Hi all. After wanting a convertible for years, and looking at everything from a Mazda MX-5 to an Infiniti G37, I've decided to buy a 2011 Mini Cooper S Convertible for the pure fun factor.

I really want the MINI Connected feature, and I couldn't find any 2010 S models in stock that I liked, so I'm about to go place a custom order at the dealer. I'm looking at these options:

- Laser Blue
- Six-speed manual transmission
- Cold weather package
- Dynamic Stability Control
- MINI Connected package

I'm contemplating getting the upgraded stereo and also spending the extra bucks to add navigation to the MINI Connected package.

Any other advice on worthwhile options? Do I have any chance of negotiating price with the dealer?

Thanks,
--R

 

Having just ordered my Convertible S - I do have a few tips.

If you are a Costco member, check out their car buying service. We did - only to find that the closest Costco participating was in the next state. Didn't stop me, got the quote in writing from them and took it down to my local Mini where they gladly matched the quote. We even saved enough on the sales tax that it paid for the extended warranty.

A few things we definitely added:

1. Arm rest
2. Kardon stereo system (we could definitely tell a difference)
3. Extended warranty

There is a current $1,000 rebate on 2011s so check that out too.

Good luck - keep us posted on what you order and all the details.

 

I bought a 2009 MINI "S" quite like what you are contemplating. After looking at other convertibles, I too decided the MINI would be the most "fun." And after 1 1/2 years and 18,000 miles I still feel that way.

Get what you want when you order so that you will have no regrets later.

I thought of the NAV but instead went with a mount from Craven and a Garmin.

 

Well, I pulled the trigger and placed my order:

1113 Cooper S Convertible
A59 Laser Blue metallic paint
K9E1 Carbon Black Leatherette
ZCW Cold Weather Package
313 Power Folding Mirrors
314 Heated Mirrors and Washer Jets
494 Heated Front Seats
ZSP Sport Package
2GD 17" alloy wheels, conical spoke
522 Xenon headlights
5DT Dynamic Traction Control
785 White turn-signal lights
302 Anti-theft alarm system
387 Convertible wind deflector
430 Auto-dimming exterior mirrors
431 Auto-dimming rearview mirror
473 Center armrest
502 Retractable headlight washers
521 Rain sensor and auto headlights
5AA Rear fog lamp
674 Harman-Kardon sound system
6NF Smartphone integration
6UH Real Time Traffic Information
6VC Combox controller
7L5 MINI Connected with Navigation
606 MINI Navigation System
620 Voice-command
6NE Comfort Bluetooth and USB/iPod adapter
6NM MINI Connected
7L7 Adaptive Xenon Headlights
524 Adaptive light control
8S4 Variable Light Decoding

Did I miss anything? :-)

Supposedly the order went in today and it will show up in 6-8 weeks.

Wow!

--R

 

You will get yours in 6-8 weeks? I ordered mine last week and was told that I wouldn't get mine til sometime in February. And I am living in Europe right now so they don't have to ship it across the pond. I guess I will have to check with my dealer here to see what is going on with my order.

 

Looks like you went "whole-hog" Congratulations, you will love it.

 

6-8 Weeks does sound somewhat optimistic but I didn't even realize they were taking orders with MINI Connected yet so what do I know?

 

I was offered MINI Connected, but I couldn't see the $1500 price tag for it. It looks like a neat gadget, but I don't think that I really need it. Besides, for the navigation, I already have a Garmin and a TomTom. Those 2 items are a MUST have for traveling in Europe. The highway system over here isn't like in the States. You could take an exit and then spend the next hour trying to get back on the highway.

 

Well, "six to eight weeks" was the off-the-cuff figure given by my MA; once I get the production number I expect I will get some more concrete information.

The current features of MINI Connected isn't greatly compelling, but I expect more to come as they update the iPhone app. Plus I am a nerd and it's just cool.

--R

 

Do you need option # 927 all season tires?

 

I don't think I need all season tires; it doesn't snow here in Northern California (and I don't think I would be driving the MINI up to Lake Tahoe in the winter).

Is it true that there is no spare tire on the S models?

--R

 

Is there currently a $1000.00 rebate on on 2011 s hardtops too?

