How to get a MINI in Canada
That is a good point, unfortunately the list of dealers dosen't have any specifics yet. There are 14 locations, but I would expect more actual dealers, because I know Toronto has at least three.
The Get "In Line Online" with MINI feature is only for the launch edition Cooper, not the Cooper S. That works on a system where you make a $100 donation, and you're in the lottery for a launch edition pre-spec'd Cooper.
Canada is getting 3000 cars, but last time I checked, the split was a guess. I also heard that the revolutionary MINI plant can make any car they want, in singles... They don't have to do a 'run' of one type or colour. So by that logic, there could be as many 'S' models as people order them that way.
I also hear that the dealers do not know how many cars they're getting. MINI Canada has yet to decide if they are going to ration out an equal number to the dealers, or distribute the cars by dealer volume. My BMW dealer is pushing for the volume system, since I'm in Toronto.
So that's a lot of unknowns. I put a deposit on one a little over a year ago, and I'm 21 on their list. If they get at least 21 cars, and there's an 'S' for me, I get one. No real promises, but I think I'm in pretty good shape to get one. Basically, I think an email I got from the MINI.ca site sums it up best:
"Want to avoid having to use one of these methods to get your MINI in Canada?
10) Put your name on the waiting list. Mark 2005 on your calendar.
9) Legally change your name to somebody already on the waiting list.
8) Get part-time valet job. Wait for MINI. Drive off.
7) Sell your soul to the devil. You can always beg for it backlater.
6) Get a job as a pre-delivery inspector. Savour short 5km test drives in customer's new MINI.
5) Apply for job at MINI. Work really, really hard.
4) Use squatters-rights philosophy. Hang around someone else's MINI until it becomes yours.
3) Enter the Witness Relocation Program and hope they give you a MINI.
2) Check out an on-line auction. Someone's sure to be selling their MINI for a million bucks.
1) Two words: Hunger strike. "
I'm not even sure if they're kidding about the 2005 thing. The 3000 cars is a per-year thing, we're not going to get a lot of these things, and the waiting lists are getting longer. MINI Canada has even resorted to making owners sign a non-exportation agreement, and reserves right of first purchase for the first 12 months for all owners. So if you're on the list you can't flip it for a profit, and you certainly cannot ship it to the US.
See your neighbourhood BMW dealer ASAP if you're serious. Be prepared for disappointment. If you do manage to score one, get an alarm system.