I know I should be patient and all, but it shouldn't take 3 days to weld a car. "Smudge" was born 5/29, and since then nothing, this could drive a normal man,(or even a damn Brit) to drink, but I haven't got my car and can,t drive anywhere

 

Heh, heh, heh.... been there, felt that.

Sometimes the system won't update status for a few days - then makes a big jump...

 

I hate to give the kind folk at MINIUSA another person calling hourly but, if you call their 1800 number, they are much more accurate on where your car is then the OL

 

Yea, the web page does not keep up with what is actually happening. You have to call 866-ASK-MINI (866-275-6464) if you really want to know. Try not to call them every five minutes.

 

or just keep track of who you talk to...that way maybe they won't catch on! ;-) Congrats on the birth :-)

 

This is from a live person

 

My experience with the phone people was also excellent-- while the web site lags by hours or days, one almost gets the impression that the phone guy is in a glass booth in the middle of the factory. "Yes, dark silver? Why there it is over there having the wheels put on, should be on its way in two days."

Be warned that once the car is turned over to the boat people, it is out of his view and you're at the mercy of the shipper. Some boats have websites and are easy/fun to track, the Sagitarius Leader had squat so my next update when when it came ashore in San Diego to be degreased & shipped.

 

Try not to call every 5 min I had to restrain myself from calling every 35 seconds. In fact I keep checking the Southampton Harbo.r radar too see if I can see the ship pull out. I know I'm NUTS!:impatient

 

I called once a day and got a status report. I also asked for a projection on the next 24 hours.
While they punched in the numbers and waited for it to come up I asked small talk questions. Several I talked to were extremely nice and candid.
I take it by conjecture that updating MINI buyers wasn't the only job. A couple of them said they loved it when they got calls from folks asking about the production of their MINI. "Makes your day when you talk to somebody so excited about their MINIs".
If you get one you like, ask for their extension and then you can call them back. I talked to several and each was convincingly, sincerely enthusiastic.
Sure has helped the wait.

 

I skipped all of your pain by buying a used MINI. Instant gradification!