With about a week to go waiting for Blackjack. I made an unscheduled stop by my dealer just to look at the lot MINI's and ask my MA (if he was there) about current finance rates. I got the last parking space in the lot. Every MA was busy with customers and their was plenty others looking, sitting, touching as they waited their turn to speak with a MA. It was crazy! Albeit a nice Spring Saturday the place was buzzing. I have never seen a car lot that busy. My MA was there but he had his has full. It was just an excuse to look at the cars. Anyone else noticed this phenomenon.

 

We had the same experience when we picked up Lucy, and again when we had to sign something for finance. The parking lot was full and there wasn't any room on the street in front of the dealer.

I've never seen anything like it!

 

Yes, it's pretty nuts at my local dealership, too...seems like no matter how many MINIs they put out on the lot, they're down to a few in no time. The good news is that Plant Oxford seems to be keeping up better because there are always ten or so available. Sales figures seem very strong...which is great because BMW put a ton of money into MINI (for some reason) and it's great that the marque is succeeding so well.

 

I its the price of gas. When we went in to order Bimini on 4/18, the place was busy and it was a Friday afternoon. I had to park down in the BMW Service lot, 3 lots away. We'd gone in the previous Saturday to answer a few config questions and it was packed. Yesterday was not so full, but all the MAs were with someone.

We've been there 3 times in the last 3 weeks and always end up answering questions because people are waiting for an MA. Virtually everyone we talked to was asking about MPG and complaining about the expense their truck or SUV was eating.

 

The lot here in Charleston stays pretty empty, too -- of cars to sell that is! Reasonably full of people though. And I've been noticing more & more Minis driving around the area. It's nice to see!!!