Hi Everybody!

I would like to know if anyone can help me to figure out what to do.
First you need to know that i live in mexico. The company i'm working for has decided to close oprations in mexico. I have the chance to be re-Located (or as we say in this company Re-Invented). My issue is the following. I have the chance to go to California and my mini is a 2004 model, as all of you wil lunderstand i would like to take it with me. I've heard that california regulations require a few mods, is that true? if so, which are those? does any one know if i will be allowed to register a Mini from mexico in cali? does any know if it is possible to change programation so it can show miles instead of km? (Not in the analog speedometer for sure)? Any comment will be highly appreciated.

Best Regards!
David

 

If it was me and I got reinvented to CA, I would at least consider researching (for instance order from Classic MINI in OH, to shorten any waiting - assuming it still takes AGES to procure a MINI in CA, and is there still a krazy mark-up?) trading up to an '05, which should already be set up and legal to own and operate in CA?

Just thinking out loud here - heck, maybe you can get mucho dinero in Mexico if you market your 2004 before you go (?)

$.02 (if that),
Tatt

 

Hola David: (I speak Spanish )

I think you should consider selling your current MCS in Mexico. Attempting to register that car in California or any other state could prove to be a big problem and very costly, because Mexican market MINIs are essentially European spec models and lack some of the "Federalized" DOT equipment requirements for new MINIs sold in the United States. For instance, your speedo is calibrated only in Kilometers/Hour, you don't have the side marker lights in the wheel arches, headlights could be different, etc.

Sell the car before you come over and order a new '05 MCS here. Save yourself some money and the big headache of what basically is trying to import a car that is less than 25 years old into the United States.

Dejame saber que decides.

Un MINI amigo,

C4

 

New MINIs sold in the USA are 50 state emissions legal.

 

Also with the current exchange rate, it is possible for you to sell that 2004 MCS for around USD$30K-$35K in Mexico. With that much dinero in your pocket, you can buy here a brand new, fully loaded JCW kit and all 2005 MCS and probably have some cash left over.
I have heard of people selling used MINIs down in Brazil for as much as USD$50K!!!!!

 

Yup, that's what I was saying exactly (albeit not very well) .


Hey that's what I'm was talking about too! GMTA, even if one of us (yours truly) suffers from momentary lapses of communication skills .

Motor on,
Tatt

 

Hi everybody!

Well my miny was around 27000 when new so i don't really think i can get more than that, I haven't checked the prices of 2005 minis here in mexico. Actually a sales manager of a local dealer is helping me now to figure out a re-sale amount. The issue here is that i will have to buy a SUV for my wife, and a house so i'm afraid i won't be able to buy a Mini at least for a couple of years

Lets see what happens

 

I remain optimistic here...

The idea is that you use the cash flow from the SALE, in Mex., to procure the US "domestic" MINI... I thought that was obvious - we're not talking about laying down another $25k (especially on top of those other major purchases you're planning).

Did you know, all along, that you'd have to use the proceeds from the Mexican MINI sale, for the needed SUV or the downpayment on the house? If so that's cool, I just didn't get that from your earlier posts...

Tatt

 

Hi There!

Yes i understand, my idea of taking my mex mini with me was not to have cash! if i have cash i know i will use for other priorities like the SUV and the house .

Well i know at some point i will have a mini when i live in USA maybe not the first or second years but hey, i'm really thinking the next one will be a convertible

 

Sounds good to me, man. Isn't California legislature considering changing the state motto to "The Convertible State"

Good luck,
Tatt