"So far so good, I feel for the people that are getting juiced, same thing has happened before, You even expect it with something limited run like a Corvette Z06 or a Viper, the one that really got me though was several years ago when the Mazda Miata first came out the goal was a two seat roadster under 10K but dealers were marking them up 5-6K and selling them for 14-15K. Supply and Demand."

Funny that you mention that.....
My father and I were talking a few weeks ago about the miata. In Atlanta they had a huge demand when they first came on to the market. Some people were paying close to 30K for the first delivered Miata's. The best though was an individual who paid almost 50K for his.
Hope he got his money's worth.

Enjoy the car when you get it.
SW

 

where's it at !??? what dealer??? in CA?

 

I am getting my Mini S with every option for 29K (exactly 5K premium) in So Cal from Nick Alexander BMW. I tried every dealer in So. Cal (8 in total) every one of them says they have a 600-1000 person waiting list for the S and at least 1-2 years wait at this point. One was selling as they come in, but they did have a list. Each one guaranteed they were charging a premium on the S. Assael BMW even said they would be selling their S models for the mid 30's.

Yes, I know I got gouged, but I am getting my car in Mid June and knew I was paying a premium to get it now. I was not willing to wait the 1-2 years and my lease is ending on my Acura TL in Sept. My Mini S is not a special order, it was part of their first allotment being shipped and I already have a serial number, etc.

So, if you're in So. Cal I really hate to say it, but the odds of even getting one at all in the next year are pretty low. Nick Alexander BMW just opened their Mini dealership and does have like 2-3 more unsold Mini S's in their original allotment, so if you don't mind paying a premium you can have one in June.

 

I agree Jeremy, if getting a MINI S in So Cal in the next 6 months to a year is anybodys goal they are going to pay a prmieum. Did you pay a flat 5K over list or are they installing options to get the car to 29K. Nick Alexander is a top notch dealer and I am surprised they would add that much of a mark up without adding some dealer installed options. I have decide to wait a while or get a MINI std exactly the way I want it at MSRP and have it in a month or two. Lease it for a couple years and when the MINI S are a bit easier to get order an S just the way I want it and exchange the STD for the S. As long as you are happy with deal you got forget about what anybody else says it your money and your car! Be sure to give us a report after you get it.
Enjoy
zb

 

I think you can actually buy an S if you are willing to pay around $30,000, but why pay that kind of money? I can buy a Focus SVT for $20,000. Yes, the Mini is a better car; but $10,000 better? I think not...

 

>>I think you can actually buy an S if you are willing to pay around $30,000, but why pay that kind of money? I can buy a Focus SVT for $20,000. Yes, the Mini is a better car; but $10,000 better? I think not...
>>

I do agree that the Mini is a better car. I don't agree however that the only way to get one is to pay 30k. Yes the gouging effect is in full swing, and yes it will be this way for a while, but as soon as the initial response dies down, prices will settle. Please remember that the only reason they can do this is because people are willing to pay it. After a while the amount of people willing to pay these prices will greatly reduce. Especially when "the first on the block" label has been taken by someone else.
Personally, I plan on waiting for the push to die down a bit. I will not be one of those who pays over MSRP.
SW

_________________
Motor On!!..... Mini Me!!

 

