Greetings everyone! I was sent here from other car forums I frequent after being told that this was the best source for mini cooper info.

A little about me. I'm a car enthusiast like many here, frequent the track on weekends, and often attend many other local car club gatherings. I live and work in downtown Chicago which is why having a Mini as a fun city car makes a lot of sense. That and the fact that my girlfriend wants one bad. Other cars in my stable: E60 M5, E92 M3, Audi RS4, ML63 AMG. The RS4 being my only car with a 3rd pedal is headed out the door to a better home, which makes another good case for having the Mini during times when I miss rowing my own gears.

So what should I expect to pay for one if I order it to my exact specifications (more like gf's specifications)? MSRP? I heard these things are not likely to be sold at any discount, according to a few owners I've spoken to that have bought one off the lot. True?

I find it strange that there are no Mini dealers in downtown Chicago. Oh well, one of these days we shall make a trip to the burbs to test drive and order one.

Hello, I'm a local vendor here on NAM. I encourage you to see Rachael at Bill Jacobs for a MINI. All 3 local dealers offer great service too. Feel free to email or call me with any questions.

Cool, one more Downtown owner. While most events are run out in the far burbs, where the roads open up and twist. There are a few events every year near or right downtown. Be sure and check out the FREE local group at www.ChicagoMINIDrivingGroup.com

nice alter-ego post Dustin...

First, welcome to NAM. Second, yes expect to pay msrp given the current supply/demand curve. But then it's not so bad to do this because MINIs have outstanding resale/residual values; I just traded my problematic 4 year old 2005 S w/25K miles (that cost 24k new) for 18k, because the manager was desperate for used cars (my new 09 is being built as we speak). however, more and more dealers are marking up beyond msrp to try and gain profits during this era of super high demand. So check around for dealers that dont mark up; pretty sure Classic MINI near Cleveland does not.

And yes there are occasions when folks get discounts on year-end remainders and untitled demos, so that is a possibility, but it is not the norm. Again it's less likely due to supply and demand. And if someone says they got more than $500 off on their new +ordered+ MINI, well, I simply do not believe them. Not in this current sales climate of high demand and low supply. good luck JB

Thanks for the responses! Yes, I kinda figured msrp is the best I can expect. Me and the gf are very excited about ordering one. We just have to agree on color scheme and options... and given the available customizations and our own gender-based biases, that's going to be quite a challenge

Are you Rachael @ Bill Jacobs?

Thanks for the tips.

No I'm not her. I don't work for Bill Jacobs. She is my saleswomen at Bill Jacobs that helped me get my MINI and I have sent many people her way and they have all been very happy with her service.

Thanks for the recommendation!