I've had the MINI fever for the past two years (honestly, a bit longer than that, but it really bit me when I actually test drove an S in '07). To calm the fever a bit, I told myself that I absolutely had to take care of refinancing my mortgage to a better rate before I could even consider MINI shopping. Priorities, priorities.

Well, I closed on that refinance yesterday, so you'd think I had ants in my pants today! I am so excited at the prospect of finally being able to own a MINI!

Of course, having already waited for two years, I want to make absolutely certain that I continue to exercise my willpower and make the right decision and get exactly what I want at the right price. I've probably configured 100 MINIs over the last year, and I'm pretty set on what I want, with a few little unsures here and there.

I'm pretty firmly set on the JCW Hardtop. (After chugging around in an automatic Kia Optima for the past 8 years, I am bored to tears and need something fun!)

I do have a few questions, though, and thought I'd run them past the veteran MINI owners here before I take the next big step and pop into the dealership. I want to be as informed as possible before I talk to our local MAs.

So any and all input for this MINI noobie is highly, highly appreciated!

1. 2010 models: For me, generally the year ain't nothin' but a number, but I haven't been able to find any details on what, if any, some of the new features might be on the 2010 models. Also, will the JCW packages be available on next year's models? My inclination is that I'm probably just as good to get a 2009 just as I want it, and maybe save a little bit of $, but if the 2010s come out with some must-have feature right after I've taken the plunge....

2. The Convenience Package: It appears that getting the convenience package is more affordable than the sum of its parts, but while half of the features seem too nifty to live with out (auto windshield wipers, auto-dimming RVM), some of the others won't really matter too much to me (garage door opener, comfort access). For those of you with these features, did you find that you liked them as much as you thought? Were there others that you didn't think would be as interesting, but that you now couldn't live without?

3. Delivery time: I'm seeing around 4 to 8 weeks as the general delivery times mentioned. I presume that 2010 models would likely have longer times due to high demand and waiting lists on their release.

How does this typically work with the financing on the cars? I know that a deposit is required (how much, typically). So I would guess that you pay the deposit, order the car, and secure your financing, but at what point is the car actually paid for, and when would payments generally start?

4. MINI/BMW Financial: Those advertised 1.9/2.9/3.9% rates are unbeatable, but I also presume they have some pretty strict qualification standards. I've tried to research customer experiences with this financing, but I haven't found much. I definitely plan to do some rate shopping for my financing, but I'm very curious how attainable those advertised MINI Financial rates are.

5. Out the Door Cost: I've seen a few references to MINI buyers who were able to custom order their cars, but still have the dealer knock a few $$ -- up to $1,000 to 1,500 -- off of the MSRP and even throw in a few freebies. Is this something I should almost expect from a good dealer -- especially if I'm looking at a 2009 model rather than a 2010. I know I want a MINI, but after waiting for two years, I can certainly wait a little longer to get the best deal.

6. "I Really Wish I..." Last, in general, were there any features/options that you got that you just don't use, or that you really wish you had picked up? The center arm rest is one I'm struggling with. I'm accustomed to having that arm rest as storage space, but there's not that much storage in the one on the MINI. For $250 I might be better off getting a few of the dealer storage accessories, instead.

Thanks in advance to any and all who even make it to the end of this long post of rambling MINI excitement, let alone those who might have some answers or additional resources.

Happy motoring!

 

So far all that is known about the 2010s is that they will have a different hi-fi stereo option, a couple of different exterior/interior colors will be available, and mellow yellow will no longer be offered.

 

Stop by a dealer or two and see if they have anything on the lot. You will probably get a break on a 2009. If they do have anything you would want it will be instant gratifacation. Just drive it home.
Ronnie948

 

According to www.motoringfile.com they are eliminating the mechanical limited slip and also doing a refresh for 2010. It's a good read.

 

Thanks so much for the quick input and the link to motoringfile! It is an interesting read and is giving a lot of great info on the 2010s. It looks as though, from what is known at this point, I'll be plenty happy with a 2009 model, as I'm already set on my color, not looking at the premium stereo options, and would be getting the EDLC, rather than LSD, on the JCW model, anyway.

I'd definitely love to luck out and find my ultimate MINI at one of the nearby dealers, but I've gotten myself pretty set on the JCW package and don't anticipate seeing a lot of those sitting out on the lot. I'm also stuck on the idea of it being completely customized, as this would be my first "brand new, just how I wanted it" car. And from what I've seen on NAM this morning, it seems as though the wait is kind of fun (though nowhere near as fun as the car.)

 

I hate the armrest, when I've test driven MINIs with it, it just gets in the way. The armrest is the reason I'd never get the convenience package. There's nothing in the package I'd miss except the garage door opener. We've had the opener on the last 3 MINIs and its surprisingly useful, I'd prefer to have it without the auto-dimming mirror, but that's not an option. At times the auto dimming mirror doesn't dim when I would dim manually, and there's no way to force it to dim.

Apart from that I'm not missing anything in our MINIs. When I've driven other MINIs, the thing I really missed was the Auto A/C.

 

Although you asked advice from the veterans, here are some comments from a relative Mini noobie anyway:

1. Personally I love the arm-rest, but then I got a dealer-installed (not factory installed) one and it has a bit more storage space as well. Also, it is very easy for me to shift while resting my arm on it.

