10/13/04 Well, it seems the Meanie has been sold. The new owner will pick it up in a week. The arrival of the Elise and need to fund dp1 development have necessitated the move. I drove the Meanie one more time and must say that around town it's a more satisfying car than the Elise. More low-end punch, much better visibility, more practical and handling that is just as fun. If I had a normal life I'd be crazy to let the Meanie go in favor of the 'Lis. But most of my driving these days seems to be on the track or lightly-traveled twisty roads, and for that the Lotus gets the nod. Plus, I probably AM crazy :) It would have been nice to keep both but reality dictates otherwise. So it goes. I'm going to get on the list for a new MINI just in case - here in Portland there is a one-year wait so this might work out. We'll see what my life is like by then. Meanwhile, I'll miss this little car.