I was blown away that my MA called me today and said I could finally pick her up. The light was fading and I didn't have time to take a lot of glamour shots, but I was able to snap one of her safe and sound in the driveway.

I also didn't have a whole lot of time to motor hard (more like hardly motored, hahaha!), but looking forward to playing around a bit this week.



How's your situation looking, USA-RET?

 

Very nice. I like the wheels.

Also I'm second guessing not getting the roof rails. Myself.

Too late now though, will have to wait for the aftermarket solutions come available.

 

Thank you kindly, I was very pleased with how she turned out too. The rails I was sort of either way on, but for the price I opted for them because I'm considering getting a kayak. The sales manager said they were pricey to install after the fact, so I decided to get them. Plus, even if I never use them, it gives the illusion that i'm a lot more sporty than I actually am

 

Congrats Buddy. You thought you'd be last, but looks like I'm the horse's tail.

You got yourself a real "stunner" there. I really like the color combo. I think those may be the same wheels I ordered (who knows, it's been so long )

Got a call from dealership, car finally arrived this afternoon. I think the mule that was hauling it threw a shoe around Valdosta GA. I should have it tomorrow afternoon or Wednesday.

It's been such a long wait not sure I want it now. I may just trade it for something else.............................................. .................................................. .................................................. ................................NOT!

Pix will follow.

 

Thanks; I'll grab some photos of the interior as well. The satellite gray really goes well with the outside I think. I also got some coco mats as well; forgot who recommended them on the forums but I love them so far.

I'm really glad to hear that you have an ETA! Tomorrow is almost here! It is strange that yours took so long on the truck; but if you're thinking of trading up let me know, I could use a Thunder Gray one as well

 

She's a beaut! I recommend you find the nearest twisty country road immediately.

 

Thanks, DS! Time to take the long way to work...

 

Yes please, some interior shots would be nice. I've always like gray interiors in car (Last two Santa Fe's both Silver w/ Gray and the C7 Shark Gray Metallic w/ Gray leather). Gray always seemed to blend nicely with any exterior color.

We opted for the black cloth with the double stripe this time in the MINI (to save a bit on cost). Ordered a set of the JCW mats isince we have the JCW interior pkg. Actually the JCW mats aren't as cheaply made as I was led to believe. While not a 32 oz cut pile, they seem to be pretty serviceable (since we don't have the snowy/slushy conditions of the northern climes - they should easily last as long as we keep the car).

I just checked my order and I did order the same wheels (17" Tentacle). They really look great on your Mini. Hope the show as well on ours.

Geez, glad to know the car is actually here (even if not in my possession).

Actually pretty pumped to be getting my grubby little mitts on it soon.

 

Yeah, I just thought it would go well with the interior headliner as well as the white roof etc. I'll get some pictures later today after work and post them this evening. Which...is probably when you'll be posting as well I'd assume

If there's one thing this waiting experience has taught me, it's that 'yes, it's a pain to wait'; however once the wait is over you really wonder what you were so bothered about in the first place. You feel a bit silly, like it was all going to work out in the end and that life is about more than getting your new car. With that said... it's a blast to drive, and I'm very thankful for it!

If you got the same wheels, I think they'll look fantastic as well. These were the best ones (IMHO) as far as going with the exterior colors - but to each his/her own.

As for the cloth seats - personal preference, and I totally understand where you're coming from on cost. I am coming from a '13 Honda Accord with leather, so I wanted the MINI to have pretty much the same options as I had there. Also, the colors matched nicely

Good luck with the pickup today! My MA was fantastic, but he did try to go over every detail of the car with me and I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd already watched everything on youtube about the car as well as read all the books in all the libraries in all the world that had anything MINI-related. Overall though, the delivery experience was a good one.

 

Well, the Mini has landed. What a great dealer experience. Sales Gal was on top of her game. Had everything laid out for us when we arrived, did the preview of the car, test drive, complete explanation and put together a nice goodie bag for us (bag included :Stuffed Mini Bulldog, Mini Tire Gauge, Mini Insulated Travel Mug, Mini Beach Blanket, Mini embroidered Ball Cap, set of rubberized MINI floor mats, set of Mini wheel locks and finally some Mini Motoring chewing gum. ). Quite unexpected but very much appreciated.

Drive home was fun. Amazed at the visibility in the car and how connected to the road you feel. So much to get accustom to in the car. Navigation is nice and has one heck of a zoom feature.

We just beat a thunderstorm home so only got to take a couple of pix before the skies opened.

Sorry for the quick snapshots. I'll take a few more in the sunlight when I get the chance.

"We be motorin' now Bubba!"

 

That's fantastic! I'm really glad everything went well at the dealer (and I'm pretty jealous about your goodie bag, I didn't get so much as a free pen!).

I'm still learning the ins and outs of the Navigation system, but I am loving the MINI connected system and the overall feel/personality of the car. It's so much fun.

I've gotta say, I love the Thunder Grey with the white roof/mirrors. Nice color choice. I was trying to think of another car company that lets you do two-tone cars, and I couldn't think of one off the top of my head. It's so unique.

I was able to get a few more snapshots tonight, these are all iPhone 6 pics, but they turned out fairly well (I'm no photographer as you'll see).

Happy Motoring!

http://s172.photobucket.com/user/jos...1/library/Mini

 

Congrats!
Glad you finally got her! I've felt your pain the past few days when we've all been driving ours and you've had to wait. She looks great! Love the color combo. Not very often you'll see black stripes with the white roof, but it really works!

No goodie bag for me either. I think it's pretty rare to get one when you pick up the car. Hopefully we'll get ours in the mail.

