Well, My salesman is on vacation this week, and won't be getting back until the 19th. So either this coming Sunday (the 20th), or the following Wednesday (the 23rd) I'm going down to my dealership to finally test drive a MCC, and start getting down to business. If all goes as planned, I'll walk out of there with my very own MINI ordered. Financially, I'm set...but my parents (who are helping me pay for the car) have the final say. I don't see why they wouldn't let me place my order now though. The worst case scenario is they'll make me wait another couple weeks or so, but I doubt that'll happen. But in any case, wish me luck. Once I actually get the car ordered I'll feel a lot better.

 

Kyle:


Best of luck my friend. This is an exciting time for you. I remember when my dad helped me buy my very first new car when I was 16 (Back in 1988). He gave me the downpayment, but I had to work otherwise to make the monthly payments/insurance and gas. On top of that another condition was for me to keep excellent grades at school. Not an easy feat but I did it.

Don't forget to call your insurance company to see how much the insurance will run up on that new MINI Convertible. Remember that you are a male, unmarried under 25 years of age. In other words, you fall in the most dangerous category of drivers to insure, so expect to pay highest rates. You need to factor the cost of insurance, along with the car monthly payment.

Not until you get married and/or reach the age of 25, you won't see much relief on premium costs.

If the insurance is too high on the convertible, then consider the regular Cooper hardtop which may come out a lot cheaper and more affordable for you.

Just some food for taught.

 

Hey, thanks.

Actually, my dad has been on the ball lately. He already called the insurance company to find out how much my rate is going to increase. I don't remember the exact number, but it's something like $9 a month more than what I'm paying now. In other words, not an issue. I was very happy to hear that. My parents pay for half my insurance, so the cost difference (for me) will be basically non-existant. In case anyone is interested, to fully insure a brand new '05 Cooper Convertible for an 18 year old male (me) is just over $2000 a year. It's a lot, I guess...but not as bad as some cars.

Surprisingly, they also said that no matter what kind of MINI I get...MC, MCS, MCC, or MCSC, the rate will be exactly the same. I thought it was strange, but I'm not complaining.

 

Luck!!!

And whta Cooper4Us said.

 

Just be glad you don't live in California... I guarantee that rate would go sky high.

 

I remember my dad helping me with my first car purchase too... 1977 and I was smitten by a 1976 Datsun 280Z... silver, black interior. My dad had no appreciation for sports cars at all. "Son, that's a helluva lot of money for a car without whitewalls." But he co-signed, and I paid off the $7,200 just as fast as I could... I also racked up speeding tickets as fast as I could.

Good luck! Get the car, but not the tickets!