So at least I got to see it. They said they were processing my car faster than the rest and the rest would be ready Saturday...

 

Trying not to be mental about this but 100 days tomorrow. Owner's Lounge says the 14th. Not sure if car was damaged or the wait is just a product of delivery route? I read that cars that are already sold get expedited priority. Maybe mine was not properly identified as such. But I guess the best thing about Christmas is the anticipation. Although I'm not sure that holds true in this case. I patiently await your arrival.

 

Okay, so after a long afternoon of signing this and friendly negotiating on that, we got our car!

We even got...
1. Our first pointing and "ohhh, look!" from a guy in another car.
2. Our first Costco shopping trip on the way home. (BTW, it had MORE than enough room!)
3. Our first bluetooth phone call, both in and out.
4. Passed the one and only Mini on the way home...it was the same color as ours EXACTLY. DAMN IT!

Attached are some pictures. The first one is us hugging our new mini. Second is petting it, "ooooh, it's so pretty and shiney." Third is of the seats and dash, because it look so cool.

We drive mostly freeway all the way home, about 40 miles in green mode, then the remaining 10 is mountain driving (sport mode). The MPG in green mode would bounce from 22-27 mpg going up hill, 45 mpg on level ground, and 85 mpg going downhill. Yes, you read that right. It gives you, while your driving, what the gas mileage is for that situation if you kept driving like that. Obviously, going downhill requires no gas. That was pretty fun to watch

The steering is SENSITIVE, go to look over your left shoulder to change lanes, and your almost completely moved over to the right lane because you moved the wheel the opposite direction. That's going to take some time to get use to.

It's super comfortable, the drive home was an hour, so we got to really feel it. Unsure about the seat set up on the Cloth/Leather Diamond Carbon Black sports seats, we'll have to play with them this weekend to see if we can torque the headrest a bit...it feels like it's pushing your head forward. Other than that they are comfortable.

SO many things to play with on the radio/computer/bluetooth menagerie. So many lights! Had to stop, and just enjoy the ride.

Now...we did decide to buy the extended warranty through Mini and the Zurich's vehicle service contract. I'll explain why we did that, on the warranty thread I started here https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...arranties.html There is some room for negotiations, and I like the peace of mind it gives me...others may feel it's frivolous or unnecessary, but past experiences have proven our decision sound.

When you come in, what you need...
1. Remember to bring your insurance card for your current car, or proof of insurance for this car from your insurance company.
2. Your license.
3. Other lender's offer's (they may try to meet or beat their price.) Our CU, Alliance CU, offered us 1.99%. Mini couldn't beat that, but they may be able to beat yours, it's worth a try.
4. Your original purchase agreement or Vehicle Inquiry Report, that gave the amount you bought your car for and all it's accessories. That way you can check the current cost against your original offer.

FYI, we bought an extra FOB, because we wanted a back-up and one for the kids to share...just in case. They're $150 each. The battery inside lasts about 8 years, so make a mental note that in 2022 ( gosh that seems so far away) you need to get a new battery...before you have a FOB that doesn't start your car. The batteries cost $10 to replace.

The VO is beautiful, and changes colors as the night goes on. It was yellow in the day, and rich yellow/orange and night. It's a slick looking color, and apparently very popular...so keep that in mind when ordering. It's THE most popular color to order. DOUBLE DAMN!

Our MA was so excited and really helpful. She was kindly pushy with the guys in the garage to get it done today, and they came through. They knew it was her first car ordered, and wanted to help all of us out. I'm fairly certain that they don't normally get done quite that fast, but we are grateful they made it happen.

The dealership had the same general agreement, cwginac, that's a long wait. However, my MA said that one of the cars that came in today, had a cracked windshield, another's side mirror wasn't functioning properly and they're waiting on a new one. So it could just be something like that, that is delaying it. If you're not feeling good, you NEED to talk to the manager. That's not how your experience should be, and that's not how Mini wants you to feel. You deserve some extra swag, for putting up with your MA's indifference. Don't let him do that, go over his head. You're spending the big bucks, he owes you a better attitude, quicker answers, and your car in hand NOW. I do have to say, I'm glad you got to have a visit with it today. It will be worth the wait, trust me. We're all here for you!

So, it's now 11pm, and I'm pooped. The husband is already in bed for the last two hours, now it's time for me to join him. I just wanted to be sure to get this out...because I owed all of you the finale, that have been on this journey with me. You have become my friends as well as Mini family.

Keep sending in the pictures and time frames of when you get you Mini. A LOT of people are following us. So we're helping the next poor slobs that have fallen into the beautiful world of Mini Mania!

Good night, and good luck!

 

Congrats! Hope you are loving it!


