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MINI Cooper

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Comments

  • greyscalegreyscale Member Posts: 22
    One more question: Someone in an earlier post mentioned back-up beepers as an option. Are these what I think they are? Those beepers that you hear when garbage trucks back up? The dealer I visited didn't mention this option. That would be kind of cute! :>
  • stryderstryder Member Posts: 140
    You should learn manual transmission anyway, but I understand the reason for buying an automatic.

    Backup beepers is parking assist, when you get close to another car (or something) it will beep inside the car, switching to a steady tone at a certain distance. Its not outside the car. It also ads some circles on the rear bumper for the sensors.

    The original colors are the current '03 colors you can see at the dealer, but there was a color called silk green, (it was a light green, hard to describe, but sorta pea soup like...wasn't very popular) Silk Green ended in Feb '03.. It was replaced by solid gold. Since you're interested in '04s, two new colors are coming, an orange and a lighter blue called shark blue. Velvet red is expected to be cancelled to make room, what else will leave is unknown. (There's some factory restriction on having only 12 colors). Also, the previously S only color electric blue may be available on Coopers.
  • greyscalegreyscale Member Posts: 22
    The lighter blue does sound pretty. If my biggest problem is choosing the colour, I guess I'm in pretty good shape.

    Was wondering if you know anything about the theft factor on these cars? Mine will be parked on the street. The only cars I have ever owned have been old-model Volvos, so I never had to worry about theft. I also want the xenon lights for visibility. Apparently, here in the Bay Area, xenon lights are hot property -- I know two BMW owners who had theirs stolen. Both of these people were told their lights were stolen to be placed into lower-end cars!?!

    Also, is there any reason to go with a dealer who marks up $1,000, if they throw in floor mats and some kind of sealant on the outside of the car?

    Thank you thank you :)
  • segestasegesta Member Posts: 27
    1. Regarding color: I've had my Mini since the early days (March 2002) and my dealer wisely ordered up sunroofs only for black-roofed cars. "The Italian Job"'s Minis and their white-roof-with-sunroof look notwithstanding, I agree that the sunroof looks better--i.e., is hidden--on a black roofed car. FWIW, mine is Pure Silver.

    2. Regarding back-up beepers: kinda weird to have these on the shortest car available, isn't it? I mean, I can practically reach around and grab anything that's behind the Mini. :-)

    3. If you're going to pay over sticker, get something for the money--not a useless "sealant." I got taken for an extra $1000 at Bill Jacobs near Chicago, but at least they gave me a (heavily marked up) CD changer and an (obscenely marked up) bag of various goodies--road flares, first aid kit, etc. for the money.

    4. Regarding theft: parking on the street is always iffy, but remember that most thieves are businessmen, and steal cars that number in the millions--like Accords and Camrys--not niche vehicles like the Mini. Of course, joyriders are not in this category.

    For what that's worth!
  • crcoxecrcoxe Member Posts: 72
    On color combos, it's really a personal preference. One of the great thing about MINIs is that each one seems to be a little different - kinda like having the only one on the road even though there are more and more of them out there these days. We were split between a few different color combinations until we saw the british racing green / white combination at the dealer with cordoba beige leather interior and white bonnet stripes. It was love at first sight and we went for it. For what its worth, we also have a sunroof and it looks great on the white roof. Again, personal preference seems to rule in this respect.

    My advice would be to avoid (if possible) any dealer-required "options." I would also avoid paying any more than MSRP - again if possible.
  • ozone1ozone1 Member Posts: 87
    I have a CVT Cooper and live in the San Francisco area. I would hardly call the car wimpy compared to a manual Cooper or even the S. I drove both, and while you do get a bit more oomph with the S at the higher RPM range, I still prefer the CVT. I didn't buy the car to drag race, I bought it to drive around the City and driving a manual in San Francisco is no fun.

    I wanted a classic look, so I went Chili Red/White roof, white rims and chrome. What's great about putting your MINI together is you can add things that will make it a little more unique. For instance, as popular as the Chili Red/White Roof combo is. I have yet to run into a Cooper with my exact exterior/interior setup. I even have a little bit of a different look because of the dealer installed alarm....a big red light at the end of the windshield wiper stalk.
  • stryderstryder Member Posts: 140
    The white roof's so cool and classic I think it makes the car look totally different from a black roof or body colored one. Also, I really like the sunroof, considering how often you actually look at the top of the car, I don't see it an issue. MINIs are pretty tall, so exactly what the top looks like is only relevant to apartment dwellers and helicopters in the Italian Job I think.

