Hi all!

As a soon to be Mini owner, can ask you all a couple of things?

1. I have a genetic defect that makes my head explode if I pay dealers gouge (above MSRP) so I have to be very careful... Anyone know a good dealer in Southern California that I can order a Clubman from and pay list or a bit below? (I don't want an S if that makes any difference)

2. It seems from what I have read, that the sport handling package doesn't make a big difference. What do you think? The car will never see a track, and while I like good handling, I rarely drive really hard. Would I be happy without the sport package? Does going up a size on the tires/wheels make a real handling improvement? What do you do if you just hate run-flats?

3. What is your insurance cost like? Are they expensive to insure?

4. Do they have daytime running lights? Do other drivers see you? Does your driving seem more dangerous in such a small car? I do find the maneuverability to be a safety bonus, but I am really wondering if the typical Mini driver is dodging bad drivers all the time because the car is so small.

thanks!

D

 

Some answers...
1. I would never pay any surplus over MSRP - I've heard about the SoCal markups but look around, search this site - I'm sure you'll find one but you may have to travel a bit.
2. I just traded in an '07 Cabrio "S" that had the sport package with 17" runflat wheels for an '08 Clubman "S" without the sport package and 16" runflats. Other than feeling smoother (which I attribute to the longer wheelbase), I noticed little difference. , too, don't run tracks or rarely drive hard.
3. I don't think insurance is too much different - too many variables really.
4. You can program it to have daytime running lights or not - up to you.

ENJOY!!!

 

Don't have my Clubman yet, but a lot of your questions are, I think, applicable to the coupes as well.

1 - I'd never above MSRP, either. I remember back in 2006 some Cali dealers thinking they could get away with this. Call around or do what others have done and order it from another dealership, then road trip it back (great way to get intro'd to the car, get past the break-in, etc).

Also, if you're ordering, good luck paying below list.

2 - Go drive them. No one can tell you which you prefer better than you can. I have sport suspension on my '06 R53, and I hate it when driving some of the terrible excuses for roads in downtown Austin, but I love it when it comes to actually driving the car. Either way, I've heard the Clubbie is smoother thanks to 1) new suspension design for the R56/55 and 2) longer wheelbase.

If you hate runflats (as I do), I'd recommend the following: drive the OEM pair until they wear out. It shouldn't be long. Then swap out for regular tires and either carry a small compressor and can of Fix-a-Flat, or splurge on a small donut spare. The Clubbies have a leg up here, as they actually have room for one in the super-super-secret underfloor storage area.

3 - No idea about insurance. But your agent should be able to give you a quote.

4 - Yes, Mini's have DRLs. It's a programmable option, so you can turn the feature on or off, whichever you like.

Other drivers - well that depends on the driver, doesn't it? I used to drive a AA Yellow Land Rover Defender, and STILL had instances of people not seeing me.

Driving danger - I actually feel safer in the Mini than I have in any vehicle since that Defender. It's built sturdy (do a search for accident accounts on here...I've read some doozies), has great side-to-side visibility, great brakes, fantastic maneuverability.

Now, I DO spend a lot of time dodging bad drivers, but I've been obliged to do that with every vehicle I've ever owned, and dodging bad drivers is a LOT easier in a Mini than in a Defender, Xterra, or full-size pickup.

 

The Cooper version comes standard with non runflats, thus if you go that route you'll have a spare, albeit a small one.

Can't comment on sport suspension - never have had it. Have loved both my regular Coopers, and even though they've been automatic, I have always felt quite sporty (ask my passengers!) and find that it holds the road and more just fine. But Doogs is right - drive both yourself and see what you think. It never would even cross my mind to order it with sports suspension.

Can't comment on the insurance but will be able to soon as I now have my VIN # and the Clubman is sailing across the pond. The thing about insurance rates is that they are based not just on the car but upon where you live, how stealable the car is (it is not) and your driving record, etc. They are surely not known for being high on the insurance end.

These cars handle extremely well - it doesn't take a lot to move quickly out of the way of some insane driver and that is a huge plus on overcrowded roads - and makes it a joy to drive on country roads, as well!

 

From 07 cabrio to 08 clubman, difference was $40 a year!
USAA, $340/6 mo.

 

I also wanted no part of run-flat tires and their $$$ fix/replace costs.
I bought the 16" wheel upgrade (bridge spokes) with the all-season tire option vs,. the run flats. They are fine. When they wear out, I will upgrade to a better tire. I suspect with the all season tires I get a slightly more comfortable ride vs. run flats.