 

I just checked with my dealer and was informed that there is no rebate on 2011's. Where is this info coming from?

 

fidge, see comment #5 in link below

http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/11/...ober/#comments

 

I saw that comment on motoringfile, but what is it exactly? My dealer didn't say anything about it.

 

if your dealer is saying otherwise, then it's time to go for another dealer. mine has no problem with it. the whole point of letting them know that you know about this incentive is just for leverage on dealing for the best price. it's up to how you wheel and deal... good luck.

 

Ok, but what is the deal?

 

No spare on 2009 "S" convertible. the exhaust is in the middle and unless they put it in the trunk, I don't know where it could go. Hence the run-flats...which I replaced.

Many folks worry about not having a spare. Those of us that also ride motorcycles - especially those who tour long distance - don't.

 

I noticed you spec'd the 6nE option. Isn't that comfort bluetooth without smartphone option? You might want the 6NF instead.

... I wish the SatNav were a touch screen. Then the screen would help you as an exact, but larger, extension of the iPhone (or smartphone of choice). I would be able to navigate my phone, playlists, albums, videos, messages....I mean my passenger would be able to do that!

 

Derepente, I have both 6NE (Comfort Bluetooth) and 6NF (Smartphone integration); they are both required with MINI Connected.

A funny thing happened when I created an account on the MINI Owner's Lounge web site -- my production number showed up as a different car! It turns out that MINI recycles production numbers, and it takes a few days for the order to filter through their system. Today the Owner's Lounge is showing the correct information.

As for the spare tire, I guess if I ever switch out the run-flat tires I could get the Mini Fini spare tire holder. I'm not too worried since in 28 years of driving I have yet to be stranded by a spare tire. (Uh oh, I jinxed it now.)

--R

 

If you register yourself too soon in Owners Lounge with the production number it pulls the information on the car that was in production before your dealer modifies that production number. All dealers receive an allocation of cars then they modify them to customers's specifications.

Just check the specification sheet on your order for accuracy.

FYI Wait several days after receiving production number before registering in Owners Lounge.

 

My Order: I ordered this morning, Week 48 production

2011 Cooper S Convertible

Laser Blue Body Color

Packages

Convenience Package II
Cold Weather Package
Premium Package
Sport Package
Black Bonnet Stripes
17" Black Star Bullet

Options

6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
Black Headlamp Housings
Chrome Mirror Caps
Auto Dimming Mirrors
Carbon Black Color Line
Dash/Door Ring in Striped Alloy
Retractable Headlamp Washers
Rear Park Distance Control
Xenon Headlamps
Rear Fog Lamp
White Turn Signals
All Season Tires
Leather: Lounge Carbon Black
Door Panel Color: Carbon Black
MINI Connected with NAV

 

I ordered mine a few weeks ago, but they still can't give me a date or a producion number. Maybe it is because of what I ordered?

Here is my MINI:

2011 MINI Cooper JCW Convertible

BRG II
JCW Bonnet Stripes

Sport package
Convenience package
Premium package

Polar beige gravity leather
Piano black interior surfaces
17" Infinite Stream Wheels
Sport suspension
Convertible wind deflector
Xenon headlights
Adaptive headlights
White turn signals
Rear fog lamps
Center armrest
Park distance control

I am also adding the following aftermarket items:
Chrome driving lamps
Chrome bonnet scoop
Illuminated door sills - Union Jack
Mud flaps

And I have already bought a few small engine mods to do as well. LOL. Can we say excited already???

 

Jumping in a little late but I do have this update. For November Mini is doing 0.9% financing and up to $1,000 in rebates depending on the options you chose. I'm pretty excited since my Mini is on the Don Juan headed for the Panama Canal and will arrive before month's end. I'm getting enough back that I'm buying the windscreen, which was the only thing I had been undecided about, and will still have a bit more $$ coming my way. I also even convinced my MA to throw in free floor mats just for asking nicely and being super excited about my car. OK, I even convinced him to give me an owner's manual for the 2011 convertible so I could be all prepared for my walk through......yeah, I'm a girly-girl geek.

 

So the rebates are on top of your negotiated price? That would be nice.

--R