Been doing a lot of research and am thinking about putting an order in for a Countryman. Sounds like if you have multiple dealers nearby (and we do, in NYC) you can generally get about $1500-2000 off MSRP on a custom order. A couple other questions:

- is there a standard/average time frame on how long it takes from the order til it comes in? what's the max? We'd like to get the car in June and am wondering when I'd need to place the order in time. (But also don't want it too soon as still have to save a bit more.)

- what kind of deposit do you need to put down at the order time? I assume you have the final price and everything all negotiated at the order time but don't make the full payment til it comes in?

- it seems like everyone who discusses it says not to get the run-flat tires. Not sure if I could give up cargo space to a spare tire/jack... Does Mini sell the spare tire or do you get it elsewhere?

 

iam also from NYC and ordered my CM from Freeport Mini
1. I got $1750 off without any negotiation
2. I waited 6 weeks for my CM to arrive
3. I putted down $200 deposit on my custom order CM and got all the final number before I put the deposit.
4. run-flat are just garbage u will know the reason why most of the ppl on the fourm change it to non runflat when u have ur car, and u will not find a spare tire at the dealer.

 

1. 6-8 weeks (waited 8 for mine).
2. I put $1k down and we negotiated the price when it arrived (really didn't get any off just the mud flaps for free including install) Also you ARE NOT obligated to take the car in any way. Sure they'll probably be slow in refunding your deposit but you can always walk away.
3. Replace them when they wear out, usually around 25k miles. I replaced mine at 13k when one of the tires was damaged by a pothole. The ride wasn't too bad but it is much better with non-rf's.Get any one of the mobility kits to carry around instead of a spare: Slime, Conti Comfort, Mini's own. The car does come with a jack carried in the back in its own container. Or you can get a space saving spare, Mini Mania offers one.

Good luck.

 

1. I picked up my CM three weeks after I ordered it.
2. I Put $2500 down and I negotiated $2000 off.
3. I plan on changing my run-flats this summer.

 

You have no choice about run flats. If you stick with the 17" standard wheel, even with the Sport Suspension, the run flats are acceptable, at least for us. I do carry a compact spare when traveling in remote areas only. Pics in my albums. It doesn't take that much space. Available from vendors on this forum.

The 2012 CM came with a jack, but I don't think the 2013 models do.

 

I got my countryman with the all season run flats which will do better in rain and snow. I'll probably still trade them out for standard tires/wheels when they go. I'm told the all season run flats aren't as soft as the standard run flats so the tread lasts a bit longer. If you have a dog(s) get the flat load floor and the $250 cargo net. It's actually a net that divides the front seats from the back seats (not a trunk cargo net)
Have fun!

 

The deal will be greatly influenced by competition. If you are in an area with multiple dealers they will generally negotiate AND price match.
I was happy enough with my deal. Frankly MINIs 2 and 3. MINI 1 was ridiculous but in those days it was months of ordering delay and several grand over MSRP for most.

 

Two factors affect delivery time: when the dealer has an available production slot and where you're located. Cars that have a POE of Port Hueneme take about two weeks longer than those arriving via the east coast.