Hi. "Lili" and I will be relocating to the East Bay area in a few weeks and wanted to a feel for what is out there. The Mid-South isn't a very Mini-freindly environment (until the gas prices shot up) so I was hoping the East coast might have a different mindset!!! Just hoping for any suggestions about Clubs, dealerships (she's still under waurantee) or any other helpful hints!!
Hope to here soon because she should be arriving by FedEx the 3rd week of March. BTW Any suggestions on other covered auto transports from TN to CA would be GREATLY appreciated!!! The quotes I get are OUTRAGEOUS...but I think that she's worth it!!

 

When in the east bay (Oakland) be sure to check these guys out!
Bay Bridge Motors

 

but you're looking at over a grand for covered transport. You might think about driving out, as it's the best way to see the USA!

There are a lot of clubs in the area as well... Where exactly will you be living? I'm about half way down the Penisula/south bay.

Matt

 

Check out http://redwoodempiremini.com and our forums (they get much more traffic in these parts than NAM) at http://www.redwoodempiremini.com/mbb...egory-view.asp.

Our club is free to join and the forums are free to participate in. To gain full access to the forums though, you have to be a member. We now have over 540 member cars and over 900 members, although the number of active or semi-active members is about 1/4 of that number.

Our club is centered in the North Bay area, but we have satelite chapters in the Sacramento Valley, Mount Shasta-Redding area, and the East Bay Area, with a new chapter scheduled for the Stockton-Modesto area in the second half of 2009.

I had one of our MINIS transported on an open truck from Florida. It took all of 3 full days to get here (ours was the second to last car to be dropped off). The cost was around $800 and I gave the driver a $50 tip. If you want to consider open transport I can highly recommend the company I used.

 

Be sure to put on your calender a visit to Nevada City for the 8th annual "Nevada City Adventure"
The 8th "Nevada City Adventure" for Mini Coopers is set for Saturday, May 16th, 2009 beginning 8:00 a.m. and ending at approximately 5:00 p.m. Held annually in heart of the gold country, this event celebrates both the Classic Mini as built by BMC (and Rover) and the latest MINI Cooper as built by BMW. Planning is now underway to insure this will be the biggest gathering in the history of Mini Mania in the Gold Country.

Events planned include:
* Vendor Arcade- Supplies will demonstrate product and answer questions.
* On-site Dyno Testing - measure the wheel HP of your MINI/Mini- reservations required- call for details
* 'People's choice' car show with awards in a multiple of classes!
* Nevada Country tour- see some of the best of the Gold Country
* Silent Auction- Great products at only the price you want
* Raffle- Take your chance and win your choice of great products
* Free Dyno Test drawing- Every entrant will be eligible for some great prices!
* Mini Mania Open House- 15,000+ parts, 10% Discount on most parts.

 

I'm actually thinking to locate around Emeryville on the East Bay. (Close to the city & not far from work). Going to try to make the most of my California adventure (big city living for this Southern girl!!!)