Goin' Mini shopping today!

[s_ribs]

The lt-gf needs her first car. I've tried to get her into a used E46 but that wasn't happening. It isn't cute enough I'm told. I checked out the mini site this morning and was amazed at how much you could get for the money. I've been in a few of them and love them. It seems to be one of the best cars for what she needs right now.

-Good mpg
-Small, so easy to get around and park with
-Plenty of space for what she needs
-Cute as can be (that'll keep that girlie-girl happy)
-In her price range (best of all)
-Drives wonderfully
-Did I mention good mpg? :stickoutt

We'll see what happens, but I've been wanting to get into the Mini world a bit so this is a great chance to poke around this part of the forum. Here's what I'm thinkin for her:

New '06 Cooper (non-S)
-auto :(
-Premium package
-Cold weather package
-Comfort package
-Xenon (duh)
-color :dunno (I checked off met. red)

Probably missing something I checked off, but I was floored at the suggested MSRP of $21.9k for all of that. It seems like you get a lot more car for that price than any other mfg. We'll see what the BMW dealership has in stock.

Any comments on items like the Ipod adapter, stability control option, etc.? I'll see what the Ipod adapter looks like later (I'm hoping it's integrated rather than just a cord floppin' around). Any comments regarding other options and their valuability would be great!

[s_ribs]

Well, had a great day out car shopping. Went to look at Mazda's as well (mostly the Miata); I made sure to take her their first so she'd have a good chance to see how nice a BMW designed machine really is. She absolutely LOVED the Mini and is going to get one. The problem is that they are only available as an ordered car if you want a new one around here (which we do). It's a 6 month wait for the Cooper and a year wait for the S. She would definitely get the S if it weren't for the extra long wait and her needing a car. We ended up picking out one with a bit more options after spending some time in a few of them too.

In addition to the above:
-Sport package
-Chrome exterior trim
-Cloth seats
-HK stereo

Total bill is still just over $24k. Simply amazing. The Miata we looked at was $28k and not nearly as nice or with as many options (or as nice of options either). She really likes the Royal Gray with Silver roof color which looks really nice. Even though I will forever be a die-hard manual transmission guy, Mini really has a nice auto (definitely like the fact that it's a 6-speed).

Now, I just need to do some quick checking to see if a road trip would result in a car sooner; otherwise it'll be ordered within the next week. I have to say that I was immensely impressed with out local BMW/Mini dealership. Especially after coming from the Mazda dealership. Our rep new exactly what questions to ask and did a phenomenal job of teaching her about the car during the test drive rather than assuming that she would figure everything out. I'm excited for the car to be ordered! :redspot

[Koopah]

A number of folks have gone the route of purchasing out-of-state. And, while any MINI dealer in the country will be glad to arrange things, you should try to work with someone who has had experience with the long-distance aspect.

Classic MINI of Mentor, Ohio has probably had more experience with out-of-state purchases that most other MINI dealers. Yes, it is a bit far from you, but the ease of making the arrangements and the price could well make the difference. I have also heard good things about a few dealers in Texas and other states closer to you, but Classic seem to be the experts. They can arrange a pick-up delivery (by the time you get back to the northwest the break-in period will be completed!) or ship it via transport.

If you really want to take a trip, I can suggest MINI of Peabody (MA) as a dealer. They have been the #1 dealer in MINI sales for the last three years, due in large part to an outstanding level of customer service and their group of extremely skilled technicians.

Also, be aware that the production run of the 2006 models will begin winding-down in spring to accomodate the factory retooling for 2007. Production numbers for the 2006 models are not expected to be as high as recent years. Thus, if you do want to order your MINI, I'd get the order in as soon as possible.

Option choices look good to my eyes. Don't worry about the CVT; the steptronic mode will help to keep you happy and the full auto mode will be just the thing for your partner.

Cheers,

Theo

[s_ribs]

Thanks for the very helpful input! Yeah, the tranny really isn't bad at all (I actually kind of like it for that car!).

