My impression is that the trial subscription is only two weeks. The ISOLDE isn't due into Panama until the 20th and Hueneme on the 30th. I guess I'll wait a week and then try it.

 

Ok, AIS Live, not so easy to use. I "signed up" for the free trial several days ago and just tried to access it tonight. No go. Tried signing up again, no go.

They must know I'm "one of those mini guys" trying to use their website for non-business purposes. Jeez.

Anyone know where Maersk Wave is? S6TV isn't checking in with sail.wx anymore. The schedule says it should be due into Georgia very soon... good news for you guys in the southeast. Or "y'all" in the southeast.

 

Yea, looks like it hasn't sent in a weather report since the 9th. Probably too busy engaging battle with a pirate ship.

 

Those silly pirates, when will they learn?

 

hey you stupid pirates! leave my MINI alone

 

Still no report since the 9th. Perhaps they went into stealth mode to prevent attacks from yellow submarines.

 

The Isolde seems to have some tricks up her sleeves. Hopefully she's also super fast. Maybe she can just jump Central America rather than deal with the canal and all those slow moving locks.

The Owner's Lounge finally caught up today and admitted that the car is at the VDC. And, most interestingly, it has an estimated delivery date of 4/15. From reading other threads, I know that that date is definitely estimated. I'm just waiting for a call from the MA to say that the car has arrived.

BTW, I talked to this MA earlier this week and got him to throw in mats. I wasn't smart enough to negotiate that upfront. He seemed reluctant and said they usally charge $100 (or whatever it is) and he'd have to talk to his manager. But then said he didn't think it would be a problem. I get the impression that they usually throw them in, but they need to make it feel like they're doing me a favor.

 

My dealer threw in the rubber mats as part of the dealer prep. I would think, considering we're purchasing at MSRP (or higher for some of you) and paying this dealer prep fee, they could throw a few extras in like rubber mats and the like.

So, any word on our lady of the sea? Miss Wave. She's due in Georgia today. Not that I can figure out how to track her. Guess we'll have to wait for WW to red out Georgia on the schedule to know anything for sure.

 

evergreen, how much was your dealer prep if you dont mind me asking

 

Don't hate us up north, California, but we pay a modest 175, which I understand is not as harsh than most.

 

Good news! We have defeated the pirates and left Georgia. Cali here we come

 

That's good news! Typically, how many days does it take to make it from the VDC to the dealership in OC?

 

according the the thread about the VDC I posted earlier. A priority one car (one that is already sold) can make it through the VDC in 2 days, but i dont know what the average time has been.

 

It can also take longer. My car arrived at VDC on Tuesday and hasn't arrived at the dealer yet. They said early this week. I keep hoping the phone will ring with that news.

 

Jyarrow, how far is the VDC from your dealer?

 

VDC is New Jersey and dealer is in Sterling, VA just outside of Washington. About a 4 hour drive.

 

Well i am sure you cant wait for the call.

 

It took mine 10 days to arrive at dealer in the metro area.

 

I have been following the progress of the group that came in on the Maersk Wind (arrived in Cal. on the 4th) and it looks like the cars have been taking about 7-10 days to reach the dealerships in Cal. I also read there was some backlog at the VDC and I havent' figured how priority status effects VDC timing.

 

It seems to me that the VDC process varies pretty wildly. Some folks are doing a couple days and others almost a couple weeks. There are a ton of variables there. For instance, the New Jersey VDC isn't an exclusive MINI/BMW facility and processes cars for a bunch of companies. Who knows how the trucking works or the customs process? Seems like there are many opportunities for a car to sit around for many days waiting for things. It'll happen when it happens...

 

goodnight week 13. dream dreams of when we can finally post pictures of our cars in this thread

 

My MA confirmed to me this weekend that my car should arrive at the dealership on Monday, but I'm in China for work still, so sorry guys no picks from me :-(

 

meche when do you get back? at least you know that it will be waiting for you when you get home right? look on the brightside

 

meche - I'm sure you have a great job, but you must consider quitting and come home for your MINI. We all have to keep our priorities straight.

Meanwhile, you're giving me hope that my phone might actually ring today with the news that my car is at the dealer. I think we were on the Integrity and my dealer is only a couple of hours farther from the VDC.

 

jyarrow has got a point. think about how lonely your MINI must be. all the other cars at the dealer are probably telling it that you will never come