2. Auto AC is really useful - even with the top down.

3. I don't have Autodimming mirrors with mine, but we do have it in our other car (a Subaru) and I really like it.

4. Bluetooth/iPod connectivity is nice - although the bummer is that (at least for now), the Y-cable doesn't charge iPhone 3GS or even iPhone 3G OS3.0. But if you want to run your ipod, its a great feature.

5. I love the steering wheel controls. Very convenient.

6. If you buy a on the lot Mini, 1000-1500$ off is easily achievable. I did not have to ask and my dealer cut $500 even before negotiations started ! And my car was not even on the lot (it was on a ship on the way to the dealership). Eventually I got about 1200$ off.

7. We got the 1.9% rate - and last time I had checked our rating was in the top tier. But our MA didn't seem to be every concerned about our qualification as such even before we applied.

8. The financing happens only when you buy the car - so AFAIK, if when the car arrives, say in August, the specials change - you will have to pay the new rates.

Hope these help. Good luck with the purchase !

Btw, after driving Kia Optima, even the Cooper S will feel like a F1 racer - you wont have to go to the JCW to feel a change

 

4) The special financing rates only seem to apply for the Cabrios...at least as far as I can tell from the MINI USA website. No matter, you can still get a 3.9% rate on 60 months through PenFed.

6) You might want to consider getting a euro armrest at minspeed.net, seems to be a popular option. It's a flip top with a lot more room than the standard armrest.

 

I almost didn't get the comfort access and thought it was silly but it turns out to be one of my favorite options. Key stays in the pocket, car recognizes the key as I approach, press the button on the exterior door to open door, tap start to start engine, get out of car and press the button on the exterior door handle to lock the car ... sounds silly but it is really nice.

I love the rain sensing wipers (have on wife's BMW 530 too).

I like not having a bulky garage door opener transmitter.

Personally, I like the arm rest not for its "massive storage" but for the comfort. Drove a MINI today that didn't have it and felt like my elbow was "lost in space". It is comfortable for me to shift the manual shift with arm on the arm rest.

The seat heat is typical BMW - heats up in seconds and I love it (and I live in Atlanta).

I wound up getting all 4 packages plus upgraded stereo, web spoke wheels, and arm rest and I don't regret it. When you are spending this much on a car I'd make sure you get what you want.

MINI does make the wait kinda interesting as you can track the progress etc.

I switched the tires to Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus non runflats and I love these tires for the improved ride, good handling, longer treadlife (45k mile prorated warrantly) and lower noise.

Good luck!!

 

I almost didn't get the comfort access and thought it was silly but it turns out to be one of my favorite options. Key stays in the pocket, car recognizes the key as I approach, press the button on the exterior door to open door, tap start to start engine, get out of car and press the button on the exterior door handle to lock the car ... sounds silly but it is really nice.

I love the rain sensing wipers (have on wife's BMW 530 too).

I like not having a bulky garage door opener transmitter.

Personally, I like the arm rest not for its "massive storage" but for the comfort. Drove a MINI today that didn't have it and felt like my elbow was "lost in space". It is comfortable for me to shift the manual shift with arm on the arm rest.

The seat heat is typical BMW - heats up in seconds and I love it (and I live in Atlanta).

I wound up getting all 4 packages plus upgraded stereo and arm rest and I don't regret it. When you are spending this much on a car I'd make sure you get what you want.

MINI does make the wait kinda interesting as you can track the progress etc.

I switched the tires to Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus non runflats and I love these tires for the improved ride, good handling, longer treadlife (45k mile prorated warrantly) and lower noise.

Good luck!!

 

How did I forget that. We have the BlueTooth on one, and not on the other, I've been trying to work out how to add the BlueTooth to Tristan, its an option I really wouldn't want to do with out.

As for the iPod, they could do a lot better, its quite limited and a bit flaky. If it didn't come with the BlueTooth I wouldn't have bothered the last time. I can be quite happy with just the Aux-In and a Griffin "Autopilot" (iPod adapter/charger). There are also adapters you can get so you can charge the latest iPhones and iPods.

 

Thank you all so, so very much! And as far as I'm concerned, if there's a MINI in your driveway, you're more of a veteran than me!

I'd seen details of the excellent PenFed rates, but presumed I couldn't get them as I'm not a fed employee. I'll have to look a little more closely at that!

The one remaining thing that I'm uncertain about is how and when I should apply for financing. I've always been told that you should always go to the dealer with a pre-approval in hand, so that you have a benchmark, etc. But I know Bank of America, at least, only guarantees rates for 30 days. So if I'm not going to be paying for my MINI until it's off the ship, it sounds as though the pre-approval might not work out, even though it's the "smart" way to shop.

Also, many, many thanks for the tips on the after-market armrests and the details with the iPhone 3G. I have an iPhone, so I'll definitely want to use it, but will be perfectly happy to just use an adapter. And the after-market armrests sound like the perfect option!

 

There is a sweet HC jcw clubman at Classic MINI in willoughby hills. Been there since october of '08. Not too many ppl able to shell out 35 large in this economy for one. They may work with you.

 

It's actually fairly simple to join the CU, even if you don't have any family members in the military or government. When you click on the join link, select the National Military Family Association (NMFA) option. Membership is $20 a year but definitely worth it considering what you get.