Hello all, I will be getting a Mini soon and was looking to see if you guys had any additional information to help me out. I was originally looking at getting the new hardtop and ordering one, but decided timing wouldn't be good. Then I went on (and am sort of still on) a path to find a dealer with a loaded Paceman, then decided I wanted the Countryman. Here I am, finding nothing that I like 100%, and am now considering ordering one and making the time frame work. However, if I'm going to order a countryman, I might as well just get a Hardtop. I am coming from a Cadillac and want to stay similarly equipped to what I'm driving so I am pretty much looking at something loaded. This would be a benefit perhaps in getting the Hardtop due to lower MSRP (but what about financing rates). I plan on doing Mini Select, and I know the rate will not be as good as it is for a Countryman, but I'm trying to get an idea of what it would cost me per month to get one from the factory. 60 months, 2000 down, standard plus credit tier. My dealer hasn't been too helpful regarding the new hardtop, but that is mostly due to lack of complete information on it still. Any input would be very much appreciated.

 

Steve, the new hardtop is going to be completely new, so that is an advantage as it is touted to have much better quality and many improvements. That's why I am willing to wait the 90 days for mine vs. getting the Paceman we test drove. If you're fine with not getting the improvements, then a current Paceman or Countryman should be fine for you. Just depends on what you're wanting. Before I decided, I did a Google search on the 2014 MINI Hardtop and read the reviews. In short order I was convinced to go for it. I'm a first timer, too, by the way.

 

Steve, we are looking to purchase our third MINI. Historically there has not been much on the dealer lots that are loaded up, +30k for a little car doesn't sell that well, we purchased our first off the lot on a whim and immediately fell in love with it (the movie Italian Job didn't help matters either). Our second was ordered to the spec of the driver (within reason), our soon to be 16 yr old. Now we are looking to trade or sell our Turbo Beetle and get another MINI. We are waiting to see what the local dealer has before we place an order. The order process is very easy, the anticipation of delivery date is the difficult part. Our order took between 6 and 8 weeks to reach us. We received a "born on" time and date and were kept abreast of the progress of its production. The longest wait was waiting for it to be transported from the VDC to our dealer. Go ahead and order the hardtop. The 2 liter engine should be a better product than the previous mill. I was waiting until the 2.0 was available.

 

I was also tempted to buy a 2014 JCW Couple off the lot as it was equipped almost they way I want (Recaro seats included). But they say the F56 seats are equal to the Recaros, and the 2.0L engine is very similar to the current JCW. So I'm gonna wait and see/drive the new one before I decide. The JCW is $41k, a very loaded F56 about $36k. True it doesn't have the body kit and Brembos but in other ways it's probably better.

 

Figure $20 a month per 1,000 financed. 0% works out to 16.67 per 1,000.

 

So the best deal ive been able to work out on a new hardtop s so far is 2000 down with 60 months mini select (standard credit tier) and an MSRP of 34,000 for 431 a month (my local dealer offered 431, but that was at the elite tier). Other dealers were quoting me about 20 bucks more per month. The catch is, this dealer is 2 hours and 15 minutes away from my house (I've been thoroughly shopping around), meanwhile i have about 6 or more other mini dealers within an hour radius from me. But i have to go where the deal is! I am not expecting to get it much lower unless these dealers start spiting each other to get me to buy from them instead lol

 

Decided on:

2014 Cooper S Hardtop

Deep Blue Body Color Black Roof/Mirrors
Anthracite Headliner
Black Checkered Dash Surface
Carbon Black Color Line
Leather Sport Steering Wheel w/MultifunctionLeatherette: Carbon Black
Sport Seats
Standard Floor Mats
Blank Line
Packages
Cold Weather Package
Heated Front Seats
Heated Powerfold Mirrors & Washer Jets
Fully Loaded Package
17" Black Cosmos Spoke
Automatic Climate Control
Black Bonnet Stripes
Center Armrest
Comfort Bluetooth with USB/iPod Adapt. Harman/Kardon Sound System
MINI Connected XL
Navigation System
Panoramic Sunroof
Rain Sensor and Auto Headlamps
Real Time Traffic Information
Rear-view Camera + PDC
Premium Package Sport Package
LED Headlights LED Fog Lamps White Turn Signals
Wired Package
Blank Line
Performance
2.0L TwinPower Turbocharged Engine 6-Speed Steptronic Automatic
MINI Driving Modes
Toggle Ignition
Dynamic Damper Control Performance Control
$23,600.00 $795.00
$500.00 $0.00
$250.00 STD STD STD STD STD STD
$600.00
$4,500.00
$0.00 $0.00
$1,000.00
STD $1,250.00 STD STD $500.00 STD
Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror Heated Mirrors & Washer Jets Blank Line
Audio & Tech
Alarm System
SiriusXM Satellite Radio Comfort Access System On-Board Computer
Rear Park Distance Control Universal Garage Door Opener Blank Line
MSRP w/Factory Options Blank Line
Blank Line
Dealer Accessories** Blank Line
Total As Configured
INCL STD
$500.00 $300.00 $250.00
STD INCL $250.00
$33,500.00
$0.00 $34,295.00

 

Decided On:

2014 Cooper S Hardtop
Deep Blue with Black Roof & Mirrors
Black Leatherette w/ black checkered dash surface
17" Black Cosmos Spoke
Anthracite Headliner
Fully Loaded Package
Cold Weather Package
Automatic
Dynamic Damper Control
Alarm System
Sirius XM Radio
Comfort Access
Garage Door Opener
Rearview Camera + PDC

$34,295

I really wanted to deck out the interior trim but i'd rather have nicer options instead.

 

never mind. Getting blazing red instead and adding piano black trim and glowing red color line.

 

Most excellent choices.

Mine on Order.












T.

 

Does anyone know how the leatherette holds up compared to the leather? About the same?