[onasled]

The Mini warrantee is so great that you should not be at all concerned looking for a used one if you want it faster.
Also you should call other dealers and see what's on there floor. I know that the best dealer in the northeast usually has several.
Get the S. You will never be happy with the non-S if you really like the S better.

[s_ribs]

Yeah, I'll do some research before she orders it. There aren't many for sale around here usually.

As for Cooper vs. Cooper S- she loved the Cooper. She likes a "zippy" car but doesn't have a power craving like I do. We are going to do another test drive of each before she decides if the Cooper is enough for her. This was her first time car shopping and test driving so she was a little nervous about stomping on it unless she was told to do so. She got on it in the Cooper but not the S. If we decide to order one it won't be until next weekend so I have all week to check out other possibilities. We will see!

Thanks for the input guys! It's much appreciated!

[Nics]

If it helps ya out, I just picked up my Cooper S last week from my mini dealership in Arlington, TX called Moritz MINI. My sales guy was pretty rad seeing as how I told him my car was totalled and I needed a car ASAP, so he kinda .. bumped me into the first production slot they had. Less than a week after I placed my order, my car was already in production.

I can recommend buying from Chris Lord @ MoritzMINI, seeing as how he does out of state deals often (from what I've seen), and always ships them out.

http://www.nics.deltaanime.net/gallery2/d/301-1/cherise001.jpg

[s_ribs]

Well I found out that the dealers closest to me have sold out their allocations so far back to the point that it's 6 months to a year to get one. I'm about half way through my list of out of state dealers (west coast only) and it looks like we can get one as early as May and as late as April :alright. Some of them have a $995 premium, but at least include the protection package with it. Good to know that one can be obtained much quicker than initially thought.

To the comments on S vs. standard, I'll point out again that this car is not for me. If it were, the S would no question be my model of choice. I'm 99% certain we will get the Cooper for her since it makes more sense for her driving style. She likes to zip around (which the Cooper does very well) but never stomps on it to see how fast she can get down an on-ramp, etc. For $3k extra it just isn't worth it for her car.

I'll let you guys know when she orders it and include the final spec sheet. Thanks again for all of the help! :redspot

[DriftingE30]

Here at work I'm at a 6 month wait max wait for all MINI's.

[Nics]

Damn, is the west coast full of mini's or something? Granted I am from PDX, but I don't remember seeing minis when I was last there.

[no catches]

congrats on your gf's new car. The out of state idea is probably the best if you can't find any around you. Classic Mini has a great reputation with out of state purchases, shipping anywhere in the continental US is $500 I believe.

[Nics]

Oh yeah, I forgot to say, I've heard the leather does tend to stretch out over time (haven't seen it myself). I got the two toned leatherette that was standard, and I'm really pleased. It looks like the real deal to me, but I'm not overly anal about details. Just a FYI if she likes leather.

[s_ribs]

Well I got a call back from the SLC Mini dealer ship and was absolutely floored. They have a brand new '06 Cooper S (she decided she would rather have one the more she thought about havin the extra power) with a 6-speed auto in Royal Grey (no silver roof though which is no big deal) on the way which is up for grabs. I'm guessing someone ordered it and something happened. I can't believe our luck getting the exact car, transmission, and color that will be there at the end of the month. Fully decked out with every option (except navigation). One thing we wouldn't have ordered (but after looking at it found out it's really cool) is the Panther Black English leather. It also has the 17" web-spoke wheels on it. We have it on hold and she's putting a down-payment on it wednesday so we will be flying to SLC the first week of April to get her new Cooper S! Woot! :redspot

[Nics]

SWEET! pics when it comes in!

[s_ribs]

Oh definitely! At least one of the huge grin she's going to have plastered on her face when she get's the keys! I was talking to my brother earlier and he asked who was more excited, me or her- without a doubt she is more excited. She said she might turn into a car nut like me now. :lol

I'll post specific specs as soon as I find out. I know that it has the anthracite headliner and Parklane dash in addition to the English leather (all pretty damn cool!).

