This is my first time posting here, so hopefully you existing Mini Cooper owners can help me out.

I've loved the Mini ever since they came out years ago, but prices were too rediculous to even consider for such a small car. Now that the '05 is out, and a Mini Dealer popped up here in Charlotte, there's plenty to drool over and the prices are "more" reasonable... I drove one yesterday, and WOW! For 168 ponies, and 3 people in the car, I was impressed! I drive a 400 rear wheel hp Mustang on the weekends, and expected to be disappointed, but Mini did a good job revising the gear ratios, and adding the 5 hp.

Here's what I plan on ordering: '05 MCS, multi function wheel, S Lite Wheels, Limited Slip Diff, Bonnet Stripes. (no pkgs, because I don't want everything in the pkg).

The questions I have are as follows. Help me if you can.

1.) PRICE TAG
The dealer said sticker IS the price. No negotiations. You pay MSRP or walk away. We were floored! Are they in that high demand that everybody pays sticker?! Has anyone here been able to negotiate price? A $349 "Processing Fee" doesn't help either!

2.) Is it really worth $420 to pay for metallic paint? Or do you feel like you got ripped after you bought it? Red looks aweful good when the blue is $400 smackeroos more. That's a lot of Happy Meals!

3.) How long did it take you to receive a Mini if you ordered one built. Did you have any issues with delivery? Can you order one online as opposed to a local dealer?

Thanks for your help guys. This seems to be a good site for info as opposed to the more british Mini2.com

 

first off; Welcome to NAM!
1.) MSRP is normal, though you shouldn't agree to pay for any stupid "processing fee". Sometimes you'll run across some dealerships that are offering a tiny discount.

2.) It all depends on the look you're going after. Color combo is a very personal decision. Choose whatever is going to make you smile every morning, not what the wallet is complaining about.

3.) At least a month, usually two to three. No you can't order one online, but Classic MINI near Cleveland, OH is the dealership I recommend for quick order to delivery time, no fees, no haggling, and an awesome staff!

Cheers, and Good luck,
Ryan

 

I'll second the recommendation for Classic MINI in Cleveland. Based on the universal praise here, I ordered through them rather than our one Michigan MINI dealer, where experiences seem to vary widely. I ordered on October 12 and the car arrived at the dealership last Friday, so that's about seven and a half weeks. A lot seems to depend on the timing of when the car is finished and the next ship sales and how long it takes to get through the Vehicle Distribution Center, but I think my delivery time was pretty typical. They charged MSRP. Processing fee = Extra profit fee and I would raise a fuss about that, if I were you, or consider looking elsewhere.

Sounds like good specs! The LSD wasn't available when I ordered my '05, which is unfortunate because I definitely would have gotten it. The S-Lite wheels are, despite the name, quite heavy and you might want to reconsider them, but they do look really nice and it's matter of personal taste. I'm sure others will offer their opinions. I got plenty of help when I was deciding.

Mark

 

For the $600 on the S-Lites, is it better to just get the standard 16's from Mini and then find some aftermarket 17's that are lightweight? I've not researched wheel sizes to replace the Mini stockers, but will probably look into that now. I'm not looking for "bling".

Does anyone know the weight of the 16" vs. 17" with tires? Is it a tremendous difference or are we talking just a couple lbs.?

 

There's 7.5lb difference in weight between the wheels:

16" R84 = 17.6lb
17" R85 = 25.1lb

 

Also, potentially, there's a big weight difference in the runflat tyres depending on whether you opt for all-season or summer/performance.

For the 16" wheels you're looking at ~23.5 lbs whether they're all-season or summer performance tyres. For the 17" wheels, however, the all-seasons weigh-in at a mamoth 30.4 lbs (each ) whilst the performance tyres (Dunlop or Pirelli) are around 22 lbs. Choose wisely

 

Are you planning on doing any auto-x? If you are you're probably better off getting auto-x wheel s and tires separately anyway. I chose to get the 16's with all-seasons and I will get some lightweight wheels for auto-x. Besides, I really don't care for the S-lites, too bubbly for me, especially for something that is supposed to be more sporty than the base choice.

 

I'm with you on the metallic paint thing. I've never had to pay an upcharge for metallic paint on any car I've bought before. Is this something only BMW does to make you feel "special?"

Does a MINI metallic paint job really cost BMW more than a Honda metallic paint job costs Honda? Unlikely.

I wanted dark silver but am now thinking red on principle! Plus the red dash and door inserts look pretty darn sweet.

 

Thx for all the help guys! Keep it coming. I need all the education on this that I can get...

