The important thing is that there were no injuries other than a few bruises. I was totally shocked at how well the structure of this little car held up. I've been a BMW owner for years, so I appreciate the solid engineering and I know how safe their cars are. I was amazed at just how strong this car was... a major front end impact, and yet both doors open and close normally, and the interior passenger compartment is entirely intact, no intrusion into the floor and dash area.

The short version: MINI vs. pick up truck, the driver of the truck was a 17 year old kid driving way too fast on a slippery road (had just rained), going around the corner he lost control because of his speed, crossed over into the other lane and slammed into the MINI head on. MINI was traveling about 30mph, and he was traveling at least 50mph if not higher.

I'll post some pics when I get a chance.

 

WOW, I'm so sorry; especially because I know what it's like! Mine was totaled with just 400 miles on it, 4 days after delivery, following my 4 week wait to get it (4 is clearly my unlucky number).
However in the end I got an even better MINI for a better price which I love all the more, so maybe it was just meant to be... As much as it sucks, the saying rings true - (really bad) sh*t happens.

 

Tomorrow it goes to the dealer's body shop where I hope it is officially totaled (I really hope they don't try and tell me this car can be fixed).

I'm already working getting a replacement in the works. I really loved the way this 1st order came out (exactly what I had envisioned) and there is nothing close enough to it already on the ground or incoming, so it would have to be re-ordered. I'm hoping they can get me a factory order in ~4 weeks.

I also hope that I can get the bank to do a "substitution of collateral" because the lease terms on this car were much better than they would be on a new one right now since the residual has dropped 2% since when I first locked in.

 

Same way I felt - luckily (I guess) both the body shop and my insurance company did determine it to be a total loss. Was slammed into a pole doing about 40mph. So although there was no interior intrusion and the frame held up perfectly, I know that no fix could have gotten even remotely back to new. Especially on such a new car, the last thing you want is a series of rattles and mechanical problems down the road.

I too planned on going through the order and wait process all over again but luckily my dealer received one with my original exact specs, just a different color. Although my decision to go with it came from impatience, I'm actually liking my new PW/B even more then SS/B so I'm quite happy. Four weeks may be totally feasible - where are you located?

 

I feel for you. My MINI was just totaled by a young kid in a pickup truck too. Just make sure that you take care of your back! You don't want to have those problems pop up later on in life.

 

That is too bad... I hope it is totalled as well. MINI is a safe car.

 

I'm in RI. I was in no rush with the 1st once since I had 2+ months to go on my current lease at the time. The car ended up coming in a bit early... my lease was up the second week of this month but I ended up picking up the car last month when it came in.

I've already spoken with them and it seems like I can get the car within 4 weeks depending on their production schedule, they have some production slots that would get me delivery in about 4 weeks but it all depends on how long it takes the insurance to say that the car is totaled.

 

Well that's good news at least - 4 weeks isn't bad at all. Now if you were in CA it'd be another story. Of course it's totally dependent on your insurance company, but after mine was determined to be totaled it only took Liberty Mutual about a week to give me a settlement amount. They spend a few days checking around with other dealers to see what the 'replacement amount' with taxes will be, hence the delay. Also since my MINI was so new the title hadn't even arrived yet and they were only willing to give me 50% until they had that in hand.

 

Mine is leased, so they're going to have to send a check to BMW Financial.

I'd prefer a substitution of collateral in order to avoid starting a new lease and to keep my favorable lease terms on the current car, but worst case I can do fine if they give me replacement value (since it is only 1 month old) and I start over since I did get a pretty good deal the first time.

 

My new Laser Blue R56 :-) So happy and in love :-)

Links to more pics in my gallery and on my site

http://homepage.mac.com/kevshootz/PhotoAlbum42.html

 

When posting, click the "Insert Image" icon in the icon bar. There you can specify the URL to an image on the web, or you can upload your images to your own member gallery in the user control panel.

-jeff

 

Here are a few pictures of the damage.

Based on a quick look-over, the manager of the body shop believes it will be totaled, but of course the insurance company needs to look at it first.

 

outch.


i can imagine it will be a matter of time until those seats end up on Ebay or in some other mini.

 

 

WOW, just looking at it I'd be highly surprise if it's not a total. That looks even worse then mine and the insurance company didn't take two seconds to declare it 'not worth fixing'. The front end is a TON to fix and I'm sure there's a good bit of mechanical damage as well.
Well at least you get to start all over, opposed to driving a brand new car which underwent extensive repair.

 

Excellent.

 

Thanks. Here's another for your viewing pleasure:

"Treat Yourself to the Best" as the sign says... But I think they meant tobacco, not MINI's

 

Nice!

 

sad!

 

Amazing, another validation for the MINI, it is so good you came out of the accident well.

I would say it appears to be a total or you should insist since major front-end damage is not fun to repair or to have to deal with the issues after a repair.

Get yourself a new MINI. I hope you find one you like and the color you like.

 

 

Hey everyone, just got my MINI. LOVE IT! Anyway, for my first post (I've been lurking around for a while), here's a couple pics, and a link to a whole lot more:

 

Here's mine....I've changed it a lot so will post again. I'm down to changing wheels and tires now!

JCW tuning, suspension, aerodynamic kit and cf parts, vinyl and Wurth paint blackout, Lamin-x gunmetal and smoke, Alta antenna

 

Pics Pics Pics

 

Flaco- it looks great!

What is your impression of the JCW tuning kit so far?