    I'd get the Alarm system (its a dealer option) it'll help deter theft, also the cars have imobilizers, and need the correct chipped key to start the car. The market for stolen MINIs isn't going to be big, however, if someone wants your car, they're going to take it anyway. Personally, I'd worry way more about someone braille parking into your car and beating up the bumpers parking on the street.
  • greyscalegreyscale Member Posts: 22
    Thanks -- I will take your advice and get the alarm. Someone in an early post talked about the advantages of not having chrome bumpers in the city, for the parking reasons you mentioned. So what do you order if not the chrome bumpers?

    A friend today asked whether the MINI can keep your cell phone charged when the car is off. It's not something I thought about to ask the dealer. That is a nice little perk in a car. This guy has it in the lighter of his 325 Ci and said he also had it in his old Honda Prelude. I would imagine all new cars have this feature?

    On the safety side, I want to say that two years ago I was T-boned on the driver side in a 1984 Volvo sedan (no airbags). The guy who did it was clocked at about 60. I walked away with bruised ribs from the seat belt. The cops, the EMT personnel, and the ER doc all said I should have been dead. That said, I can't believe the MINI is any LESS safe than the car I was in.

    P.S. A blue one w/ a white roof was behind me last night, and I kept staring in my mirror. :)
    Actually, I wanted to give it a hug!
  • stryderstryder Member Posts: 140
    I can't remember if the lighter stays active with the ignition off... someone else will need to chime in there. Since most of the electronics of the MINI are standard BMW stuff, I'd think if a 325 has it, a MINI would as well. Though if you're parking on the street, its probably not the best idea to leave a cell phone in the car.

    As far as parking, as I think I said earlier, I'd actually get the chrome bumpers. They're not very expensive to replace, and so if they get scraped up, just replace them since the part is pre-chromed. If you get the body color ones (another option), they need to be repainted to match, and of course repainting can be difficult to match exactly, etc, etc. Black's a newer option for the bumper inserts, that'd have the same benefit as chrome. Personally, I like the look of chrome anyway.
  • smilingjennysmilingjenny Member Posts: 6
    I have a 2002 MINI standard transmission. From the moment I drove it off the lot I have had problems...from minor annoyances (vibrations) to the absurd (new transmission and wiring harness at 4k miles). While at many levels I love the car (what a blast to drive and who can help but smile at ya) at this point I want them to take it back and give me my money back.

    Here's my list of issues & problems:

    1. Annoying buzz in driver side a pillar from day one. Many attempts to fix but only lead to damage to the door that required body work, more rattles, and the problems persists. ?? Is the MINI supposed to have the fit and finish of a BMW or a Kia? Cause mine is the latter and I am NOT happy.
    2. Intermittent double clutching required to get from N to 1st.
    3. More vibrations in the rear area of both doors.
    4. A Speaker seems to be blown but dealership says "working as expected." Uh hello...well perhaps it's a new vibration. :)
    5. Hatch latch working intermittently...wouldnt latch. Replaced. Same problem with new latch. Keeping that bungee cord handy.
    6. Intermittent low tire pressure warning..but pressure is fine.
    7. Inside Door handle broke

    Now on to the fun stuff
    7. Car starts popping out of gear when down shifting.
    8. Increased frequency of need for double clutching.
    REPLACED Transmission UGH!!!
    9. first the Engine was stalling in first when cold. Then the Engine was stalling ALL THE TIME...5 times within 1/4 mile.
    10. Major electrical malfunction...in a matter of three days the car had increasing issues. First just the check engine light came on intermittently. I was told it was probably due to the gas cap. Never mind the staling issue I told them about. Then the EML light joined the party, followed by the low tire pressure, and the stability light.
    REPLACED Wiring Harness

    Still need to double clutch AND the car is again starting to stall in first. Cold or not.

    Additionally, The dealership is nightmare to deal with(I'm in Boston)...MINI doesn't offer a loaner program.

    Right now I would tell anyone to RUN FAR AND FAST. I sold my 1996 Audi b/c I didn't want to spend my time in the shop. So I leased my first NEW car only to have more problems with it in the first 4k miles then I did with my Audi at 90k.

    Unhappy MINI driver in Boston.
  • stryderstryder Member Posts: 140
    The double clutching thing seems like a fault that they can't fix...which should qualify for a lemon. If they've replaced the harness and it fixed the electrical, then you have less clout.