 

It was about 6 weeks to the day from when I ordered my car to when it came in. It generally is about 8 weeks though from when you order so keep that in mind.

As for color combo's here is a few shots of my red/black mcs if you're considering saving some money.

I'd skip the 17's, they are really friggan heavy at 25lbs a piece without tires. If you're really into performance you'll likely be getting a set of lightweight wheels so the 16's will just be winter wheels anyway

http://homepage.mac.com/mfonseca13/PhotoAlbum4.html
Mike

 

First off I have to say you should get the sport package....

The better suspension and DSC are well worth it. Some may argue the DSC bit it has saved my butt many times on the regular driving days of running the car through its paces. Now if you plan to autocross then DSC is irrelevant. I don't remember all the things you get with the sport package but I think the sport seats come as well and is well worth it!.

If you like good sound and don't want to gut the car to put in a whole new system the Harmon Kardon is well worth it! This coming from a guy in the audio business who use to gut ever vehicle ever owned. I am really impressed with it.

The only reason I got the s-lites was that they are included in the sport package and that I had a set of tires I could put on new rims (or have as spares) They are heavy but you can run them for a few weeks while getting use to the car and then trade up (just like I did and am patiently waiting for my shoes to arrive)


Sticker is common. I was pretty iritated but after calling 12 dealers up and down the east coast that is what I found out.
Century MINI in Greenville charges a $500 fee but that soon dissapeared.

I got lucky on wait time. A car built the exact way I wanted was sitting on the lot so my wait time was zero. Some moron wasn't happy with the payment when it came in so he backed out and I got lucky!!

Metalic paint rocks! I love my dark grey!!

Enjoy your new MINI when you make your final decision it will be a decision you will never regret!

Chris

 

Why be floored about paying MSRP for a car that: 1. leads the American auto industry in average lowest dealer sales incentive per car ($12), 2. leads the American auto industry in average days in dealer stock (8), 3. still commands (and gets) huge markups over MSRP in some areas of America, along with long wait lists in many areas, and 4. is completely customizable

Oh and the $349 "processing" fee is a total rip; the destination charge that's worked into every vehicle ($550) means manuf. to customer, not dealer--paperwork, prep, detail, delivery--to you.

Oh and please do test drive an S with the 16" wheels and one with the 17"s. You will notice the difference. Welcome to NAM and MINI. Jimbo

 

"The better suspension and DSC are well worth it"

The suspension is the same with or without the sport package. The sport suspension plus is standard on the Cooper S according to the website.

 

I waited 8 weeks (almost to the day) from order to pickup from Cincinnati Mini.

MSRP is standard. I think I paid a $50-55 document fee, but that's all.

Color is the one thing that I flip-flopped on for quite some time. I like several of the metalic paint colors, but in the end I liked the white (non-metalic) the best. All are very glossy.

Hope this helps some...

 

This is correct. Sport package gives no suspension upgrade over stock MCS suspension which is good already. If you want less understeer then add a rear swaybar aftermarket.

MSRP? Yes, expect to pay it or worse. Rarely a few of us get a slight discount if the dealership has to sell a particular MINI or wants to move a few out but basically there is a line of buyers ready to go so there are even more of us who paid more than MSRP if you consider the dealer add ons that we paid for or things like a processing fee.

Wait time under the best of circumstances is about 6 weeks but it does depend on where in the country you live, East coast would be shorter travel than for the west coast and Hawaii is extra SLOW (add a month). If there is great demand in your area then you get to be in a long queue just to get you order placed so expect 4 to 6 months or up to 10-12 in the very worst areas like southern Calif.

S-lyte wheels are very heavy and unless you really like the looks you are much better off with the stock 16" X-lyte rims if possible. Ride quality will be better, performance for acceleration, and braking will be better.

Metallic paint for extra sorry to say is getting more common. In 1995 I could have paid $200 more for pearlescent white paint for my Nissan but didn't. If you like a solid color just as much as a metallic one then great. Save the $400. Buy some gas and have some fun.

 

Howdy,

Just a note on the LSD: I placed my order for an '05 MCS this past Friday with LSD. I managed to get in the first week of Jan for a build date (first available for LSD). I am told I will get the car early February (In Atlanta).

Also, the processing fee, although total BS , was common to both dealers here in Atlanta. You may want to call Mini of Charleston and ask about their fees. You may save a few $ compared to CLT.

