Interesting about the bugs...of course they get stuck on the lower front of my non "coated" MINI, too. Oh well - we'll both have to wait and see and then compare notes.

P.S. Just addressed the "bug problem" on that thread over in the Clubman forum - let's see what they say.

 

Otra,
You've been around this block - once the dealer has the car, should I plan on making a trip to inspect the car prior to pick-up date?

Thanks,
obieseven

 

I've never done that myself. Earlier this morning, while driving along I was thinking about how some, on this board, have cautioned to look for defects, repairs, etc., at the time of delivery... I am sure there are a very, very small percentage of MINIs that have issues, whether due to factory issues or transport events, but I'd have to bet that they are quite unusual. I think that boards such as this and others can be extremely helpful, but that they can also heighten paranoia and nitpickyness, too.

Go with what makes you feel the most comfortable. If you'd like to inspect yours ahead of time, ask your MA...or perhaps just plan on a longer amount of time for the day you take possession?

Having dealt with the same MA for all my purchases, and knowing several of the other MAs and service folks fairly as well, I feel pretty comfortable that I'll be well taken care of at MINI of Fairfield County in CT...of course I will give the car a visual once over but I will not be carrying my magnifying glass when I pick her up. I have only had two "issues" with my MINIs - the first one had a rattle which was fixed up right away, and my second had some kind of liquid dripping from the rear windshield wiper motor which was also addressed asap. All this said, it's always wise for any buyer to be aware of what they're purchasing - using the words "be aware" here sounds less threatening, to me, than using "beware", me thinks.

 

Otra, thanks for the well reasoned answer!

This is my first Mini. I have always picked out a car on a lot, inspected it, and then went away for a couple of days while the vehicle is prepared for pick-up. It just seems a little strange to see the actual car I'm buying for the first time on pick-up day.

Morristown (NJ) Mini also has very good customer service feedback but at this point I think I have a slight preference for a pre-inspection (in order to retain some leverage in getting any little issues taken care of), but delivery timing and my availability to get to the dealer (twice) will probably make my decision for me.

Thanks again!

 

Your common sense sounds good to me. Have heard good things about Morristown, too. By the way - are you aware there's quite an active group of MINIacs in your area? I know several of these folks quite well from MINI runs back in '04 and the few I still do today... Here's a link to NEMINI.org that you can usehttp://nemini.org/index.php?referredby=59 - there are a number who live in the Princeton area, and all over. One of my annual runs, when I can make it, is the very well organized Jim Thorpe Run - no, it's not in NJ...but it's run by a wonderful person from Princeton named Jerseygirl.

Have you heard about the roof rack - which may or may not be of interest to you? https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=137414 I was surprised but am hoping for something positive to come out of it all - and relatively quickly.

 

TODAY IS THE DAY!!!!! My MA just called and I'm picking up my first mini tonight!! 2008 CooperS Laser blue premium and sport packages leather wheel and cruise control. I'm so excited my heads gonna pop!!!

 

Fantastic - I'll try to control my jealousy - please be sure to post some photos over on the Laser Blue thread!

 

totally!!

 

Finally! My MA called today and told me my MC will be at the dealership tonight or tomorrow morning. Since I live 200 miles away I have to pick up on a Saturday and it may not be ready this Saturday. If not ready by Saturday it will be ready on Monday. That means I have to wait another week! This is torture!

 

Waaaaaangh! Well, I guess mine is later - even though I am the closest - because my MA told me he has 18 MINIs to deliver...plus I am getting that invisishield. I really should not complain. Good for you leicaguy - that's wonderful news!

 

Mine also arrived at the dealer this evening. Will be picking it up on Saturday. Looks like no 'inspection' visit but I'm sure everything will be fine.

 

OK, just went up and signed a bunch of papers...and I won't be too far behind you all. I'll become the happy new owner of my Clubman on Monday afternoon, and what a great birthday present, to myself, I'll be getting!

I've lost track of who on this ship is getting an MC, MCS or a MCC - forget about the transmissions, but models and colors would be nice to know. Mini is in my signature line.

Thechef22 are you the first to take delivery?

 

Yep Picked it up last night at 7:30 pm EST. I LOVE IT!!! FIrst MINI and i've been smiling for 18 hours now!! I'll try to post a picture or 2 tonight after work

 

Just spoke with the MA again and it is ready!!!!! I'll be motoring Saturday morning. This will be the longest 36 hours of my life.

 

Excellent and congratulations!! May you have many happy years motoring, too!

Ooo - leicaguy - I missed your post. Can't wait to see yours, too!

 

picked him up on friday

 

Yes, pictures please!

 

Beautiful!

 

oxygen blue + black roof
automatic with premium and cold weather packages (+center armrest, multifunction wheel)

i'm really considering the black racing stripes to compliment the roof and 16" aftermarket wheels so a) i don't have to worry about denting these and b) to have prettier rims

so far, in the few minutes i spent behind the wheel, i really like it - and the color is soo pretty

my MA said not to worry about breaking it in though, anyone have any thoughts?

1 picture attached, bigger size here: http://picasaweb.google.com/tregnaward/MiniSFirstSteps

 

meadbar, very nice - I've seen a MINI just like yours driving around our town - very snappy! tregnaward, just saw that great Oxygen Blue yesterday at my dealer's - it's a very special color, almost the color of a robin's egg, and I think it really stands out. Congrats to you both!

As for the break in - you might want to read about that on the main forums, but I believe you're not supposed to let the rpms go to 4500 or above for the first thousand miles - and don't drive super fast. I have no idea what kind of driver you are - but this means flooring it and really driving it hard - which is apparently NOT considered a good thing to do. Read more here - or in your manual https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...84&postcount=4

 

check out my pictures in the member gallery thechef22. my pictures are too big to attach here

 

Your Clubman looks gorgeous - and I think the interior works really well with the Laser Blue, too - now go out and enjoy yourself whenever you can!

 

Most excellent!

 

I just received a call from my SA. I finally get to pick up my baby this Wednesday, April 30. The long long wait is nearly almost over. I bought it on March 15 which means from time of purchase to time of final delivery it took 7.5 weeks.

The longest 7.5 weeks of my life. And it's not over yet, I still have 5 days left before I can pick it up. So the next 5 days will seem interminable.

But loving every minute of it.

 

Cyclism, your MCS sounds as though it's going to be quite striking - both inside and out. Hang in there and keep busy for the next 5 days!