Hi Guys,

I am thinking about getting MINI Cooper in August or September, and I was hoping that I could get some insight tips/answers from you guys :smile:

This will be my first NEW car and I am so excited about this.

Q1. As far as I know Cooper S does not come with Automatic but I have not driven any manual cars yet nor gotten any train but I think I can learn it quickly... Do you think it will be easy to transfer to manual with Cooper? I read somewhere that people moved to S Manual without prior experience. What do you think?

(I want the power of S!)

Q2. How long is it going to take to get my MINI if I place order in the middle of August? I live in SF area (California)

Q3. Any speical options that I shouldn't forget? I am thinking about getting Power Sunroof, H/K speakers (the Sports package I believe)

Thanks mucho in advance!

 

Welcome to MCO. :smile:

1) I have taught two people to drive manual with my S. It's pretty easy because the clutch friction point is pretty close to the floor. So good news there. :smile:

2) I'm not sure what the wait is in SF, but here in Denver it's running about 5 months. Also, you will most likely find that dealers in CA want a mark-up over sticker. You should call MINI of Murray (utah) and see what their list is like. They sell at MSRP. It would be a short trip and most of your break-in would be done by the time you got back home. Plus you could make a little stop in Reno or Tahoe depending on the time of year. :smile:

3) Here are my thoughts on the options from a previous post I wrote up.



For what it's worth, here are my opinions on the options after a year of living with them:

Premium Package
- On Board Computer: Other than the outside temperature, I don't use this at all. Since the outside temperature is the default display if you don't spec the OBC, I would not select this option next time around.
- Auto A/C: I like the Auto A/C and would get it again.
- Sunroof: Mine creaks occasionally and it doesn't get much use in the winter, but it sure is nice come spring and summer. Since I'm getting more serious about autocross weight is a consideration, so it's a toss-up whether I would select the sunroof again.
- Multifunction Steering Wheel: I originally thought I would use the cruise control functions more, but almost never do. I would definitely get the MFSW again though as the radio controls on the back are now one of my most used features.

Sport Package
- 17" S-lites: I would pass on the 17" wheels next time around. I sold mine and now use the 16" v-spokes which preserve the stock appearance and are lighter.
- Performance Run-Flats: The very first thing I would do to the car if I had it to do over again is replace the run-flats with regular tires. The tire change alone improved the acceleration, handling, and ride comfort.
- DSC: I hate it. I drive around with it turned off 90% of the time. If the system just applied the brakes when it detected slipping, it would be a nice addition. However, DSC also cuts power to the engine and I have had a couple of close calls pulling out of parking lots when DSC cut power with rapidly approaching traffic.
- Xenon headlights and Fog Lights: I really like my xenons and would get them again.

Lapis Blue Leather
- I like the leather a lot. That said, now that I have seen the Space Cloth (it wasn't available when I got my car), I wouldn't pay the extra $1250 for the leather.
- The alloy patina finish on the interior was the only finish available at the time I purchase my MINI. I would not get it again. My choice would be the plain silver. I did need to replace two interior trim pieces due to pealing paint. MINI should take strides to improve the interior trim paint adhesion.

Options I wish I had: The Cold Weather Package

My next MINI would be spec'd like this:

Pure Silver / Pure Silver MINI Cooper S
- Cold Weather Package
- Auto A/C
- MFSW
- Xenon Headlights with Fogs
- Space Cloth with the silver interior trim pieces
- possibly the sunroof

 

>>Hi Guys,
>>
>>Q2. How long is it going to take to get my MINI if I place order in the middle of August? I live in SF area (California)
>>
>>Thanks mucho in advance!

It depends on what you want to pay. At East Bay mini if you want to pay msrp you can expect to be driving your new mini in the middle of August 2004. We expect to have ours in July 2004 and we put our deposit down about three weeks ago.

But if you pay more or go out of state you will have it built faster.

 

Dave in Denver knows what he's talking about. I took his advice (along with many others--MiniCLO, Harmini, MFerguson, to name a few--over the past months) when revising my order. I dumped the Sport package, switched to 16" wheels, dropped the DSC. Kept the Xenons, cold package, multi-function steering wheel, H/K sound system.

The car finishes production by August 8. I feel as if the time I've spent on MCO has made the wait easier, but more importantly, been valuable with my decisions on configuring the MCS.

Much of the option decision making depends on how you are using the car. Those racing them will avoid sunroofs (weight), 17" wheels, etc. Those in the Midwest or Northeast are more likely to get cold weather; those in the Southwest and South tend to avoid Leatherette and go with cloth (I did anyway--even though I'm in PA).

Then there is a matter of color. Perhaps the most perplexing choice of all. That is purely personal preference.

