Ordering a future variant - how does it work?

[ontheroadagain]

How does one order a MINI that is not yet in existence? I've recently started to get interested in the Clubman that isn't due in the USA until 2/08. My MA told me I could place an order for one and then if I changed my mind, my deposit would be refunded. Now, I do recall that when I ordered my first MINI back in 2003, I was told my deposit was refundable...but the difference to me is that the MINI model already existed...yes, it was a new year but....

So, you decide you think you might like a Clubman, but you don't know the price - so how does ordering it work? I mean - you get a ballpark idea, but how does this work for MINI? What if they build and ship these Clubman and then people take a look at them and change their minds?

I'm sure I am missing a something here...there must be a gap in my MINI fantasy timeline.

You all are always so in the know - help me out. Is this order taking pre-production only?

I think I might need to change my cyber handle to The Confused One.

[MINIAC]

Unless a dealer has an actual build allocation for a MINI, your "order" is nothing more than a place on a waiting list. If your dealer has such a waiting list and is taking deposits, the deposit should be refundable until your order is actually placed.

[ontheroadagain]

Right...I think. The deposit is refundable...but if it's really only a waiting list, what does that mean? Does it mean that when these future variants, such as the Clubman, become "real" and are being produced that those who are on the "waiting list" will have first "dibs" on the initial allocation marked for that particular dealer?

Perhaps I am being too interested in the inner workings of dealerships and MINI, but I'm trying to understand how it all works. I hadn't considered the fact that the various dealerships all get certain initial allocations of the first production... Hmmm...

So a waiting list is created and then as production actually begins...things become more "real"... If memory serves me, even once a MINI is spec'd and ordered and in production, technically speaking deposits are still refundable.... I guess they are betting that the majority who do order will take possession. MINIs are hard to resist.

P.S. Just noticed that you wrote that the deposit is only refundable until the order is actually "placed" - and I'm assuming that you mean is placed and the MINI is going into production right away.

[MINIAC]

It's best to check with your dealer on what their policy is regarding deposit refunds. I doubt most dealers would refuse to refund a deposit if you backed out of taking delivery ... unless the spec was undesirable.

Getting one of the first build allocations depends on where you are on the waiting list. Some people spent a year on East Bay MINI's MCS waiting list because it was the only NorCal dealer selling at MSRP.

[ontheroadagain]

Understood MINIAC, I would definitely check it out with my dealer if I were going to do this. I was just thinking/wondering outloud as to how it all worked to benefit MINI to get all these folks on a waiting list with the possibility that some might well end up backing out...

Probably too much creative avoidance on my part for even delving this far into it.

Quote:

Getting one of the first build allocations depends on where you are on the waiting list. Some people spent a year on East Bay MINI's MCS waiting list because it was the only NorCal dealer selling at MSRP.

Absolutely a good point, if one really wants one of the first new builds, I'm sure it makes sense to get on that list.

I think I should just go back to enjoying my '06, resist temptation. and think about one of the later builds of the Clubman after I've seen one in real life.

Thanks for your input.

[MINIAC]

I got on the waiting list for a MCS near the end of April 2001, saw a MC "in the flesh" in June 2001, was offered (and passed on) the dealer's pre-spec MCS the end of March 2002, custom ordered mine on April 26th 2002 and took delivery on July 2nd 2002

[ontheroadagain]

Interesting timeline. I'm sure there were a number of factors that went into your decision, too.

This "thinking" about another MINI is a seductive business.