Well, my lease on my 2006 Subaru Forester is coming to an end in the next 9 months. I want something more fun, was considering a GTI, maybe an Audi A3 S-Line, but gas prices have me a little freaked out. The Clubman S definitely seems a little bit more usable than a regular Cooper, plus it gets pretty good mileage.

Here's my question. I don't want my lease on my Forester to end, and then wind up with no car for weeks or months on end. How far in advance should I plan on ordering so that the car is available a little bit before my other lease is up? Any input is appreciated.

 

It varies, but 8 weeks should be safe!


Good luck!

 

It depends on your dealer, since each dealership gets a certain number of "slots." Here in the LA area one dealer quoted 6-8 weeks (but wanted to charge a $3,000 "market adjustment"--no thank you). I've seen some people on the boards say up to 12 weeks.

 

A "market adjustment?" My dealer on Long Island has several in stock...not sure if I'd want one with the options they've chosen, but I doubt they'd charge over sticker for ordering one either.

 

You might ask the mini dealer how long they could hold a special order - explain your predicament - they may work with you, and hold yours for a few weeks until you're able to pick it up...

 

I would discuss the order with your dealer about three months before you turn in your leased car to get a reliable delivery estimate. It would be better to leave a little extra time in the build schedule, as the car could simply sit on the dealer lot for a couple of weeks if needed. This should not be an issue with a "sold" car.

 

another option is to call of the leasing company and ask them if you can extend it by 1 month.

 

My dealer in Nashville, TN has a few in stock-fly down and they will pick you up at the airport and sell you the Clubman at MSRP. They have people fly in from all over frequently. A deposit will hold it for you!

 

I'm pretty sure I'll be able to find one in the NY Metro Area Probably not necessary to travel to TN. I actually have never driven a Mini and have only sat in one once. I'm going to go look at one this weekend, and maybe even drive one, if the salesman isn't put off that my lease doesn't end for almost another 9 months. I wouldn't be considering new cars this early if the availability situation wasn't what it is with Minis. If I do decide that it's what I want, at least I'll know to order in advance.

I'm really just concerned about it being too small, and starting to think about safety issues a bit.

 

My leased Saab 9-5 wagon goes back on 6/9. I started looking at replacement vehicles in February, but didn't get to the MINI until early April. It took me until 4/19 to order my S Clubman, and by that time the lead time had ballooned from ~5 wks to 8-11 weeks. After talking today with my MA, he gave me the news: delivery in Mid-June (about 8 weeks from order to delivery). Depending on your dealer allocation and the fact that there seems to be a rush on these vehicles (oh these gas sipping beauties are irresistable), it's anyone's guess where the wait will end up later in the year. Articles I've read indicate that MINI underestimated the demand for the Clubman (1 in 4 MINIs sold in GB were Clubbies), which undoubtedly was exacerbated by the current fuel situation.

 

If you have a really good MA/dealer, they may float you a loaner if there's a disparity between your lease end and delivery... REALLY GOOD....

 

Well I suppose if I start building a relationship with an MA several months before I'm ready to even order, they'll work something out with me.

So anybody concerned about safety issues with these cars? They seem to do well with the IIHS, but, IIHS aside, in an accident with a truck or SUV, the larger vehicle will usually win.

 

Larger vehicles usually win in any accident! Safety was a concern but the Mini rates well with insurance and they are the experts of the accident situation.

Of course being in a smaller car it takes some getting use too- having owned SUVs, Lexus-430, Infiniti M-it takes a few days to get over the feeling of being the little person on the road- but as you scoot by them and pass by them when they are at the gas station- you grin!

 

Well, I finally test drove a Clubman S yesterday. WOW! So much fun to drive! I think I'm sold on the car...it really will come down to cost and leasing programs when December rolls around.

 

I would have considered leasing but I never got a lease quote that was really that good of a deal. I am not sure I understand why the leases aren't more competitive becuase these things hold their value so dog gone well. I always get confused with the "money factor" stuff. Im sure it some formula that considers interest and residual value. I guess maybe becuase BMW isn't wanting to (and doesn't need to) buy-down a lease rate to make it cost-effective. I would guess even though the residual is high, the effective interest rate is not so much.

What percentage of Mini buyers actually lease? I would guess it is lower than the average new car in its price range.

Jon W.

 

I'm also probably going to lease because I don't know if I'll want this car for more than three years. If I buy, I'm probably committed to keeping it for at least 4, maybe 5 years, plus I'd need quite a bit of cash down to make it cost effective to buy.

 

Part of the often overlooked fact that the IIHS stats reveal is that you're less likely to be involved in a multi-car collision due to the superior braking/handling of a small car.

Less claims = ~ less accidents.