I am planning on going to Princeton Mini in the first week of december to buy a MCS. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions who I should speak to there and if there are any unknown discounts such as for NJEA members or AAA. Of course this is providing that Princeton Mini finally has in some of the new stock of 09's Morristown mini does however thats nearly a 2 hour ride or me. I live in Burlington NJ. I would appreicate any suggestions or information. Also any suggestions for a good tire place localy to purchase a good set of snow tires.
Thanks again.

 

Snows: TireRack (check the General Atimax, which is apparently a rebadged Gislaved, an excellent tire from all the the reviews, and inexpensive too) or here in NAM on the Marketplace. TireRack also has decent alloys under $100. Another GREAT tire is the Dunlop Wintersport M3 - I've had 3 sets and LOVE them, but they're significantly more expensive. TR will mount/balance for free, and you usually get them into NJ next day using their cheapest shipping. Discount Tire is also a good web retailer.

Car: Go the LAST week of Nov or Dec, deals may be better as they want to make their monthly numbers. Also, you may want to consider Mini of Pittsburgh - yes, it's a haul, but Graham's great and will treat you well. 412-682-0788. They do out-of-area sales. Heck, my folks are in NJ, I may be able to (very gently) deliver! Really good dealer, and no, I'm not compensated by them at all, just impressed.

Even though I'm in Pgh, I've had friends go to Princeton Mini while traveling and report that their service folks are good. Never dealt with their sales folks.

Good luck!

 

www.morristownmini.com (Morristown Mini).

Call Ed, General Sales Mgr.

 

Have you considered Mini of the Main Line or Ottos Mini both over the bridge Main line is closer but when I got my 07 MCc got a real good deal at Ottos. I delt with Stella, she is no longer there. When you get your Mini join Phillymini.org, great group of people and they get together often for drives that are a lot of fun. BTW I am in Burlington also, live just off 130 and Salem Rd.

 

for the tires, try on the marketplace here. I bought a used set of rims and tires here for a good price. also, try www.discounttiredirect.com they have free shipping. so for the tires ive ordered, its always come out to be cheaper.

 

I used to work at Princetion MINI (I chose to retire a few years ago). The sales manager's name is Jeremy Golis. I trained Jeremy as a sales person when he first arrived and he couldn't have been a better choice for MINI Sales Mgr. He is a straight up guy and a good person to talk to as to which Motoring Advisor would be best to help you. Don't be afraid to call him and tell him that Debbie Franks sent you. Most of all, have fun designing your MINI!
Debbie

 

+1 for Jeremy Golis at Princeton Mini.

 

I wanted to thank you all for your time and suggestions. I saw Morristown mini and well it is just a long haul. As far as across the bridge I did not even think of that. I live actually in Beverly off of 130 and Beverly road. I will talk to Princeton mini and even consider across the bridge. Thanks again one and all for your vaulable input.

 

I purchased my Clubman from Princeton Mini. The MA was Mike Trifiro. The experience was very good. The few concerns I had were taken care of by Jeremy Golis the Sales Manager. If I called him he either answered directly or returned the call very quickly. I have had warranty service done there and was treated very nicely and always given a loaner.

 

I forgot to ask a strange question. I hear when people buy snow tires they are also usually buying rims for them any paticular reason ? Is that a neccessity ?

 

Not a strange question at all: It's easiest (and best) to get rims and tires together - that way you're not mounting and dismounting tires onto the same rims every season (which is bad for the tires). Best for the tires, and your safety, to mount 'em up once and be done with it.

Financially, if you figure mounting and balancing 4 tires is about $80 each time (yes, that varies regionally), in about two seasons the rims pay for themselves, leaving alone the wear and tear on the tires. If you're leasing the mini, the rims/snows also have some resale value - which helps in the financial calculations. Besides, even with rims, a set of snows costs less (and is less hassle) than the deductible on your insurance when you sliiide into something!

It's also really easy to jack up the Mini at home (or at a Mini Club garage day) and slap on 4 tires if they're already on wheels. Not to mention that you get to change your "look" twice a year!

 

In a lot of places, including the MINI dealers, it is actually cheaper to buy them together (although MINI's are now attractive at all). Also, over the years I have noticed that for ease of use, it is so much easier to have the tires mounted and balanced once and then you can swap out your regular tires for your snows on your own (if you like to do that).

 

Oh - apologies to the Mini dealers, but don't buy tires/wheels there. For genuine Mini wheels, check the classifieds or marketplace here. For aftermarket wheels (what are better, lighter, stronger) and better -than-OEM tires, there are numerous alternatives. Probably the best: www.tirerack.com, and they support this site and a LOT of motorsports. An alternative would be discount tire (www.tires.com).

 

Thank you so very very much for the information that is very helpful. I figured those were the reasons I was just being overly curious. I just wanted confirmation was all.
Thanks again to each one who has assisted with my questions. I knew buying a Mini was the best choice the people who own them are the greatest group of drivers in the world. cudos to all of you.

 

ummmm... maybe because we're not driving, we're "motoring"

... and thanks. I've found the same thing. Just go to about any other car discussion board, there's no comparison.