It's cold, dark and raining AGAIN here ... I do NOT live in Texas to endure this. Agh... slipping into a coma; was a serious road hazard today, hardly awake... must ... get.... fun.... car... zzzzzzzzzzzz :o

3 more days! : :cool:

hi Skatemom, nice to meet a "shipmate" here :) vessel staff at Port Hueneme and she doesn't have record of the GL......

I think that since it set sail for Tacoma and then Japan, the Port staff could care less where it is once it's left their port. I'd think your MA should have some info by now. Mine said he saw the manifest for the transport company and that's what told him when it would be at the dealer. Te Bay Area is close enough to Port Hueneme that you should only have 1 day of transport time. How long the dealer needs to ready the car is another issue. Mine said 4 hours for the service dept. and 1 hour for the detailing dept. So if the transport arrives in the AM, Audrey will be ready in the pm, likewise, if the transport arrives late in the day, it would be the next day for pick up. I'm getting so antsy that I'd like to drive by the dealer and see if any transports are offloading today. But that would be crazy! Just thinking about that makes me feel like some kind of stalker!!! Come on Thursday!

hey Skatemom, I called the dealer to find out what do they know about my car. All they know is that it is off the ship, but they don't have info on when it will be loaded onto the carrier heading north here. But the guy told me based on his experience that it will be another week before I can have the keys. If you do get your car tomorrow, remember to post pics :)

It's cold, dark and raining AGAIN here ... I do NOT live in Texas to endure this. Agh... slipping into a coma; was a serious road hazard today, hardly awake... must ... get.... fun.... car... zzzzzzzzzzzz :o

3 more days! : :cool:

You must be ready to meet your MINI!! Time to exercise your shifting and steering muscles. Time for protein drinks! Time to put on loud music.

I am in MINI withdrawal. Spent the whole day at the LES meeting in SF where I had to act like an ADULT and be VERY SERIOUS. I kept looking around for someone who had a computer with wireless. The desperation peaked at about 2 pm. With the help of a large cookie I made it through no MINI web checks for 18 hours. Feel like I am in rehab.

Got an e-mail from my dealer. Our cars are on the ground but not at the VPC yet. She is looking at about 2 weeks. Wow. That's pretty concrete. And a close shave wtih my loan issues. I'm somewhat overwhelmed and plan to process all this on the weekend.

Where is our ship buddy Eric?

MM

ERIC B and MM it could be possible that she has already unloaded us and is on her way to her next port. In my positive opinon I think she came in on the 8th, unloaded and has set sail again. I know it's cercumstancial but, when it took it's potty break in Florida it was there a day and a half. This last time it disappeared from the map on Saturday and reapears today-------- about a day and a half and it's headed out to sea.
I would very much like to keep in touch, no worries Eric B. My own January group/ MINI ad:
Lets be the January group.
Lets be positive.
Lets be at the VDC.
Lets be drving our MINI in less than two weeks.
Lets motor.
Tavis1 :red:

Tavis, did you see the new thread we are going to jump to for new owners? Don't get lost!!!

For me, it will probably be 3 weeks! No problem. Last lap. I can see the finish line.

MM

You must be ready to meet your MINI!! Time to exercise your shifting and steering muscles. Time for protein drinks! Time to put on loud music.

I am in MINI withdrawal. Spent the whole day at the LES meeting in SF where I had to act like an ADULT and be VERY SERIOUS. I kept looking around for someone who had a computer with wireless. The desperation peaked at about 2 pm. With the help of a large cookie I made it through no MINI web checks for 18 hours. Feel like I am in rehab.

Got an e-mail from my dealer. Our cars are on the ground but not at the VPC yet. She is looking at about 2 weeks. Wow. That's pretty concrete. And a close shave wtih my loan issues. I'm somewhat overwhelmed and plan to process all this on the weekend.

Where is our ship buddy Eric?

