Give the guy a break! Likes to hear himself talk? His post sounded reasonable to me, just frustrated. I was ready to dump my 2003 Cooper and abandon MINI a while back when the transmission failed, and I nearly put a deposit down on a slightly-used Matrix. The Matrix/Vibe gets better fuel economy than the Cooper, has a ton more storage space, and is a decent driver, though very tall and upright (and yes, trucklike in comparison). Scion xB also gets comparable mileage and has an interior that seems about 5 times as large, but it feels like you're driving a bus. There are always trade-offs, and different people have different priorities. It's certainly not unreasonable to at least consider one of those vehicles and saving $5000+.

 

It seems like every time effusant posts, I learn a new word!

 

My first post!!! I'm trying to decide what to buy after getting screwed at every turn by Audi.

But you guys DON'T want a Vibe. One of my co-workers has one that has been in the shop time after time. They gave her a loaner that she had for several days and it broke down while she was waiting for hers to be fixed!!!

Three weeks ago Tom Bush in Jacksonville had at least 20 on the lot. I don't know about their Mini service, but I had a BMW two cars ago and they were impeccable about that one.

 

Welcome, F-man! I hope you end up with the car that's just right for you, and... I hope it's a MINI!

Now back to your regularly scheduled thread...

 

Got an E-mail today with full specs of last remaining MC in Indy. I just can't afford the nearly $4K worth of Dealer added goodies.

So... It looks like I will have to go with a 2006. I guess I have to put the "Actual Size" decal back in to safe storage for another 6 months or so. I guess 6 months is not as bad considering I have already waited nearly 3 years.

I took Jen B and gjpundsack advice and asked my MA at D&R about what was inbound and unsold. Maybe if I can get my hands on one before they tint the windows.....

Then to add insult to the matter, I broke my right foot at work last night. Even if I could afford the car, I couldn't drive it for 2 months so... Not that I would want to deprive MrsDiff from a MINI but the torture of having one and not being able to drive..

I guess that is what happens when your heart and brain are set on a MINI and you mention the P word.

 

Why six months?

I just put in my order to upgrade to an 06 and it will be here at the end of October

 

Ditto 6 months. A long wait. That's similar to waiting lists at West Coast dealers who do not charge mark up (or are they still up to 10 months?).

I appreciate DrDiff's conundrum. Probably many of us (me too) wanted a MINI but could not buy for awhile (I wanted an S with automatic). But when the opportunity arrives it is prudent to compare with other cars (I looked at Mazda 3--too long; Scion xA--slightly anemic; Matrix--that styling; Audi TT--poor visibility; Smart--no backseat; etc.).

It surprised me that during the time my MINI was on order I kept wondering what would happen if I were able to get a modified Scion xA--whatever that may be, but having back doors seemed an attaction. Yet after I got my MINI I could not imagine driving anything else. I can't imagine another car as practical as the MINI that is as much fun.

 

Almost makes me wish I had not bought my 03MCS I LOVE your car and if I did not have mine I would buy, fly, and drive. Too bad you have to sell

Earl

 

It sounds like demand is still (or again) high, which maybe means my MCS will hold its value for a while yet, which is kewl.

I ordered in late November 2004, car was built around week 50, and I drove it home January 2005. Less than 7 weeks total. All is well.

I did "Lurk & Learn" for a good long time before ordering, and so I read a lot about issues big and small... From Yo-Yo's to cupholders, from Stumbles to ECU updates to cheap windshields have I searched, and I can't find any posts where "The WAIT" was a deal-breaker.

Hmmmm, I DID find some where folks were saying "THANK YOU for not letting me talk myself out of this terrific CAR!"

Tatt

 

Thx Earl, i love my car too!

If i hadnt test drove the darn car, i wouldnt want to sell, but i had to try it...oh wait, wrong thread

(theres always room for another MC )

 

We finally made the decision. Sell the Stratus at CarMax and put $500 down and lock the configuration in. To see it, Click here

Now to determine a name.

 

Nice car! How long of a wait did they promise? Why don't you trade the Stratus instead and save on the sales tax?

Either way,

best of luck!

 

The Vibe is a re-skinned Toyota Matrix. It's not a GM product.

But it doesn't matter anyway, it's butt ugly.

 

I agree completely.

 

I'm including crossovers like the Matrix/Vibe in my broad generalization.

Pretty certain the matrix is built in North America, anyway...


Very glad that DrDiff has seen the light. Enjoy the anticipation!

_Dave_