Aloha from Hawaii

I'm looking at two demo's in California, one 19 Countryman Signature, Premium, Navigation HK and few other options with about 10,000 miles, asking $30,000 plus they want me to pay them Hawaii Tax and License, plus a third party fee to register the car for me. Second vehicle, is a 19 Countryman S Signature, premium, HK, drivers assistant package and lights. about 13,000 miles. asking $29625, I take care of registering and paying taxes here. I arrange shipping for both vehicles.

I can't drive either car as I'm not going to the mainland until mid August. I don't care about the Navigation option, except for Apple Car Play. I realize the S, has more power, but will the non S version have enough get up and go? All feedback is greatly appreciated.

Steve

 

The Countryman is a heavy car. I didn't even drive the base. I took out the S and found it "adequate". I'll be getting the Dinan Elite upgrade after I take delivery of my S.
But I also couldn't be without carplay.

BTW, you shouldn't have to pay state tax and license fees until you receive the vehicle and register it in your state. Only if you are driving it off the lot in Cali would you need to pay those.

 

Thanks Dennis, the Cali dealer would only take the appropriate Hawaii Tax rate and license fees, sending them to Hawaii. I've asked to let me handle the registration process, Internet Sales Manger is going to check with the business office. Unfortunately, there is not a Countryman for me to drive here, I was able to drive a 16 Mini 4 door, it was okay, much better than the 06 Mini I had years ago. I really like Apple Car Play, but I'm leaning toward the S version.

 

I have driven both a fair amount, and I just traded my 2016 Countryman S-All4 in for a 2019 Countryman S-All4. These cars are heavy and solid. Not sure what your basis of comparison is, but in my opinion the S is the only way to go. Once you learn how to drive it you can get very spirited in it. Loads of fun!

 

Oh ok, i thought you meant they wanted you to pay Cali tax and fees.
Seems like extra hassle for them so not sure why they would want to do it but I guess as long as the $ is 100% correct it doesn't matter if the dealer takes care of it. At least then it would be included in your financing.
6 of 1, half dozen of another.
You can just check with your local office to make sure all is correct.

 

If you like spirited driving then the "S" is the way to go. If you are more of a 'gets me from Point A to Point B' in a bit of comfort/style then the non "S" version will do the job.

 

Are you paying cash for the vehicle, or are you taking out a loan? If taking out a loan, then the dealer is mandated to do the HI title work and collect the sales taxes to remit to the state of HI for you. If paying cash, then it is dealer discretion and they can let you do it if you want.

I would forgo the non-S model. The power is okay on a standard MINI, but woefully inadequate on the larger and heavier Countryman. In addition, the mountain roads outside of the coastal roads in HI (I lived on Oahu for many years) can really cause cars with the power of the non-S model to bog down.

S, all the way in my opinion. Fuel consumption is close enough on both models, that even with HI high fuel costs, it won't really be an issue.

 

S over the base every time.

 

The "S" is pretty slow in my opinion, I couldn't imagine owning the base model.

 

Thanks for all the input, I went with the S version and the dealer gave me a good deal $29,400, not bad for a car with a MSRP of $40,000 new. I've found a shipper to pick up and deliver to the Port for $1100 total shipped to Hawaii. Just have to wait for the Fed Ex docs to arrive.

 

You are going to be so thrilled, Hawaii is the dream environment for the Mini. I am stupid jealous.

 

Update, a dealer made me an offer on a new Countryman S, signature line and premium package, I couldn't refuse, $31300, on a MSRP of $38500. I ordered front seat covers to protect against a shipping mishap and they will be at the dealer on Monday. Hopefully, I will see the car in about 17 days....

 

Congrats! Two grand more for a brand new car? That’s a no brainer. :-) let us know and post some pics when you get it!

 

Nice @konacoug. I just took delivery today and we have same build as my MSRP was $38,500 - dealer demo 3k miles and 32k plus they certified it MINI Next. But I doubt I’ll keep past the lease.

 

Aloha, just picked mine up from the Shipyard last Friday. My wife and I took the bikes up to Waikoloa for a little cruising and then some beach time. Nice car, I've had to spend time in the manual getting to understand all of the features.

 

Gotta ask: did you go to WSU, is that why 'coug' is part of your alias? I only ask as I went there, and it is a small world. Nice F60 S BTW.

 

Yes, I'm a proud cougar, Class of 80, Criminal Justice. Thanks for the compliment. Looking at changing the HK Amp, with Technique's harness and perhaps speaker change out too.

 

Nice find. Enjoy!