MM
Yes MM I know about the new owner thread I've already posted there. Had a strange thing happen today. I called 1-866 ASK-MINI to check if it went from en route to VDC and got "your vehicle is at the port of exit awaiting a shipping vessal" WTF? I so can't wait till all this madness is over! MM Is yours going to take so long because it has to be shiped to Utah.I was hopeing to be able to pick up Sancha on the 21st. What do you think?
Tavis1 :red:

Yes MM I know about the new owner thread I've already posted there. Had a strange thing happen today. I called 1-866 ASK-MINI to check if it went from en route to VDC and got "your vehicle is at the port of exit awaiting a shipping vessal" WTF? I so can't wait till all this madness is over! MM Is yours going to take so long because it has to be shiped to Utah.I was hopeing to be able to pick up Sancha on the 21st. What do you think?
Tavis1 :red:

Tavis1,
I got the same message from 866-ASK-MINI after my boat arrived at port as well. In fact, it continues to play the same message even though my car made it off the boat, through the VDC, to my dealer, and my delivery.

I take it as good news that your recording is now the same as what mine was ;)

Hang in there... it will be very soon now!

Tavis1,
I got the same message from 866-ASK-MINI after my boat arrived at port as well. In fact, it continues to play the same message even though my car made it off the boat, through the VDC, to my dealer, and my delivery.

I take it as good news that your recording is now the same as what mine was ;)

Hang in there... it will be very soon now!
Thanks Trina. How long was your MC at VDC? MM has got me nervouse. I was hoping to pick up my car on the 21st but if MM's MA is correct I will have to wait to the 28th. I am already going nuts knowing my MCS is two hours away just sitting there. :( :eek:

Thanks Trina. How long was your MC at VDC? MM has got me nervouse. I was hoping to pick up my car on the 21st but if MM's MA is correct I will have to wait to the 28th. I am already going nuts knowing my MCS is two hours away just sitting there. :( :eek:

Tavis1,
I just copied this from my post in the December thread:
I'm astounded at how quickly my MINI went from being off the boat (Tuesday) through the VPC (Thursday) and at my dealer (Friday night)!

Feeling like a lucky girl :)!

It seemed especially fast to me. They told me it usually takes 7-10 days to go from getting loaded off the boat, through the VDC, and to the dealership. In all honesty, that seemed like it was pushing it - I was mentally preparing for having to wait 2 weeks or longer. (some early people in the December build had to wait more than 2 weeks to hear anything about their cars even making it to the VCD from the Port)

BTW, I'm in Northern Cal. It took a day longer (transport) to arrive at my dealership than the dealerships down in Southern Cal.

keep us posted!

I am finally back home and able to better participate in MINI madness. So where is this new owners' thread???

I am finally back home and able to better participate in MINI madness. So where is this new owners' thread???

Welcome back! The New Owner's Thread is here: http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50615

Hi, kids -- I LOVE this forum! It's just too fun. I've visited the MINIUSA forums from time to time (e.g., when MINI2 was down), and they are not the same... not nearly as easy to use or as fun. Long live MINI2!

And yes, MM is right -- let's stay in touch in the New Owner's thread... I can't wait to see photos of everyone's new MINI's!

I'm picking mine up Sat. for sure (Tavis -- mine made it from Charleston to Texas in 1 week from discharge), and then hoping to hook up with some Central Texas MINI Owner's for a Valentine's Day fun run through the hill country... whee! Details and photos to come.

48 hours and counting ... tick tick tick... It's another gray and gloomy day here, but I'm ALL SMILES!!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

TAKASAGO is now just outside NY
Feb-12-2004 06:00 41 N 65 36' W LACR5
I suspect it will dock late today. Thats one day later than the original schedule, but one day earlier than they revised the schedule after hitting those strong winds and waves in the atlantic. Anybody know if they process cars through the VDC on weekends? Its a good thing I'm not superstitious, having my MINI set foot in the US on Friday the 13th would not make me feel so good. Maybe I should rethink the name I had picked out, I was going to call her Christine. :)

The sun *finally* came out, so I am out of here -- going to bring Scooper home a couple of days early. Sleet & snow predicted for tomorrow and Sat., so I must go and rescue her!

