I finally got my test drives today! The Northwest Mini dealer is about an hour from my house, so it took a while to find the time. I drove both an MC and an MCS. What a blast! MUCH smoother and quieter than I expected - very impressed.

It's only a matter of time now as I narrow down my choices. Still leaning toward MC for the MPG, the insurance and the MSRP. I've always been more about the cornering than the speed anyway. Plus, the MC has WAY more HP than the classic '63 VW Bug (non-daily driver) I'm replacing.

I look forward to joining the ranks of proud MINI owners sometime this year.

 

If you're looking for an '06 you might consider, like most of us in the Pacific Northwest, buying and driving from a dealer who can give you a short delivery time. It seems there is a long waiting list at NW Mini that can be avoided by buying just about anywhere else. I ordered in Utah right after Christmas and will pick up my MCS the first week in March!

 

Hello Buckethead,
You might take a cue from Hooligan620 regarding whom you purchase your dream car from. My personal experience with Northwest Mini in Tacoma was extremely disappointing. Not only will you wait longer, you will pay considerably more. Based on the conversations I had with the salesmen, I was suspect of the dealership in general.
I live in Idaho which is a long way from any Mini dealer. The decision to chose one dealer over another was based on attitude, service, availability, and cost. My research,to find all of the above, lasted almost a year and a half-so you can see I took this very seriously. What I did find was an exceptional dealership-Mini of Murray in Salt Lake City. Most definitely, I would give them a heart-felt endorsement and two thumbs way up. Ask for Karen Johnson. You will be pleasantly surprised with her knowledge, attitude, and service. I placed my order with Karen -May 18 and my 05' MCS/JCW was ready for pick-up Sept. 1. Even with the cost to get to SLC, it was less than what Northwest Mini was asking. Can you say, "No-brainer"??

 

The wait at NW MINI is ten months out - nearly '07 production. I want an '06 and it'd be a beautiful drive home from SLC. Thanks for the personal recommendation Motorrr.

 

I too bought at Mini of Murray, Debbie Linge was my MA. I ordered December 28th and will take delivery the first week in March. I have been treated very well, oh yeah they sell at MSRP!

 

MSRP? Even better. Two personal recommendations is good enough for me to look into Mini of Murray. Thanks Hooligan and Motorrr!

 

OK I will chime in. I am in Los Angeles and the dealerships are all over the place and most do a 3000 mark up. The two that don't mark up take 6 to 10 monthes. I ordered mine from Ill. Patrickmini. John Guillano, is the best. ordered just before new year and pick up first week of March MSRP. Short time and great price. I do have to drive it back to LA.. Poor me driving my MCS/convert/JCW..... across country.... yep I just hate the thought