New to me...

Today I picked up my new (to me) 2006 Mini CooperS convertible. It's a 6-spd manual with the sports package, HK stereo, and a few other bells and whistles. I love the way this thing drives -- and just in time for Seattle's glorious summer months!

-James
Seattle, WA
2006 BMW X3 3.0i (maual, sport, premium)
2006 Mini CooperS Cabrio (manual, sport)

very nice. I've got my first MINI in Sep 02 and now drive a 06MC. Both cars would bring a smile if going to work or pushing curves in the back country. You going to love the car.

DaMINI a 03 MC taken at MINIs on the Dragon 2005


Norbert a 06 MC a few years ago at the MINIs on the Dragon in 2006

Two friends and I are driving 300 miles (round trip) for lunch tomorrow. We're going from Seattle down to Mt. Rainier, over Chinook Pass to Yakima. We're stopping for a picnic lunch along the Bumping River before continuing on Rt 12 to Selah, WA and then up Canyon Rd. to Ellensburg. From their we go over Snoqualmie Pass back to Seattle.
My two buddies each have 2010 VW GTIs, so we're all driving and forming a little caravan. I'm going to swap with one of the GTI drivers part way, so I'll be able to post comparisons.

Photos to follow...

-James
Seattle, WA

It was a gorgeous (cold) day for a drive. Unfortunately, Chinook Pass isn't open yet! I should have checked WA DOT's website... Regardless, we had a great drive and even took a couple of fun pictures.
The Mini is a blast. It's raw and borderline harsh, but really fun! The 2010 VW GTI is a very different experience. I could own the GTI as my only car, where the Mini is definitely a good second car. The GTI is quick, nimble, and simply loves to rev. But the quality of the interior, the quiet, the fit and finish, and the isolation from road bumps are all worthy of a $40K+ car rather than a $30K car. I was really impressed.
Here are some photos from our little road rally:







The Mini is a 2006 CooperS with a 6-spd manual, xenon headlights, sports package, HK stereo, and backup sensors. The two GTIs are almost identical, except that the blue one is a DSG and the grey is manual. I really enjoyed driving the manual one. The DSG one has only 800 miles on it, so Mike wouldn't let me drive it (yet).

Nice looking S. Enjoy

Beauty! Congrats!