43 replies to this topic

[Matt.P]

As a 17 year old learning to drive, the prospects of a decent learner car are pretty slim... with most companies relying on corsa's, clio's and even stretching the boundaries of "bland" with the fleet of new Fiat 500's - risky stuff indeed..........

However, tonight, I can proudly say "I have driven a mini"

Having purchased my own restoration project last year, I was always worried that when I came to drive it I would be dissapointed - not so.

The steering is so responsive, the whole thing rattles and buzzes as you tootle along giving you the sense it's a living being.

As such, i'm now home, grinning from ear to ear waiting for another oppurtunity (or hoping to pass my practical test ASAP) to drive the mini.

Anyone else had a similar encounter? If so, what were your first thoughts?

As for me, I like the lack of power steering, makes me feel part of the process of driving the thing, it's great!

[shorty]

i was scared and my dad was very nervous

kept stalling the thing.

the power steering or lack of it doesnt seem to phase me at all its one of those things you get used to and love it

[mini_mad69]

I was scared I was going too get soo used too creature comforts of power steering, power windows, power brakes, and a bit of power I was going too hate my little 998 lovely. But I loved it and didn't miss driving the bland mobiles at all.

I never wanted too get out of my tin can when It first passed it's MOT.

[Timtom]

i drove mine for the first time today.. was really fun.. i was very scared! i didn't drive far but it was amazing.. everything seemed to rattle but it was great fun.

[Bec]

I'm so happy for you! Welcome to the world of mini driving, I don't think you really appreciate what they're about until you've driven them!

I had always wanted a mini since I can remember but wasn't allowed one (death traps) whilst I lived with my parents. As soon as I moved out I found an empty shell abandoned in a yard. Six months later when I went to pick it up as it's proud owner from being put together by the garage my first drive of a mini was my own little Vernon for the two hour journey home in pitch black. It was amazing, like nothing I'd ever driven before, just so exciting - like a go-cart We did break down as the fan belt wasn't on properly But once we were off again I loved the feel of driving him so much...six years later he still has this affect on me I will be getting him some relatives soon just to make sure it feels the same in other minis I think after so long of owning Vern I can't go back to the boringness of any of the other modern cars I've owned.

I'm so pleased others enjoy driving them as much too

[GTIAlex06]

Mini was my first car, been driving it for 1 month and a week on the dot. Love it. Never sell it.



...Alex...

[Matt.P]

I'm so happy for you! Welcome to the world of mini driving, I don't think you really appreciate what they're about until you've driven them!

I had always wanted a mini since I can remember but wasn't allowed one (death traps) whilst I lived with my parents. As soon as I moved out I found an empty shell abandoned in a yard. Six months later when I went to pick it up as it's proud owner from being put together by the garage my first drive of a mini was my own little Vernon for the two hour journey home in pitch black. It was amazing, like nothing I'd ever driven before, just so exciting - like a go-cart We did break down as the fan belt wasn't on properly But once we were off again I loved the feel of driving him so much...six years later he still has this affect on me I will be getting him some relatives soon just to make sure it feels the same in other minis I think after so long of owning Vern I can't go back to the boringness of any of the other modern cars I've owned.

I'm so pleased others enjoy driving them as much too

Thank you ever so much for such a lovely response.

Nice story there too. Sort of the same situation with mine before tonight, as i'm rebuilding it, I couldn't help thinking about what it might be like to drive - or worse still... what if I didn't like it? Thankfully (after a spin in dad's mk2) there's no turning back, I intend to fix mine, work hard, earn money and buy more of the little blighters!

I might buy other cars in the future - but they certainly won't be modern!

[Teapot]

Now you know what it means when I say "feel the vibes" !!
Welcome to mini wonderland and may you never tire of driving your little rattleboxes.

Edited by Teapot, 08 November 2009 - 06:45 PM.

[samsfern]

mini was my first car, absolutely amazing, sadly rolled it twice, and have found another that im trying to raise funds for, ill never get any other car!

[Matt.P]

Now you know what it means when I say "feel the vibes" !!
Welcome to mini wonderland and may you never tire of driving your little rattleboxes.

True words indeed! and thank you kindly!

[DaveVader]

Mini was my first car, had it nearly a month.
I'm 18 and passed my test when I was 17, haven't driven since, has it's upsides and downsides; for one, I'm not massively adapting to the mini's lack of power everything, the obvious downside is that I haven't driven in so long.
I'm the same as everyone in this thread (and forum I guess) absolutely love the car, it's handling and how well it sticks to the road, the fact that my 998 can still reach 90mph even with 4 people in the car, there's so much about mini owning that's awesome.
Welcome to the world of mini, you shall never turn back ... not that you will want to.

(ps. im already looking for my second)

[Matt.P]

(ps. im already looking for my second)

Same, though I should probably concentrate on getting my mk1 finished...

Think my next will be a clubby though!

[book]

I passed my test ten years ago, but hadn't driven since because I wanted a mini and didn't want to hate it because I was used to another car. Finally got a mini in September and I love it!

The missus loves driving it to, but it has made her worse with her car

[Foxy10]

^^
that is commitment haha

[Matt.P]

I passed my test ten years ago, but hadn't driven since because I wanted a mini and didn't want to hate it because I was used to another car. Finally got a mini in September and I love it!

The missus loves driving it to, but it has made her worse with her car

I'm guessing she's after one then?