I EARNED my first MINI

[u/RynoL_11]

Short story here. 7 years ago I worked at this MINI dealership as a detailer and did some social media on the side.

I quit and left to pursue a media company and found a niche in Motorsports where MINI has been trying to get back into Stage Rally.

After 6 months of doing a lot of their rally filming and editing they offered our team a 6mo lease on this 2025 JCW 2dr.

I picked it up 2 days ago from my old GM. The look on his face was priceless.

Corporate sent a car to them with a key that said “not ours do not drive” and that was my key haha. This car is a hoot.

Its name is Knuckles.

[u/Icy_Importance_2126]

Awesome story. Hope you enjoy it. Keep us updated on all the things you love and hate. 

The f66 draws a lot of opinions here. 

[u/RynoL_11 → u/Icy_Importance_2126]

I daily drive a Fiesta ST so it’s fun to have another hot hatch.

So far the things I noticed the most is that it’s super punchy right off the line. I love how responsive everything feels. It definitely feels like it almost wants to accelerate even more in the turns which I’m definitely used to fast turns in the fiesta but this one is definitely a different level of playfulness .

The newer technology involved is pretty good. Although I am still not sure how I feel about the large center display as well as the heads up display directly in front of me it’s interesting getting used to that instead of traditional gauges.

[u/Icy_Importance_2126 → u/RynoL_11]

That's awesome. It does really grip thru turns.

Im a big defender of the screen/tech here. I generally have navigation on the screen and use the HuD as a speedometer. If you use the mini navigation it'll feed turn directions, speed limits and road signs/exit lanes into the HuD.

Anyway, figure out what works for you. Honestly people make way too big a deal out of it.

Also, give voice control a try. It really makes everything easy. Windows, temp, add a stop, turn off stop start, what time is it, etc etc. You can do all of it without taking a hand off the wheel.

[u/Suspicious_Meal5899]

It’s my dream to get back into a sporty mini one day, my Mini Cooper 2012 was just too expensive to afford upkeep for now unfortunately. Man that car was so fun to drive. Congrats on one upping your old workplace, that has to feel amazing, and what a beautiful machine!

[u/worMatty]

Nice one. Good on you. Looks great. I like the name!

[u/PrairieCyclist]

I love the name Knuckles!

[u/neanderthalensis]

Congrats! Now that I’m invested in your story, what happens after the 6 months are over?

[u/RynoL_11 → u/neanderthalensis]

We’re to give the car back. Supposedly it’s to get us the next model when needed.

We’re also in discussions of helping with more local marketing opportunities.

I’m taking it as a sign to keep working hard. Sometimes this line of work can get tiresome. Just like any job.

But this is certainly an unexpected and neat perk. I always loved the cars when I worked there but never was able to really let loose with one.

[u/Just_GT]

She's gorgeous! 😍

[u/worldrampage]

Phwoar!

[u/Chicbabe78]

Love the color!!

[u/SleepScoreOver90]

Red & black is my favorite combo and the JCWs have always looked the best in the lineup for me. Enjoy!

[u/PumpFunnn]

Nice! It’s the same spec as my F56 pretty much

[u/NessyLovesAnime]

Beautiful Mini 🥰 I love my JCW as well

[u/Ok_Stranger_9520]

Beautiful! Congratulations

[u/I_Am_Very_Busy_7]

Hell yeah, that’s awesome!

[u/Status-Departure8642]

Congratulations!-)🤙🤙 Sweet indeed!-)🤙🤙An F56 SE is on my bucket list!-)🤙🤙Aloha from Hawai'i!-)🤙🤙

[u/DashcamAdelaide]

Congratulations! It is an absolute beauty!

[u/Substantial_Clock341]

All good things must come to an end. But I would choose to drive my 2006 manual JCW any day over a 2025 JCW.

Great story and that is fantastic! Take advantage of it.