I would think that being a limited edition (ie. theft risk) will have more impact on insurance than horsepower

 

I didn't even really think of theft. I myself think it will be listed in insurance as a trim. I may still reserve one and keep checking with my agent to see if they find anything out. Now I just have to pay off my 03 by delivery time...

Not worth trading it in as I have a lot of accessories on my Cooper.

 

$31150....kinda pricey don't ya think?

 

I think that's a good deal. I've seen a bunch of upper 30's regular JCWs.

 

I was going to figure $35k, so $31150 is a great price methinks. The question will be if the cars will be all the same like the MC40 or will there be any kind of available options???

The only thing that ticks me off are the standard seats in the car, but I suppose thats an easy, but expensive and at the expense of safety, fix. Though I love the fact that there's no back seat.

 

Yeah well at least those were configurable to one's desires, not a "take it or leave it" factory configuration like that MC40 contraption. JB

 

It's not like MINI is making a fundimental shift to sell ALL of the MCS JCW's that way. It's only 415. If you don't like it, don't get it.

It's probably already to late for anyone that wants one that isn't already on a list somewhere at this point anyway.

 

Thank you, I won't. JB

 

What is SLT or LS?

I think your both wrong. US insurance companies use a formula based on many factors, mostly centered on the risk (after all, insurance is just risk management) of the driver coupled with the repair factor for the car.

All things being even in terms of a driver, I would expect it to be cheaper to ensure that a comparably equiped $40K JCW convertable.

The really big issue is the driver. How young? Driving History? Credit rating ... yes credit rating, etc. See http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/...ar/P145324.asp

"the major determining factors fall into four basic areas:

• You. Your age, gender, marital status, driving record and record of prior claims play a major role in determining your risk level and therefore the premium you will pay. ...
• Where you live. Living in an urban area typically triggers higher rates due to increased incidence of theft and accident claims -- both of which are statistically higher in and around cities.
• Your vehicle. The type of vehicle you drive greatly affects the rates you pay. Vehicles that have a high frequency of claims (sports cars) or are expensive to repair (luxury cars, SUVs) are prone to higher premiums. ...
• How you use your vehicle. Statistically, the more miles you drive, the greater chance you have of being involved in a crash. High annual mileage will result in higher premiums."

 

So you're saying that all other things being equal, two equally priced cars will have the same insurance rate even if one is more likely to be stolen (due to the value of the parts or exclusivity of the car)?

 

I love my JCWS and adding up all my additions and factory upgrades I have spent just under 31. Any Mini approaching 40 as good as it may sound technically I really don't think it is worth it. I don't mean it is not a great car, it is a wonderful but once you get close to the number 40 a whole bunch of other car possibilities open up that are in a completely different league. I am sure that is one reason why they kept the production numbers low.

 

Low??? They are selling 2000 of those things ... why are you saying low ... 420 is only the US market.

 

420 for the WHOLE of the US is low.

 

23K MCS sold in US last year. Thats about 2% of production.

2% of production is not "low". LOW is when there are like 17 cars made in a configuration. Just take a look at what sells the best at Barrett-Jackson. Certain colors for certain model and they tell you that like 8 cars were ordered that way (or whatever). 2% is BIG. It will never be "unique" or anything like that since there are just too many of them.

If Lotus imports 300 Exiges this year and produces say only 7 in Phantom Black then that will be a rare car.

 

That's where I disagree.

 

I have to disagree as well. But, hey, everyone's allowed their own opinion.

 

Moot point now. My dealer's allocation of 5 GPs have all been spoken for, and there is a waiting list in case anyone drops off. And this isn't even in CA.

 

I don't see where you had