[sdwolff]

I can't believe after having a deposit for over a year for a Cooper S i'm saying this, but i'm going to cancel my order.

After getting more and more excited as the day grew nearer to the USA MINI launch, I drove the Cooper S and "it" just wasn't there. Every car I've ever owned I always knew after a test drive this was the car for me.

I didn't feel that way after driving the Cooper S. I thought maybe a few more test drive would change my mind, but now my mind is made up. The deciding factor is the longer delay for the Cooper S (should have been same time as Cooper) and certain colors and options not available for even longer time.

Soooo.....

The MINI dealer shares the parking lot with the BMW Used cars.

I was looking out the door and saw an E46 wagon at the far end of the lot. Didn't think much about it. While I'm talking to the MINI people, my S.O walks the used car lot to see what cars they have. Something we always do as car lovers.

He comes back and says they have a 2001 325iT, Titanium Silver with Tanin Red interior. I couldn't believe my ears. We walk over and there it sits, my favorite color combo. Not only is it silver over red, but a Sport Package to boot!!! I look at the other options and it's just about what I would pick if I was to order this car. The only thing I'd leave out would be the Automatic/Steptronic transmission. I like a manual transmission.

We leave. Our conversation in the car is "can we afford 2 new cars (The MINI in August) within 4 months of each other?". We go home and run the numbers, I think we can.

Talk to the salesman. He says they just purchased a bunch of BMWNA executive cars. They have never been titled and are considered "new cars" with miles. It comes with BMW CPO warranty of 6 years or 100,000 miles.

With very little BS, I got the car much cheaper then expected, got an OK amount on my trade for my '94 530iT with 100k miles and I'm driving home in a brand new car.

Specifics:
2001 325iTa
Titanium Silver
Tanin Red Leather
Sport Package
Cold Weather Package
Steptronic Transmission
Xenon Headlights
AM/FM/CD player
Harmon-Kardon
Power Seats w/drivers Memory
Power Moonroof

I LOVE THE CAR!!!!

I didn't love the Cooper S. Don't get me wrong, I think it's a great car and a hell of a buy at the price, but not for me.

Thanks for the great site and all the info.

Stephen
'01 325iT
'99 R1200C

[Martin L]

Each person to their own I suppose.
I was initially thinking of buying a 325, but after test driving that and a mini back to back it's the mini I've fallen for.
Don't get me wrong the 325 is a fantastic car and one I've always desired, but here in London they are just too darn common and the fact that they have a "company" car stigma attached to them, I think that was one of the main infuencing factors in my desicion.
If I lived in the States though it may have been a different matter...
You will definately enjoy your Beemer

[Der Blue Potato]

Interesting - but it will be like a knife sticking inside of you everytime you see a Mini on the road - especially the S. Trust me - you'll feel it. Been there myself.

Enjoy the 3 series.

-Peter