And don't pay any "dealer prep". If they can't detail your car and fill the tank upon delivery, move on

Good luck,
Erik

 

Ditto on all the comments here about msrp and extra fees. There are several dealers who are willing to do just msrp, classic is a good one, I bought mine from mini of the hamptons and was happy, and they even payed half the shipping to my door.

my opinion on options I would get again in a sec
rain sens wipers/dim mirror
sport pkg
xenons & fogs
s-lites (the tradition of the s-spokes means more to me than the weight)
DSC
winter pkg

Options i would leave out
leather ( I actually think the leatherette seems more real)
Premium
metallic paint

wish they had LSD in 03 but oh well

 

Also, maintains its value (in terms of resale) over any other car in its class.

 

As a former "muscle car" guy (5.0 Mustang/Z28 Camaro/01 Corvette) welcome. Save the $400 on the paint and get a performance exhaust (Magna Flow= loudest) to get rid of the anemic stock exhaust. I smile when I read that folks think the new stock 05 exhaust makes noise. After having cars with straight pipes/headers/off road H pipe the MCS was barely audible (might be my years and hearing--or lack there of). Can the sunroof/less weight and the $ saved will complete your exhaust purchase and a CAI.

I, for one, have had more fun with my MCS. I tell folks 1/2 the HP--2x the fun. Enjoy.

 

Get rid of the metallic paint, not needed. Go with a "cool" solid color like Chili Red, Pepper White, Liquid Yellow or Jet Black. Solid colors are much easier to repair when it comes to nicks and scratches. Metallics are generally a pain in the **** to touch up and match.

Here is how I configured my '04 MCS:

Chili Red/White roof (With Union Jack Flag)
Leatherette (Panther black) sports seats (Forget about the overpriced and low quality real leather seats)
Anthracite interior trim
front fog lights
Standard Halogen headlights (they are good enough for me)
Rain sensing wipers
Automatic self dimming rear view mirror (A MUST!)
Harman Kardon stereo upgrade
Trip computer
Sport steering wheel with cruise control and audio remote controls (A MUST!)
16" R84 silver V-spokes with factory 16" Dunlop SP5000 runflats (Best combo for ride/handling)
No DSC. Living in Florida DSC is not really needed, so I saved another $500 and went with the standard all season traction control (ASC+T).

Chrome exterior mirror caps and chrome front grille.
AUX stereo input jack.

Total price $21,700

The less you go when ordering a new MCS, the better! 16K troublefree miles with my MCS and lovin' it!

Welcome!

 

Nice to see I'm not alone in here!

Although I'm not sure I want to modify the exhaust and get the bumblebee sound. I've criticized ricers for years, and don't want to become one. :D
Performance will be a key objective though, I know myself too well. The sound of that supercharger is addictive! It reminds me of an '03 Cobra with the Eaton blower.

You're right on the sunroof, extra weight. Anybody know how much more over a standard roof it weighs? If it's only 10 lbs, no big deal, but it looks to be quite a bit more.

I'm leaning towards red with white top for color choice. It'll save me the $420. As small as the car is, you could repaint the thing for $400 to any color. LOL

 

I think the panorama sunroof adds around 60 to 70 pounds to the roof of the car. Very nice if you live in year round climate that allows you to enjoy it day in and day out, but if you can save the added weight, cost, future problems with rattles and water leaks and can do without it, then a MINI with a solid roof is a better choice from a cost, durability and performance point of view.

 

I think it weighs about that, but a large section of roof is removed, too, and that weighs something. Exactly what it weighs is something I've never been able to find out. I ended up not ordering the sunroof, mainly in order to add lightness, but I've never seen a definitive statement on the actual weight difference.

Mark

 

I thought the added weight of the sunroof was closer to 30lbs... 60-70 seems excessive

 

You weight weenies are really funny.

It makes me laugh each time I read posts from folks on these forums that tell someone else not to purchase a sunroof because it adds too much weight to the car. And the ones that really make me laugh the most are the ones who cry about the difference in weight between the 16" and 17" factory wheels.

Come on now, do you guys really think that the average MINI owner is ever going to be able to tell any difference at all between a MINI with 16" wheels and no sunroof over one with 17" wheels and a sunroof???? I think NOT! (although I'll give you the fact that some folks might notice a very small difference in ride quality between the two)

I've driven both types of MINIs back-to-back for quite some time and I sure can't tell any appreciable difference between them. Therefore, for those of you trying to decide on your new MINI's spec, I wouldn't listen to any of the weight weenies out there and I'd just get what you really want (unless you're a serious auto-x-er and you're buying the car solely for that purpose that is).

Personally, the MINI's HUGE sunroof and sweet looking 17" wheels are what attracted me to the car the most. I'd rather have them and be enjoying them everyday, then to have missed out on the options just to have of save a few silly pounds on the car. Get a grip!