Here's the scoop if you're in California - Long Beach MINI and East Bay MINI (Pleasanton) are selling at MSRP. East Bay MINI adds $290 for VIN etch and that's all. Of course, getting the Cooper is easier than getting the S (Oxford production is 65% Cooper, 35% Cooper S), however if you want to personally spec-out either version and you're not currently on their lists, expect to wait longer. For example, if you ORDERED a Cooper from East Bay MINI on April 13, you could expect to take delivery around August. If you ORDERED a Cooper S from them on April 13, you could expect to take delivery around June of 2003. But remember, getting on a list and ordering are two different things, i.e. you have to wait your turn before you can place an order. The people ahead of you on the list can either take a pre-spec'd car or can order one to their own specifications (not 'til June builds for the S though). If you want to order one, then obviously the more people ahead of you that take pre-specs, the faster you'll be able to place your order. If you don't mind a pre-spec, then things will be much easier for you. Some dealers are rather slipshod about methodically going through the list asking if someone will want a particular pre-spec that came in, particularly with respect to the Cooper. They are just as likely to sell this car to someone who just walked in off the street and is willing to pay on the spot. Bottom line - get on the list at chosen dealer if you haven't already done so (if in Ca, I highly recommend either of the above two), provide them with a complete itemization of what it is you want on your car, and if they say they'll sell at MSRP, get it in writing so it becomes a binding contract. Also let them know of any leniency you may have about options, so that they can possibly match you up at some point with a pre-spec'd car and you won't have to wait to order.

As a sidenote, for those who want either a BRG, Indi Blue, or Black Cooper S, remember that these colors are not available until Sept. builds. But look on the bright side, you'll be getting a 2003 model. These colors are available on the Cooper however.

 

>>I agree Jeremy, if getting a MINI S in So Cal in the next 6 months to a year is anybodys goal they are going to pay a prmieum. Did you pay a flat 5K over list or are they installing options to get the car to 29K. Nick Alexander is a top notch dealer and I am surprised they would add that much of a mark up without adding some dealer installed options. I have decide to wait a while or get a MINI std exactly the way I want it at MSRP and have it in a month or two. Lease it for a couple years and when the MINI S are a bit easier to get order an S just the way I want it and exchange the STD for the S. As long as you are happy with deal you got forget about what anybody else says it your money and your car! Be sure to give us a report after you get it.
>>Enjoy
>>zb

Where are you getting a Mini Cooper (not the S) at MSRP? I may be willing to wait as well and settle with a normal Cooper until the craze is over. I have limited time as I am selling my Acura soon. Nick Alexander is charging 5K above MSRP for the Std Cooper and the Cooper S. No - this is not with dealer options, just a straight markup.

 

I am ordering from Crevier MINI in Santa Ana, they are taking orders on Mini std and the only add on is Lojack for 695.00. I spoke with my insurance about the Lojack and they stated there is a small discount so I will get back a little of that. If you want a specific color and options and want one in the next few weeks they will go over what they are expecting and yo can get it at MSRP plus Lojack and 1 dealer option like a cd changer or rally lights ect... Talk with Shane over there he is very cool and very honest about what when and how much. 1000.00 dep and a 5 line credit application and you are good to go. I picked Santa Ana over Long Beach and Irvine because of location and future service. I like to have my vehicle serviced where I made the initial investment as much as possible.
Good luck
zb

 

It seems that I am a very lucky guy because I got my Mini S in one day, yes one day.
Here it is the history.
I got my Mini S and paid 24,600 included taxes and license.
It is electric blue, white top, white mirros and white rims, it have power sun roof, electronic a-c, cd stereo, computer trip, Xenon lights with washer, fog lights, leather steering and shifter, heather seats but no leather, electric mirrors, p-w, door locks,
16 rims.
According to my dealer the only extras that my car did not have are the cruise control + the radio controls on the steering wheel, leather seats, and 17 rims.
It was the only S car on the floor room, they had like 12 regular Mini's, I deal mine on the same day with no previous arrangments.
I live on both sides of the border with Mexico [ California and Baja california ] having the double nationality, I can afford to get a car in either country, so last week I was invited to the presentation of the car with the Mexican dealer, and there I made the deal. It was easy and fast, like going to the supermaket.
So for you guys that are looking for S Mini's, try the Mexican dealers, the cars came from Oxford OK, so emissions and everything else are the same.
And remember, Canada, USA and Mexico share the 'in' famous NAFTA. [code:1:92d3fd9e4e] [/code:1:92d3fd9e4e] [code:1:92d3fd9e4e] [/code:1:92d3fd9e4e]

 

Typing error, it is
Oxford UK