My 60's muscle car-type personal tastes have never acclimated to the look of large rims and low profile tires. The 16" size is a good compromise for me. More contempory, but not extreme.

 

All seasons are definitely a more comfortable ride vs. runflats. I will say, that I used to love the safety comfort factor that the runflats offered me while I was commuting daily on some not so great to have a flat on highways into Manhattan.

 

Good info everyone. thanks!

D

 

California dealer markup listing: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...dealer+markups

My MINIs cost $498/year each to insure, about $80 more than my truck probably because they're more expensive to fix.

 

Interesting as I read that thread, how some dealers would go from charging gouge, to not charging it a couple years later.

Anyone gone the internet or costco route with a mini?

thanks

D

 

With cars at the dealership, is that really possible? Seriously, could I expect a below list price?

 

Go to Long Beach Mini....no mark up.
Costco does not participate with Mini.

 

Not on an 08, unless the dealer has a really compelling reason to give you a deal... REALLY compelling... you know, like blackmail or something.

 

"like blackmail or something" Great sense of humor, Tim.

 

Thanks Otra. All my wife ever does is sigh and roll her eyes when I try to be funny.

 

Understood - my husband probably feels that way, too.

 

okay... I feel better now. I never thought it was possible but I had to ask. Blackmail? Hmmm, I wonder if I could figure something out!

 

amdoubleu is right....Go to Long Beach MINI - no BS

 

Funny you mention Costco...they had a 'justaCooper' on display in N. PDX last weekend. Hubby and I took a look as our Molly is still 10 Days from Delivery. NO other's looking at it though.

 

what he said... Just a few phone calls is all it took.

Too much BS from Crevier and Nick Alexander

 

Yes, it took 2 phone calls between me and Tony at Long Beach MINI to order my Clubman

 

PROST!!! we're on the same boat!! WHOOT! I'm tracking that puppy every few hours it seems... I've even launched google earth to see where it's at and where it's going! (panama canal looks cool from up here!)

 

1 - The only SoCal Dealer that I know of that is not charging a premium is Long Beach MINI. The drawback is they are only taking orders, none on the lot to speak of, unless you stalk the transport when it arrives.

2 - I know one person that has a non "S" Clubbie that he ordered. HE loves it and doesn't miss the HP or torque. He enjoys the handling and great MPG. He does like the grill on my "S" though.

3 - Daytime running lights can be programmed as another has stated. I have not had a problem being seen. If fact my Clubman (TAZ) is a head-turner. I have cars changing there speed to get a closer look at my car. It definitely stands out for a small package!

4 - Insurance is insurance. I believe they rate the car as a compact not a sports car, so the premiums are right in line with other vehicles in its class.

Here is my purchase experience. I wanted a H/C Clubman but couldn't find one on a lot without paying $2500 - 5,000 premium. RIDICULOUS! I called every dealer in CA, AZ & NV. Only two dealers sold at MSRP. Long Beach & Scottsdale AZ. Long Beach & AZ are several months of waiting so I went to NorCal and ordered for a minimum premium. With all of the problems in waiting. (Sat on the dock for 9 extra days because it missed its original transport). Then after being picked up, the transport sat in dock for another 8 days. The delays were killing me. I went from excited to frustrated to P.O.! So I started looking for H/C Clubmans on lots. None to be found. I did this for 3 days until I found one at a dealer that originally ticked me off b/c of it's premiums. So after careful negotiations I drove off with that MINI for MSRP. It was more loaded than the one I ordered and ended up being a couple of hundred less. I was able to get my deposit back and all is good. I love my new Clubman and will have been enjoying it 5 weeks before my order gets here. I've driven 500 miles in the first week! GET ONE!! You won't regret it. I waited three years for the Clubman! Don't hesitate!

I need to take more pics . . . I just tinted the window with Huper Optik SWEET

 

1. Go talk to Amanda White at South Bay Mini - all at MSRP, no BS, will order what you want and she is another full fledged Miniac! We got great service.

2. We went without the sport package as well but will the wheels and other sport pkg. options, sans suspension items - it's still a great handling car and quite firm.

3. Insurance - I can't recall off the top of my head but not terribly bad.

4. The idrive let's you program it how you want in terms of DRL.

Good luck with the order.