I was wondering if anyone has ordered a base Countryman S? No packages, etc. What have you guys done to keep the price down. These extras keep adding up, I'm not sure I can afford it...(bye the bye, a justa countryman is not an option...I need the speed).

 

Find a dealer that will discount off MSRP. They all say no until you mention other dealer locations you may order from.

 

good choice with the S. But if you don't need the space you can look into the other mini s bet they are willing to take off $

 

I didn't add much to my S. Just an auto transmission and the sunroof. Later on I decided I wanted to add the whole premium package, but my car went into production really fast, so I wasn't able to do that. After taxes and fees it was right around $30,300. We did barter quite a bit, and our MA threw in an arm rest and floor mats. My husband is in the Air Force, so our MA supposedly gave us the military discount, but I think it really just depends on whether or not the dealership wants to work with you.

Mine is in transit (FINALLY!) after sitting at the port for 2 weeks, so I don't have it yet. Sorry that I'm not able to give you a full review of the car. I'm hoping I won't regret not getting the auto AC...

 

Leatherette and manual tranny are good start. Keep 17" alloys and select all seasons so you are covered there. Pick standard color with no upcharge.

If you can go above that cost amount consider:

Premium pkg
Xenons
Get heated seats by themselves (only if in a cold climate)
Find a dealer that will sell under msrp...they are out there

If no premium Pkg then add better sound system if and whenever you can afford it and enjoy the hell out of the 'S'


Ditto the other response of looking at another Mini...Clubman S perhaps. That's what I would have done but I needed/wanted the All4.

 

Three alphabet ::: GTI

 

On serious note, Bluetooth and xenon? Others are extra.

 

Would you care to elaborate?

 

 

Cheaper, faster, drives/handles better, good looks, definitely more of a drivers car (hands down).

But of course, it doesnt come with MINI charm!

 

I have leatherette, manual, Adaptive Xenons, cold weather, Nav = 31,700.

 

I've continued to look at CMs while I wait for Pure Orange to get here. I've noticed, here in the DC area, that dealers are getting in lots of sub $30K cars. Cars generally have no leather and a few options rather than packages. Don't know where you are, but basic CM S's are available. Just need to look.

Sealy - Who's going to resurrect the Where Are You thread

 

GTI = FUGLY

Sorry, but I find VWs in general to be really ugly.

 

As a former owner of a 2006 GTI I would agree. The biggest problem with the GTI and most any VW now is that they lack character. The GTI was totalled and I replaced it with a VW CC. Same engine and drivetrain and they drive pretty much the same. For me, a car really needs to have character for me to keep it long term, something the GTI or CC have never had. That's why the CC is going and is getting replaced by the Countryman.

One test drive of the Countryman S sold me on its character. MINIs are not practical nor are they the best car for the money. They sell because they are fun and the owners enjoy driving them. Probably the reason you drive one too.

 

Ours is a pretty no frills CMS. Like you, I had to have the S. The only other options we added were the automatic transmission, arm rest, roof rack and heated front seats. With taxes, tags, destination etc. we slid in at just under $29,500.

We could have done a little better if we'd gone through a dealer that worked with the AAA or Costco buyers programs but the only participating dealers were too far away.

 

VW's 'quality control' is in the toilet as they try to become the 'next Toyota.'

 

I got a Countryman S with bluetooth/USB, and bonnet stripes. MSRP was a little over 27K, paid 26K off the lot. I didn't order.

 

Not the German built cars, the Mexican ones are crap, we get German built Golfs and Mexican built Jettas, the quality differences in the interior and paint is clearly noticable.

 

I got the S with Bluetooth, auto trans (for my wife) and flat load floor. MSRP was 28something. I got $1500 off with the $1000 off "rock" discount. We really didn't feel we needed anything else.
CN