Hello fellow MINI community brothers, and sisters.

Boy, I can't believe I finally did it. I placed my order today. I still have a credit check to hear back on, and I've no order confirmation number, yet. Still, despite those minor details, I feel like I've just stepped off the edge of reality, into a dark world of...God only knows! I was rather suprised they took my detailed order information right away! I was prepared to give all my well thought out specifications, but...damn! That was quick, almost too quick.

After all, am I really so certain of my color selection? Geez, what I nightmare decision process that was! And all those other options? Am I so sure about those? I've thought about this for months, and been reading the posts on all of this the whole time. Now, there's the new, and not entirely pleasant wrinkle, of the 2005 model options. And I thought the cloth versus leatherette decision was a big deal! And I'm still not too sure of the new Xenons, but they are still cool, and handy...right? :smile:

I'm very sad to see that the S-Style, two spoke, steering wheel is gone. That was a big disappointment, but what's a fella to do? I guess a post-factory mod might be in order, eh? A wooden rimmed MTFS would be cool, as long as it's not 3-spoke. Am I the only one not thrilled with the 3-spoke?

The new anthracite roof lining option is a cool one, and one I was happy to go for, especially as a no cost option. The new interior chrome option is pretty cool as well, even at $200+, and I'm looking forward to seeing how well those two options turn out. Yeah, I went for exterior chrome as well, even though it's just not the same as before. The wood effect interior trim also looks pretty neat, for those that go for that look. But, darn it, it's STILL not available! I've been told it will be a dealer installable option, though, soon, so that's another one I'll just have to wait and see on. Sigh.

Of course, in the end, I'll just have to wait and see on ALL of it, won't I?

I won't bother you with the pesky details of the order, such as model, color, and transmission choice. I guess I still have some time to change all of that. It'll be an August order, with a delivery date somewhere between mid-September and late October. Just in time for Christmas! Yeah, I'm paying a premium, nearly $1,000 worth. I think it's worth it, but I sure wish I'd broken down and ordered sooner. My present car lease ENDS before the new MINI Cooper arrives, I think, so...THAT'LL be interesting, eh? I'm going to have to buy my present car, then turn around and sell it in a few months, ugh.

Anyone else had a closely related experience? Please do tell how it all turned out. I'm all ears, and...nervous sweaty hands! LOL

In any case, I'm excited at being just this much more a part of the whole MINI scene, and I look forward to taking an active part on the forums. Here's to happy future motoring!

 

Um...wow...

 

BillyB,

Looks like you hit the jackpot and got what you wanted.

Doesn't really matter that much between cloth and leatherette seats (easy to clean). Xenons are nice, just drive more at night to appreciate them.

Now the wait begins. There is plenty to read and do on NAM. Enjoy.

 

Welcome:smile:Have loads of fun

 

Mine was nearly the same. I was on a business trip a couple of months ago, thought I'd stop into a dealer in MD and ask if I could take a MCS for a spin. A quick copy of my DL and he threw me the keys. Around the block I went- I liked it much better than the MC I drove a month before that... I got hooked on this obsession that I have found on the internet, couldn't take it anymore. 25 days ago I called up the MA I met that fateful day, mailed him a check, and I'm in production right now for an early AUG delivery. Smooth as butter is right!

 

I ordered the Anthracite headliner too, but like most of these options, it is not clear whether all 2005's will have a solid moveable panel headliner under the sunroofs or just the ones with the "Anthracite Headliner" option. If you do not choose it, do you get the old style nets like previous years? Or just a different color? I guess we will find out when the new cars arrive.

 

You may want to look at renting a car between the lease and delivery. Believe it or not, my dealer discounted $500 since the car would not be in time before lease expiration. I just returned my Jeep yesterday, and my car is supposed to be ready Tuesday.... anyway back to my point.

