It's been great

[SimonS]

I've not been on here much lately. I've been too busy driving my car and working and I have really enjoyed my year with my Cooper S but now it is time to change.

The tipping point was driving up from Yorkshire a week ago in glorious sunshine along the A68 following a Z4 with the roof down while we sat closed in all be it with the air-con on.

I looked at the BMW site when I got home and saw a secondhand one at Phoenix, my local dealer and went to have a look. I've never been a fan of rag tops on security grounds and was surprised to find one in the car park with a folding hard top. I now realise that it is a new model that has only been out since mid May.

In the last week I have been round most of the dealers in the east central area and have tried the 23si which I found a bit gutless (read not really faster than the S) but today called into Eastern who have a 35si on Demo. Well after a two hour test drive blasting round the Pentlands I'm hooked. I can't justify the money for the 35si so have settled for the 30si. It is still double what I have ever spent on a car before and is also the first brand new car that I have bought myself since 1987 (Pug 1.9GTi).

I got a good deal on the trade-in, £3285 above the Parkers trade-in price so I'm very happy. The only downer is having to wait until July for delivery.

As I said, I have really enjoyed the 'Mini scene' over the last year and will still look in on here from time to time. I might even tag along on a run or two if you'll let me :)

I've put the strut brace in the for sale section and one the car goes my alloys will be there too.

cheers

Simon

[Gismo]

I have really enjoyed the 'Mini scene' over the last year and will still look in on here from time to time. I might even tag along on a run or two if you'll let me :)
cheers

SimonI'd like to think we are more than just a MINI site, times change etc and we have a great family orientated spirit.
I'm sure you're Z4 will be more than welcome, i know me Julie would like a shottie ;)

[GCA3N]

As a matter of interest what wheels are you selling.

[SimonS]

The wheels can be seen here http://www.newminiscotland.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=14588

two have got small marks on and two are clean. Tread is 6/6/7/8mm.

I still need to think of a price.

[GCA3N]

The wheels can be seen here http://www.newminiscotland.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=14588

two have got small marks on and two are clean. Tread is 6/6/7/8mm.

I still need to think of a price.


They look small are they 205/45/R17 run flats.

[audrey]

Good Luck with your new car sounds :cool:

Put some pics up when you get it :thumbs up:

[Scottie]

sounds good. One of our Directors has been waiting to test drive the new Z4 (with all the toys) I would imagine. Would you believe a certain local dealer to us here in Central Scotland couldn't give her one to try.:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

[SimonS]

When I went into Menzies they had a 23si auto parked outside which I assumed was their demonstrator. Tell her to ring round a few dealers as some have the 23si while others have the 35si.
Incidentally, Menzies offered the worst trade in deal for my 'S'.

[Big Gordy]

Now theres a surprise:Whistle:

[ianking]

Hi Simon

New car sounds ace. What colour did you go for? Mind and post pics of it when it comes.

Do you still have your Europa?

[SimonS]

It was a toss up between the blue and the champagne and the blue won.

I still have the Europa at the moment but I hope that it will be sold before the car arrives so I can reduce the finance! Your polishing added about 8kts to the speed.

[Big Gordy]

II still have the Europa

Is it a new one or a classic Simon:yes nod: Lovely black JPS Europa runs in the classic sports car racing at Knockhill:smilewinkgrin: Always liked them over the Elan.....mainly because I could actually get in one:eek::Whistle:

[ianking]

No its a plane.

[ianking]

Spotted one in white going past on a transporter and it looked amazing.
White with red leather would get my vote at the moment. The champagne is also very nice.

[SimonS]

I thought about the white but it is just not the right shade of white for me. I prefer the really bright almost bluey white that Audi do on the R8.

[Scottie]

When I went into Menzies they had a 23si auto parked outside which I assumed was their demonstrator. Tell her to ring round a few dealers as some have the 23si while others have the 35si.
Incidentally, Menzies offered the worst trade in deal for my 'S'.

she is test driving the 35si today from Eastern. She said it was way faster than her boxster. Didn't know if she needed the power, I told what the hell get it specced to the brim and go for it.

[AeroJonny]

simon, can you post some pics of your plane please?

Unfortunately it's not with a view to buying it, I'd just like to see some. (I'm in the middle of my ATPL exams right now ;))

[SimonS]

Sure, full details at:

http://web.me.com/simon.a.smith/Site/Europa_XS_Trigear_For_Sale.html

[illegalhunter]

Are you getting the new Z4?

[SimonS]

Yes, it's the new model.

[Ally S]

my friends got the old z4 3.0 and its certainly no slouch. the new one is a bit heavier though i think.

[SimonS]

Well, the swap has been made. We no longer own a MINI but now have this in the drive...
http://gallery.me.com/simon.a.smith/100304/IMG_7914/web.jpg?ver=12467370030001
http://gallery.me.com/simon.a.smith/100304/IMG_7925/web.jpg?ver=12467370230001
http://gallery.me.com/simon.a.smith/100304/IMG_7922/web.jpg?ver=12467370120001

[The Dogfather]

Nice car :D

[AndyP & Lenore]

:cool::cool::cool: Very nice car.:thumbs up:

A.:D

[Bumble]

Me Likely

[Gismo]

Ooyah, me likey a lot :thumbs up:

[illegalhunter]

Wow , thats gorgus. I wouldnt like to keep the leather clean tho

[euan]

Looks stunning, just watch denim on those seats - I've got gray leather in my car and that's bad enough!

[Craig]

:thud::thud:

thats beautiful... :thumbs up::thumbs up:

<<trots off to tell Jude about another car she could buy next year....:Whistle:>>

[Stewart]

Nice car and plane…..You should have seen the 40 year old plane I was flying a few months back (GATOJ - Piper Cherokee 140 (http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?categoryid=60&pagetype=65&applicationid=1&mode=detailnosummary&fullregmark=G-ATOJ)) ……..it was like getting into an old Ford Zepher or a 60s Classic Mini.

So you giving up the flying then?

[SimonS]

I fly for a living so I don't get enough time to really use the Europa which is now sold too. The first aircraft I ever flew was a PA28-140back in the early 1980's.

PS Denim is banned from the new car!

[ianking]

very nice Z4 Simon. :D

[GCA3N]

,mmmmm, nice, not sure on the colour, but beautiful car.

[audrey]

Gorgeous car :thumbs up: Like it a lot :D

[Scottie]

Very Nice car:thumbs up:

[antihero3000]

Lovely car mate :thumbs up:

Finally sorted the Ultra's yesterday. Turns out the hubs just needed a good scrub as they were so filthy the wheels didn't fit properly!

[euan]

I fly for a living so I don't get enough time to really use the Europa which is now sold too. The first aircraft I ever flew was a PA28-140back in the early 1980's.

PS Denim is banned from the new car!

You say that now, I'll bet you have denim on those seats within a month :D