I know... 8 ordered cars came on the truck yesterday to Reno (explains the 2 day wait...) and 5 of those were VO :(

 

I asked my MA about the delivery time after ship arrival at port. I'd like to pass these info to those who are anxiously waiting for their car to arrive like me.

Q: How long does it take to get my car shipped from Port Hueneme to SF Bay Area?
A: 3 days to 2 weeks depending on how many sold-to-customer cars on that ship. Sold-to-customer cars have the first priority to be loaded onto the truck. However, if there are more cars in first priority than the available truck(s) can handle, some first priority ones will have to wait for the next trip. In another word, if your car is the only one in the first priority category, your car may arrive at dealer as little as 3 days after ship arrival.

Q: Once the car arrived at dealer's parking lot, how long does it take to prepare the car for delivery?
A: 2-3 hours.

 

Gosh I wish this was true for me. We are now at hour 30 since the car arrived in Reno. I don't know what would cause the huge difference, but honestly I think that travelling to the Sacramento dealer might have been a better choice.

For example, I got a flat today on my Prius that I'm trading in tomorrow (what luck). I called my MA to ask how that might affect the trade in value if they couldn't repair it. Got his voicemail and when he called me back (he got my voicemail) said, "If you have any questions, call me. Otherwise I hope everything works out and the Prius is ready for trade in tomorrow."

Really? Ignore my question, and then say that? If I hadn't been waiting 8 weeks at this point and had a $1500 deposit, I might not take the car.

 

FYI, you can still start the car if the batter in the Key is dead. Look at page 35 in the manual

 

Dude sounds to me your question was rhetorical since your Prius is still your responsibility until u hand over the keys!

 

A direct and specific question wouldn't be rhetorical. I didn't ask them to fix it, I just wanted to know if it was something they would care about (moot point, it was fixed).

So I picked my car up on the 4th and have put a few hundred miles on it already! I love it! It rides a little rougher than I was expecting (test drive was on good roads and I'm coming from a Prius), but other than that, it is simply the best car I've ever driven.

I did run into a problem though, my wiper ducts are leaking. Anyone else have that problem?

 

Now you're just being facetious https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...per-ducts.html

 

I don't have the wiper ducts leaking issue but I've seen quite a few cars on the dealer lot with that problem.

 

MasterYoda good job showing the FOB fix, if it stops working. You really should start a separate post that's titled starting w/a dead FOB (or something like that), so people can find that in the future. I honestly couldn't find that in the manual, obviously not looking as closely as I should. Thank you, for posting that. Good info.

cwginac I'm so glad you got your car; and that you're enjoying it. In the end, that's all that matters. Your MA should be taken out behind the wood shed, SO many things have made him a horrible MA. Reno Mini really needs to work on their people communication skills and customer service with this guy...and perhaps themselves. That was a LONG time for that car to sit there at their dealership (June 30-July 3?)

inlvwmycar keep it positive or helpful. There's no productive reason, or value, in criticizing peoples comments on this forum.

becky1711 good link on the wiper ducts weeping. We have it on one duct. It appears more people--than not--have had this issue for a short time. I think it's a matter of 'break in,' then it stops. Stupid engineering on that, why not just put them on the wipers like other cars? Who wants wiper goop getting on their clean car and paint? They're not only used in raining weather, where it wouldn't matter, and rinses off.

Babydoll '14 and shao77 I hope your cars come in soon. We're all still checking in on each other, until we all get our cars. Let us know, we'll be waiting.

We were sick this weekend, and just took a couple small rides. SUCH a let down. Maybe too much excitement and anticipation put us on overload?

I have to say, we live in the mountains. Our driveway has a 17% grade, pretty long and steep. The cars "Hill Assist" is FANTASTIC when driving with a clutch. When you stop the car on a hill, and start to go, it doesn't roll backwards. Standard in all cars, it's a magical little feature.

I've started another thread "2014 Hardtop cool things to know from new owners". Share things you have found or like. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post3958212

 

To share what you've named your car, and why, please go here.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post3958786

 

Thanks for the words of comfort. Glad everyone is enjoying their new love affair. I have come to grips with "good things come to those who wait" as I enter Day 105.

 

DISCLAIMER: I or my family are in no way related or associated with MINI, BMW or any car dealership.


Ever hear of constructive criticism. Its when you point out a fallacy in someone's logic, usually due to confusion or frustration. I was not rude in my reply, I was stating the fact that his car is his responsibility until the keys are handed over in fair working condition. Which obviously neither of you understand.


