Im going to be placing my order for a new 2012 Cooper S on Saturday or Monday, Im really pretty excited about getting one. Looking forward to many years of happy motoring! Im just ordering up the options I want, so it was actually cheaper to order a new one that to pick up a pre-owned off the dealers lot, due to some of the options there.
Im debating on the stripe thing still, as I paint cars for a living and thinking of doing my own, but other than that, Ive settled on Cooper S hardtop,Eclipse gray, with black roof, heated seats,and a sport package with the 17"Conical black wheels.
Anyone have any advice or suggestions for a new Mini guy??

 

Advice... do what YOU want.

But since you asked, get the cheapest OEM wheels and then buy lighter weight aftermarket wheels (and ditch the runflats when you can). You will notice the difference in handling.

Paint the stripes. Since you have the skills you can do something unique, plus they will wear better than vinyl.

Unless you want to repaint the bonnet, put on a clear bra.

Your new ride sounds sweet. Hope you can stand the wait while it is being built and shipped.

 

Thanks for that, I ordered it tonight, said they were running about 8 weeks, but last one came in after 4(Im not getting my hopes up for that) I went with the vinyl stripes until I get around to painting what I want, I have some ideas in my head,and they will be done underneath the clear, so there will be no issues!
Your car looks sweet, love the color on it!

 

Congrats! Welcome to the (Eclipse Gray) club!

Just in case you're interested in seeing pics of other eclipse gray owner's cars see the following link: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ners-club.html

You can also see pics of Grayson, my little EG hardtop, in my gallery.

 

Thanks for the link to the EG cars, lots of beautys there! The hardest thing about the whole deal was choosing a color, I really like just about all of them, I was torn between the Laser Blue, and Spice Orange, in the end the Eclipse Gray just seemed to speak to me, This car pretty much is exactly the look of mine.
Cant wait to get it, Until then Ill just drive myself crazy here on the forums

 

I just checked in the owners lounge, and I already have a VIN!!! I just ordered the car 3 days ago, is this normal? I did see that it was scheduled for production,no dates yet, and from what I read on this site they issue a VIN about 72-48 hours before production starts.
Is it normal to get a VIN so early?

 

Im getting more exited by the day, I got an update on my Mini, who is now named Bazzle,(After Basil Fawlty,John Cleese's character in the old show "Fawlty Towers") Hes in the body shop and scheduled for completion tomorrow!!!! Like a kid at Christmas, maybe a shot I have it by then as well

 

It all depends. Somtimes the dealer will have an open slot from a car that they were going to put on the lot. They will change that ones order to match what you ordered. My car I bought at Otto's went in to production fairley quick. The Last car I got from Allentown Mini and it was a JCW. That one took about 4 weeks to production, but Mini usually waits to do those in batches.

 

I got word that the car was in the body shop and scheduled for completion today! Mine was ordered at Ottos as well, so far the process has been quick, Im hoping for the best with shipping