Genie B
PSMINI Expert Advisor
PSMINI Member Joined: May/30/08 Location: USA Status: Offline Points: 2153 |
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Posted: February/24/10 at 9:36am |
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CONGRATULATIONS! Can't wait to see pics, and meet you and your MINI in person.
 Happy Motoring!
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GR8SCOT
PSMINI Skilled Member
PSMINI Member Joined: September/13/08 Location: Des Moines Status: Offline Points: 343 |
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Posted: February/24/10 at 11:02am |
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CONTRATULATIONS! Yeah, what did you end up buying!!!!???? The wine festival is not this coming Sunday but the next, March 7. Hope to see you, your wife and your new cutie at Anthony's Home Port, Des Moines - noon!!
Alison
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2015 Blue/White MC with white bonnet stripes
Alison |
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Hapa Haole
PSMINI Expert Advisor
PSMINI Ambassador (past Events Officer) Joined: October/22/06 Location: Graham-Kapowsin Status: Offline Points: 3256 |
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Posted: February/24/10 at 11:33am |
CONGRATULATONS!!!
  I wouldn't feel too bad about spending some of your children's inheritance. You've got to live and your kids will benefit from the MINI also.
 I spent my son's college money to buy my MINI. He decided college wasn't his thing, so I spent it on a MINI for me. |
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Brenda w/LUV2MTR plates- Aug '06 S, Hyper Blue, white top/sport stripes, chrome in/out, all pkgs, English leather, chrono pack, HK stereo, Jan tune, CAI, 15%, H&R coilovers, rear sway bar, control arm
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Johnnyew
MINI Motorer
Joined: February/21/10 Location: Burien, WA Status: Offline Points: 12 |
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Posted: February/24/10 at 11:58am |
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Great news about the date for the gathering in Des Moines being on March 7 as Jan is tied up this weekend on Sunday! I'll get all the info on the magical Mini and (if I can figure out how) post a picture after I pick it up tomorrow! I know, drama, intrigue, suspense ..... but how often do you get to buy your first Mini! Also, the sales guy (Michael Reischstein) and Marketing Manager had really nice things to say about the PSMMC. Also offered me an application to the club (he had them in his drawer) but forgot to enclose in my paperwork. Assume I can apply on line, you give me a once over at Des Moines (becareful - remember what Groucho Marx said about a club that would take him in!) and join the fun.
PS - I'm in full agree with inheritance comments!
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catlvr2
PSMINI Expert Advisor
PSMINI Ambassador (past Comm Officer) Joined: July/19/05 Location: Buckley Status: Offline Points: 1610 |
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Posted: February/24/10 at 12:00pm |
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Congrats! You're going to love the fun! Look forward to meeting you soon.
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Leanne
2012 Hot Choc. S; "CATLVR" plates Gone but not forgotten: Bad Kitty 2010 hot choc. cabrio 2008 oxy. blue cooper 2005 chili red cooper |
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Vader
MINI Motorer
Joined: December/11/07 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 900 |
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Posted: February/25/10 at 12:26am |
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So excited for you. I am dying to know all the details and which one you took home.
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Hit the Road Jack ...
'13 R56 PepperWhite-HIS '13 R60 All4 Oxford Green - HERS '80 Rover Mini MkVII-EngWh-OURS (really mine!) ('13 R56 IcedChoc-SONS) |
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TWIZZLR
PSMINI Expert 
Joined: January/30/07 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 683 |
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Posted: February/25/10 at 6:52am |
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Welcome to the club. It is time to Live LARGE in your MINI.
Happy Motoring!!
Karin
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Karin & Karen
  11 JCW Midnight Blk Roof Caps All pkgs, Aero |
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Johnnyew
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Joined: February/21/10 Location: Burien, WA Status: Offline Points: 12 |
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Posted: February/25/10 at 1:20pm |
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OK - here's the details! I picked up our new Mini tonight at Seattle Mini (they were great by the way) - all clean, shined up and the 3M chip guard package installed. It is a 2010 MINI Cooper S Hardtop (yeah, we sprang for the new one - fell in love at first sight), 6 speed, Chili Red / black top with carbon black checkered cloth interior. It has the sun roof, Harmon / kardon sound system, 17" wheels, black bonnet stripes, fog lights and xenon headlights. It was fantastic to put in the fob, push start and let 'er rip! We've been in love with the Mini's for a long time so we're in 7th heaven. Look froward to meeting the crew in DesMoines (we'll follow the glow of the MINI's) - thanks for all the help and input over the last days!
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Genie B
PSMINI Expert Advisor
PSMINI Member Joined: May/30/08 Location: USA Status: Offline Points: 2153 |
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Posted: February/26/10 at 1:00am |
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OUTSTANDING CHOICE!
 It's easy to see why it was love at first sight!
Your MINI love affair will really get into full gear now
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johnf36
PSMINI Expert Advisor
PSMINI Member Joined: August/30/07 Location: Ephrata, Wa. Status: Offline Points: 8612 |
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Posted: February/26/10 at 1:06am |
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Great, but what changed your mind from a peper white cabrio to a Chili Red hard top? Did that one have the black rims.
John |
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If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough.
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Johnnyew
MINI Motorer
Joined: February/21/10 Location: Burien, WA Status: Offline Points: 12 |
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Posted: February/26/10 at 1:59am |
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A big piece was Jan's concern about rear visibility due to the roll bars and (when top down) restrition of vis due to fabric in top. In addition, we've had a number of red cars in the past (the Fit we're selling is one of them) and just seemed to speak to us. I think the manual trans and the sound system put me over the top. I will say, from limited driving, that I may inadvertently get my first speeding ticket! Coming back from Seattle to Burien I found myself blithely zipping past rush hour traffic to find that I'd just moved into the 80's (mph not a musical flash back). It was a tough choice over the Pepper White Cab as the visions of me with the wind in my hair, sun on my face with Jan by my side winging our way down 101 ...... wait a minute, another flash back ..... impacts of the 60's indiscressions? .....! |
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Johnnyew
MINI Motorer
Joined: February/21/10 Location: Burien, WA Status: Offline Points: 12 |
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Posted: February/26/10 at 2:08am |
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We're in with both feet! Here's a pic - no MINI tattoos yet!
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Johnnyew wrote: