Hi, guys! I'm not a Mini owner yet but I plan on purchasing one within the next few weeks. I'm pretty excited! I've been reading about the MCS throughout different forums online and I think I've fallen in-love with the Mini. I've test driven it twice (auto and manual) and I am convinced that this is the car that I've been looking for. I currently drive an '08 X5 and I feel like it's time to switch to a commuter that doesn't guzzle gas.

Anyway, Mini of San Diego and Mini of Escondido don't seem to have the car that I want. I'm looking for an MCS, manual with Xenon headlights and a moonroof. So here's my question, how many of you have "built" your car and ordered it online? How long was the wait? I know both SD and Escondido told me it's around 8-10 weeks but I was just wondering if some of you had to wait longer than that.

Thanks, guys! Go easy on the noob!

 

the wait is indeed variable: each dealer has a number of slots in each production week, and some fill it up with orders in advance and some leave one or two open and undefined until the last minute, so they can complete custom orders faster. I think 12 weeks is a reasonable assessment, but to be fair, that includes float for time where nothing's happening, ie. waiting to go into production, waiting for a boat, etc etc. It's a 22 day sail to the west coast, through the Canal, so we have longer to wait than our east coast friends, but at least you are closer to the port of entry than we are in SF. My estimate was 12 weeks, but I'm looking at a realistic number on mine closer to 7! Of course, now I've jinxed myself. But my car went into production ahead of schedule, production as 3 days faster than estimated by the automated system, and got on an earlier boat than I expected. So, it will be an unbearable wait, but you will bear it just fine.

And personally, while it's true I'd buy off the lot if what I wanted was there, in general, nothing beats that build-to-spec experience and then being able to track your car in production. It's kind of a cool part of the MINI ownership process...

 

12 weeks shouldn't that be long of a wait. (Yeah right! I'm already excited as we speak) I really don't want to settle for a Mini that doesn't have what I want just because I'm too excited. I sent the order to Mini of San Diego today and I'm still waiting for a reply.

 

Welcome! I am in SD, too.

Whereabouts are you?

I'm leaning toward going with another MINI once my extended warranty expires on my current MINI - and I plan on ordering the exact one I want regardless of the wait.

Also, so far I've been very impressed with MINI of SD. My car is currently in their shop for warranty work and they've bent over backwards for me so far.

 

Congrats on your MINI purchase, hope your wait is a short one.

 

Hey Chris, I live in Linda Vista. Yeah, the people at Mini of SD are all very helpful and friendly. I hope it's not just because they're fairly new. Although I must say, they are pretty slow when it comes to replying to e-mails.

Thanks, BensMini. I haven't really purchased it though, I'm still trying to order it. Mini of SD hasn't confirmed that they have received my order yet.

 

March down there and figure out what the heck they are doing.

I am supposed to get my car back from them tomorrow or Thursday. I hope everything is fixed and they continue to offer me KILLER service like they have so far.

 

Good luck. Hope you'll be motoring soon!

 

They finally replied. They don't seem that interested in my business. I've test driven cars at their dealership twice and I've sent them a couple of e-mails. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like they're not taking me seriously.

Anyway, this isn't stopping me from getting a Mini. If I have to go back there and talk to a different salesman, then I will. If I have to drive 40 miles up north just to visit Mini of Escondido, then I will.

 

Have you stopped in and expressed interest in ordering one? Maybe they will have a change of heart if you're actually in-house placing the order.

BTW, their service department ended up pulling through for me big time. So, if you end up ordering from Brecht, at least you can service down here in San Diego

 

when you configure a MINI off the site, and allow it to send the specs to dealers in your area, you can carpet-bomb several dealers at varying ranges from you. Even if you intend to buy from the lot, it lets them all know a potential customer is out there. Mention to each you're talking to one of the others, etc etc and you will find the attitude will drain away somewhat.

 

Brecht is generally NOT a better option... BTW I'd be very interested to know which salesperson you've dealt with at MoSD.

Come on down to the Corner Bakery in Mission Valley (near Target) on Sunday at 10:00 (you too Chris G) and we'll discuss what we learned when we ordered our 2010 "on-line" BTW, that's the monthly breakfast meeting for the SD Mini group so there will probably be a lot of opinions available on any/all questions you may have,

 

Won't be able to make it this Sunday, dang it.

But would love to join you guys sometime! Once a month you guys meet?

 

SD MINI does a breakfast meeting once a month plus various runs & rallys throughout the month... West Coast MINI is the other MINI group in SD County. They are mostly a north county group primarily oriented towards driving and generally do at least one run, on back county twisty roads each month... BTW, WCM is participating in the parade in Borrego Springs on Saturday Oct. 30. They have to be there by 8:30 so that run over the mountain starts real early.... Put on a costume, decorate your car and come along...

 

I will try to make it to tomorrow's breakfast meeting. I booked an appointment with Mini of Escondido to see an MCS they have they meets my needs. It's in the color that I want as well although I don't like the wheels that they have on it. Here's their e-mail:

11 MINI COOPER S HT 2DR HBK
Color: WHITE SILVER METALLIC
Trim: CARBON BLACK PUNCH LEATHER
16T ENGINE-1.6L DOHC I-4 TURBO
6MT TRANSMISSION-6SPD MANUAL
ZPP PREMIUM PACKAGE
2GC 16" WHEELS, 6-STAR TWIN
329 BLACK BONNET STRIPES
383 ROOF & MIRROR CAPS IN BLACK
473 CENTER ARMREST
4BD PIANO BLACK INTERIOR TRIM
4C1 COLOR LINE CARBON BLACK
4CU CARBON BLACK INTERIOR COLOR
522 XENON HEADLIGHTS
6ND BLUETOOTH MBL PH/USB/IPOD ADPT
Total 28800.00

 

Go and "build" that exact car on-line to get an idea of the difference between invoice and their sales price...

 

Yeah I would like to come to a meet of some sort eventually - I'm relatively new to town (moved here 6 months ago). Are there any local MINI websites?

To the OP, let me know how things go for you at Brecht. They're the closest dealer to me, I've just 'meh' things about them so I chose to go to MINI of SD.

 

Bilseg, that's a good idea. I'll definitely do that.

Chris, so far, they've been pretty quick at replying to my e-mails. We'll see how it goes once we start talking numbers. I'll let you guys know. Where in SD do you live? I'm assuming somewhere North since Brecht is closer to you.

 

Once you know the "spread" then shop around for an "invoice +plus" deal on a factory order... once you have THAT info, you can make the informed decision as to whether the difference in cost between the lot purchase and an order is worth the 10-12 week wait to you

 

I just "built" the car online and it seems like Brecht is actually giving me a good deal. I'm still shopping around, taking your advice to look as far as LA.

I'm getting pretty excited, though. I may just be a new owner of a brand new MCS this weekend!

 

Say hello to the new owner of 2011 Mini Cooper S! I'm so excited! It's going to be delivered on Wednesday. I couldn't drive it home today because my cosigner has to sign the contract.

I probably won't be able to sleep until then!

 

Nics what did you get? The one you posted about?
You will love that ride home, from hopping in that first moment on. My dealer only first MINI had it inthe showroom, they opened the double doors and I drove it out as all the customers and staff clapped. Dude. What a way to get started on the MINI obsession...

 

Yep, I got the one I posted about. I'm so excited! I think my first project will be to paint the wheels black.

I have a question, my MA told me that rear fog lights are now standard on all 2011 Minis? Is this true?

 

I have no idea, as mine is still over the Atlantic. However ihope so!

 

rear fogs are there but you still need to have that option to turn them on and get the switch in one of the dash controls.