[Electra]

Hey there,

Yes, you will more then likely have to spec out and order your car and WAIT till it arrives! You can find used ones or buy off a dealers lot but if you want any say in exactly what car you want you'll have to order one. Resale value is very high on MINIs and used ones can cost more then buying a new one. Car dealers can really jack up the prices on the used ones because of the limited availability.

I live in Southern Oregon and did my test drive up in Portland at Rasmussen. NICE guys and gals there but waiting a year was too long for my nerves. I researched every dealer in the sunny states because I did not want to ship my MCS. Why? Because I'm purchasing a brand new car and I want to inspect it before I hand over the money. Having a vehicle shipped means I am buying it sight unseen and what ever happens in transit is something I'm going to have to live with.

I'm purchasing from Sandia MINI in New Mexico (call and talk to Kenny Tutor). The car is in production this month and when it finally arrives and is ready I will fly down and drive it home. I considered eBay and checked out the auctions regularly but I wanted an 05. This car is an adventure for me and I've loved every step of the process. I've never purchased a vehicle new, I've never purchased from out of town, let alone out of state and I've only been on one plane trip in my whole life.

Don't bother with the California dealers, they charge over MSRP. Utah has a 6 month wait. New Mexico sells at MSRP and can get in 2-3 months. Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Texas and Florida dealers can get in 7 weeks to 3 months at MSRP.

Good luck.