I do not have a MINI yet, but i've been lurking on this site and seriously searching for the past couple weeks. I went on a few test drives last weekend and I haven't been able to stop thinking about getting one since. None of the dealers around here (MD) have what I want on the lot so I might have to end up ordering. But part of me doesn't want to think about that long wait. My current car is a 2000 VW Golf that is definitely nearing the end of its life. Hopefully I'll find my way into a MINI soon, and when I do I'll definitely post pics

 

That test drive is always the clincher! If more people took that drive, Oxford wouldn't be able to make enough MINIs to fill the orders

Welcome to the crew

 

Welcome! Hoping you will find the MINI that is right for you or if you do order maybe it will go by quickly. You can pass your time waiting by checking out the forums here!

 

Welcome

 

yes test drive one and it will seal the deal . The Mini is so much fun to drive = curves are great just hold on ! Gas mileage on just a cooper is great if you need good mpg ! good luck with your search . check out miniusa.com for a lot of information . check out my lighting blue just a cooper i picked up in april 09 automatic =getting about 34-35mpg so far

 

It's a funny thing: despite how agonizing the wait may seem (it certainly feels that way), somehow I feel I am going to be even more happy when it arrives, than if I took one off the lot. I suppose deferred gratification works for some people.

If you find the perfect match on the lot, then lucky you! If you are comfortable with making compromises on your MINI to drive one off the lot, then more power to you! If not, then prepare to wait for a car built specifically for you.

And the NAM community certainly helps that wait go by...

 

thanks for the welcomes

for me, most of the options available are things that would be nice to have rather than something I need. I really just want a base cooper s with manual transmission, cloth seats, rubber floor mats and the ipod adapter. the hardest part is figuring out which color to get! I've bounced from pepper white to british racing green to horizon blue back to white then black then dark silver etc etc etc...I know I'll be happy with whatever color I choose but it's driving me crazy. I think I'll have to make my decision on the spot when I see the all the colors in person again. Although I'm seriously leaning towards the Horizon Blue/White combo right now. that will probably change by morning though

 

I'm awaiting my replacement MINI after an accident took the first one. I'm driving an '88 Astro van, whose A/C is broken, in the Alabama summer because I ordered the MINI I want. Take heart. The wait is worth it if you cannot find something on the lot that sings to you.

 

Please also consider the multifunction steering wheel and the rear fog lights. MFSW is the only way to get cruise control. Rear fogs are reassuring in downpours and snow, and they look nicer than the black plugs in the rear fascia. I think the total cost is $350, and worth it.

 

Ah yes. The rear fogs are definitely being added to both fill those slots outside and that empty toggle switch inside. I really don't use cruise control but I can see how that might help with resale in the future. I'll think about it since it really doesn't add that much cost. Thanks for the tips

 

put in my order yesterday. now for the agonizing wait...

 

Online. Begin ordering stuff. Detailing stuff. Anti-shroom stuff. Oil change stuff (unless you actually intend to run first oil for 10k). How about a set of stickers fromAesthetic Creations to cover the ugly airbag placcards? Stuff.

 

Ahhhhhhh I called ASK MINI last night and they couldn't give me any information about when my car would start production. Fast forward to 5 minutes ago and they let me know that my car started production this morning at 6:13 AM! Sweet!

For those interested in the build, It's a Manual HzB/W MCS with the cloth seats, MFSW, rear fogs, white turn signals and the 16" bridge spokes.