    Clearly, the '02 cars ocasionally had issues. Have you discussed your problems with MINIUSA? I started getting loaner cars even from a dealership that didn't give them after a few visits, I think they felt bad. MINI offered to reimburse me for a rental car when the A/C Blower failed, which would take 8 hours, but the dealer decided they'd spring for one. Perhaps it may be time to check one of the other Boston dealers, even if its a longer trip, and since resale values are so high, if you press, MINI might buy your car back...
  • dwabiddwabid Member Posts: 36
    FYI

    Small annoyance but the 12v outlet turns off when the ignition is off.

    We have an S in Racing Green, white roof and stipes. The white mirrors also really make stand out. Only problem is some "bloke" about to blocks away has the same color sceme. My goodness this is Wisconsin, that wasn't supposed to happen!! ;-)
  • nmgridlnmgridl Member Posts: 12
    On Monday I was at both the Lake Bluff IL dealer and the Naperville dealer. Both were quoting sticker. How was it that you got $500 off? You also mentioned 5 dealers in the area. There is LB, Naperville, Clayton MO, and where else?
  • dwabiddwabid Member Posts: 36
    There is International MINI in West Allis, WI (Southwest side of Milwaukee. Near I694). That is where we paid for our MIni Cooper S (All packages). We paid sticker about 2 months ago.
  • minime5minime5 Member Posts: 41
    You forgot the Schaumburg dealer in your list. They weren't offering any deals, and had less than 10 cars in stock. I bought my car on April 15 out at Knauz. I dealt with a salesguy named David - you can tell him Larry G sent you. The only caveat is that if you're looking for an "S", I can't speak to that. My email is on my profile if you want more info...
  • mgreene1mgreene1 Member Posts: 116
    Based on what you've described, your MINI sounds like it might be a lemon but different states have different definitions, and trying to invoke the lemon law could be a time consuming hassle.
    My '03 MINI required a few unscheduled visits over 8k miles for some minor problems, to replace a leaky coolant tank, a rear strut bolt recall, and a minor steering fix. Despite these problems, the MINI is a lot of fun to drive and I still "trust it" to be fairly reliable.
    Your problems are far more severe. Since you're leasing, one possibility might be "substitution of collateral" where you retain the lease but they replace the car with an equivalent one, perhaps with an '03 model. If you're open to the possibility of continuing to drive a MINI, this alternative may be more palatable to MINIUSA than buying back the car outright, since there could be early termination charges on the lease. It's just a thought. In any event, I hope everything works out okay. ;)
  • smilingjennysmilingjenny Member Posts: 6
    Thanks for the response. I dont want to be foreced to invoke the lemon law I just want a dependable car. I would absolutely take a "substiution of collateral." Didn't know that existed. I thought the lease was tied to the VIN. And I certainly dont intend to pay ANY early termination fees if that isn't an option. As far as I am concerned this is THEIR problem. I will pay for usage but I want my money down back and my payments.

    I escalated this to MINIUSA as soon as the dealership called and told me they were replacing the tranny and wiring harness. And when the MINI rep came back and told me this was all they were "obligated to do," and I responded with "well that isn't satisfactory," and that I would be "seeking legal advice," then my situation was bumped from rep to presumably a manager or investigator. The dealership told me early last week that MINIUSA called and said they are going to send a rep out to look at the car. Heard again today that the case was still open and active. So we shall see. Like I said I just want a reliable car. I dont want to feel like I will forever be having confrontational moments with the service dept. I mean seriously, if a new car, with less then 5k miles, has so many problems, you take care of your customer by making it as painless as possible, you give em a car, you give em free oil changes or detailing...SOmething. But no, I have to beg to be treated fairly. Ugh...

    -j
  • smilingjennysmilingjenny Member Posts: 6
    Have you all found your MINI to be up to BMW standards in terms of the fit and finish? After 8 months and 4k miles my car has so many rattles and buzzes it's like driving a cheap Japanese or American car. I expected more.

    -jennifer
  • hpulley4hpulley4 Member Posts: 591
    I have IndiBlue/White with no sunroof and love the look of it. Have chrome bumpers too, which I think are a must.

    In tight autoX courses, CVTs have beat both 5-speed Coops and S's so in town there is nothing wrong with a CVT. For passing on the highway, though, the manuals do a better job as they rev much higher and have less parasitic drivetrain loss.

