So, I'm leaning heavily towards the idea of selling my 2007 Audi A3 and getting an All4. I finally test drove one last week. I did talk a little with the sales guy about ordering, as I'm pretty specific, and will want exactly what I want.

I figured at this point, any new order would come in as a 2013, but he said they still have 12 builds allocated for 2012, that he could probably modify for me.

So, any thoughts on whether there are any changes coming for 2013? He said there's the possibility of a two door, which doesn't interest me, but that otherwise, no changes.

If I could get a better deal on a 2012, even if I'm ordering, I'd probably go that route. Otherwise, I'd probably wait a few weeks and order once I'm sure it'd be a 2013.

 

I believe the JCW Countryman is going to be available in 2013 Model Year--- IE: You need to get a New Motoring Advisor... That's worth waiting for!

From MOTORINGFILE: http://www.motoringfile.com/2012/05/...is/#more-24388

"The family of elite athletes in the MINI ranks welcomes another new member in the shape of the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman. The five-door model is fitted with a particularly powerful variant of the new-generation engine. Its 160 kW/218 hp is channelled through an all-wheel-drive system to deliver a new take on outstanding performance that can be enjoyed not only on the road but also over rough terrain. Peak torque of 280 Newton metres (207 lb-ft) is available between 1,900 and 5,600 rpm, and the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman dashes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 7.0 seconds – regardless of whether the power flows through the standard six-speed manual gearbox or the optional six-speed automatic. Top speed is 225 km/h / 140 mph (automatic: 223 km/h / 139 mph). Equally impressive is average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres / 38.2 mpg (automatic: 7.9 l/100 km / 35.8 mpg) and CO2emissions of 172 grams (184 g) per kilometer."

 

And a week later they posted this article that says no R60 JCW: http://www.motoringfile.com/2012/05/...he-countryman/

As for 2012 vs 2013, I'd say wait if you can. There aren't any major changes that I've heard of, but a newer model year generally comes with a handful of small fixes. Just know that the plant shuts down for 3-4 weeks in August to give the workers some time off and make any changes needed to the process. That will add about a month to your wait if you go with a 2013.

 

Isn't that announcement that there won't be an option for CM orders to get JCW options (along the lines of the aero options) for the engine or suspension, not that the JCW Countryman won't be available?

 

Correct!

 

Now that I read it again, it does say "engine kit". I originally read it as saying they were dropping the JCW R60 altogether.


In that case, wait for the JCW if that's something you want. The R60 could certainly use a few more horses.

 

The MINI (internal) Ordering System is usually updated with new (2013) ordering codes by the second week in June. This is usually the first data that gets perused when model years change. Get cozy with a GOOD MA and review the codes when they have access to them. THEY have to sign into the system and run a report showing them.

This is what we did last June and found out that the bench seat wouldn't be in production until November. We also spotted package changes and new options (blacked-out headlamps, etc.).

So, find a beter MA and wait another 20 days to decide. BTW, don't let the 12-slots force your hand. If distance is not a problem, you should be able to find a dealer with 2012 slots available. End of June is cutting it a bit close, though, I think.

HTH,

 

Thanks for the responses. Definitely a lot to think about. The JCW would be cool. Especially since I'm losing some HP and handling coming from the A3. But as it is, the configuration I have now is coming in at $39,500, so don't think I want to go even higher.

I also have someone possibly interested in my A3 already, which would be cool.

 

Order the Sport Suspension option (not Sport Package) and the handling difference disappears.

 

I came from an Audi A3 2.0 and a Volvo C30 T5, just get the sport suspension on your R60S and you'll have a blast. It will be more fun than the Audi for sure.

 

Placed my order today!

S All4, Royal Gray, White roof and bonnet stripes, Carbon black gravity leather, pure red color line, anthracite headliner, sunroof, cold weather package, premium package, sport package (double spoke anthracite rims) tech package with nav system, rear bench, adaptive ehadlights, black headlamp housings.

I think that pretty much covers it. Now the waiting begins. In the meantime, gotta try to sell the A3. Hopefully won't be too tough.

 

Well, I finally did it! After months and months of tireless researching, debating on colors and options, many hours of test driving, I pulled the trigger today, June 4th, and placed my order for "Kawby", my 2012 Cosmic Blue Countryman S! I am so excited....and now the stalking, and agonizing waiting begins........I got my production number as well as I took a dealer spot!!

Just for reference I was able to get $1,500.00 off MSRP and they are going to throw in free window tinting ($300.00 value) upon delivery! I feel ok with how it all went down. Marco, at Moritz MINI in Arlington, Texas (Cowboys World) is awesome!! Woot!!!

 

Congrats. Someone else just ordered theirs Friday. Our CMs could be heading down the assembly line together in the next couple weeks. Maybe even room together on the ship!

Not sure yet what I'm going to do for tinting / clear bra. I have a place I like that did my New Beetle (tint) and my Audi (tint and clear bra). I have a feeling they'll be cheaper than the dealer, but would be more convenient to have it all done before I pick it up.

I'll wait a month then have both places give me a price before deciding.

 

Pdoel,

Make your MA throw it in for free like I did!! I decided to do 35% all around!

 

Will this be a 2013 or 2012? Will Marco give that kind of discount to other people placing orders?

 

Not to speak for Jason, but it'd be a 2012. Any CM ordered right now will be a 2012.

 

Pdoel is correct, 2012 model. My MA told me that 2013 production will not start until later this year than usual......

 

Mine told me the same thing. When I first test drove, he thought they'd start taking orders in mid-late June for 2013. When I went to order, he said that would be the case for the rest of the Mini lineup, but that they were going to continue to build the 2012 CMs through August.

 

Yeah, that and then he said the factory in Graz closes for one month before production starts again!

 

Yeah, that was a bit of a dilemma, when I first thought that if I waited a week or two, I could have a 2013, or go now, and get a 2012. That used to be a big plus, waiting for the next model year. But this will be my 8th new car I've purchased over the years, and it's not that big a deal anymore.

Plus, once I make the decision, then my patience for waiting goes bye bye. :D So even though I had already decided to order now, hearing that it could be October before the 2013 CMs start showing up, that made me feel much better.