So, i've been raving about getting a Velvet Red '04 because my dealer assured me i could still get the color and it would be phased out, not outrightly discontinued.

Well... he left me a message the other day saying we had to talk about color choice *pause - perhaps a tie adjustment* "because I might not be able to get the Velvet Red. I'll be out till Saturday, give me a call and we can talk about it. Hope I didn't ruin your day."


*deep breaths* - all i want is a Velvet Red. :evil: Now, i personally don't mind what year it is, '04 or '03. i'm just miffed that i was lead to believe i could get the '04. They took the deposit, cashed the deposit and reassured me without any hint that I couldn't get it. i'm really hoping i can still get an '03 (though a friend advised that was a bad move because it would be a year old in a few months and have less value or something of the sort.) *stomping feet* 'But, i want Velvet Red!!!!'

i guess i'll find out what's up tomorrow. i have resigned myself to an all black MC with chrome mirrors if push comes to shove - but it better not.

<end rant> thanx for letting me vent.

 

Most people suggest buying a year ahead--and for good reason--particularly when you're this close to the next year... but... seriously, don't sweat it. And if you want velvet red then I think velvet red you should have. It's an awesome color, and in a few months, it will also be a retired color. So you'll never see a whole lot of 'em around. You'll be super special

 

Actually, if you buy an 03 now, it will appear to have less mileage per year by say, 06 than an 04. If you wanted to sell it or trade it in, it would be to your advantage in this case.

 

If you're worried about a car holding it's retail/puchase price value, don't buy one. Unless you plan on hating your 2003 VR MINI and selling it right away and are worried about losing $$$, then don't worry about it's year and perceived value. Get what you want, get what makes you happy. Look at the bright side... car insurance on an 03 might be a bit cheaper than an 04? Who knows. (I don't) Trust me, you won't even consider getting rid of this car for years, and when you do, it'll be to get another!

 

If you want Velvet Red, by golly, you should have it!

BTW, I heard that VR color is nice looking

 

It's not mysterious or a conspiracy...basically your dealer was misinformed about the possibility of getting Velvet Red for 04 (it's not possible, it's been discontinued). Whether he knew already knew that or not (when he took your deposit and let you to believe that VR was an O4 option), he has just found out. Further, he's just found out that he has used his dealer's entire allocation of 03 orders and any order submitted now will be for 04. Your order is being submitted now...and thus it's an 04...and thus no VR. That's it.

Now, you might be able to be a squeeky enough wheel to convince him to modify one of his last 03 orders (that's still possible) to VR and to allocate it to you. Bear in mind that you'll be convincing him to screw another future owner (the one who the order was actually for)...but hey, all seems fair in love and ordering Minis

If you can't deal with that, then do the squeeky wheel thing again and demand your deposit back and shop elsewhere. There are bound to be some dealers somewhere who haven't actually ordered their full allocation of 03's. They maybe can still get you an 03 VR. It'll require a lot of phone work and quickly...but it may be possible.

And the lesson for everyone else considering a Mini order is to know that your order isn't placed just because a dealer takes your deposit. Rather, an order isn't an ORDER until you get a production number. Some (many?) dealers are taking deposits to be on the waiting list...not the actual order list. When it gets down to the end of the model year and disappearing colors, knowing when your order is actually placed can be very important.

Good luck! I love VR too, and would have like to had it as an option for my MCS (it wasn't). Let us know what happens.

 

You could get a new color instead. Be the first on your block with baby blue or orange.

 

Bah!!! That just stinks!!! VR was my second choice of color and it is beautiful. Jsun gave some good suggestions, so I won't repeat what he said. I think you still have a good chance of getting what you want, maybe even sooner if there is a dealer that has an '03 already in their inventory.

As a member of the first discontinued color club, I will add that having a rare color makes you unique among an already unique crowd. My fingers are crossed for you that you'll get your VR Cooper.

 

A rare MINI club? Neat idea. Only for discontinued colors or basic factory errors- you know the factory goofed up and put on the wrong door or bumper, made some non standard combination or other freak of nature happening. My dealer says it happens all the time- I think I will start a new thread about this. But first I will do a search.

Anyway, nightowl,
I sent you a PM about your VR options and some ideas how to get one now.

Good luck and Aloha,
Da hune

 

From what my dealer said they will honor ANY order for VR so you may get a 2003 or 2004. I'd hurry up and order one quickly though because at some point they'll quit taking orders too!

Good Luck! :smile:

 

That is unfortunate nightowl. There is a VR MINI here in Jacksonville, FL at Tom Bush MINI, it has a CVT and cordoba beige leather, I just saw it today, if you want their number I can get it for you!
-David :smile:

 

I've purchased many cars at the end of the model year (on most you can get a good deal but not MINI, same price not matter what) i never had a problem selling them later because as stated above less mileage. I wouldn't worry about that, recent stats show that the MINI holds value pretty good.

 

>>Further, he's just found out that he has used his dealer's entire allocation of 03 orders and any order submitted now will be for 04. Your order is being submitted now...and thus it's an 04...and thus no VR. That's it.<<


Well, there is good news. i didn't think that Brig would intentionally mislead me about the color availability... i just got my hopes up and the point of putting off my order so long was to wait for the '04s. So, i could've comfortably ordered my VR with no worries two months ago.

i'm thinking (with the above quote) that this is what happened. i talked to him today and it sounded like he busted **** to get me my color. :smile: He quickly mentioned that they (the computer, i assume) wouldn't let him access the color and that he had to "trade" with somebody for it. He also muttered something about it being the last or close to the last 'day' that '03 orders could be placed. Hoorah! And to prove it, i officially got my production number today - late Aug.


>>You could get a new color instead. Be the first on your block with baby blue or orange.<<


Thanx everyone for the support and advice, it's appreciated. i just said bah! to my naysayers and will be in my VR ITYBTY by fall.

 

Hooray, for you!!!

Now you can join the few, the proud, and soon-to-be-discontinued Velvet Red owners club

 

Yeah! Your dealer came through for you! Thus the power of persistence and information.

Enjoy your VR. It'll look great.

 

Contact MINI of Sterling, they have had since OCTOBER a VR MC with NAV, leather, Cold Weather, Aero Kit, Driving Lights, Lojack, and quite a few other stuff sitting on their lot. This car spent several months on the lot and several more in the showroom.

Call them, pester them, they've had the car for ages, break them down and convince them to give you a good deal. (Just don't tell them you got the idea from me! :smile: )

 

hmmmm. i went to the owner's lounge, put in my production # and up popped. Indi Blue '03 MC...... uhhhhhh.