It has been many, many years, but I still have vivid memories of my first car. After driving an automatic boat ('67 Grand Prix) for several years, I bought a Fiat 128 stick--sight unseen--from a friend. Stalled it out nine or ten times trying to drive six blocks to my apartment.

I quickly called a driving school and scheduled a lesson on a stick. Even after having 3 years behind the wheel, it was worth it. I insisted that the instructor take me out in MY car--not his. He really helped me, not only with instruction on the proper way to shift, but also with general tips on things I wasn't doing as well as I could. I would recommend it for anyone first learning a stick. Don't depend on a friend or your own trial and error. Depend on a professional.

Good luck with your decision, drive carefully, and welcome to MCO.

 

>>Q2. How long is it going to take to get my MINI if I place order in the middle of August? I live in SF area (California)
>>
Make sure you check out the Dealer Rating System
I can tell you that East Bay Mini in Pleasanton has about a 10 to 12 month wait list for the S and they charge MSRP. You can call Dan there if you have any questions. They have MC & MCS for demo rides. As for the rest in the area I couldn't say for sure but I don't believe they sell @ MSRP.

James

 

Get the COOPER S you'll be fine... its easy... order it our of state and u can get it in 8 weeks!

 

Guys, thanks much for the all the info and tips!

I am willing to sacrifice S and just get COOPER if I can get it within a month or so. My current Camry has been showing some sign of age and would not want to wait for a year..

Yeah, I looked the the dealer rating, and will definetely visit Pleasanton MINI next month to get test drive.. But would I be able to get COOPER much sooner?

Also, UCSDxB0i, could you explain in detail what do you mean by getting it out of states? Do you mean buying it from England? How much more expensive would it be?

Thanks again guys - and I hope I can drive MINI ASAP!

 

KPZerone, welcome to MCO!

A lot of MINI owners here bought their cars out of state (meaning in another state, not overseas!). While some dealers, such as Pleasanton apparently, still have waiting lists nearly a year long, others have cars sitting on the lot available for purchase, some even at MSRP! So, you can buy from somewhere else, fly there for a couple hundred bucks to get it, and spend a nice long weekend driving it home through the break-in period (1200 miles). As long as you're willing to be a bit flexible with your options, you probably have a pretty good chance of finding a car within a reasonable distance of where you are.

I can see my dealer's lot from my living room window and I wasn't in a hurry to get a car, so I purchased here (Boston). I wouldn't patronize the Boston dealership again, but that's a story for another day.

You might have better luck locating an out-of-state dealer with cars available at MSRP by starting a new thread with a more specific title, like "Where can I buy a car off of a lot for MSRP?" Or, use the search function (click on "search" to the right of the drop down menu). Good luck!
Chris
_________________

 

much sooner?
>>
>>Also, UCSDxB0i, could you explain in detail what do you mean by getting it out of states? Do you mean buying it from England? How much more expensive would it be?
>>


he means buying it in a different state than the one you currenly reside in

 

Oops! It was out of state, not states

DaveInDenver suggested that I should try the dealer in Utah. I might try that after getting test drive nearby here.

I can't wait!!!!!!

Once again, thanks much guy!

 

well i live in berkeley, ca

and currently for the summer i am in los angeles

i bought my car from universal mini in january after a 7 week wait for msrp

as you probably will hear everybody bashes universal on this site, except me and two other people. all 3 of us paid msrp

i went to ALL the dealers in so cal/nor cal and universal was my fav :smile:

 

If you want to get a mini soon (like within a week or so of placing your order) go to minis4themasses.com. Theyll find you a mini at or below msrp and find shipping as well if you need it (if youre unwilling to fly to the dealer and drive back or it is too far) . They charge a fee of around 7.5%, I think its negogiable though, but the numbers even if you have to ship the mini come out to 500 bucks less than what they charge in SF and you doont have to wait a year. I think its definitely worth a little extra money to get a mini now, waiting is no fun, cake is meant to be eaten, not pined after! lol

 

Wow, thanks so much for all these insider tips!

I will definetely check out minis4themasses.com as well - seems like really good service :smile:

Hopefully I can go ahead with buying MINI ASAP!

 

>>They charge a fee of around 7.5%, I think its negogiable though, but the numbers even if you have to ship the mini come out to 500 bucks less than what they charge in SF and you doont have to wait a year.

Why bother? On a sale of $22,000, that's a fee of $1,650. Too much to pay a broker unless you've got more money than sense.

Just contact Mini of the Hamptons or check their site to see what they have. Shipping will be about $800 and you might get Mini/Hamptons to pay part of that. I did that and was very, very happy with their service.

If Mini/Hamptons can't help you, call some of the other dealers or check their sites. Save your money for accessories!