Total bill is $29.8k so it has a ton of stuff. For once I think she'll truely be grateful for a car nut bf that has hundreds of dollars in detail equipment.

[Koopah]

Just a suggestion...

Take a test drive in an S with the 17" wheels before you go any further. To some folks, the difference in "ride" will be a turn-off. The S with the 17" wheels/tires will ride harsher that the MC. Some of us like the additional handling prowess, but some feel the ride is too uncomfortable.

FWIW,

Theo

[s_ribs]

Way ahead of you bro, we already did. No problem at all for her; she actually really likes a firm sport ride. She's used to riding in my M3 all the time with 17's and coilovers and doesn't think it's bad at all.

[Nics]

anthracite headliner FTW!

haha, next thing I know you're hanging out on NAM and asking how to crank out 400+ HP on it. :lol

[s_ribs]

She was seduced by the blower, but I will be flat out amazed if she want's to do any mods. She likes the car first and foremost because it's cute and second because it's a blast to drive.

Can anyone help me out with Cooper S drivability in the snow? I looked at the weather for the driving route home and it is covered in 8-16" of snow it appears for the first half of the drive. I'm not to certain that the 17" wheels and run-flat performance tires are gonna do so hot in that. I grew up driving in the snow, but performance tires can suck in the snow. TIA

[Koopah]

{snip}...I'm not to certain that the 17" wheels and run-flat performance tires are gonna do so hot in that. I grew up driving in the snow, but performance tires can suck in the snow. TIA

Right you are.

The performance tire should be used with caution in the snow. It's tread pattern and increased width will not be the best for 8" - 16" of snow. Please take care.

The dealer may be able to swap-out the performance tires for the all season ones. And, based on the type of driving that will be mainly done in the MINI as you have described, the difference to be realized in your GF's situation between all season and performance tires may be negligible.

Theo

[s_ribs]

Right, sorry if I sounded like I'm not well versed in tires and snow. (I grew up in snowy WI and work for a tire store so...) I'm mostly wondering how the Cooper is in the snow. I may ask them to swap the tires for a/s ones. It came with the package someone ordered so I'm sure they will accomodate us. You are right on, performance tires are not worth the money or the reduced lifespan for her. If she had ordered one, it would have had the 16" wheels and I would have bought her aftermarket 17's with a/s tires. She doesn't drive like I do! :evil2

[s_ribs]

One more thing. Just got an e-mail with the official spec sheet on this car:

Exterior:
-Royal Grey with body color roof.
-Chrome Line Ext.
-Web-Spoke 17" wheels w/run-flat performance tires

Interior/Options:
-Premium pkg
-Sport pkg
-Convenience pkg
-Cold weather pkg
-Anthracite headliner
-Automatic with steptronic paddles
-Chrome Line interior
-Parklane surface
-HK stereo
-English Black leather

[Nics]

wow, sounds completely loaded. good deal! and i guess if she wanted to change the roof color, you could always repaint it later. I doubt that the roof would be 'too hard'

and sorry, i can't help ya out about the snow question. but the dealership should be able to swap out wheels/tires if you ask. just make sure to ask before you get there, haha.

[s_ribs]

Well, I talked to the rep I've been working with and found out two things.

1) They don't stock tires there so I would have to buy an extra set if I wanted something else. She said that they are most likely Pirelli tires on the one we are getting. If that's the case, I can't imagine them being anything but Euforia tires I'm seeing at tirerack. Not the best reviews on them.
2) Not all that worried about it after talking to her a bit about the weather there. She said it is unusually dry there and no snow in SLC. There will be some once we get outside, but she said the freeways are all clear. If it's anything like my trip to MN over christmas the freeways will really be a no brainer. I'm guessing the traction control and DSC will help if it gets nasty (since I grew up in that crap I'm really not too concerned anyway I suppose).

Side note- I got a text message a bit ago that the down payment was made so we are down to the waiting game now! :redspot :redspot :redspot

[Nics]

Nice.

