Hello, everyone!

This is a really, really dumb question, but what is the series of events that leads to the ownership of a Mini? I plan on ordering my Mini in June, by creating the car I want on Miniusa's site, then sending the configured car details to a Mini dealership (probably Otto's of West Chester). Will the dealership then expect me to visit them that week to put a down payment on the car, or will I have to sign all of the papers and hand over the down payment when I actually pick up the car (perhaps weeks later)? I just want to be prepared to take off a few hours of work, if necessary.

Thanks!

 

I configured the car online, visited the dealer to go over the configuration, place the order and leave a $500 deposit. No other money changed hands until I took delivery of the car 10 weeks later.

If you're comfortable not going over the configuration in person, and your dealer is willing to take a credit card over the phone for the deposit, you might not need to set foot in the dealership at all until your car arrives.

 

I configured mine online, went over it with my MA (MINI Adviser) in person and put down a $1000.00 deposit. The rest is due when I take delivery. That should be in about two and a half weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You may want to call the dealership and find out how far out their production slots go. Each dealership has a certain amount of production slots per month. Cincinnati Mini where I got mine is going into July right now. Sometimes they can get one from another dealer... It would stink if you wait until June to order expecting an 8 week turnaround and they tell you it will be August before you can get a production date. That would push you into September to get it!

 

I know a lot of folks have made their deposits over the phone, but in most cases they had at least gone over to a dealership at some point to test drive various features they were debating on ordering. At the very least, I would recommend doing that. I made my order in person, but I'm only 60 miles from a dealer and there were a couple options I still wanted to see in person the day I ordered.

Scott's right about the deposit though. After that, you just save for the down payment when the car is delivered and work through getting it financed once you get the VIN number (the first phase of production).

 

Ugh! Good points, everybody! Thank you so much for your help!! I'll contact the dealership before I put my future Mini's fate into unknown hands!! EEK! I'm so excited!!

 

Thank you!! I may not even make it until June...I'm ready to buy it now!!

 

Hey! Mine is named Stella too! Great name for a great car!

 

I just did exactly what you described - configured my MINI online, emailed my MA Holly Hopkins at Otto's in West Chester PA with the configuration, then went into the dealership to place a $500 deposit, and she then placed the order. Less than 5 weeks later, I took delivery! (At delivery I put down the rest of my deposit)...and I just made my first payment today!

Not sure if you've spoken to anyone at Otto's yet, but here's Holly's email: hhopkins@ottosmini.com

Tell her Atomic17 and Ianto sent you - you won't regret it! She's awesome!

 

That happened to me too. I ended up getting her two months before I planned, but it all worked out. Two more months of happy motoring is the way I see it.

I noticed that too...it's a pretty popular name for MINIs on here. Good name though...you can't go wrong with a Stella.

 

I also configured the Mini online but that was more of less foolin around. I went down to the dealership and got a second road test before I then said "Okay - I'm ready to buy". I left $1000 on my credit card and then paid the rest when the MINI arrived.

I recommend you do go in and visit with your MA before you put money down and order your MINI. This is because you then have a chance to go over any last minute considerations - Options, color choices, etc. Also, if you have any questions, rcmd make a list of them and bring that with you. Then you will better able to place your order.

 

It appears the dealerships (including MINI) are overflowing with inventory. Look to see if your nearest dealer has anything close to what you want, if so, go buy it (might get a discount, especially at the end of the month) and drive it home.