In fact your "criticism" 'Your MA should be taken out behind the wood shed, SO many things have made him a horrible MA.' is rude, mean and unjustified. You have not walked those shoes, you only have one side of the story. His/her MA ignored the question because, quite frankly, it was ludicrous. Why do people feel like they are somehow "entitled" . It is a business transaction nothing more.


My example, "Really? Ignore my question, and then say that? If I hadn't been waiting 8 weeks at this point and had a $1500 deposit, I might not take the car." So it is justifiable to take this action due to your own ignorance. While his/her reply that the point was "moot" means my point of view was not understood, that's fine, my .02... But


your remark to not criticize is obnoxious and without merit. I have a right to my opinion, comments and criticism. You have no right to tell me otherwise. You have a right to your remarks, but that in no way excludes me or anyone else from theirs.


If you put it out there then be ready to have it dished back to you.


I'm ready, are you?

 

inlvwmycar, you've said you piece, it's done.

The followers of this thread have shared 8+ weeks of anticipation while waiting for their June 26th deliveries. I wanted to share that experience, with all it's shine and warts, for future west coast parents. Please let us move on with this threads intention, because up until this point, it's been a VERY informative and fun thread. We've bought Mini's, and now that we're all getting them, it's time to have fun!

 

Have those that are still waiting, heard anymore on your deliveries? I still want to update west coast locations and how long it took. Seems, the inner west side of the US is taking the longest, since another train trip and/or longer truck delivery is necessary. Good things do come to those that wait, bla bla bla. It would all be okay, if you didn't have to wait SO LONG!

 

I have been watching this thread for a while to try to see what will happen to mine. It looks like I am in for a long wait. I ordered my 2015 MC on 7/7 and it showed up as 'on order' on 7/9, which is good. We will se what happens now, my dealer told me to expect a 10 to 12 week delivery Ugg, I am not good at waiting but it is such a neat car.

 

Although I continue to keep it well in perspective, it is a bit frustrating to see that the Owner's Lounge has pushed my delivery date to the 18th of July. If that holds up, that would be day 118. MA has no answers as to why.

 

That is BS. How many weeks did the MA tell you it would be; you are over 16 weeks. I would tell the MA to take some off the Selling Price.

 

MA gave the standard 8-12 weeks. It's not within their control though. They just say what they're told. If it's not here by the end of the week I'll have someone look into it. That'd be almost 4 weeks since it landed in the Port.

 

Sooo close! So I got the call. Here I am at the dealership and as luck would have it a few things aren't right. Ordered the default carbon black color line in the doors, but the car was delivered with the flat silver color line. They are looking into seeing if they can change it out for me. In addition they were to have added the 3m clear bra, but instead put on the paint and interior protection...so I get that for free. Guess that's good right? Ultimately I am going to have to wait another day just to get the clear bra and then come back if/once they get the correct trim delivered so they can install it.

 

Congrats!!!

 

Well, Babydoll '14, today is the day...HOPEFULLY!!! You're the last of our active original June 26, 2014 Fedora Mini family to get their car, and we're so happy for you. At least you got to see and touch it --but oh--to leave the dealership without it, would have been painful. We feel for you, sister-girl. 16 weeks is a ridiculously nerve racking wait, especially since it landed four weeks ago.

If you feel so brave, and want to know, I'd insist on knowing if there was any damage or issues with the car. The dealership is informed of that, but they don't need to tell you. That is...if you want to know. I'd just want to know if there were any structural damages that would weaken the integrity of the car. Yet, on the other hand, I'd just want to bring it home. It's an unreasonable response, but one you get when the car get's in your sights.

In the end, it's a beautiful car. I LOVE LOVE the color. Anything unique and different, I like. That's a soft understated beauty, that will catch the eye. You'll have so much fun, once you have it.

Ironically, I've only driven ours only three times. It's my husbands commute car, and he leaves before the sun is up, and gets home as I'm making dinner...so that doesn't leave me a whole lot of time to drive it. IT"S KILLING ME!!! Can't wait till the end of the month, for when we take a week long anniversary trip along the rugged and windy roads of the Oregon/Nor Cal coast. Woo Hoo!

Again, congratulations on the the delivery to your dealership. You've been a patient girl.

 

Thanks for the kind words. They actually decided to have me take her home last night and bring her back this morning. So it was kind of like a one night stand, lol.

All is good, the trip home was amazing. A few things for them to correct over the next couple weeks (found another option that was incorrectly configured!) but all is good. The irritation, which was minor, bought me some leverage in the extended warranty discussion, which was ultimately a good thing.

The wait was worth it, as I'm sure you know, and enjoyable. It's like when you were a kid and couldn't contain yourself in the days leading up to Christmas or your birthday. How often as an adult do you to get to get wrapped up in that kind of anticipation? Wouldn't take back a day of it.