Hi Everyone -

This is my first post and with it I would like to heartily thank everyone in the forum for helping me with my weeks of research and preparation for the purchase yesterday of a MCSc from Princeton Mini. I have wanted a Mini since they first appeared but have always run cars until they give out (one exception in 30 years) - so with great luck my aging SUV recently came down with neurological problems, making this purchase an imperative. I have been dying to leave the SUV set and return to fun driving for a very long time and am giddy about finally having the Mini on order. Seven week delivery was promised.

I have been saving a long time for this purchase, and basically shot for the moon yesterday in my order -

• 2006 MCSc - CR / black top / white stripes / CR dash / CR shifter
• Premium / cold weather / sport / convenience packages
• JCW engine / exhaust / brakes / suspension / wheels / sills
• NAV / Ipod adapter / OEM security system
• Driving lights / map light / rear fog lamp
• Sport link with bike holder

The dealer actually threw in TWO sets of mats - carpet and S rubber for winter as well as the glove box organizer and some other stuff. While ordering the JCW wheels with performance rubber, I am keeping the S-Lites from the Sport package with all-seasons for winter driving (the credit would have been $500 and 4 wheels/tires are worth a lot more than that).

The purchase experience was painless - as I did not expect to pay anything less than MSRP but was pleased with the number of freebees thrown in. I spent time grilling the shop manager on policies and practices and was able to have a series of technical debates on the car from the good information learned here.

I am still confused about a couple of things but will keep searching for clarification here. First, they took my order for the JCW suspension but I discovered later (browsing NAM) that, at least in 2004 when this option came out, it could NOT be used with soft tops, probably because of frame flex issues. I wonder whether the situation has changed or did the dealer just not know that (they seemed to not be too knowledgable about the JCW suspension). Second, I desperately want Sirius in the car and will probably do a self-install of the OEM kit with antenna on the dash - however, the service manager said that there was an incomatibility not only with the antenna system but also with one of the "ports" on the sound system. First time I am hearing that but folks here seem to have had uniform success with the self-installed OEM kit so I will elect that path, somehow getting the antenna from the rear unit to the top of the dash.

Anyway, thanks again for all the assistance and I am looking forward to graduating from my "lurking" status in NAM.

Bill

 

Welcome to NAM! I cant address the SIrius issue but as to the JCW suspension, go to the MINIUSA site and build your car, you will see that the suspension is NOT an option for converts.

 

Right you are!! I only ever built the ragtop there and never noticed that suspension is offered for the others - I had assumed it was totally a dealer thing not appearing on the site. Hmmmm... perhaps I will wait to see how long it takes the dealer to notice !!

Bill

 

Wow... you sure did shoot the moon on that one! Sounds like a pretty awsome ride. I'm waiting for my MCS PW/B to appear from Morristown Mini. From experience I must warn you that the wait is MISERABLE!

 

I own an 05' MCSc and I installed the Bilstein PSS9's and I higly recommend the PSS9, the JCW is not available for Convertible, so go with the PSS9 instead, it will make a hell of a difference, it rides smoother depending on the setting and it handles better than stock.

 

Thanks - I will certainly look into the Bilsteins once my waiting period is over (okay, 1 day down....)

Bill

 

WOW!!! that is one impressive MINI!!!
*bows in deference to the superior MINI*

 

Nice looking MINI, welcome and happy motoring!

 

absolutely excellent spec!

I will throw my .02 in here as to why they said the sat radio won't work. the thing is that since you ordered the satnav the satellite input will be used for the nav. 'talking' and everything. I'm not sure if there is a workaround yet, but I'm sure the folks in the 'audio and navigation' section can help

congrats! and believe me, the wait will be excruciating... but hopefully 300% worth it once you get the car! nothing like a tailor made car!

 

No deference needed here !! All Minis are good Minis - I just had a few more coins than expected to throw at my dream and am more than a little amazed at how easy it is to double the base price without working too hard !! My goal was to build as quick a car as possible while having everything under OEM warranty, of course with a few luxuries like NAV. Still, comparing this vehicle to what else is out there at that price point, I would rather have the fully decked out MCSc than the stripped Boxter for a few dollars more....

 

Wow - you're going to love it as you are already anticipating... Welcome and we'll be awaiting those pictures when it finally arrives...

Donna