Looking to purchase a 2008 Mini. Auto Trans, Power Windows Door Locks, and AC. Can anyone tell me what this will set me back, is the price negotilable? Is the Mini a dependable car? I live in the Phila. area. Thanks Leif

 

Build it on miniusa.com, that's what you will more than likely pay, especially for a 2008. Reliability has been pretty good so far.

 

Very dependable quirky car for sure. If your looking for fun exciting times that will change your life of driving forever...get a MINI. We just took delivery of our 08 (specs listed in signature) for 23K plus ttl for my wifes daily driver and she is loving it. Most MINI dealers are MSRP on price, so when you build it thats the price...no haggling except for freebies.

 

Boy you guys are fast. Thanks for the information. This will be my wifes DD. How does the Mini handle in the snow? (Oops I said snow hope this does not jinx us) Leif

 

Well I have never driven mine in snow but from what I hear they are great. I know there will be others to give testimony to it. I have driven on ice and lots of rain with absolutely no problems!

 

That's good to hear. That's one of the reasons I'm dumping my RX-8. It is terrible on the snow, it's RWD and very light. Plus the RX-8's gas mileage is horrendous.

 

Watch out for that configurator, it's like crack!

 

Ain't that the truth!!! I've been on that thing everyday for the past 2 months trying to figure out what the heck I want!! Still don't know

 

That it is...when I first got on there about 2 1/2 years ago I spent 3 months on that darn thing...then I had a 6 month wait to get it after I ordered!!! YIKES! Our 08 only took about 5 weeks from order to delivery and boy am I glad as I might have needed counseling if I had to do 6 months all over again for our 2nd MINI

 

If you get the right kind of tires, it will do fine - as long as it's not 2 feet deep of course. Do a search in the wheels/tire forum here and there will be ALL kinds of good info. for you to read...

Donna

 

downingtown is kind of drive to call it the philadelphia area.
haggle for the freebies. ask what the hold back is on the car.
hold backs are what the dealership makes on each car sold.
try and get him to say the car will last way past 100,000 miles and ask him to back it up by giving you a warranty till 75,000 on everything. its a good trick and helps your peace of mind.

 

One thing I would add (I realize you are keeping the price down) is DSC. I was a skeptic about it and did not order it myself, but after seeing a video of what it can do I wish I had ordered it myself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3m24...eature=related

 

You may need a snow tire. MINI 15" allow you to save substantial money on tires. Spend the money on safety as well. Things like DSC and Xenon lights are well worth it. Add the heated seats as well.

 

MINIs on Ice!

 

I built mine on miniusa.com, and took the info in to Ottos mini in West Chester. My MA told me that would be the price I paid, and it was. I did have to wait because I ordered mine (4-5 week turnaround). DEFINITELY worth the wait and the purchase. Power doors/locks and AC are all standard features... I've had mine since August, no problems so far, even in the mixed up weather we've been having.

 

Check out MINI Canada for videos of the MINI in the snow (skip the animation and you'll get real life videos)

 

My experience with Otto’s was more than satisfactory as well.

 

The Mini USA website is just too darn cool...the combinations of colors/interiors/audio/wheels is at times overwhelming, or just confusing...like a kid in a candy store...I am still trying to make up my mind on what will be the best Mini for us. I don't think the wife will want to drive too often as she has not seem interested in our Z06...but then again she does say the Mini's are 'cute'

 

I see you didn't spec a sunroof and think you are wise not to (some will argue this, but in our experience it is hot in the summer and about useless when open because of wind buffeting). Have you considered an '07? Dealers around here are discounting them and they are almost identical to the '08's. Of course you'll have a hard time finding one in stock without the dreaded sunroof.

Rob M.

 

Same here. Purchased two MINIs from them and got great deals on both.

 

OTTO's, in West Chester--they have been a BMW dealer for about 40 years and wa MINI dealer for a nubmr since MC2. Pick what you think you want but the packages have many of the good items plus. Must have bixenon lights and the rest is your choice. If you go there see Michele, she is young but knowledgable and easy to get along with. Don't expect anything other tha MSRP

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=123788

 

Hey Leif,
Just bought myself one last week. '08, all of the above, but with a power sunroof/moonroof. It was under $23K. I was able to negotiate $500, but felt I could have done a little more. However, from what I've read, $500 is about on target for negotiating. And yes, I have friends who did much more research than I have who chose the MINI over any other car.

I, in a roundabout way, also asked for the good floormats to be thrown in AFTER I bought the car, and they did it for me. Plus, I asked for the bulldog keychain since I am a dog lover And it's arriving via DSL in a few days

Hope that helps!
Sharon

 

Go play on miniusa.com. I just bought my MINI, off the lot because technically I can't afford the MINI of my dreams just yet. But the one I bought has answered my prayers. Any MINI is a good MINI!! I go on the configurator everyday just to see what I can come up with. I love my sunroof---however haven't experienced a FL summer with it yet. That and all the other windows are so getting tinted before May

 

Better than most; I keep a second set of wheels for my winter tires though.
Here's a pic on the Cherohala: