Thank you-all for the knowledge of MINI's shared in this site, very helpful for my consideration of MINI as an ideal 'last-car' for me. I am a Corporate Pilot and average a couple hundred miles a month in my personal auto.

From my 33901 location, closest MINI Dealers are all over 100 miles away.

Friend of a relative has an '04 'S' that was available, did not like the Clutch or six gear much at all and with the major '07 update, New (or nearly new) would suit me better.

He did mention that he heard that "a new BMW Dealer" would be opening soon and would handle the MINI Brand locally.

I would much prefer a local Dealer and any clue on how to substantiate this sort of rumor would be appreciated, even just a suggestion of a particular 'Board' to post the question or any office for me to Email an inquiry

Loved my '67 for a long-long time and still love my current '88 (Turbo-LeBaron Convertible, excellent orignal Paint, Interior and Top, but approaching 90K on odo). My next car may well be my last and a 2007/8 (non-turbo) MINI Sunroof type looks like the ticket for me.

I did an AutoTrader Search for 2007/8 MINI's within 200 miles and of the couple dozen hits (just one Private Sale) a third of them were 'used 2008's with "mileage: from 2 to 40 miles" listed by a big BMW Dealer.

Am I just being 'low-balled' into traveling a couple hundred miles to be hi-balled into a BMW?

Art

 

I guess you are not too far from Atlanta. They have two dealerships, that said they will work with you on the price. They are Global and Hank Aaron. Give them a call and see what they have in 07's and new 08.

 

I'm 200 miles from the nearest dealer.. don't even want to know how far the next furthest is. I'm not sure how to get the most reliable info on where the new dealerships will open.

 

I feel your pain, I am in Fresno CA, two hours to the closest dealership (bay area).

 

What kills me is that we have a Lotus dealer though .

 

I know, I drive by it every day on my way to the office. Something doesnt seem right with that place though... Of course maybe its the waterfall

 

Pick a big-ish city, go online to the newspaper, and searce for "MINI dealership."
Or call all the BMW dealerships and ask if/when they'll be selling MINIs. Even call ASK MINI and see what they can tell you.
One is opening up in my hometown, it was in the paper, and some of the local MINI folks got wind of it even sooner because they have non-warranty work done there.