Hey everyone, I just ordered a 2005 mini cooper (one of the last ones I hear, at least that's what the dealers tell me, that they are starting to order the 2006's now) british racing green, manual, sunroof, very basic, but my very first new car! I just graduated from VA Tech and have driven a 1985 volvo station wagon GL, manual, since I first hit the pedals. It is surprisingly hard to say goodbye to my good friend and loyal interstate 81 partner, even though most of the windows don't work, the leather is worn and cracked and I don't remember what AC feels like. I even took her to the beach, Nags Head, when I lived there for a summer, and she seemed to take to the climate and enjoyed her hawaiian flower seat covers. But onward and forward, my feet are itching to get into my new mini!!!! (my old friend sits in my driveway, enjoying retirement I think, an occasional trip to CVS or Baskin Robins being a big day for her).

Has anyone heard anything about the 2006 model? I hear it's not much different at all. I was very close to getting one, but Sterling did not have much info on when it would be here and what it cost, have extra etc.

So, I read those comments on Tate and I got really nervous!!!! So far, I haven't had to deal with the infamous Rick, my contact has been Brian who has been really nice, but I would love some tips on how to deal with everything once I go to pick up my baby...I requested in writing the deal I had and I'm using a credit union to finance it...

How about them racing stripes?? Do the dealers always screw people over on those??

Glad to be a member, over and out

 

Hey welcome to NAM. Congrats on your order and nice color choice. A credit union was the best way for me as well. You can order stripes with your MINI and I think the dealer will have them installed.

 

Hurray! Another BRG owner! Congrats.

Racing stripes is an option of course, and your option is to get them at one of NAM's vendors for about 1/3 of the price with many many many more choices of colors and styles.

 

Congrats...I went to Sterling and am having to wait for an '06. I went to Sterling b/c recommendations on this forum and on mini2 forums. I am anxiously awaiting mine as well, even though officially I have not even put my order in.

Look into joining dcmetrominis, you get a discount on parts/labor at all three area dealers (metro DC).

I am also researching a good place to get roof graphics and stripes installed. I decided on items from cooperflags, but trying to get a good price on installation. The dcmetrominis forum (under regional here) recommended Speedesign Graphics in White Marsh MD. If you don't mind, please let me know (via PM) if you get your stripes installed, how much they ended up being (installation) and where they got done.

Thanks and again congrats!

 

Hi newminiowner...welcome to NAM and to all things MINI. It is truly a fantastic little car.....be prepared to get swept off your feet. My Cooper is pretty basic, too and I love it that way...I just got a few critical options. The car is so blasted good as it...it doesn't really need anything imo, so the options you select are really over and above, enhancing your overall enjoyment to insane levels. (ask around here...most of us are semi-insane when it comes to motoring...I'll be the first to admit it )

As far as stripes...you probably will get a better price and defintely more options going aftermarket...check out NAM vendors. That's what I'd do. You can go nuts w/ graphics....fine.....or just add a little nuance. Either way, it's fun to create something slightly unique and "you." Might save some $$s as well.

 

Thanks for the input guys and the warm welcome! I already put in to get my stripes on at Tate where I was quoted (and in writing) $130 for installation and parts, which I didn't think was too bad. Since ordering a new car, I've seen the value of shopping around to the nth degree so I am going to keep my eyes open for good deals, how do I join DCmetrominis? I am new at this forum thing, but it is fun and SO informational when it comes to having a specialty car like this, and I don't even have mine yet!!

 

Congrats on the order!!!

I too am getting one of the last 05's. I'm expecting delivery sometime in September .

And now the pain of waiting sets in...

 

Great to see a fellow VT Alumnus! I graduated last spring from Hokie Central myself. Great to see you're deciding to purchase a MINI! I went through Jeff Wannall at MINI of Sterling, and he was more than attentive to all of my needs. Great to see you on these boards; hope to see you around!

 

Congrats on your new Mini, good color choice. I would not get racing stripes, because the BRG is a very nice classic color that the white stripes would not make it look cool, unlike a blue or a red. It also depends on the roof color as well, if you picked white, bonnett stripes might look alright.

 

Confirmed. 06 available in Mexico, I didn't notice any difference between 05 and 06. The only problem for me now, if I want it personal customed, I need to buy it next January, and take deliver on March. So these next months will be very important for me if I want my MCSC new. Its good to see more often new MINI motorers .