[boboeufs]

Hi, I live in NJ, USA and I'm thinking about buying a new Mini Cooper S, and I have a couple of questions:

1. I want my Mini exactly the way I want it. So if I create the Mini I want on MiniUSA and bring it to my Mini dealer, will they be able to order the exact Mini that I want?

2. How long will it take to get here?

3. I'm thinking about getting "Electric Blue", but I know they are discontinuing that color for the 2006 Model. When is the latest I can order a 2005 Mini in Electric Blue?

4. If I go for manual transmission should I get Dynamic Stability Control and/or Limited Slip Differential? I basically know nothing about what either of them do.

5. Are there going to be any price increases for the 2006 model?

6. Why are the silver R83 16" Wheels $726 more? The ones that come standard are also 16", so shouldn't they be around the same?

Thanks!

[r34ver]

Firstly, nice choice, once you get a mini you wont look back.

1. Your dealer will take you through exactly how you want it specced. If theres something unclear or not mentioned make sure you bring it up. But anything you'll be able to spec on the website will be able to be specced in dealer.

2. you'll be able to track the order as it progresses, not sure of the website, check with others that have ordered minis in your area.

3. you'll have to check with your dealer about the electric blue colour, as they will be discontinuing this for the UK's 2006 cars, it depends on shipment to the USA as to when you can last order a mcs in this colour.

4. I would suggest go for manual, love that feel of eeking out the revs from each gear, I've heard mixed reports of DSC, i'm without it and my car handles like a dream.

regarding the r83 alloys, by the sounds of it there are a few added extras you would like. so it may be worth considering the options packages. e.g .the mcs chili pack. I believe the MCS comes with some 16'' alloys anyway so you may be able to compromise with your dealer.

Hope to be of some help . Welcome again.

[bimini]

i struggled to order solid black on my car in early july on a cooper s as its being discontinued in sept 06 and they are already starting to allocate cars beyond the start of september...perhaps a visit to the dealer is in order just to check the situation out.

[BigSid]

:d

[everythingsablur]

1. Your dealer will be able to put anything on your MINI configuration that you cang et on the website. The dealer will also be able to go into all of the dealer-installed options that might not show on miniusa.com

2. Depends on when it's going to be built. I think it currently ranges from 4-8 weeks depending on if you can catch the next build allotment.

3. As above, with the current lead-out for a new build, you're coming very close to the factory transitioning over to the 2006 model year cars, and no more Electric Blue. Act soon if you really will accept no other colour.

4. DSC is a life-saver for when things go wrong on the road (it will work with the ABS to module braking on each wheel individually). You can live without it, but with north east US winters (I grew up in NJ) and the relatively poor condition of the roads there, it might be a good idea. You'll appreciate it if/when it saves your life. The Limited Slip Differential is an excellent performance mod as it will limit the amount of wheel spin on one of the drive wheels. This will give you more drive coming out of hard/fast corners. Whether you need/want that or not is entirely up to you.

5. Since we're still in the transition period between 2005 and 2006 model years, I don't think you'll see a price increase (or much if any). Because the build time for a new order submitted now may slip into 2006 model year production, they'd have to give you the 2005 prices for the time being.

6. <shrug> more metal, more polish, more complex, limited production... take your pick. It's a seller's market.

I grew up and still have family in Essex county. What MINI dealership is near you in NJ?

[boboeufs]

Thanks for your comments everyone. To everythingsablur, I am in Bergen County and the closest dealership is up Rt 17 North in Mahwah. It's about 20 minutes away. Not bad.

Do you think it would be possible to make a deal, that they would throw in the automatic transmission for free if I were going to finance the car and put about a $10,000 down payment?

[termigni]

nothing is free at MINI. I've just ordered my MCS last month from Prestige on rt 17. you pay what you see on the mini website. plus who would be willing to throw away $1000+ option for free? (may be a cup holder might come free) just stick to manual transmission it is so much more fun!

[AdirondacksRob]

To the Jersey peeps...I'm looking around now for the best dealer in the area. I actually live near Easton, PA and work in NJ (typical, right?). Anyway, I had been leaning towards Habberstad because I had great reports back from two MINI owners that I know.

What are your opinions on dealers? Are there ones that are known to not overcharge? Or are the prices (MSRP) just that...the price with no wiggle room?

Just wondering...I'm still a ways off before my purchase, but it never hurts to investigate, right?

Take care,

rP

[AprilWhine]

Hey Big Sid and Boboeufs, to track your MINI, sign up in this thread.

You can check some of the earlier production threads to see your future.

To track your MINI in the US, sign up at the MINIUSA Owner's Lounge as soon as you get a production number.

[boboeufs]

The Mini dealership won't make any deals on a new Mini? That sucks big time. You would think they could make some kind of deal, if you're willing to put a big down payment on a finance. How about at the years end? Usually dealers will try to get rid of the 2005's, so I would think they would be willing to make a deal then.

[vmiller2]

Regarding the question on price for the 2006 models, my MA stated that it is not unusual to see a price increase at this time of year. He said he's not expecting it to go more than $500-600, this year in part because of the difference in the exchange rate.

I myself had been sitting on the fence between an 05 & 06, but I've decided that since I'm not really seeing anything new in the 06 that I'd be interested in, why chance it?

I'm scheduled to spec my MCS this weekend. Can't wait !! (er . . . let the REAL waiting begin, right?)

[AprilWhine]

Quote: Originally Posted by vmiller2

Regarding the question on price for the 2006 models, my MA stated that it is not unusual to see a price increase at this time of year. He said he's not expecting it to go more than $500-600, this year in part because of the difference in the exchange rate.

I myself had been sitting on the fence between an 05 & 06, but I've decided that since I'm not really seeing anything new in the 06 that I'd be interested in, why chance it?

I'm scheduled to spec my MCS this weekend. Can't wait !! (er . . . let the REAL waiting begin, right?)

Congrats! Sounds like an August production date?

[AprilWhine]

Quote: Originally Posted by boboeufs

The Mini dealership won't make any deals on a new Mini? That sucks big time. You would think they could make some kind of deal, if you're willing to put a big down payment on a finance. How about at the years end? Usually dealers will try to get rid of the 2005's, so I would think they would be willing to make a deal then.

I hear these have a very good discount at year's end:

[vmiller2]

Quote: Originally Posted by AprilWhine

Congrats! Sounds like an August production date?

That'd be the last of the 05's, correct? From what I gather, ordering for the 06's could begin in a couple weeks or so.

The only thing that had interested me about the 06's was the Royal Grey, but my MA said it was unlikely that he'd be getting one in that color any time soon. Seems like that color could either be awesome or totally awful- like a Toyota Camry Beige. Too risky, so I think I'll go back to my 05 choice- PW/B w/B stripes.

[AprilWhine]

Quote: Originally Posted by vmiller2

That'd be the last of the 05's, correct? From what I gather, ordering for the 06's could begin in a couple weeks or so.

The only thing that had interested me about the 06's was the Royal Grey, but my MA said it was unlikely that he'd be getting one in that color any time soon. Seems like that color could either be awesome or totally awful- like a Toyota Camry Beige. Too risky, so I think I'll go back to my 05 choice- PW/B w/B stripes.

Can't go wrong with PW.