Well my MA called and said my JCW will depart the VDC on Nov. 8th This Sunday. So I will maybe see it mid next week. It was looking mid this week originally.
But it was not to be. It is hard to know that the car is only 2. hours away @ the port. So close yet so far!! It would seem 5-7 days from boat to VDC to truck is the way it works.
Ron

 

Hi All,

It looks like the Don Carlos will be a day early to Port Hueneme. Here is a link for the most recent port schedule,

http://www.portofhueneme.org/documen...1029153346.pdf

With the 11th being Veteran's Day I am not sure if they will be doing any processing that day.

I am starting to get excited.

 

Ron, which dealer you are working with? why is it leaving so late?

 

Why so long? It doesn't make sense. Are there any port options that are being put on it which is delaying the release? My car is there too, so I could be waiting as well. Damn. I will be so bummed.

I use to work at a port for Toyota when I was younger. Those cars flew out of there if they were sold. Why does MINI take so long? Geez!

 

I talked to my MA in Abq. he said expect mid month delivery.I was hoping it might be earlier .Indeed it should not take 7-8 days from boat to truck unless they have to do massive work "preparing the cars". Cactusklaw

 

Yeah, seems a little fishy. So our cars just sit there? I don't get it. Why? Are they waiting for the paint to cure? lol These are sold units, you would think the priority would be to get them to the customer ASAP. Yeah, we don't know all of the logistics, maybe it's difficult to get a carrier for our units. BMW/MINI does transport our vehicles in enclosed carriers which isn't common. It appears it takes less time to build our cars then it does to actually get them.

Let's see. Our cars are at the port, as long as there are no port installed options it should take less than 1 hour to process. I worked at a port, I know. A ticket is generated to obtain the unit, the port drives these vans arounds with port associates in them to retrieve the unit. Unit is driven into processing center, visual inspections, underbody inspections, functional checks, tire pressures, etc. Then the Monroney Label is printed, unit discharged, then a quick car wash, then loaded on a truck. What's the freaking hold up? Some vehicles need repair, I understand that, but it is very rare. Maybe BMW/MINI is waiting for the Certificate Of Origins? Who knows.

Guess I'm just impatient. It makes no logical sense on how long these vehicles sit before we get them.

I just want it. Now. I feel like a 5 year old. MINE MINE MINE.

 

I could not agree with you more-Anticipation does not quickly turn to joy when they drag this out-however for a quick laugh -before I called my MA yesterday -I called ask MIni-They assured me with all seriousness that I had nothing to worry about as my mini was about to exit Southampton very soon.

 

My understanding is that they can be at the port, 0-2 days, until loaded onto a truck for the short 2+ mile drive to the VDC. Once at the VDC, barring any repair work or lengthy extra installs, 24-48 hours until put on another truck for delivery to the dealers. Depending on if it is a dedicated truck to a particular dealer (no additional stops at other dealers) 1-2 days travel and that depends on road conditions at this time of year. My MA said anywhere from 3 (lucky) to 10 days once the ship hits port.

 

Wow! I don't mean to be cruel to those of you still waiting, but I have not been checking in here as often since I took delivery on 10/29. The biggest problem I had was that my Mini was ready for delivery on 10/28, but my MA fell and had to go home early. Even if that did not happen my wife, my ride to the dealership, found out she had a late department meeting. I would not have been able to make it out there in time.
I have had the pleasure of driving since last Thursday. Got in on the 3.9%. Looking forward to planning a long weekend get-away with my wife. Driving a Mini just gets better and better each day. Working on the pictures. Keep forgetting - as I approach my Mini I jump in and drive off.
Sounds hollow but hang in there, I am sure we can close this thread with all of us in our own Minis.

 

Where's the fab pictures?? Need to see the new baby!!!

 

My dealer is Long beach, It is around a two hour drive with trafic from the VDC. The JCW temp gauge is going to be installed at the VDC. My MA said they just started installing these at the VDC this week. I did ask him if this would hold up the car,and he said no + he would rather have it done at the VDC then the dealer. The other JCW options are,JCW steering wheel,Shift ****,strut brace,parking brake handle,and checkered roof, All to be done @ the dealer.

And you do need to remember around 360+ Mini's came off of the Turandot + around 500 BMW's.
So that is a lot of cars to work with for just the one ship.
So one more week or so for me.
Ron

 

Yes, but they are capable of processing 400 vehicles a day, so this shouldn't be an issue. Hopefully it will all be done fast!

 

now they offer 2.9% on 2010 Minis. sweet deal!

 

Is this from your Mini dealer as of today?

 

yes, my MA told me. and also mini usa financial services payment calculator also reflects that new rate.

 

Awesome! Thank you!

 

And here I was all bitter that I was going to miss the 3.9%. I guess it does pay to wait! Woot woot!! Love the 2.9%!

 

That's great! Something good from all this waiting...

 

Echo Sentiment -Very Glad Some Are Catching A Break-Gas Prices Are Getting Very Shabby. Cactusklaw Abq.

 

And perhaps here's why we're suddenly seeing 2.9%:

http://www.motoringfile.com/2009/11/...1-for-october/

Not that I care why!

Jay

 

Check out this tale of misery. My car was on the Turandot and got in on the 30th with everyone else's. My MA says that they won't have the car until the 10th of November, which is exactly the same day I fly out of the country first thing. I don't get back until 11/16 and then I fly immediately interstate where I'll be until Thanksgiving. I can't get it at either time. Ugh. Sp everybody relax, you don't have to wait as long as I do.

 

Ugh is right. Sorry to hear about the bad timing...but perhaps no waiting when you finally return. Semi-instant gratification.

J

 

Well maybe your Black Friday will be the best deal ever!

 

But what a joy when you finally wipe the drool of your chin and you smile proudly to yourself that it is yours alone.Cactusklaw

 

2.9%

And Don Carlos is just chugging along...scheduled for a week from today