Well if it helps, I did a drive from OR to TX and I did drive thru those states on the way down in January when it was snowing, a few years back. I had some OEM 'performance' tires on it, and I made it fine. The freeways are usually clear unless you're stuck in a blizzard. Plus, you got runflats and roadside assistance, you are so in the clear.

[s_ribs]

Very true! I completely forgot the joy of a new car and all of the goodies you get with it. I'm not really worried the more I think about it. I'm not new to snow, but it's funny how quickly you adapt to the local things (i.e. freak out when it even thinks about snowing). I really appreciate that input! Very good to know that it was fine for you.

The car arrives at the port in CA on the 17th I found out today and it will be ready about 2 weeks later.

[Nics]

ahha, cheater. I had to wait 2 months for my car.

Yeah you really shouldn't worry about anything. Just pack somewhat light because you will be hitting some steep inclines along the way, and the mini DOES have power but the torque doesn't really give you a kick in the seats until about 4k but you should try to keep it below 4.5 until break in, since anything over 4.5 will boost, and you don't want to do that to an engine with only 4 miles on it. -- I don't know if the autos are anything like 6speeds though.

But if it makes you feel better, I got passed up on a CO mountain by a little kia thing with two fat chics in it when I drove my e46 325 with about 1500 extra pounds packed into it. lol.

[s_ribs]

ahha, cheater. I had to wait 2 months for my car.

:stickoutt We just got lucky!

We'll be packed very light since it'll be a one night trip (the 12 hour drive Sunday should be great!). Besides the fun factor, one great reason we want to drive it home is for the break in. Excellent time since we will be on I-84 cruising along. What is the designated milage on these for break-in?

[Nics]

I'm confused when you ask for milage? Are you asking about MPG? I just racked up 200+ miles on my car in less than a week. I'm seeing ilke 23-25, but they say break in is the worst MPG you will ever see. But I do a lot of city driving. You'll probably be at about 30 since it'll be lots of freeway driving. Hah, just remember to keep it under 90 MPH until break in though. ;)

[s_ribs]

No, no, no... break in miles. :stickoutt

[Koopah]

Break-in miles: 1,200

MINI in snow:

GOOD NEWS - Like most FWD cars, the MINI has very good traction in the snow. The extent of the traction can depend on tire design, of course, with narrower-width/higher-section-height snow tires being the best. Yes, DSC will help once the MINI is going, but you may need to switch it off in very slippery conditions to start out from stop.

BAD NEWS - The MINI is fairly low to the ground. This means that in heavy snow conditions, the build-up of snow in the road between the tire tracks can scrape the bottom of the MINI's front end and undercarriage. However, the biggest problem are the wheel-well icebergs that fall off the car in front of you and wind up smack dab in the middle of the lane between the tire tracks. I have one friend that suffered significant front bumper cover damage as a result of a MINI/Iceberg encounter (wasn't there a movie about that?). Just leave plenty of room between you and the traffic ahead to give you time to react and avoid a titanic encounter!

FWIW,

Theo

[s_ribs]

Thanks for the input. I'm not too worried about it. My old snow driving days haven't been forgotten and the requirements come back instantly I've found out. If I can get around in my lowered M3 with wide summer-only tires and no traction control it really should be a non-event.

[Nics]

No, no, no... break in miles. :stickoutt

haha, oops my bad. :embarrasm

You'll be fine with the tires. It's an unusually warm winter everywhere this year, and I'm sure the roads will be fine.

BTW, I got a loaner 5spd cooper one today. That thing was slow as hell. I can only imagine an automatic version of it. So good job on the S, your woman is doing the right thing. :buttrock

[Yenny]

Thanks for the input. I'm not too worried about it. My old snow driving days haven't been forgotten and the requirements come back instantly I've found out. If I can get around in my lowered M3 with wide summer-only tires and no traction control it really should be a non-event.

Awww... if only I saw this thread sooner. I could have hooked you up with Stan Bennett in Portland. He was in the paper when Mini's first came out, as he had more Mini's than anyone in the PNW.