    My Cooper has given me some troubles. Just filled out the JD Power 1 year survey (did an initial owner one last year). I've been to the dealer 11 times over the past year for problems ranging from interior trim, coolant loss, door lock problems to a tranny replacement. Annoying but after all that, the car is running pretty well right now. The driver's seat squeaks a bit which I'm having a go at myself with some teflon lubricant. The left driver's door speaker sounds a bit quiet so it might be blown but haven't taken it in for that yet (or I'm going deaf from having my music too loud). At the end of my survey the car is so much fun to drive that I don't mind the problems. In April when I had the really bad problems of door locks and tranny I was unhappy with it for a bit but after returning the rentals and getting back into my MINI, I don't think I could drive anything else.

    I hope you get your problems sorted out. When the car runs, it is great. I hope they either fix your car properly (which should be acceptable to you if they really can fix it for good) or replace it.
  • eman5eman5 Member Posts: 110
    I read a while back that the factory had changed (May 03 production) the oil in their shocks to smooth the ride out a bit. Anyone gone over any potholes or speed bumps with this new ride setup?
  • eman5eman5 Member Posts: 110
    Caught the tail end of an ad on CNBC for some of their programming: looked like they're going to "drive the Mini Cooper." Did anyone see when that will air?
  • mpg5mpg5 Member Posts: 68
    I DROVE THE 'S' ON SAT. WHAT A BLAST. I LOVE THE CAR, BUT COUDN'T SEEM TO FIND A SEATING POSITION WHERE MY RIGHT CALF WASN'T PRESSED AGAINST THE CENTER STACK? PILLAR? OR WHATEVER YOU CALL IT. ANYONE ELSE REALIZE THIS, AND DO YOU GET USED TO IT? I'D HATE TO BUY ONE AND REALIZE THAT I AM UNCOMFORTABLE IN DRIVING POSITION. THNX OOOPS, SORRY FOR THE CAPS STRYDER.
  • hpulley4hpulley4 Member Posts: 591
    Note that the seat goes not just back and forth and inclined and reclined, it also goes up and down. My leg never comes close to touching the console 'legs'. Did you try adjusting in all three axes?
  • mpg5mpg5 Member Posts: 68
    yes, unfortunately i did try all seating adjustments. i prob should have added that i'm just shy of 6'2". i know, they say mini can accomodate a 6'7" person, but i couldn't seem to drive without my leg pressing up against their 'leg'.
  • stryderstryder Member Posts: 140
    I'm about 6'2" and I don't think I could drive without my leg resting on the downtubes (as far as I know the official name for the silver things on the side of the center stack). I never actually worried about it, I just got used to it, if you're used to driving bigger cars it may be more of an issue, but I'm always resting my leg on something or other in cars, you just get used to it.
  • awi1awi1 Member Posts: 9
    I am 6'-2" also and find it to be a little
    cramped, but I like to sit close to the wheel.
    My leg does brush against the pillar often but
    I enjoy driving the car so much that I don't
    really mind it. Saw "The Italian job" movie but
    was disappointed that Charlize kept her clothes
    on, also anybody who would dive in the real
    Venice canal water probably would have a life
    expectancy of about 2 hours - gggg!
  • WeazellWeazell Member Posts: 15
    Okay, here's the deal. I've loved the Mini for years but it's always seemed kind of impractical. But now, I'm 48 and would like something unique. I need a practical car that is fun to drive - mostly to get me to work and back BUT sometimes over the mountains as well. Plus, I live in Bend, OR, and it snows here pretty regularly. Because I'm getting old, I don't want a car that is awkward to get in and out of OR to ride in. Plus, I barely know a dang thing about cars so I can't get something that is too fussy or that will need some kind of special care - beyond the usual stuff, like oil changes, etc. Fun, comfortable, practical, safe and did I mention fun?

    Thanks for your insight!

    Peter
  • mpg5mpg5 Member Posts: 68
    i think i may have to go find a used one and see if i can take it on an extended road test. i figured it is probably something i'd get used to, but don't want to take the plunge without really being sure. thanks again. happy motoring!!!
  • nmgridlnmgridl Member Posts: 12
    My girlfriend just ordered an all black "non S". While we wait the 6 weeks for it to come, she would like a picture of it one on her computer desktop. Does anyone have a good picture of an all black (except wheels) Cooper to share? You can just send it to my email - nmgridl@ilstu.edu. thanks.
  • hpulley4hpulley4 Member Posts: 591
    The MINI isn't too terribly fussy but you should check the fluids regularly as they have long oil change intervals (10K miles to first one, 15K miles thereafter) which means they'll probably use some oil before they are changed. They are also prone to some coolant loss, and the windshield wiper fluid resevoir(s) are tiny so you'll know them well. Basically, you'll want to do a check under the hood whenever you get gas if possible. The cars have had some problems but current builds seem to be pretty reliable.

