Mini availability? fact/fiction/fabrication?

scottmandue · 12-11-2002, 09:15 AM

I know this topic is kicked around alot but I just gotta know, so here we go again.

When I go to the website of the local Mini dealer (Long Beach,CA) I get the impression there is a six month waiting list. However my brother claims they are shipping Mini's into CA by the boat load.
So is there anywhere in CA. you can walk on a lot and buy a Mini?

The Mini is one of the few cars that could pry me out of my Porsche however I don't want to jump through flaming hoops or pay jacked up prices.

TIA

Jared at Pelican Parts · 12-11-2002, 02:43 PM

As far as i know, right now, there is still a waitning ist for the Mini. I have heard of people paying $5000 over sticker just to get a hold of one. I know that BMW was increasing production of the Mini for the US market, however Im not sure when these new cars are destined to hit US shores.

VincentVega · 12-24-2002, 07:57 PM

Production was increase, but there are still waiting lists at most dealers. You can get a car now, but you will likely pay a premium and wont be able to select the options. Just for an example, I put my deposit down in October for a mid January build. My dealer also charges msrp + $300. My best advice is to call as many dealers as you can and see what they have in stock. One dealer I called said they are selling on the lot Cooper S models for 31k.

Good luck!

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

It makes sense to let everyone think that there is a waiting list too - kindof like the cabbage patch doll syndrome.

I figure if you wait about six months, you will get them for a few thou cheaper...

-Wayne

kbell · 12-29-2002, 05:21 PM

Hi,
Just thought I'd let you guys in on my experience re buying a Mini. I drove my Mini S home yesterday. No problem with finding it in stock. In fact, while I was at the dealer, a car carrier arrived with a fresh load. My car had just arrived also. It was still wrapped in plastic. My salesman mentioned that there are only 69 Mini dealers in the US, and that BMW only made 24,000 cars total. I find the 24,000 number suspect, but if true, I don't expect the price to drop very quickly. Try Assael BMW Mini in Monrovia, Ca. My salesman was Gerald. Very nice operation. No pressure or BS so typical of the car buying experience.

KB

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

The 24,000 number was the initial production quanity...

Your dealer is completely incorrect, and I have the picture to prove it:

Here is the full article:

http://www.autointell.com/News-2002/June-2002/June-2002-1/June-05-02-p2.htm

Perhaps your car dealer was referring to 24,000 'S' models...

-Wayne

kbell · 12-30-2002, 07:16 AM

Wayne,
Thanks for the production update. I've had my Mini S for a couple of days now, and it is a real pleasure to drive. I can honestly recommend the little guys to anyone with any inclination towards buying one. If you think you might like one, you WILL.

KB

VincentVega · 01-02-2003, 09:41 AM

KB- Glad to hear you like the car. My is scheduled for production in a week or so. I cant wait.

kbell · 01-02-2003, 01:15 PM

Hey Chris,
Best of luck to you both. Hope your "baby" brings you as much pleasure as mine does to me.

KB

Jared at Pelican Parts · 01-02-2003, 01:53 PM

How is the throttle response on these cars?

kbell · 01-02-2003, 02:28 PM

Jared,
My S is brand new, less than 100 miles so far. I haven't really tried to stress test it yet. That said, I seem to notice that the revs don't pop up instantly below about 1000 RPMs. I'm not sure if the apparent lag is due to the supercharger or if it is just built in. In either case, it is not a problem. Only noticeable at a complete stop. Once in the power range the little sucker is very responsive. When downshifting, the revs come right up to speed. One sometimes has to stop and remember that it is a Mini, not a 'Vette. The car is so tight and quick that one might expect too much from it. Although, I still haven't come close to max speed while taking a corner.

That fault is totally the driver's, not the car's. In fact, the Owner's Manual suggests that for the first couple of hundred miles one should take it easy... not to exceed 4500 RPMs and 95 MPH. No problem here!

KB

scottmandue · 01-03-2003, 07:20 AM

Thanks Kbell!
I have been checking all the Mini boards and so far have not received much encouragement. things were looking pretty gloomy but I will give Assael a call.
So did you get on a waiting list and did you pay over MSRP?

