[MiniLuvr]

Hello All-

Am planning on ordering myself a Mini Cooper S sometime within the next 6 months from one of the local dealers here in the Mid-Atlantic area (Northern Virginia to be exact). Anyway, before I step foot in the showroom, I wanted to come somewhat prepared...and as such, have a couple of questions to pose to all of you who have already experienced such happenings.

In placing my order with the dealer, how much cash should I expect to put down ahead of time - all of it, or only a certain percentage, with the rest due upon delivery?

Also, does anyone here on the list know what the current delivery / wait time for the Cooper S is here in the Washington, DC area?

Have been an avid fan of this car since I was a kid growing up in Michigan (we used to see them quite frequently accross the river in Canada during trips, and am finally realizing my dream of owning one soon. Am opting for a Cooper S in Indi Blue, with cloth seats and the Sport Package.

Anyway, any advice you folks might have as I begin my purchasing adventure would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks-

Tony (aka MiniLuvr)

[MINIMiller]

Deposit may be anywhere from $0 to $1,000. The wait for a MCS at Sterling is up to 10 months according to staff there. Some friends had no wait when they ordered from Keeler MINI in NY state - Place order to drive mini in 2 months!

[MiniLuvr]

Thanks for the info, MINIMiller. Wasn't sure what I was up against...good to know what I have to look forward to. Sterling would be my first place to go to, as it's the closest to where I live....am hoping that that wait time will be whittled down a bit by the time I head in there to order. Although I couldn't find it on the MINIUsa.com web site, I've heard that another dealership is opening somewhere either in Arlington or Alexandria....will have to keep an eye open for these as well.

Thanks again!

MINILuvr

[gscooter49]

I checked with both Sterling and Crown (Richmond, VA) About the same down payment for an order $800-1000 and it should be refundable.

Never discussed the "extras" that Sterling may try to insist on adding but haven't heard of complaints. Crown WILL try to shove $500.00 "worth" of their special package down your throat.
We bought off the lot from Checkered Flag. Long drive for service, so a long as Sterling can get it for you in an acceptable time frame they look pretty good.

Have you checked out Annapolis Mini dealership? (Not Arlington - No service dept.)

[MiniLuvr]

Haven't checked out Annapolis as of yet, although I see they are listed as one of a couple of dealers here. I suppose I will do so eventually though...

In buying off the lot, were you able to find a car with features that closely resembled the options that you had wanted?

[Mugami]

just ordered my new MCS in Jan. for a Feb build date and is due later this month. Currently its on the boat on the way over here.. this is from Crown Mini in Richmond. Deposit was 1000.00. As for them tring to Cram Extras Barry and them wouldnt dare do it to me. Simply cause they know i have plans on changing just about everything on the car. Since it was on my old one =) Enjoy the car and yes to help ease the pain go take the test drives every weekend.

[JiminVirginia]

Tony--

Sterling may take ten months but they will let you spec your car just the way you want it and they won't force add ons on you that you don't want. They will get you exactly the car you want at MSRP. I got mine there in November--no hassle. Good luck.

[S2000&CooperS]

Give Barry at Crown MINI of Richmond a call. He's the sales manager and sold me my Cooper. The wait is only 2 months and you can place your order (exact specs) today. They will NOT push accessories on you, but I DID pay a $599 bulls**t fee which included paint sealant , mats, detailings, and a few other stuff but I also know someone who refused to pay it and he did not have to pay it when purchasing his Cooper and since the cars have been out for a while now you can probably negotiate this little tidbit as I am going to do when I trade up in a few months.

I just gave Barry at Crown MINI my specs for an MCS! Will be trading my Cooper for a May build/late June delivery, possibly their first JCW Cooper S .

Right now at Crown, they are accepting orders for April build/May delivery Cooper S - none available on the lot although they do have 10 or so Coopers for immediate delivery.

Good luck!

[MiniLuvr]

Speaking of the upcoming JCS package, does anybody know what it'll include (aside from the bump up in horsepower)?


BTW - I recently sent in an inquiry to MINI of Sterling re. current wait times...finally got a reply today. Per one of their folks: " The wait time to order one is 5-6 months. However, we do have one for test drive."

We shall see!

Regards-

Tony

[MINIAC]

Quote:

Originally posted by MiniLuvr

Speaking of the upcoming JCS package, does anybody know what it'll include (aside from the bump up in horsepower)?

Please look in the PERFORMANCE & TUNING forum ... there is a thread titled "Important: Official JCW Upgrade info" right near the top.

[napster]

MiniLvr: I checked with Sterling about a month ago while getting my weekly MINI fix and was told the wait was 5/6 months for a cooper and a "solid" 8 months for a cooper S. They did have for sale two cooper S models (deal fell thru) on the lot. I bought out of state from Mini of Pittsburgh due to their short wait and no add on's. I ordered on January 7 and am expecting my MCS this week as it has just been released to the carrier. Checkout minicooperonline.com as well, there is a dealer Mini of Hampton who has several MCS's on the lot, they might have what your looking for. The main thing is to make certain you are comfortable with the dealer you choose to purchase from.

good luck.
napster

[HarborMINI]

Hi,
I wanted to clarify a previous post by a fellow MINI owner. There is no MINI dealership in Hampton, VA. The only MINI dealership in southeastern VA is Checkered Flag MINI in Virginia Beach. I bought my car from Colleen Malebranche at Checkered Flag, who was AWESOME. I took delivery back in September, and at that time, you had to buy a $1700 Motoring kit. I have heard that they are no longer requiring that package. They are very nice to deal with, and have cars on the lot right now for delivery.
Address:
5209 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
757-490-1111

Good luck!

David

[napster]

To clarify my previous post, I meant Mini of The Hamptons in Southampton, NY 11968. From there website they appear to have several MCS's on the lot ready for sale.

Thanks
Napster