Hi guys. Occasional browser, rare poster.

Question to you gurus.

I've decided to buy my wife a MCS for her 30th birthday, next January (Jan 23rd)... When do you think I should begin to contact the dealer and put an order in? I'm going for blue (not sure which color) with Nav and the two group options...

Thanks! Can't wait to join you guys!

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What part of the country are you in??? That will make the biggest difference... there are different wait times.

 

Just ask your dealer what their wait time is. They will know better than us.

 

Good advice, I suppose. I'm in Tampa, FL, and there is a Mini Dealer about 20 miles away, and also one in Orlando. I plan on calling them within a few weeks but was just wondering if you guys have heard of some astronomical wait times, but it sppears its but a few months long.

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Here in Arizona they are taking deposits with a 9-11 month wait for the actual delivery of the car. We put ours down in January and still don't have a build date. I guess we got caught in the model year changeover - or at least that's what Mini North Scottsdale says.

 

I'm up in chicago and my dealer has an 8 week wait right now. From what I have heard, FL was at a few months. But check with them... you can always order early for a particular month delivery.

 

>>Here in Arizona they are taking deposits with a 9-11 month wait for the actual delivery of the car. We put ours down in January and still don't have a build date. I guess we got caught in the model year changeover - or at least that's what Mini North Scottsdale says.

Don't you think that wait time is ridiculous?

I wonder how long their list is.

 

I'm down in FL, and we have a 6 to 8 week wait list. Mine is gonna be coming in after a little more than 6 weeks.

 

It took 5-1/2 months for me to get my custom order MCS from Philadelphia. It arrived in late August 2003.

As you read posts about dealers and orders you'll notice a huge variance in waits. MINI of the Hamptons has cars in stock. Classic MINI in Ohio is discounting them, I believe by $500. Many have done better dealing with these dealers and having the cars shipped. And the market may change between now and next January.

Make sure you check out the dealer ratings on NAM before you order. It helps.

 

I'm in Texas and it took me 4 months.
Ordered and paid deposit the first week in July,
Picked him up the first week in Nov!

 

Thanks for all the advice, guys! I really appreciate it. Can't wait to be a MINI owner.

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Another thing to take into consideration is whether you want a 2004 or a 2005 model. The 2005 model gets futuristic looking headlights and revamped tail lights. Also, I believe the 2005 MC finally gets the 5 speed Getrag to replace the Midlands tranny. 2005 production starts in September.

 

I would order an 05 ,get in early, then when you get it enjoy

 

>>Hi guys. Occasional browser, rare poster.
>>
>>Question to you gurus.
>>
>>I've decided to buy my wife a MCS for her 30th birthday, next January (Jan 23rd)... When do you think I should begin to contact the dealer and put an order in? I'm going for blue (not sure which color) with Nav and the two group options...
>>
>>Thanks! Can't wait to join you guys!
>>
>>Q
>>

Hi.
You should order from Lauderdale Mini. They sell at MSRP and you get your custom car in 6-8 weeks
Good Luck

 

What about for the 2005 model? How long is the wait now? Anyone, anyone?

 

depends on the dealer. Some dealers still have a couple 04 slots left and haven't even begun ordering 05's. Others are sold deep into the 05 model year.

 

DrQuinn, come over to http://www.sunshineminis.org and ask all the Fl locals about our experiences with Florida dealers. We'll be glad to offer up some advice.

 

I am in So Cal. In January the local dealer wanted 5,000 over sticker, off the lot or 3,400 over sticker for the "priveledge" of ordering one and waiting five months. I also put one in the queue in Arizona for a seven month wait. Instead I bought one at Braman Motors in Miami over the phone. They has 30 S models in stock AT STICKER! I paid $800 to ship it and now have my own "baby". They took care of all the paperwork, California registration, etc.

 

Thanks again for all the advice! I am going to go to the MINI dealer up in Pinellas County (cant' remember what city). We'll see what they offer. I also haven't ever sat in a MINI yet so I don't know what interior I'm going ot get, or seats, or etc... so it will be a learning experience. I'm goign to talk frankly to the salesman, too. I dont' want to pay over MSRP. If they try to charge me more for a '05, I will just contact Orlando and Miami!

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