Thanks,
Scott

kbell · 01-03-2003, 07:49 AM

Scott,
I don't know where you have been looking, but at Assael there certainly is no waiting list. I walked in not ready to buy, "just looking", if you know what I mean. They had what appeared to be quite a large selection of cars. I think I did wind up paying over sticker. My deal was complicated by the payoff on my lease, so I'm not sure exactly how much over I paid. My feeling was that I was going to pay off the remainder of my lease one way or the other, so why not drive the Mini. Some of the cars on the showroom floor have stickers asking for $5000 over MSRP. My deal was not nearly this much over. I rather think the $5000 sticker is intended as a starting point for bargaining purposes. I don't believe it will be possible to get a deal at sticker price for some time. I tried, believe me. If you should talk to Gerald, tell him the guy who bought the black over red S referred you. He should remember- it was the only red car with a black top on the lot. Best of luck.

KB

scottmandue · 01-03-2003, 09:12 AM

Thanks Kbell,

Nice to know the cars are at least available!
I think Wayne has the right idea, if I wait a little while I can probably get a better price. The dealers seem to be milking the "limited availability" thing to jack up the prices.

A few thousand dollars is allot of money to me.

MSRP = manufacture's SUGGESTED retail price!
With some dealers that is where you start to negotiate the price.

Although I will drop by and talk to Gerald and see what he can do.

And I will have to sell my 944, I'm not a rich man so I can't afford two toy cars. No doubt that will take some time.

VincentVega · 01-03-2003, 09:30 AM

How much for the 944?

Funny you mention a vette. On one of my recent weekly test drives, I am sure the sales people hate me by now, I tailed a vette on an exit ramp. I am sure he didnt expect me to be on his tail up to about 70mph. Of course he took once on the highway, but it was fun to stick right with him through the curve. Surprising little cars they are. Checking through the specs they are just a tad slower than my SC, although I dont plan on selling the 911 any time soon!

kbell · 01-03-2003, 10:14 AM

Scott,
Just to make it perfectly clear: I'm far from being a rich guy, a fewthousand bucks is a rather large amount to me as well. I guess the difference is that I'm not as disciplined as you are. At my age, waiting a few months/maybe a year, is wasting way too much time. I'd rather enjoy whatever it is while I can.

Still wishing you the best... Let me know how you make out.

KB

scottmandue · 10:53 AM

Well KB consider that I have a 1984 944 to enjoy driveing around in while I "wait" for the price of the Mini to drop

That is a big help for me in holding out for a better deal...
Of course if someone walked up today and offered me $3K for the 944 I would be at the Mini dealer tommorow

Silver/tan 144K miles runs great, does not burn or leak a drop of oil, any takers?

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

New cars are not a good investment - everyone knows that. But they are fun! I look at a car like a vacation - you don't need to justify it as an investment.

Hey, there are some new Mini pics from the LA Auto Show:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/swapmeet_pics/LA_autoshow_03/Page2.htm

-Wayne

Jared at Pelican Parts · 01-07-2003, 02:50 PM

If I had the money, I'd probably buy one. What i think is cool is that they have the option to have a flag decal of your choice put on the roof. I've seen UK, USA, Scotland, and Germany. Anyone know what other flags are available?

delwilli · 01-07-2003, 05:30 PM

hi guys!

i just got back from victoria, canada and visited the bmw/mini dealer there. they had about 8 2002 minis in stock (3 were Ss). they also had 2 2003 models (1 S). they are selling the non-S 2002 models at $2,500 (canadian) under MSRP and the 2002 S models at $1,500 under. you can buy the 2003 models at MSRP. from what i was told by the sales manager, sales of minis are slow so far up there. unfortunately, if you buy in canada you have to sign an agreement to not sell it outside canada for one year. also the car has to be registered in canada. since i have quite a few friends up that way, it would not be a big deal but if the powers to be caught me with a BC registered car in california that might be a problem...