    It is a great snow car with snow tires on it. Perfectly balanced and with lots of driver assists.

    It is a ton of fun. To drive and to look at, it is just more fun than can be properly described.

    But it is practical too. With the rear seats down it holds 25 cubic feet of cargo which is a lot. And it really does hold 4 people as long as those in the front aren't terribly tall or don't mind sitting a bit close.
  • rayt2rayt2 Member Posts: 1,208
    nmgridl, I believe if you go to http://www.MiniUSA.com you can dowload pictures from there of just about any color they have for a desktop, check out the site.

    Weazell, If you got the money go for it ! I just bought one 7 weeks ago and have put 5500 miles on it so far and no complaints. Just the Cooper not the "S". I commute 100 miles a day to work and bought it because it is a fun car to drive and it gets 36 mpg to boot! Don't know how they are in the snow but if it's that bad I won't go to work !

    Let's Motor...............

    Ray T.
  • mpg5mpg5 Member Posts: 68
    edmunds has this feature listed. mini dealer hadn't heard of it, nor could i find it in brochure. is this an edmunds misprint. important feature for me as i would like to be able to carry three kids from time to time. thnx.
  • hpulley4hpulley4 Member Posts: 591
    I've never heard of an airbag disable switch in the MINI. The BMW Z4 has it (being a 2-seater) so they know how to do this but haven't seen it on the MINI.
  • lngtonge18lngtonge18 Member Posts: 2,228
    Doesn't the Mini have a weight sensor in the seat that will deactivate the side airbag if the person weighs too little or is out of position? Maybe that's the switch they are referring to? I'm not sure if it would also deactivate the main airbag though.
  • yang10yang10 Member Posts: 2
    can anyone recommend a good dealer in the sf area for getting a mini?

    while you are at it, what price shoudl I be expected to pay for a base model nowadays?

    thanks in advance
  • greyscalegreyscale Member Posts: 22
    The last time I checked, East Bay BMW in Pleasanton, CA, claimed to be the only Bay Area dealer sans mark-up. I checked Concord, S.F., and Sac., and they all have a $1,000 mark-up. A friend of mine bought his BMW at East Bay BMW and has had excellent service there. I can't remember what the two models sell for -- $16,000? $18,000? Somewhere in there.

    I saw a "red velvet" MINI on the Golden Gate Bridge the other day in stop-and-go traffic. A Ford Exploder pulled up just to its bumper, and that MINI sure looked tiny. I sometimes wonder about the safety of this car. I plan on ordering an '04 model in a few months. Most of my friends are denouncing it, suggesting I get a car with more "crumple room." But this car is just too high on the cuteness scale, and my heart is set on it.
  • yang10yang10 Member Posts: 2
    pleasanton, here I come. I am researching for a lady friend of mine, so, the cuteness factor multiplies itself. :)
  • rayt2rayt2 Member Posts: 1,208
    Yang, go to miniusa.com and click on "locate a dealer" there are 4 listed in SF area, Pleasanton is one of them.

    Grey, don't worry about the safety of this car, my insurance co. actually lowered my rate because of the safety features in the Mini. I went from a 91 Honda CRX w/no collision to the Cooper w/collision coverage and the rate was less per year. The Cooper actually wieghs 500 lbs. more then the CRX did. I have State Farm as my carrier don't know who you have.
    As for that Ford Explorer size comparison, yea it's bigger but it ain't as nimble as the Cooper !

    Let's Motor !

    Ray T.
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    Also, check out Edmunds' Dealer Locator. For future reference, you'll find a direct link to this tool in the Additional Resources on the left side of this page.

    To Yang & Greyscale- Good luck, and please keep us posted.... ;-)

    Revka
    Host
    Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
  • rsunicorsunico Member Posts: 82
    I need people's opinions. Are the leather seats worth the $1300 -- are the leatherette seats just fine instead? Will the car ride stiffer with the 17 inch rims versus the 16 (I was told to stick w/ the 16). I left a cheque to order a Chili Red s with premium, cold weather, zenon, fog lights, rain sensors. Thanks.
  • hpulley4hpulley4 Member Posts: 591
    I find the leatherette looks more like leather than the leather. Also sounds like it wears better, unless some of the initial runs were just kind of thin (I know of several already replaced). Vinyl 'leatherette' has come a long way from the '70s!

