Posted: Apr-30-2008 06:11PM Edited:  Apr-30-2008 06:12PM

yea from what it looks like, I think I am going to have to settle with the VW. I simply just don't have that kind of money to put into a car, at this point in life.

 Well, with work in the E.U., yes umeployment is high (but that percentage is also high due to the Eastern European countries in the E.U.). However, the demand for native english speakers that can speak their language is in need. Yes england is rite there, but because of their accents it makes it very diffiuclt for them to pronounce and speak their language fluently (as same for aussies). Generally the only english speakers that have an easy time speaking their language are 1) americans and 2) canadians. The demand for a native speaker is very very high, and schools are willing to pay very good money for one with their masters degree.

Posted: Apr-30-2008 03:59PM

I think all here will give you credit for trying to the right thing. Nowadays many "fathers" just walk. I wish you and your family the best.

I suggest you be patient in your quest for either a Mini or a VW. The economy is heading south and that means some folks will be shedding toys and prices will fall. Also, more of us original Mini addicts are heading towards the nursing home...It isn't impossible to find the good $4k Mini. it will just take time and a lot of leg work. Good Luck.

Make it idiot proof, and someone will make a better idiot....

Posted: Apr-30-2008 03:55PM

I'm an American currently living in Japan.  I bought a 1995 Mini Cooper 1.3i last month.  Due to the nature of Japanese vehicle inspections, mini's tend to be modded back and forth every two years.  The car comes from the factory too low to pass the inspection.  It's also hard to find any car older than 10 years in "great" shape.  After the value of a car depreciates here, it becomes disposable.  It's just too expensive to keep the car up and get it registered.  I paid about $3000 dollars for my mini, and am probably going to dump another $3000 to keep it up the four years I'm here, but I've come to terms with that.  I was considering re-vinning it.  It's not worth the hassle or potential consequences.  I figured I'd drive this car for the time I'm here, sell it to another servicemember in much better shape than what I bought it in for about the price I paid for it, and put that money towards a registered mini in decent shape once I'm home. 

There are tons of mini dealers here, but in order to get a nice example that's old enough to ship back to the states, you're looking at spending close to $10000.  

Oh, and good luck getting a job in the EU.  I hope it's easier for you than it is for all the unemployed Euros over there. 

Posted: Apr-30-2008 03:07PM Edited:  Apr-30-2008 03:16PM

noo, i did not mean in any way that she was solely responsible. sorry if it came off that way, i wanted to keep the princess as much as she did! I was pretty much moving to england, to get acess to teh European Union. I go to school to teach Spanish, Italian, and German. But I had wanted to do was move to either spain or italy and teach english. Sometimes things don't go according to plan in life! That is the one the thing I did learn real quick!

well the 4k i have for a car, is pretty much for a car. i previously owned a 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX, worked up with about 365hp. But i sold it to get rid of the car payments. Saved up the 4k for a car. I wanted a mini b/c there good on gas, and i i absolutly love them. But having just one car is to hard. We usually would just bring the baby in her car, which is why having the mini was no concern about safety for the baby.

Since i dont think i will be able to get a mini, I'll probably just wait until I'm done with Uni to get one. I'll probably just settle for MKI or MKII VDub, which is my othe favourite car. If anyone has a good mini for that price, let me know!

And to everyone else:

Like i said, If i didn't have a baby I would have moved already. But I'm not about to leave the baby, and her mom doesnt want to move. That's it.

Posted: Apr-30-2008 02:44PM Edited:  Apr-30-2008 02:47PM

most of the cars I have serviced from Japan were rusty and needed all types of repair. I know this is vague but I have completey rebuilt cars just like you are describing..

rusted rear subframes... worn rear radius arms.. it was as if it was never greesed.. loads of break work.

I am not impressed with later minis. most 90's cars need complete rust repair look at hermans silver bullet..

Cheers,

Cosimo

www.madhouseminis.com

Posted: Apr-30-2008 12:33PM

Welcome to the board. Listen to the wisdom of the folks here.  Most try to give you the best advice possible. Not all agree on what that is sometimes.

As far as political expression, well you can see the reaction. Don't call the dogs to bite you.

Normally, I'd suggest a newbie save their money and buy a better Mini for $6-$7K. You'll have that much in a $4k Mini before you know it. However, if I'm reading correctly, you haven't finished college and are an unwed father. I'd suggest you take care of those priorities and get a Mini sometime afterwards. While many of us are experienced/handy enough to use them for daily drivers, many Mini owners aren't. You appear to be in that category.

BTW your post reads like your GF was solely responsible for the child....

Make it idiot proof, and someone will make a better idiot....

Posted: Apr-30-2008 12:07PM

Or maybe move to Mexico, all minis are welcome, kids and pregnant women are also.

Seriously, if this rule makes you hate the US, then you REALLY have issues, but like others have said, "Don't let the door hit you on the way out"

Posted: Apr-30-2008 11:14AM

"this all but one more reason for me to hate the US"

   Then why not move to Canada ?, it's close, and your $4k Mini would only need to be 15 years old, I would never live in a place I hated.

Posted: Apr-30-2008 09:52AM

Well if I didn't have a kid, I would already be out. I got accepted to Chester University in England this time last last year, but my girlfiend got pregnant, so plans changed.

 However, like big al said above "i wouldnt advise anyone to do anything illegal", seems like a good idea. As much as I do want a mini, i dont think that i will be able to afford one.

Posted: Apr-30-2008 09:01AM

Cute... when you decide you've had enough and actually pack up and leave, don't let the door hit you in the ass.  Great way to start your time here on the board.  You're communicating with the widest and deepest Mini knowledge base in the world, and you seem don't to care what we say and your sentiment pisses on the country that many of us here have defended along our way thru our lives.  Political threads always get good dialogue here - start one and see if you like.  Just remember to front it with OT so we know it's not Mini related....

As for the Mini, why wouldn't it be a "great deal?"  It means nothing to the seller once they get your money.  Getting it in the country is your problem.  Check out the Department of Treasury auction sites and see how many illegal cars (not Minis) are auctioned off as "for export only" because they've come in illegally and have gotten snagged at customs.  Have a nice day.

SE7EN

Posted: Apr-30-2008 08:44AM

Larry/CupCake-

"Other people have done this, so so can you. "

I would never counsel anyone to do something illegal-

BIG AL-

Posted: Apr-30-2008 08:19AM Edited:  Apr-30-2008 08:19AM

i don't want to do anything illegal. The favourable shipping price is one thing. If I didn't have a kid, i would risk it, but im not. good idea though.

this all but one more reason for me to hate the US

Posted: Apr-30-2008 08:07AM

if someone has one for 4,000 in good condition i would.

Posted: Apr-30-2008 05:04AM

"Retired:  No Job, No Money, No Wife!  Will travel anywhere for Minis"

hockey91dad@hotmail.com

Posted: Apr-30-2008 04:57AM

"Retired:  No Job, No Money, No Wife!  Will travel anywhere for Minis"

hockey91dad@hotmail.com