Completely agree with you regarding the visibility. I was worried as some reviews said there's a pretty big blind spot, but I've found the opposite to be honest. It's amazing how open it feels for a small car.

The biggest fun I've had so far is playing with the voice activation stuff. Be sure to download the mini motoring guide app (which is pretty much the manual in app form). That lists all the voice commands.

Happy motoring!

 

Congratulations! The car looks awesome. Great color combination. No goodie bag for me.... Just 2 MINI logo key chains with the dealer info on the back. Enjoy both set of wheels!

 

Congratulations! The car looks great. I really like your wheels, and That interior is beautiful. I like how bright it makes everything look. Can you share some info about your phone mount? I was looking at the craven speed mount, but I am afraid that my phone (I 6+) will block the air vent.

 

They all look great, I didn't think i would end up liking the Mini so much. As far as goodies we got 2 keychains 1 that Said Mini And 1 that had a Mini that slid back and forth. 3 hats 4 small plush bull dogs, a Tufted Mini ladies wallet. 5 Bulldog mini pens. a rear view mirror cap.
we did buy 2 though. the order for my wife and 1 off the lot for my daughter.

 

Thanks for the kind words gents. Much appreciated.

UV, you car looks great. Excellent color choices. Love the photo expose'.

I have to take some time and read the manual and then figure out how I want to set the car up. I'm pretty much a "set and forget" type of guy. Not a fiddler by nature. Just need to know what all he car has and where I have to set things so its to our liking. I really want to set the nav screen so it stays at the zoom level I want..again, need to read the book.

Corvette was the same deal, tons of menus and sub menus, it 's mind-boggling. I just set some of it and left the rest for he next owner to learn.

Can't wait to drive it again tomorrow.

g'night, pip pip and Cheerio mates.

 

Thanks jlb, I'd be happy to share. The mount is called a ProClip, and I swear by them. I've used them for years in my cars and they've always been secure and done the job wonderfully. They aren't the cheapest mounts out there, they will run approximately $70 for the mount for the MINI, but in my opinion they're worth it. You basically buy two parts, the part that attaches to the car, and then the part that fits your phone model, so the iPhone 6+ for instance. I will say this... the MINI was the most difficult to put on that I've ever done. I felt like i was going to break something because I had to put so much pressure on it to clip it in, but finally got it. You can find more info at their website here:
http://proclipusa.com/

Cheers!

 

Thanks, USA-RET! And I'm the same way, I like to set and forget but I'm still playing with the options etc. The navigation is nice but I've yet to get the voice commands to work right. Need to do some reading myself I think

 

Thanks for the quick response. I just went to their site and looked at the phone holders, mount, and videos. Price wise it is a little less than the cravenspeed mount, so that is a plus. I also like how the phone is angled towards the driver, similar to the mount that I have in my Jeep.

 

WOW! That's some goodie bag. All I got was 2 paint chip's, minor but noticeable. Got scheduled 1 week later for repair. Took 4 day's (Really?). After waiting 3 months for my F56S to arrive you'd think I'd be use to waiting, but it was torture. Just to make it more aggravating my loaner was an F55 (4dr). I thought it was a major improvement over my R56 with one major drawback. Entry and egress, I especially hated exiting the vehicle, very uncomfortable/awkward. Otherwise a great ride. I did get 2 key chains with dealer logo which I don't consider to be much of a goodie.

 

No worries. I think you'll really be pleased with how it works if you go that route. Just be warned about the installation. It does work, I promise, don't give up.

 

Yes, I was blown away. Wife was going to order the stuffed Bulldog to keep in the back, instead it came in the goodie bag.

Also curious f any of the other dealers offer a "Second Date", with your car? Ours does. It's an RSVP deal they put on monthly at the dealership for all new owners. They provide an evening meal, and question and answer session with their service department manager (to resolve issues you may be having or just explain car operations, options, and how-to's), they also include a free gas tank fill up with 93 octane.

So far our dealership "Rocks".

Not to change the subject, but I'm looking at getting a phone mount for our car. In our C7 've been using a this one:


It has two different sized mounting slits based on the thickness of the area you are mounting to. It handy and solid and fairly inexpensive. Pix of it mounted in the C7 off the lighter pop-up. on console. Also used on in the Santa Fe on the vent louvers.

For the Mini I decided to go with something more integrated. The Craven appears to be a winner IMO:
http://www.cravenspeed.com/products/...nting-Kit.html
Neat video to watch on it's install and versatility

 

Nice cars guys!

It's always nice to hear when people finally get their MINIs! Many of us have been there.

USA-RET: I love your garage and wish mine was as clean as yours lol

 

I think you were wise to go with the cravenspeed mount, it looks like a pretty nice unit. I think either that or the proclip will make sure your phone stays mounted securely. Nice video as well.

To answer your question on the second date, my MA mentioned that when I picked up the car and would have done it this Saturday but I'll be out of town doing a Tough Mudder (don't ask me why hehe). Sounds pretty similar to what your MA mentioned as well. I think ours are monthly as well so he said I could probably jump onboard for the next one. Let us know how that goes.

Oh and I agree with sirius, your garage looks pristine, very nice!

 

Thanks for the kinds words Gents. The garage is a work in progress. Had the floor done in Polyura and cabinets put in. Got 95% of of everything off the floor and behind door. Still in the decorating mode. Have aa Neon clock coming along with more signage.

Here's a few more shots of our Mini. After seeing some of yours and other guys pix of their cars, I find ours to look pretty subdued. I need to add something to it to spice it up. Maybe some JCW scuttles and side graphics.