Hi All!

Well, I've had the mini bug since I first heard that BMW took over and new models were soon to arrive. I remember going to BMW of San Francisco and sitting in one just weeks after they arrived in the showroom. Back then you had to put money down and wait for months just to test drive one. Imagine my surprise when it was my turn (yes, there was a long line just to sit in one) to get in one (I'm 6'4") with plenty of head room to spare!

Now it is time to finally buy one. I've got my ideal mini configured online and need to find a dealer who will sell it to me for MSRP. I live in Northern California and the markup and wait time around here is ridiculous. I've read on this forum that the Salt Lake City people are the best bet for the West Coast. That would be a flight out there and a 10 hour drive back. Doable. I want the mini fast! No later than May.

I'm currently driving a 2000 Audi A4 Quattro with lots of after market stuff. I absolutely love my car and it will be very hard for me to give it up. The mini I am buying as a company car (I'm self employed) so I get to write 100% of the financing and interest off. Very cool! Looking back on things, I should have written off the Audi. I waited for the warrantee to expire before I had it modified. I probably saved money that way but lost out on 3 years of high performance experience. In retrospect, I should have financed an S4 and written off the whole thing. So this is my plan of attack this time around: Buy all the mini upgrades that are covered by warrantee, write everything off, and no regrets.

Here is my config:

2005 MINI Cooper S

Color:

Chili Red Body Color
White Roof/Mirrors

Packages:
Cold Weather Package
Convenience Package
Premium Package
Sport Package

Performance:
Limited Slip Differential
6-Speed Getrag Manual
Leatherette: Black
Int. Surface Chili Red
8-Spkr. Harman Kardon Sound System

TOTAL MSRP AS CONFIGURED: $25,400

Accessories:
Shift **** in Body Color
JCW Sport Suspension
JCW Air Filter Kit
John Cooper Works Tuning Kit
iPod Adapter
Driving Lamps
Security System

TOTAL ACCESSORIES: $7,062
TOTAL MSRP AS CONFIGURED: $25,400
TOTAL COMBINED: $32,462

 

welcome to NAM

Listen, when your MINI arrives if you change your mind give me a call. I'll take it

If I was buying a new one you have nailed it (except I would not get the HK sound as being old the standard system plays everything I can hear). I really wish I had gotten CR/W but I like my LY/B.

Fly to where ever you have to, buy it and drive to Vegas hey, you've got 10 days.

What part of norther CA are you in??

Earl

 

Classic MINI in Mentor Ohio has the best prices ive seen. i ordered my Cooper thru them and i'm very pleased! I'll have to refer you to Dave Ritz. email him at davidr@driveclassic.com, or call him at (440)226-6700. be sure to visit DriveClassicMINI.com.

 

I just emailed Classic Mini my miniusa.com pdf. We will have to see tomorrow what they say about shipping, installation charges, etc. for my particular configuration.

I understand people are planning a bulk purchase for CA from Classic. I want my Mini on that truck for April/May delivery. I live in Auburn (in the Sierra Nevada foothills between Sacramento and Tahoe).

I can't wait for my Mini and I to attend our first ralley!

 

Macaid,
Aloha and welcome to NAM.

Don't forget:
-The white bonnet stripe(s).
-White sunroof graphic to make the dark sunroof look white from the outside and cut the harsh light coming into the interior
-That with the Sport package you get "heavy" 17" stock rims- make the most of it and order them in White finish for no charge- then get some EBC green brake pads so the stock pads don't dirty the white rims in a hurry.
-To add an adjustable rear sway bar after all is said and done.
-Add your company graphics to the doors and rear window for some advertising.