Renting a car might be cheaper that purchasing the lease car and then turning it around. I checked the same conditions on Blue Book. My BB value was much lower than the purchase lease price. Not to mention the hassle of trying to sell. Some rental companies offer decent deals on long term rentals. Finally do NOT rent directly from their web sites. For my rental the web sites wanted $300. I went to Expedia, and the rentals were around $100!! Picking up the car at an airport usually yields a cheaper rate as well.

Good luck

 

Hey There!

I'm glad you decided to get what you really wanted. You are going to enjoy it so much. Welcome to NAM!

Coop.

 

Wow, people have responded to my simple little post. I'm shocked, shocked! :smile: (Anyone remember Casablanca?)

Yeah, I really couldn't stand driving by the occasional MINI here, without feeling kinda left out. I'd always thought the little cars looked good, from the first time I saw one (wherever, and whenever, that was), but I never knew my interest in the damn things would keep growing, and growing until...BAM! I just had to have one! (After all, I already have a perfectly fine car. But, let's face it, it pales by comparison.) Then I found this sight, among others, and now I'm truly lost! Hehehe.

As regards the anthracite roof lining option providing a solid sliding sunscreen for the sunroof...? I don't know, as I decided to take a pass on the sunroof. (Uh oh, I'm in trouble now. ) I did like the sunroof. Heck, it's just about the coolest one around! But, geez, I had to cut corners somewhere, and it is an expensive option. So, because I'm a smoker (yes, shocking, I know!), I decided on the extra air cleaning power of the (lower priced) auto A/C instaed, as well as the anthracite roof lining. All you smokers out there will probably understand where I'm coming from on that. I use my present car's sunroof mainly for letting cigarette smoke flow more easily outside. (Mind you, the car still stinks of it. Or so I'm told, as my sense of smells not so hot anymore. Gee, I wonder why?)

Oh yeah, I'm getting a CVT, so keeping weight down was an issue as well. So, I'm also going with the base 15 inch, 7 hole, alloys. (Though, darn it, I sure love the look of the 16 inch R90's. They're just too heavy though, and too pricey.) The base wheels are quite beautiful in their own right, so I have no regrets in that area. I am, however, curious as too how well the auto A/C actually cleans the interior cabin air. Perhaps I should drop it, and go with the sunroof instead? Despite weight issues? I would appreciate any opinions on the matter.

I'm also curious about the stock exhaust set-up. As I recall, it's actually supposed to be stainless steel, as it should be. But, maybe only part of it is? I had seriously considered the OEM high(er) performance muffler set-up, but mainly for it's corrosion resistance qualities, as well as a few (very few) more HP. (Plus, just a touch of sporty growl.) I'm not even sure this option is still available, or if it is a factory, or dealer, install. I do know it's not cheap, but it is warranty covered!

I've never read even a single thread about anyone who's ever had this muffler set-up installed. I'm spending enough dough, that I barely have as is, so I didn't ask my MA about it. (Ok, ok, in truth, I forgot. There are so many options out there, it's hard to keep track.) Which reminds me, I was going to go for the new chronographic center console thing, but...what for? (K.I.S.S., right?)

As to the person that just had to order an MCS, after one test drive (I understand, by the way :smile: ), what are you going to do with your current vehicle? I'm aware some folks just keep their old vehicle. But, for those that couldn't afford to do that, how did you manage the changeover? I can imagine that for many of you it got...a little complicated. I'll likely end up taking some kind of a loss, as I can't afford to keep both cars. (And, truth be told, I don't want to! ) Did you survive the extra cost to your compulsive MINI purchase ok? I suppose, as they say, where there is a will...there is a way. And, boy, oh boy, do I have the WILL!

P. S. Actually, the money I'll save in gas mileage will make a big difference in the affordability of this venture. My present car is a (gasp!) SUV, though a smallish one. :smile:

 

Interesting post regarding my near lease end situation. Only problem is (sigh), my leased vehicle is THOUSANDS of miles over it's contract mileage. So, even if I could turn it in when I pick up my MINI, I'd still have to pay an extra few thousand in charges. (And that's at only $0.15 per extra mile.)

