It's true Live in the Northwest, have been looking and wanting a mini for over a year. Went to Disneyland, had 3 really fun days in the parks and decided to look at what was available in our favorite car down there. Took our nondescript rental car down Katella to Long Beach and test drove four different models (I'm sure the MA thought we were looky loosers) to choose between auto/stick, cooper/s and discovered they had our perfect one. Chili/black, non-S, premium, sport, h/k, alarm, chrono pack/chrome line.

Loved it, the only concern was the sales tax issue (did not want to have to pay it down there and up here). Couldn't quite get it out of my mind so a couple days later on the way to the airport I called someone who worked for the WA state auditor about the tax and he said no problemo. Called dealership and they picked us up at Orange Cty airport and drove us to Long Beach. (stop at bank along the way). Took about and hour and a half to complete the deal, no-markup, no extended warranty required, free mats, keychains, and an audio input plug. We were pleased and on our way to Ventura and then on up the coast with a stop at Hearst Castle, then to Sacramento and the train museum, on up I5 and the Siskiyous, really impressed with the lack of side sway when passing semis,even triple trailers. Zenon headlight and washers worked great, even with lots of rain we loved the ride 1400 miles in 2.5 days. She is now broken in!!

 

Awsome story, hope oyu have some photos. Welcome to the world of MINI

 

That is so cool!!! I'm glad you had a least a few frayed nerves...it's kinda part of the ownership experience. Happy motoring!!!

 

Great story! Enjoy the MINI.

 

How fun. We bought a car on vacation once. Went to Phoenix in a mini van and came home in a Trooper. Shocked our kids when we drove into the driveway.

 

Cool story and sounds like a fun drive. Now be sure and go to PSIMINI.ORG and join our club in the Northwest!

 

Nice story, what did you think going up the Siskiyous? I travel that road quite a bit and go right up just as well if not better than others

 

Cool story Welcome and enjoy the MINI!

 

Grats and post some pictures when you can.

 

Great story Welcome to NAM and congrats on the new Mini

 

Way to go! Now that is some fun shopping. What a great souvenier for your trip, and what a great roadtrip to break your baby in! I'm sure if I saw you through Sacramento I waved...

Welcome to NAM!

 

Super great story. You will have a great time with your Mini, but you must take her back to visit Mickey often.

 

great story, thanks for shareing! That must have been fun!

 

Great story! I know why you bought at Long Beach. They rock!! No markup over MSRP. I was shocked when I went through financing there. I think it took all of 5 minutes, no pressure for any add-ons at all. Just here's the keys, enjoy. Too bad you don't live closeby. They give you a free car wash anytime you stop by as long as you leave their Long Beach Mini license frame on.

 

Wow that's cool! Long drive for service calls though...

 

Awesome story and welcome to NAM.