:smile:

 

:smile: :smile: :smile:

 

Just wanted to say THANK YOU! I too am thinking of getting a Mini, and this site has really helped me narrow down a few choices and look into options I normally would have passed on at first glance. I've been reading your various posts for about two weeks now. The read about the sunroof, stero system, plus the pros and cons of the two types of Minis - really helps.

I'm glad to hear a few of you can fit your big dogs in the car! I was a little worried about bringing a blue Great Dane into the dealership to see how he fits in the back!

When I get a little closer to placing my order - I'll be back!

 

>>If you want to get a mini soon (like within a week or so of placing your order) go to minis4themasses.com. Theyll find you a mini at or below msrp and find shipping as well if you need it (if youre unwilling to fly to the dealer and drive back or it is too far) . They charge a fee of around 7.5%, I think its negogiable though, but the numbers even if you have to ship the mini come out to 500 bucks less than what they charge in SF and you doont have to wait a year. I think its definitely worth a little extra money to get a mini now, waiting is no fun, cake is meant to be eaten, not pined after! lol <<

Just a caveat for new members of the site (seems there are at least a couple reading this thread): this minis4themasses.com is a brand new idea (mentioned on this site for the first time less than a week ago), not an established business with any actual customers. It's an interesting idea and I don't mean to suggest that they aren't trustworthy or knowledgeable, but if you're looking for a MINI ASAP you might be a bit of a guinea pig with them.

 

6 weeks is a long time to wait and is on the short side for a lot of places, and I think since minis4themasses.com is a new business they will bend over backward to try to get things right for their customers. I think you guys should try it before you judge. Ideally how much would you pay a broker? It should also be noted that minis are in high demand right now so its harder to find them hence perhaps higher than normal commisions. Even with their comission you save 500 bucks minimum if you live in most places in california.

 

>>6 weeks is a long time to wait and is on the short side for a lot of places, and I think since minis4themasses.com is a new business they will bend over backward to try to get things right for their customers. I think you guys should try it before you judge. Ideally how much would you pay a broker? It should also be noted that minis are in high demand right now so its harder to find them hence perhaps higher than normal commisions. Even with their comission you save 500 bucks minimum if you live in most places in california.

Really? Can anyone get you a car with the exact colors and options in less than 6 weeks? I guess best case scenario....

The only thing I was judging was their fee versus my own experiences with ordering from a dealer. If you compare the supply and demand curves, except for certain markets like SoCal, the demand is being met otherwise, no dealer would have vehicles available at any price and in that case, a broker might be worthwhile!

Ordering from minis4themasses.com or from the local dealer aren't the only options obviously! YMMV!

 

OK, now I am ready to go ahead!

I checked out the above website but it was "under construction". I dont think I can rely on people who did not even have website up and running. (I just dont feel safe..)

k7lro, do have have contact information for that broker firm? How did you find about 7.5% fee and stuffs? The website did not have any single info on it..

Now, I will probably make appointments for test drive for both COOPER and S. But do you think they will let me testdrive S when I do not have ANY prior experience in manual? (but since I do not want to wait for years for S, I might not need to test drive it at all...)

 

Another question:

Do MINI dealers have many inventory on COOPER or S?

Maybe I can just buy one in their inventory without customizing it much.. But I am not sure they are selling from their inventories like other dealers..

If I pick one up from inv., can I do minimal of customization like changing stereo to H/K, changing leatherette to leather?

 

At the dealership I went to, just to look, the cars that were not ordered by individuals but the dealership were totally tricked out with all 3 packages and everything the average car lover would want. They were expensive. I ordered my car not so much for what I'd get, but rather for what I didn't need / want. I didn't get any packages at all. I pieced the options off of each that I liked to make up the car.

You really have to go to every dealer in your area. Look at what they have on the lot. Perhaps even check into the demo. It will have the full warranty!

I hope this helps you.

 

>>6 weeks is a long time to wait and is on the short side for a lot of places, and I think since minis4themasses.com is a new business they will bend over backward to try to get things right for their customers. I think you guys should try it before you judge. Ideally how much would you pay a broker? It should also be noted that minis are in high demand right now so its harder to find them hence perhaps higher than normal commisions. Even with their comission you save 500 bucks minimum if you live in most places in california.

What does this mean? 6 weeks is a long time to wait?

Can we say 4 months? Or 6 months? or 8 months?
The dealer who can custom order a car for you and have it built and delivered in 6 weeks is a miracle worker!!

 

>>k7lro, do have have contact information for that broker firm? How did you find about 7.5% fee and stuffs? The website did not have any single info on it..

Sorry friend...wasn't my post. Contact chrisnl I believe.

 

Okay, minis4themassesis up again, it broke for awhile but yeah--- its not completely finished yet though but check it out