If it wasn't for that, your solution would be pretty sound...er...sounding. :smile:

My purchase deal on my current car is actually pretty good. Very low interest, not bad residual price, plus several $100 in credit to the new loan for buying. If I extended the lease, which is possible, I'd have to extend for another 5 months, no less. That means I'd get an additional 5,000 miles to not pay for...IF I don't drive the car AT ALL! This is actually possible, since the MINI (more than likely) arrives shortly after my cuurent lease contract end. BUT, I'd have to pay $300 a month for those 5 extra months.

Hmmm...I'm going to have to work out the math on this. The extension, without putting many more miles on the car...MIGHT be an option that could cut the losses a bit. I'll have to let you know on that.

Anyone else have any ideas? (That are...ummm...NOT criminal? LOL )

By the way, thank you for the info, it's getting me thinking about different angles on this. This is GREAT! Someone wake me up, I'm having too much fun here! (Which it seems like I shouldn't be. Strange, eh?)

 

Well I can relate.....

I, too, studied options for my MINI extensively (but that was back in late '02...not as many available then). I turned it around and around in my head...and in the build-your-own section of the MINI web site. Finally, I made time to go to the dealer to place my order. I told my MA I'd spec'ced out what I wanted. WHAM...it was entered into the MA's computer, I wrote him a check...and that was that! Done in five minutes. Whoa!!!!!

Billy, you mention "stepping off the edge of reality, into a dark world...". It does seem dark indeed...'til you get that production # and can track your progress on-line! Hanging out at NAM helps a ton, too....there's so much information here now (...even more now than when I got my MINI) on what's presently going on with your MINI, tracking its voyage, and procuring just the right supplies to take care of it upon arrival.

And in spite of all your justifyable obsession with details of your order, if you've thought it out well................NOTHING beats actual motoring!!! I have a Cooper with 7 holes, too, and I love it more now than when I first took delivery. I've driven other MINIs even JCWs, but the reasons I chose a Cooper, along with each and every option I got, still hold to this day. Wow! For example, I personally though I'd die w/o a full set of toggles (not that they were available...no rear fogs in '02). Now I could care less. My MINI is...well...my MINI, and sitting behind the wheel and hitting the road is simply THE BEST!

Welcome aboard!!!

 

I looked at MINIs on line and went to the dealer once,months before I was ready to order.When I was ready to order,the car "I" wanted was sitting on the lot.BRG,15" holeys,heated seats,leatherette seats.The car had only been on the lot a few days,8kms on the clock,tested it for 50-60kms,mostly highway,I do 160 kms a day to work and back.Bought it right after the test drive.Next day it was mine.It will be 1 year in 7 days,and like jds says....its my MINI and I love it

 

Hey, Billy!

Welcome to the Nuthouse, LOL! Seriously, you will love your MINI so much, all these details will melt away once you have yours.

I do encourage you to just go ahead and get the premium package, which includes the sunroof, MultiFunctionSteeringWheel, and On Board Computer. The MSFW is a fantastic option. :smile:

Since you are a smoker, you will NEED the venting the sunroof offers. It's great to just pop the roof, without opening it all the way, to suck out the smoke.

What color have you chosen?


Clo/Wanda

 

Thank you for the input.

She'll be a LY/B MINI C. Though, I also very much like PW/PW, or PW/B. (Damn, I thought I had my mind made up on that! )

I am considering switching to the sunroof, and dropping the auto A/C. The onboard computer just doesn't do anything for me, and I am still TRYING to save some money, so the package is NOT an option.

You know, I thought I had all this figured out, and now...ugh! I guees this is how it is for everyone, eh? (Must be why I started the post in the 1st place, to help me decide on any last minute changes.)

 

I see you're in Reno. You might prefer the PW/PW to deal with the heat (says the gal with the all-Jet Black in L.A.)!

