[doma]

Hello -
Two months ago our fever for a mini cooper boiled over and we decided to get one. After test driving the open top, and an S vs non S, manual vs auto, etc, we decided to get an automatic fixed top S. Put down a deposit (in Pleasanton) and now we're waiting.

We tried Mountain View but on three occasions never had any luck with speaking to a salesperson (waited an hour each time we were there but it was very busy and we had no luck). We drove the Elise (we like small cars ) the third time, and that drew out the service crew and I got to talk to them, but alas no salespersons.

So we went to Pleasanton and had a very different experience. We were able to test drive the different minis and talk about the ordering process, etc. So we put down a deposit at Pleasanton. Sadly however, we were told the wait was 11 months. That was in March so, 9 months left to go. The wait is agonizing. Don't want a used one however .. but still, 11 months = ouch. From what I read on this forum that's just the way it is in NorCal? Unless you shop out of state I read?

This is my first post. There's a lot of info on this forum - so I'll be lurking for awhile. Won't have anything to add till our Mini shows up ages from now.

Happy driving -
-doma in San Jose

00 Dodge Neon (Red)
00 Dodge Neon (White)
05 Elise (Saffron Yellow)
06(?) Mini Cooper S (on order)

[Kellzir]

Hey Doma! Welcome to MINI2. That is a long wait, but gives you time to learn as much as you can on the forums. NAM is another helpful site as well. I recently took delivery of my MCSa, which I purchased out of state to avoid the long waits in CA. It is worth the waith though.

[larry paquette]

I just picked up my S auto. You'll love it. I've got an 03 Cooper and the improvments are worth the wait. Come out and play when it comes in or anytime we get together to shot the breeze. Larry

[doma]

Yeay!
We got tired of waiting, drove up to the dealer in Concord, and bought an Electric Blue Cooper S Manual with a zillion options.

Today is our first full day with the car - in 10 mins we are heading out to see how it likes the hills!

[doma]

A very British driveway!

[zied]

Quote: Originally Posted by doma

Yeay!
We got tired of waiting, drove up to the dealer in Concord, and bought an Electric Blue Cooper S Manual with a zillion options.

Today is our first full day with the car - in 10 mins we are heading out to see how it likes the hills!

Congradulations... we could not wait when we bought our two either (both came via out of state)... when you've got the MINI-bug, ya gotta get the car.

[trico]

I purchased through East Bay Mini. The wait was long, but the experience has been tremendous. My wait was almost 12 months. It became a pleasant obsession and a year of daydreams. When the magic call finally came to spec I was ready. I watched as the vehicle was assembled and shipped. I found out which ship was transporting the vehicle to the USA - I even was able to locate the ship's crew via the internet and NOAA, and corresponded with them and their families. I watched the ship's progress across the Atlantic, through the Panama Canal and up the Pacific Coast.

After I picked up the car I have used East Bay Mini;s service exclusively. Their service department is courteous and top rate. It has been the best car purchase and ownership experience I have ever had.

Before I purchased through East Bay at MSRP (the only way they sell the Mini) I tried to purchase a vehicle through Concord Mini, which was much closer to my home. I was even willing to pay a reasonable premium for fast delivery. They simply blew me off. It seems they wanted a premium and you had to take what they had on the lot. There was no waiting list for orders. Even that, at the time, would probably have ben okay with me, however, they did not yet have any stock. Thus, I asked that they contact me once they had stock in and I'd come right down. I never received a telephone call.

But, looking back on it, Concord Mini did me a great service - I had to wait but I got the exact vehicle I wanted at MSRP, and have a found the most outstanding and honorable car dealership I've ever used in East Bay Mini. I think you made the right decision to wait asnd chose the right dealership - learn to enjoy the wait as a once in a lifetime experience (good things come to those who wait!!!!) - you won't regret it.

[Kellzir]

Congrats doma. The MINI looks great. Glad you were able to get what you wanted without waiting. I love your Lotus! How do you like it? I always see a yellow one in the area, maybe it was you.

[rielliey]

Hi ordered through East Bay Mini and they said would be 5 months ( Mini Cooper CVT auto and premium package, sport package , cold wheather package, Hyper blue black roof and mirrors).. been 2 so far so only 3 months to go! cant wait! glad i did through east bay as so far i have only heard really good things about them

[doma]

Quote: Originally Posted by Kellzir

Congrats doma. The MINI looks great. Glad you were able to get what you wanted without waiting. I love your Lotus! How do you like it? I always see a yellow one in the area, maybe it was you.

We are having a great time with the Mini. What a great car!
As to the Lotus it's my commute vehicle on the weekdays (SJ <--> Mountain View, maybe it is me you're seeing?) and also my mountain road weapon on the weekends. Fantastic steering feel. I've been autocrossing it and look forward to autocrossing the Mini too - if the wife lets me! (The Mini is technically 'her' toy!).

[corkmini]

Quote: Originally Posted by doma

Yeay!
We got tired of waiting, drove up to the dealer in Concord, and bought an Electric Blue Cooper S Manual with a zillion options.

Today is our first full day with the car - in 10 mins we are heading out to see how it likes the hills!

Hi Doma,

hope you're enjoying the S. You've just given me some hope! I'm moving to the Bay Area from Ireland at the end of September, and though I've been trawling through all the cars available to me in the US, I'm so reluctant to leave my Mini Cooper behind me here that I've decided to try and get an S when I arrive. Then I see the wait times and it's been so disheartening! I've been looking at BMWs and Mustangs and jeeps of all sorts but I just can't get my Mini out of my head! (addicted, I know!)

So thanks for posting this story - hopeful now that I may be able to short cut the wait. BTW, quick question - any reason why you opted for the hard top over the soft top?

Thanks and well wear!

J

[zied]

Quote: Originally Posted by corkmini

Hi Doma,

hope you're enjoying the S. You've just given me some hope! I'm moving to the Bay Area from Ireland at the end of September, and though I've been trawling through all the cars available to me in the US, I'm so reluctant to leave my Mini Cooper behind me here that I've decided to try and get an S when I arrive. Then I see the wait times and it's been so disheartening! I've been looking at BMWs and Mustangs and jeeps of all sorts but I just can't get my Mini out of my head! (addicted, I know!)

So thanks for posting this story - hopeful now that I may be able to short cut the wait. BTW, quick question - any reason why you opted for the hard top over the soft top?

Thanks and well wear!

J

CorkMINI,

where in the bay area are you moving? we have some great mountain and coastal twisties.... and some of the worse poorly maintained freeways....