I'm new here. Thinkin of ordering a MINI Cooper. Came here to maybe ask around to see what options are worth it and what are not. There isn't a master list of something along these lines is there?

 

Welcome! What model are thinking about?

 

Just the base MINI Cooper. I have a long commute and was looking into something more fuel efficient then my current car. Either one of these or something lame like a Honda Civic :/

 

I finished a 2 year lease on a 2007 Honda Civic DX Coupe in November. Go for the Mini.

Jaime

 

Yay. How longs it take to order one? I mean from ordering the car to driving it off the dealer lot? I plan to sell my current car (2004 VW R32, 17K miles, all stock). It should cover most of the car's price (if not all). I don't wanna go too long without a car. Maybe they will let me to a reasonable deposit to order the car and allow me to pay the rest when it comes? I dunno. First car purchase on my own I really hate asking dealers questions like this, all they wanna do is sell me something fast, so I can't trust their answers.

 

This is my second MINI. The build below is slightly different than my first Cooper S. The only option I think that's a "must have" is the xenons. The rest is just personal preference.

Unless you order during an extended plant closure (August & December), your order will probably begin within two weeks after you order. Then your vehicle will wait at the dock for a ship. Depending on which coast your dealer lies, it could take a week to three weeks to get to the distribution center. From there, it can be a few days to a week to get to the dealer's lot. If you order a vehicle with dealer add-ons, that could take some more time. So it's really hard to say.

My order started production last weekend. It should be complete on the 14th, and I'm expect it to be here by the third week of February.

 

Not long at all. For some reason I was expecting it to be in the range of 6 months :P

 

There are a few threads on it. Options are like ice cream - different flavors for different folks.
I love my heated seats, sunroof, power folding mirrors, front and rear fogs, Nav, etc.
Then again I bought used so I didn't have to make discrete decisions on each one, but when contemplating new I spent a LOT of time mulling over the 'worth it' question.
Good luck!

 

Sanek, I was able to put a $1000 deposit on my car and pick it up the next week. There were some great Lease specials during the last couple weeks of December here in Canada...I just had to take a car that was in stock and they had four Coopers with the Comfort Package (heated seats and sunroof) available. I suppose delivery time probably depends on any options that you are looking to add...

Good Luck!

Jaime

 

Sanek-

Why are you parting with the R32? I've never driven one, but I'm under the impression that they're great cars.

 

^They are great cars. Minis are just better : )

 

I have a pretty serious commute, and taking the bike everyday is getting old. It is a fantastic car, but also rare and valuable one. Probably the only one with only 17K miles in the US. I figured why put all these miles on it when I could sell it to *hopefully* a collector who will appreciate it and buy a Mini No knock against the Cooper, but they are just a little more expendable.


But the guy who I bought it from wants to buy it back. He's a retired Navy family man, so I know he will treat it well. All I need is the right price from him. Paid $24K in August of 2007 (which was a steal). I could easily sell it for that same price now, maybe even more. I figure if he gives me $23K for it (covering the cost of my new Mini) I will be happy.

 

I'd call that a win-win. Good luck and I hope it comes together for you. My two cents regarding options: A $23k car can ratchet up toward $40k if you get carried away with the MINI USA configurator. Go drive a few and see what you like the most.

 

heh, well actually I already have one made. The actual MSRP is $21,900. I figure since I'm getting $500 (maybe more if I can work the dealer down) off MSRP and a $500 deposit, if that guy gives me $23K, there is $2K toward taxes and registration fees.