When I originally ordered my MINI from out of state I thought I would pay extra to have it trucked to me. Now I am thinking about flying to Texas and driving it back to California (1600 miles).

One of my main concerns is putting a lot of miles on the car immediately, it is a very long drive I would take at least three days driving 8 hours a day. Anyone think this is a bad idea?

Next, I would feel a lot better finalizing the deal at the dealership rather than having a third party deliver my MINI to me. I feel that if there are problems I am at a disadvantage, there is really no way I am going to refuse delivery.

Lastly my MA said to add an additional 2 weeks for delivery, this is a big reason for me to consider flying out and driving it back myself. As regards to cost I think I would break even either way (plane ticket, hotels, gas and food VS. $800 shipping).

Lastly, I have made this drive before and it is not ideal. It is a long straight shot with not much to see or do along the way. Anyone with suggested side trips or must sees?

 

It will be the BEST 1600 mile drive home of your life. And it will go so quick you'll want to go the long way home. :smile: Enjoy.

 

Drive it! Look at the trip as a bonding experience, and also as your first road trip in your new MINI. Benefits are that you will complete your break-in period in the few days it takes to get home. Should be a scenic trip. Take along someone special and enjoy yourselves.

_________________
BLUBELLE - 2003 MCS IB /W Premium, Sport, Cold pkgs, Lapis blue interior, Magnecor wires, Alta Pulley, Moss Skid Plate, Chrome Trim Interior

 

I think an immediate road trip is a great way to break in an engine, and I also agree that it is best to take delivery in person. Plus it would make for a very fun trip! I'd make the drive myself anyday.

 

Drive

 

If it was me, I would fly and drive. I would have done that with my MINI but I bought it in Hawaii :smile: You will have a great time, and when you get back to Ca, it will be broke in. Nice quality miles.

 

yeah im trying to debate to go to new york to pick up mines and drive the 3000 miles + . but i dont know thats a lot of miles. yes it will be fun cuz its like me learning to drive my mini but then again... them miles are a lot

 

DRIVE!!!!!! And stay off the interstate for as long as possible. Those small towns along the less travelled path are loads of fun.

The first 300 miles of my trip home were on US 20 across New York. Next time, (and there may be a next time ) I'm going to drive all the way across the country on US 20 (Yeah I know some of it Interstate)

 

ok, ok, so I'm a bit of a worrier and, to be sure, I've had great luck with mine... BUT given the problems identified here and in other forums with our beloved cars, I'd ship it. Nothing worse than being in the middle of no where and you've got some idiot light going off in your face. I think you want to have your baby home and close to a Mini dealer who can help you with the inevitable problems that crop up with any new car. anyway, that's my .02.

 

nammerz, I'd encourage you to make the drive. what a way to see the country, I'd almost rather be in your shoes, cuz you would get to see so much more than me (50% of my trip will be Texas).

My philosophy on road trips is to take a car that is fun to drive, something sporty or really comfortable rather that a big RV. This way you enjoy the drive so much more and you stay in hotels along the way which you can pay for with all the saving on gas.

Results so far: Road trip out to a big lead.

 

(50% of my trip will be Texas).
>>
>>Results so far: Road trip out to a big lead.

if you do decide to make the trip, invest in a bra for the front of the car. Mini paint is "Earth Friendly" but softer than standard paint and chips/pits easily. And I don't think you're going to save on gas... unless you've been driving a Lincoln Navigator.

 

DRIVE!!!

One month ago I flew to Salt Lake City and drove my DS/B MCS home to San Diego. I took my daughter (age and we had a great time. You will meet many people along the way, as most have not seen/heard of a MINI. Good way to educate the "unwashed masses"

Dave

 

Drive

 

If you have the time to spare, I too would suggest the drive vs. the trucking. You will break in the engine with the best type of mileage (remember to vary your speed) and you will be able to tell by the time you get back to So Cal if there is anything that needs attention. I think a bra is a good idea. I would also suggest that you get a good thick coat of wax on the car as well before you start out. You should have a wonderful experience! MOTOR ON!!

 

Drive, drive!!!

This is the NICEST excuse you can have for a well deserved vacation. By paying someone else to transport your car, you are always risking damage, so might as well drive it yourself and enjoy it from day 1.

 

I say drive it. Why worry about putting miles on the car. That’s what we buy these car for, to drive them! :smile:

 

>>I say drive it. Why worry about putting miles on the car. That’s what we buy these car for, to drive them! :smile:


Exactly!

 

Drive it back. Once you hit PHX, your engine should be nicely broke in. Let us know and we Phoenixians can take you out to the twisties and have a little fun (after driving the boring I-10, you'll be wanting to find some nice twisties).

 

Road Trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a great time!!

 

Drive!!!
you will have a blast and it is good for the engine too. i picked mine up in south carolina and drove back to california in 4 days. the car feels so good on the highway it was easy. i drove from santa fe in one day so four days is really not necessary from texas. i refused to buy from the dealers here in southern california, their attitude sucks and so does their exploitive mark ups.
have fun!

 

Manoo, why did you go to South Carolina for your Mini? There are a lot of different dealerships a lot closer to you that you could have had a great experience with.

 

drive, Drive, DRIVE!!! Nothing better than a roadtrip in the new MINI!
B :smile:

 

drive

 

Drive. I picked my S up n Miami and drove it back home to Colorado with no ill effects. Stay on the state roads and vary your speeds . Try to avoid extended periods at a single rpm range. Remember these motors have been dynoed and run at the factory, you are not "really" seating the valves and rings when you leave the dealership. Pick the long way home, find every touristy thing and trinket shop on the way. Relax,Unwind, Motor.

 

Suggestions:
1) Drive It back!
2) If you take the advice of Redleg13 I would suggest that you don't buy the car. Waaaaay too protective, the car is to be driven; not sealed up in a plastic box like some MINI car model.
3) Stay off any Highways that is designated "I" Something. Drive the route that you would "never" take before because it would take too long; your now Motoring not Driving from point "A" to point "B".
4) Have fun!