Photos to be posted possibly this evening!

Later, all!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Sigh..... I want my car

Skatemom, did you get your car today?

Well, I brought her home! Everything went really great. Traded in the X5. Took a bit of a hit, but overall OK.

Scooper is GORGEOUS! The salesmen said that they haven't sold another just like her. The clear tail lights are ABSOLUTELY THE BEST LOOKING I'VE EVER SEEN. Colorless when "off." They are like prisms, generating little rainbows. Amazing. Worth it! The chrome side mirrors look awesome. The interior (Cordoba beige leather): Soft, comfy, looks awesome.

Heated seats: OMG, so great. Really helped with the long drive home (I have a bad lower back).

Kid and hubby: 4 thumbs way up!

Photos and more report tomorrow....

Thanks for all of the support everyone, and hope you get to join me VERY SOON!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Well good news for me and other Taiki shipmates. This is from my MA (my bolding added)


Your financing came back, and we're ready to roll there, just waiting for the car to get up here (it's in California as we speak) so we can install your auxiliary audio jack, and off you go!

Thanks Trina. How long was your MC at VDC? MM has got me nervouse. I was hoping to pick up my car on the 21st but if MM's MA is correct I will have to wait to the 28th. I am already going nuts knowing my MCS is two hours away just sitting there. :( :eek:

I think since my car has to get on a "long-haul" to Utah, that we have to wait for the carrier, etc. which seems to be the bulk of the two weeks she was speaking of. I think the California "babies" will be home soon. :D

Please don't leave me alone in the Jan. Production group!! :eek: :eek:

Come back after you have your MINIs and root us on... :)

Don't know if I can wait all by myself. :(

It would be nice if some of these info updates would really be updated! I hate to see "still loaded" on the WW site.

MM

Well, I brought her home! Everything went really great. Traded in the X5. Took a bit of a hit, but overall OK.

Scooper is GORGEOUS! The salesmen said that they haven't sold another just like her. The clear tail lights are ABSOLUTELY THE BEST LOOKING I'VE EVER SEEN. Colorless when "off." They are like prisms, generating little rainbows. Amazing. Worth it! The chrome side mirrors look awesome. The interior (Cordoba beige leather): Soft, comfy, looks awesome.

Heated seats: OMG, so great. Really helped with the long drive home (I have a bad lower back).

Kid and hubby: 4 thumbs way up!

Photos and more report tomorrow....

Thanks for all of the support everyone, and hope you get to join me VERY SOON!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

You talk about snow and sleet, but you just couldn't wait!!!!! Thank goodness you went to get Scooper. I was getting worried about you. ;)

MM

Can hardly wait for pictures. And I was thinking of clear tail lights also. Does the dealer do that? Very pricey?

How did you get all those green dots??? Did they come with Scooper??? :D

I am finally back home and able to better participate in MINI madness. So where is this new owners' thread???

I bet you have it within the week!!

MM

Thanks Trina and Amrov for the cheering up. Big congrats to Amrov can't wait to see pictures!!! Welcome back Eric. MM I would never leave ya alone, even when you threaten to throtle me ;) .
Tavis1 :red:

Hi, everyone! I have uploaded a few photos in my gallery -- here: http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/gallery_AmRov.html

These were taken at the dealership. It was dark by the time I got home. And it's SLEETING (!!!!) today, so no photos yet in "natural light."

If you look closely, you can see my little ham of a daughter peering out the windows in most photos. She was VERY excited to be able to go along for the delivery of our new MINI. She's almost like a big sister now... :)

Some notes:

--I got the 2-spoke steering wheel by default. I ordered in October from the dealer, and my order went in to MINI in December and the car was built in January. I was never given any choice or option, so my guess is that either they just choose whatever, or the 2-spoke is a default. It is the multi-function steering wheel, and it rocks.

--I got the clear tailights; I think they are GORGEOUS. When light hits them, they are like prisms. They are an extra charge, and the dealer installs them. I have my original tail lights in a box (sell?).

