Well, unfortunately, being in Iraq I can't go to the dealership and put in my order. So, I did the next best thing, I went to the dealership before I left, talked to my MA, test drove, the whole nine yards. So after 5 months of cruising NAM for the perfect color combinations that I lie best I finally submitted my order over the configurator. My MA sent me the paperwork in the mail, I signed it off, wrote out the deposit, and I just gottas mail her off. Here's my configuration:
paintWhite Roof/Mirrors $0Lightning Blue Body Color $450White Turn Signals $100 packageCold Weather Package $300 Heated Front Seats Heated Side Mirrors and Washer Jets Premium Package $1,400 Automatic AC Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof Leather Sport Wheel w/Multifunction Sport Package $1,400 Dynamic Stability Control Xenon Headlamps w/Power Wash 17" Crown-Spoke (Performance) White Bonnet Stripes performanceSport Suspension $500White Alloy Wheels $0Front Fog Lamps STDRear Fog Lamp $100Limited Slip Differential $5006-Speed Getrag Manual STD cockpitSport Seats STDChrome Line Interior $200On-Board Computer STDAnthracite Headliner $200Cream White Color Line $200Leather: Lounge Carbon Black $1,900Computer Nav. System $2,100Comfort Access System $50010-Speaker. Hi-Fi Sound System $550Interior Surface Piano Black $200 TOTAL MSRP AS CONFIGURED*$32,450
Sorry I cant delete this, just used it as guide to type it out. Anyways, my MA gave me a BS line about how the already too high deposit of 1000 wasnt high enough, and that with Nav equipped cars it makes the management staff more comfortable if I put down a bigger downpayment. So they asked for a $2500 one. Oh well, it all goes towards the car anyways. My coworkers are so sick of hearing about it. They thought it was the end today, once I got the paperwork. Little do they know Now all the fun things are ahead, getting a production number and following it all the way across the atlantic. Just another reason to look forward to coming home. Thanks NAM for listening

 

Out of curiosity, what dealership did you order from?

Congrats on the pending MINI!

 

I had to put down a $2000 deposit on a non-nav equipped car, so no worries. Like you said, just put it toward the down payment and it's all good.

Congrats on the order! Sounds like a sweet ride! Enjoy the wait, it is REALLY hard! I'm picking mine up today though!!!

 

Oh, duh, I can't believe I left that out. It's Checkered flag mini of Virginia beach. It's the closest one to my house ( 200 miles :() My MA is Simon Biggs, who has been execllent to work with.

-Rattmobins, I saw your pics of our car. Very nice, almost switched mine to CR because of it. I was orinigally going to go with CR.

 

Congrats! Looks like you've got a real nice MINI on the way!

Love that LiB!

Also, a real big Thank You to you and the rest of our servicemen & women doing tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Be safe, take care, and hurry home.

Just think, when you get stateside your new MINI will be waiting!

Motor On!

 

Congrats on the purchase, my R53 was a war trophy I ordered from overseas. I wonder how many MINI's are ordered over the phone like that.

 

Thanks, and DO IT!!! I <3 Chili Red. There is no other color to paint a MINI in my opinion.

 

That will be fun to come home to. Take care and keep your head down.

 

I'm so excited it's unreal. But, I figure I'll take it a day at the time. First step, get that production and vin number

 

Congratulations...and a big THANKS for what you do from this end! So what made you change from the CR? Just curious. Oh, and dont mind your co-workers, its not just them, its everyone that is around you at all that will tire of hearing about your car...thats what we're here for! I know my friends and family just shake their heads at me whenever the MINI is mentioned!

 

Congratulations, A nice set of specs. Time will go fast for you. Stay safe.

 

I dunno I mean originally there was a used CR/w 2003 sitting in a parking lot for sale, that I was awestruck by. Then there was a CR/CR at the dealer that looked oh so good. But, in the end I think it was the wife that insisted we get "metallic paint" and quite frankly I couldnt make up my mind. i like them both equally, honestly.

 

You know you could have ordered one tax free and also got a discount on the price? BMW Military Sales takes orders from people just like you who are deployed downrange, and desiring if new car. If you want some info on who to call/email, let me know, and I will get it to you.

 

The problem is that they don't do it for Minis in Iraq. I already contacted them. It sucks.

BTW - Where are you in Iraq?? I am up in Mosul.

 

Ya I checked into the mini military sales and they dont do it for Iraq :( Im over in Al Asad, patiently waiting.

 

You guys let me check with the guy that runs Bavarian Motorcars here in Germany... a couple of weeks ago he said something about this and being able to arrange for pick-up in the U.S. I'll run it down just to be sure... I wouldn't want you to miss out if there is a deal to be had... you do too much for the country... I'll make the phone call tomorrow, and see if he can do anything to help you out.

I was there in 2005, but I was in Tikrit, then Bayji, then Ash Sharqat.

You guys and the other soldiers over there are always in my prayers... Stay safe. I will get back with you as soon as I get an answer.

 

I just got off the phone with the dealer, and it can be done. It is a process, and it might not be tax free depending on your state/county. If interested, let me know via pm. The dealer is actually going to send me an email now with prices and other information.

 

Diaemus,

Nice configuration. That's one well optioned Mini! I know you will love it.

I want to thank you, Teeam Ham, MiniManiac74, Deviant and the rest of those who faithfully serve. May the Lord bless and keep you and your families. You remain daily in our prayers.

 

Thanks Teeam Ham, not saying it's too late or anything, but I'm trading in my Focus when i get back, so thats why I optioned to go through a dealer. I appreciate the effort UPDATE: They finnaly got the check and order sheet a week ago and unfortunately my MA had to take some time off for a family emergency. So, a week later, I finally hav my production number! I also specced the alarm from the factory since it wasnt too late.

 

We bought both of our MINIs from Simon at Checkered Flag as well, and you're right - he is a great guy. He's also very active in the local MINI community. He's one of the guys that put together the Guiness Book of World Records event earlier this year.

 

Teeam Ham, I just called the Ohio title burea and being that I'm military and purchasing out of state, it's tax free anyways. Once again, thank you. Ya, I like Simon alot. For the irst time I went to test drive a car, it wasnt like let me cram in the back with you. He just threw me the keys, said be back in a couple of hours and explained a nice little back street route, then told me to take it to the beach. Unfortunateley, we were running short on time as my family was in town, otherwise I could've drove it all day long. I definately plan on joining Seven Cities Mini and getting active in the community, although im like 200 miles from Norfolk.

 

Congrats on your purchase. It sounds like a great car. Stay Safe!

 

Just got word from the MA, production starts the 1st week of september

 

Congratulations. I don't know if Simon gave you an estimated delivery date, by my car was a first-week-of-September production last year. The car should be at the dealership by the end of September. Mine was actually delayed a month because they accidentally stamped my car with a 2007 VIN (it's a 2006), so it had to be recalled to the factory to be fixed. But it got to the docks in Southampton the *first* time on September 12th, so it would have easily had time to make it to the dealer by the end of September if it hadn't been recalled.