I didn't really know which forum to post this in so i picked this one since I want to buy a brand new 08 mini.

1. How much is the general down payment when you buy a mini?
(When i Built and priced it online it was around 26k)

2. If I have it built do I have to start paying when its in production or when it gets delivered? And also would the down payment be before or after it gets delivered?

I had some other questions but they just slipped my mind

 

Welcome!!

1. Generally a $1K deposit starts your MINI into production.

2. Payments start only when you take delivery. Deposit can apply to downpayment or not.

 

I've seen deposits run from $500 to $2000 to get your MINI into production.

The size of your actual down payment will depend on how you decide to finance it. The more you put down, obviously, the lower your monthly payment. Your deposit should roll into your down payment.

And, as the pp said, you start paying (other than the deposit) once you take delivery.

 

$500 deposit refundable, the dealer owns the car until it is delivered , then you buy it or you can reorder if you dont like it.

 

Ok thanks for the info.

I'm actually decidng if I should get one from the dealer and not have it custom built. There are just sooo many choices for the mini that I don't really know which to choose Mostly when it comes to the suspension and dynamic stability control features. Are they REALLY worth it. I won't be doing any nascar stuff with my car but I would like to have good control with it. The only other cars i've driven have benn 92' and 03' nissan maxima, 03' lincon town car, 03' Civic and a 92' Bronco haha. the only cars with good handling were the maximas and the civic. but comparing them with a mini is probably stupid right? haha

I live on Long island so if I do go to the dealership for one it would be Hassel mini

 

I paid $1,000 down, which was then applied to the cost of the car. In California the deposit is 100% refundable if you decide not to take the car. This is true in some other states as well. You might want to check.

You pay upon delivery.

As to your other questions:

1. Anthracite headliner
2. DSC
3. Heated Seats
4. LSD
5. Rear fog lights

Get the cheapest 16' wheels and use them for snow tires or sell them in the NAM marketplace. Get lightweight aftermarket wheels for summer tires. Don't waste your money on factory wheel options they are too expensive and too heavy.

 

Go for a test drive and see what you think of the different options...

 

I second that. And pour over the different cars at the dealer to see interior/exterior color combos, stuff like chromeline interior, colorlines, wheels. From experience I can say that just using the configurator on the website will not show you how the car really looks in person with many of the options you can choose.

 

DSC is a safety feature to help you avoid accidents. It helps you maintain or regain control of the car if it starts to slide. There is a good video of a similar system being tested on a frozen lake a 70 mph. You can find a link to it in one of the many DSC threads here. A skilled driver was not able to navigate an simulated accident avoidance course without it (slid into one of the barriers) but did make it through with the system on. IMO, it is a must-have feature. It will help you avoid that deer or SUV that jumps out in front of you. It can't change the laws of physics, but it can help keep the car going the way you want it with techniques no human can duplicate.

It is not a competition features, and most people turn it off when racing so they can do controlled drifts.

If you are getting an S, you should consider LSD. It helps prevent wheel spin under hard acceleration. All MINIs have a computer system (ASC) to prevent wheel spin, but it will slow acceleration. So, if you are turning left on a wet street and misjudged how fast the traffic was coming at you, LSD would help you punch it and get out of the way. ASC will apply braking to a spinning wheel, and may cut engine output. So, as you punch it, the engine may seem to bog. It works well on getting up slippery driveways, but can be really scary when that huge truck is coming at you faster than you thought.

 

DSC will be standard on all U.S. MINIs in 2009 (price may sneek up, too). It is a good thing.

 

I think I will go test drive some of these soon. 2 questions though.

1. Do I actually have to schedule an appointment for a test drive?

2. I'm going to get my mini with an automatic transmission, so would I be better off getting the standard cooper or the S

 

#1. You don't necessarily have to schedule a test drive, but it helps if the dealer is packed

#2. I'm stick driver soooooo.... test drive them both!