--I also got the chrome side view mirrors. They also look amazing in person. Again, a dealer install, and I have my original black side view mirrors in a box.

--I got black floormats; they aren't installed yet in the photos, but they look great.

Impressions so far:

--Car feels great, and looks awesome. I'm still getting used to the many differences over my last car (2 doors, so kid climbs in the back, rear view mirror seems very low).
--Love the sunroof! Car feels very open and light.
--Definitely much less acceleration than the V-8's I'm used to, but once the engine loosens up and I mod it up a bit, I think it will be great.
--Clutch feels good; shifting came right back to me (I've driven sticks for 15 years, but not for the past 3). No problem finding reverse on purpose (or accidentally).
--HK radio is cool, but you don't wanna be messing with all the various features while you're driving. Controls are small. But controls on steering wheel are easy to use.
--Giant speedometer in the middle of the dash is pretty, but takes some getting used to.
--Heated seats ROCK, really make my back feel good.
--The 17" runflats are a firm ride, but exactly what I was expecting in a sports car. Not uncomfortable around town at all -- even over potholes and RR tracks. But I was wanting a firm ride.
--I have not yet had a chance to test out the handling; drove interstate home last night, and it's sleeting (!) today, so I've been driving like a big weenie.
--Have seen no other MINI's yet, so no opp. for the "flash and wave."
--A bit sluggish at low RPMs, almost stuttering a bit. Have to keep her revv'd up to stay smooth. Wondering if that will go away...

I have right at 100 miles on her so far... Really looking forward to nice sunny weather so I can enjoy her! I'm so nervous right now in this weather, that it's kind of dampening my spirits. But I'm glad I got her before tomorrow!

thanks for listening; looking forward to stories from y'all!!!

How did you get all those green dots??? Did they come with Scooper??? :D

I found this rep thread and posted a "howdy" and I got repp'd a bunch by some high-rep regulars, so my dots literally multiplied overnight! Very fun... I LOVE THIS FORUM! Feel the love... :p

The ocean charts don't show the boat, but the cargo tracking site isn't updated...should we cross our fingers that the boat docked?

The WW site now lists TAKASAGO as having arrived and departed NY on 2/13. The weird thing is the next port is listed as NY with a 2/13 arrival and a 2/14 departure. I wonder if this may be due to it offloading some cargo at one port, say in NY, and then heading over to the port in NJ and offloading our dear MINIs there. So anyway it looks like our cars are in US territorial waters anyway. We should probably now just keep a lookout to see when our cars are listed as discharged on the WW site. BTW the OL now lists my MINI as having a scheduled delivery of 2/20. I don't know when that apeared but I just noticed it.

BTW the OL now lists my MINI as having a scheduled delivery of 2/20. I don't know when that apeared but I just noticed it.

Great news! That may not be 100% accurate, but should be good to within a day or two. Mine was off by 2 days -- then corrected to what turned out to be the right day -- and then mysteriously changed back to a "wrong" day. Weird -- but who cares now, b/c she's home! :p

The WW site now lists TAKASAGO as having arrived and departed NY on 2/13. The weird thing is the next port is listed as NY with a 2/13 arrival and a 2/14 departure. I wonder if this may be due to it offloading some cargo at one port, say in NY, and then heading over to the port in NJ and offloading our dear MINIs there. So anyway it looks like our cars are in US territorial waters anyway. We should probably now just keep a lookout to see when our cars are listed as discharged on the WW site. BTW the OL now lists my MINI as having a scheduled delivery of 2/20. I don't know when that apeared but I just noticed it.

Yeah, I see it now too! I'm psyched! My OL account doesn't say anything :( :) But, I'm getting the Works kits, so I know it'll be a little longer....especially since they're waiting for a parts upgrade.

Sigh.... I don't know what's worse, obsessively tracking the ship across the ocean, or waiting in the "no information zone" after the car leaves the ship.

Sigh.... I don't know what's worse, obsessively tracking the ship across the ocean, or waiting in the "no information zone" after the car leaves the ship.

Welcome to "The Black Hole" ;)

hang in there!