The OBC is not that necessary, and I had the manual a/c in my first MINI...it was just fine. In fact, many people prefer the manual. But I do think you will LOVE the sunroof, so I strongly suggest ordering it. I got it because I wanted to be able to vent the heat out of her, and it is by FAR my favorite option!

You are going through the normal self-torture process of one about to get a new MINI....enjoy!

Clo/Wanda

 

A Billyb, welcome to the club.....I've had some of the best times since jumping aboard.

Relax, know that whatever you decide on will be cool, no two are alike and after you finally get your MINI, you'll soon be wanting to get another.
motor motor!

 

Great color choice. Yellow or white jobs are awesome looking..... and fast.....

 

Ok,

Sounds like maybe I'll drop the Auto A/C, and get the sunroof instead, and still save a few bucks over the Premium Package, even with the steering wheel upgrade. But, damn...I wonder if I can drop something else to save on the extra $500? I'm presently about $900 over my initial intended MINI budget, as is, and that's w/o ANY dealer installed stuff, such as the satellite radio set up. (Which I REALLY wanted as an integrated system, but they are asking $995 installed on that, ugh! ) I guess it'll be XM radio for me, later.

Of the options I'm getting, the only one's I'm even willing to consider dropping are:

1.) Xenon Headlights. (I've never had 'em before, and...though they are COOL...I could probably live w/o 'em. It's not like the car doesn't ALREADY come with perfectly fine headlights, even though I DO drive a lot at night, AND I do hate switching between hi and low-beams constantly with regular headlights. Do the Xenons save on having to do this so often?)

2.) Front Foglights. (Rear fogs are still temporarily unavailable, due to 2005 placement design change and conflict w/California law. Rats, I wanted that toggle switch!) I've never had foglights before, but I do sometimes drive in winter conditions, and they might be nice to have on rare occasions. Plus, they look nice, fill out the front bumper a little better, give you one more toggle switch, are a relatively cheap...certainly not $500...option, and...look nice with the exterior chrome package.) Which brings us to...

3.) Interior/Exterior Chrome Trim. (I've always liked the interior chrome trim look, and this new package is supposed to be of good quality, at a decent factory price. I like the chrome trim around the door panel pocket as well, though that will likely get lots of fingerprints on it. I could probably easily drop this $200, or so, option, but...it's not much for a nice, different look.) The exterior chrome is a hard call with the new exterior bumper designs, as the new trim will be narrower, and more SPORTY looking. Which is too bad, as I liked the previous, more traditionally english looking, more conservative, wide style design. The exterior chrome comes with the integrated chrome mirror caps, which is actually a look I'm neither hot or cold on, but it is different, and I've never seen it on a real in-my-face MINI. The exterior trim is another $200, or so, option, so it doesn't help much just dropping one of these trim options alone.

Oh, as a side note: I don't remember if I mentioned it before, but CVT steptronic paddles are not yet available for 2005 MINI's, though they are coming...maybe in January. (Actually, not a big deal to me, as I like the idea of using the center console shift **** for steptronic mode driving. Looks...slightly cooler. :smile: )

So, what do you think? I guess I could always drop auto A/C, and not bother with a sunroof either, thus saving $300. But...geez, THAT'S no fun!

P. S. As regards the previously mentioned concerns regarding my present lease car... I'm just gonna buy it, pay it down as best as possible, then clean her up, and trade her in (if I don't otherwise sell her). After doing the math on my situation, it's the most practical option I can think of, and shouldn't turn out too bad. (The end math result on the lease extension option idea was...horrible! ) No one seems to have anymore ideas on that one, and I'm also out of ideas.

P. P. S. Once again, thanks for your help folks. And, I'm SO happy I've not yet had to put on a flame resistant suit yet! (...so far)

 

>>stepping off the edge of reality, into a dark world<<
Bwaaaaaaah-haaaa-haaaaaaaaa! Igor, we've got another one!

Dogspeed.

 

Yes! By all means prepare the electrodes! Billy is a keeper.

Best of luck.

regards,
Red