Well hey there. New member here from Virginia, currently pulling my hair out trying to decide which Mini to get. I think I'm going to go for a standard MC, save a few bucks vs. the MCS. But my dilemma right now is whether or not to order a 2008 or wait for the 2009s. I have a couple of weeks according to my dealer, as their last batch of 08s will go into production in mid-August.

If anyone has any advice, I'd love to hear it.

 

Welcome to the wonderful (but compulsive and frustrating) MINIverse.

Where in VA? I"m just south of Richmond.

If you intend this to be a "starter" MINI, you can go with the MC (MINI Cooper) instead of the MCS (MINI Cooper S), but eventually... Well, it's a matter of personal opinion, but I can't bring myself to get used to/like an MC after having two MCS.

As for the year -thing...From what I read on these threads, it's a very long wait process for the '09s right now -- some people are getting in line TO GET IN LINE for ordering!! It sounds really crazy. If you know what you want (colors, options, etc.) and you can find an '08 on the lot, I'd say get it -- "starter" MINI or not. There's not much change proposed between the '08 and the '09 models.

Good luck! I hope you find what you want.

 

I'm in Chesapeake. And I'm going with the "starter" mini because of the decreased cost and increased gas mileage. It'll be the first *new* car I've bought - always bought used before - so I'm trying to save where I can. And my dealer (Checkered Flag Mini) can't even keep the cars on the lot for more than a few hours, so there's not a whole lot of room to bargain.

Also quick question. In reading threads I've come across the term "MA" but I can't find where that is explained anywhere. What's it stand for?

 

Aha - well, don't forget: you can visit the other MINI dealerships, too, if you're looking for '08 models...just don't take it as gospel if you're checking their inventory on line first. Call before visiting, especially if it's a trip! Richmond has one (Crown MINI) that, at last count, had five on the lot for sale. And they tried buying mine off of ME! HA. Ain't happenin'.

If you're looking to save a few bucks, ordering (and thus saving up for if you can do it) an '09 might be a way to go for you...the wait, however, would KILL me.

I'd suggest, regardless of your purchase means (ordering or finding an '08 on a lot), look for re-saleable options -- premium packages, sunroof, Xenon lights, etc. These lovable little buggers depreciate only about $200 a year...IF even that much.

MA = Motoring Assistant. I bought both of mine while I was in Germany and had NO idea what the heck anybody on here was talking about. They call them MAs, or SA (Sales Assistant) but I"m sensing that the "cool" MINI term is MA.

 

welcoem to NAM... for me MCS for sure after driving it.. i would wait 09 if not in a hurry...

 

I think I will wait and go with an '09, and I can configure an MCS for about $3500 more than the '08. I think if I just wait an extra month or two I could probably swing that a little easier.

Don't know if I can wait that long though. If not I'll put in an order for an MC soon.

 

Hey, jokell,

Welcome to mini mania.

Before you decide on a color, take a look at the cool pics of x uh oh x"s beautiful BRG mini.

 

Awww...Thanks tennesseemini!!! I just took some more today (car is CLEAN!!), but haven't been able to upload.

What color ARE you leaning towards, jokell?

 

What did you end up deciding about a NAV?

 

Here's what I have configured right now, and what I'll probably be ordering:


And a NAV? You mean a navigation system? I'm definitely not getting one. But I wasn't considering one either...

 

Ooooooooh...Nightfire Red! If they ever make that color in an MCS, I'm ON it!!! (Not to replace my BRG, but to ADD to it!! Just don't tell the hubby...)

 

Great color combo jokell !!!

I went with chili red with the white top. There are just too many choices.

 

Well I couldn't really wait. Ordered mine tonight! :D

 

YAY!!!!!!

 

welcome aboard