    16" wheels are lighter and have more sidewall so it will ride stiffer with the 17" wheels.
  • 1016rosa1016rosa Member Posts: 10
    Has anyone seen the new gold color mini with the black roof if so what do you think of it. I am told that the pictures don't do it justice. Is that true or does it really look bad.
  • stryderstryder Member Posts: 140
    I saw gold at the NAIAS in Detroit, it doesn't look quite right in pictures, its definetly gold. I can't really see wanting a gold car (it sorta screams 1970's land yacht to me) but if you like gold, it is a nice color. Its sorta a polarizing color, but generally, if you're not repulsed by the idea of a gold car, you'll like it. I remember like a week after I got my car, some guy in a big caddilac, wearing a hat with a feather in it asked me about my car, and commented it was sad they didn't come in gold....

    I had panther profile leather, it was quite nice, but I'm not sure its worth the money, my car was pre-specced, so I just took it. I've seen tons and tons of cars sold second hand with leatherette, advertisted as leather. Pitty the person who prices it on leather, but it does show the quality. Leather also gains you the lumbar. If you don't get the textured leather, there otherwise isn't a huge difference.

    My view on leather is if you like leather, and have the money to spend, you probably won't be disappointed. However, that's probably the last option I'd get if I had to put them in order of preference. Also, don't forget you can get cloth for free...
  • 1016rosa1016rosa Member Posts: 10
    I appreciate the information that you gave me. The picture on the Mini site makes it look OK but not great. I haven't seen the Gold Mini but this is the only one that is available in our area. I thought by asking the board that I could get an honest answer about the color. I am not partial to the Gold color but thought it just might be me. I am going to take a look at it tomorrow and will probably just order a red one with the Leatherette.
  • hpulley4hpulley4 Member Posts: 591
    Colour is a personal preference thing so you should find a dealer who has one in stock so you can have a look. Personally, I don't like the one my dealer has in stock. Just doesn't seem like a MINI colour to me but if you love it then it is for you.
  • jxlxrjxlxr Member Posts: 61
    The leatherette is nice but it feels somewhat "wet suit" like. I little more rubbery than the leather. I was actually going to get it over the leather and still would but wanted the Lapis blue combo. If I was going to get all black I would have gone with the leatherette.
  • itsmebeeitsmebee Member Posts: 1
    I've just begun my search for my MINI and can't wait to bring one home! Was shocked at the markup at my local dealership ($6000) on the base model. I would really appreciate any guidance from those who have been in the trenches on what is reasonable to expect to pay - either MSRP or a reasonable amount over? I'm not a particularly savvy negotiator and really don't want to get taken to the cleaners.

    I'm trying to be logical about the purchase but it's difficult when the car is so darn cute! Please help....
  • minishoppingminishopping Member Posts: 2
    Are there any Mini owners from Texas out there? If so, where did you purchase your vehicle? There are no dealers in Texas...where do I go to find a good deal!!!????
  • stryderstryder Member Posts: 140
    I gather your local dealership is probably in CA somewhere... What you should expect to pay is MSRP, or MSRP plus a few hundred dollars for 'dealer prep' or something else (extra profit, but whatever) if you use edmunds.com TMV calculator that will give you a good idea of what you should pay.

    You'll need to find a dealership that sells at MSRP to begin with. Long Beach does in southern CA, I can't remember what the options are in Northern, but if you call around, they should be able to tell you.

    If you want an MCS, however, you'll probably have a sorta long wait, you might be able to get a Cooper reasonably quick. If that fails, then just start looking out of state, probably easiest in an increasing radius from your location. Only in CA (and maybe TX) are dealers still charging over MSRP, so you should be able to get the car you want in a reasonable time, but you may have to make it a trip to drive it back, or pay to have it shipped to you. Of course driving it back is optimal, since you've finished the breakin period by the time you're home if you go more then 1200 miles.

    You shouldn't need much negociating skills really, once you find a dealership that sells at the right price and time frame, the price gets pretty set, all you'd need to see, is if you can get some free stuff, like free floor mats, etc.
  • dwabiddwabid Member Posts: 36
    Is anyone a member of a Mini owners group/club? If so, how do you like it. I am especially interested to hear from anyone who has joined a group in the Wisconsin Area.
This discussion has been closed.