 

Congrats on your choosing to get a Mini! I got the S, all the packages, put $2000 down. I made about 11 or 12 different configs on the MINIUSA.COM website before I finalized my choices. Once I did, I printed the entire 'brochure' off and brought it with me. I wanted what I wanted and didn't want someone else's ideas. I got exactly what I dreamed of, love it and am having a great time! I got the BRG with the Redwood lounge leather, double sunroof, chrome trims, English Oak, front & rear fogs, xenon's, white turns, 17" web spokes. and the JCW package. My little Cricket gets whistles on campus all the time!! Take your time, make a ton of configs cause you'll change your mind a lot.
Get the S -- it's way more fun & a lot peppier. You can still do the Sport button and shift anyway.

 

For me, it was easiest to let the dealer know when I was coming by in advance.

I ordered an automatic just-a-cooper, because I didn't need the S (Hubby has a Lotus Elise if I want to shift and go racing... which I don't...)... But it depends on what you want to do with it. This is my daily driver/mommy mobile (not a mini van sort of gal...).

Drive both and see what you like... I didn't bother driving an S, because I knew that I didn't need it and didn't want to be tempted.

 

I thought I wasn't sure about the S over the standard Mini...

Until about five seconds going down the road in the S, with my foot on the floor!

And that's with the automatic!

It's been said on NAM before -- if you want to save money DON'T test drive the S!

As to dealer floor or custom order -- how long are you planning on keeping the car? Particularly if you're going to be keeping the car for more than a few years, set it up the way you want.

Cheers--

 

oh man! there is a huge down for custom ordering your mini... the 6 weeks is killing ME! ive waited for 5 whole days and been addicted to the owners lounge... and to pass the time, im on NAM 24/7.
as a college student, my gpa is bound to go down, and the car is expected to arrive right before finals... what am i to do?

oh yes... you wont get floor mats unless you argue with your dealership so dont forget that if you want them...

caulyne... sweet badge!... ima steal it

 

More badges here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=71218

 

MINIs make great mommy mobiles.

 

Some of us don't have these "issues."

 

Kudos to both of you! When it's finally time to have kids the bf and I have decided we will NEVER get an SUV or minivan. A clubman, MINI, Volvo or wagon are ALL much better choices in my opinion.

 

Now, I have to say, we've still got the SUV. It is nice to have to haul all the crap and luggage and the dog to Grandma's house when hubby, junior and I all go. But we'll be going about once a month for work, just Gavin and I, and for that 3 hour trip, I'm tickled pink that I'll get to take the MINI. It's all about how you pack. (And hey, at least you can put a car seat in it, unlike hubby's Elise!)

(And I totally apologize-- major thread jack here..) There are great posts on MINIS and babies, and they pushed me over the edge and made me believe it was in fact doable. The Liberty will be the car of choice for hauling things and Home Depot runs... and the MINI may get a roof rack if and when junior #2 comes into the picture.. but for now, the little G man and I are excited about our MINI's arrival!


In fact, here he is modeling the new car seat:


And the new Quinny Stroller (demonstrating that folded, it is one Gavin long)




Now.. I just need the MINI to hurry up across the ocean!

 

He's SO cute! =)


I ordered my MCS through a Virginia dealer and had to pay $1000 deposit and i dont think it was refundable. I had no intention of canceling my order, so it didn't matter either way. :-P I just took delivery last night and it's amazing! It took 46 days from order date to delivery pickup date (aka, yesterday!)

 

Thanks!

And why are you on here instead of out driving???

 

Agree strongly with this quote: the configurator does not provide accurate representations, especially the seats. After pouring over this forum for a couple of weeks and boring your MA to show you evey car on the lot, your option priorities should become clear. The process is fun but can also be maddening.

 

I'm 90% sure this is what I want.

Standard Cooper. Chili Red. Black or white roof with either black or white bonnet stripes and black or white rims, I just cant decide. Aero Bodykit. Sports Package. Rooster red interior. Automatic transmission.

And not many other features. Probably won't get a sunroof, don't really think it's needed. Not sure about the built in navigation, do you have to pay a subscription for it?