I'm currently on the waiting list for a MCS at Flow Mini here in North Carolina, but they're giving me an estimated delivery date of May 2003 (!!) and I've already been on the waiting list for 2 months.

On a whim, I started calling other dealerships in the southeast and was told by a couple (Greenville, SC and Orlando, FL) that they could get me a build-to-order MCS by December!

The only gotcha was that (for the Orlando dealership) the car had to be titled in the state of Florida and that I had to have Florida insurance for the car. I have family in Florida, so the title isn't a problem, but I'm worried about the insurance part.

Has anyone else purchased a Mini out of state? Did you run into any problem as a result?


thanks!

 

You might check the Dealer Rating System. I seem to recall that the Florida dealers were price gouging.

 

I personally did not buy out of state, but ALOT of people on here have. Responses seemed to be positive....my dealership was fine, but if I had had a problem I would have bought out of state too.....
That is an awfully long wait list....last time I checked up here the wait for an S was like 5 months or so. I waited for just over 3 for my Cooper. Dave made a good suggestion in saying to check the dealer ratings....if you locate another dealership in the next state over or even further away in Fla that sounds good, it couldn't hurt to call around....hell they might have a Mini that matches your specs on a lot someplace that you could just take home now without the astronomical wait......

 

There are no MINI dealerships in New Mexico where I live, so I had to buy out of state. I just showed them proof of insurance and paid for the vehicle. It has a temporary tag from Arizona. I should be getting the paperwork to register it in New Mexico soon. Other than having to drive 400 miles for service, I don't see any problem with buying out of state.

FatBob,
Electric Blue S

 

I live in Oregon and bought my S from Roadshow MINI in Memphis TN. Had NO problems with them. They even said that alot of their business has been from out of state buyers. They do not charge a penny over sticker. VERY easy to work with. Had my shipping included with the financing. Car arrived at my doorstep, literally.

R

 

OUTA STATE!! I bought mine in Atlanta at Global Imports 678-569-7550 !!
I live in Fl!! All the Dealers in Fl. ADD to the MSRP!! Orlando as much as 1600.00 !! The people at Global were on the money!! Call Karen and she will help you!! When you buy from out of state.. the selling dealer give you a temp tag good for 30 days!! your car insurance will usually carry a new car for 30 days also..to give you time for the paperwork!! Florida is just strange on auto purchases!!

That gives you time to get back to Carolina and get the stuff from your home state!! MOST finance companys will send the money to the state DMV for reg and tags anyway!! SOoo... ask your finance company... Call Karen at Global, and LETS MOTOR!!

 

I bought from Memphis too. I'm in Dallas, Tx and buying out of state has saved me hours of time!! Roadshow made it easy. my only complaint is they forgot to put on my stripes and now I have to do it... so just go down the list with them on a email. yes I paid sticker, no over charge!

 

Thanks for all the replies. This certainly gives me a lot to chew on.

What about service? Do you have to take the car to a MINI dealership for the scheduled maintenance or can you go to a local BMW dealership?

 

Hi,
I am writing to you from the dealership here in Buffalo NY. I just wanted to let you know that we currently have 7 Cooper "S" available on our lot for immediate delivery. We also are taking special orders for 2003 models and our delivery time is approximately 10 to 12 weeks. If you are interested or have any questions or know anyone else who is interested please contact me at 716-505-2100 ext. 423 or by e-mail at nicole@townemini.com

Thanks,
Nicole Kauder @ Towne MINI