Way back in August I had put down a deposit and got in line for ordering a Mini through Rasmussen in Portland. Mini NW wanted a $1k non-refundable deposit and also did not tell me until the very last minute that they would be adding on some market adjustment amount. They provided nothing in return, just added on $750 to the price. Rasmussen was straight up from the start and said they added on $295 for prep, floor mats, wheel locks, and the time to 'train' a new owner. Easy decision on who to go through for my purchase.

Anyways, September rolls around and my production allocation comes up. Went around and around trying to figure out what options I really wanted. Got those locked in and just started the wait. Unfortunately, the economy did what it did and my play money decreased a bit. I tried to hold off but the week of Thanksgiving I had to call them and tell them I was not going to purchase the car. They were great about it and went with my decision.

This month, things have greatly improved. I look on their site and notice that my car is still in their inventory. Guess sales aren't that great if it sat for 2 months. I called up the salesman and struck up a deal with him. Turns out I now get the car for about $1k less and don't have to pay their add-on fees. Not my intention up front, but not a bad end result either.

Anyways, here is the mockup from the Mini Configurator and also a shot of the options on my order.

 

Very nice - will look forward to seeing it in person. Everyone I know who has one just loves these cars. I want one too, but my husband thinks I should curtail my auto habit for awhile - I have purchased 5 cars in the past three years. I shop in different stores than most wives

 

wow john! congrats! i love the color and i'm excited to see it in person! looks like you've got some cool options!

~jody

 

i LOVE this "Mini" car after I saw the movie "The Italian Job"

 

Great pickup John! Been thinking about getting one for the wife.

 

They are not bad at all. Before I went to Iraq my ex's brother picked up a green mini cooper S and he took me out on some twisties. It handled really well and was quicker than I thought it'd be. Also the supercharger winding is a precious sound

 

You will love it! The car is so much more then people give it credit for!!

Sarah just ordered a few goodies for her Mini S, can't wait to make it faster!!

 

Anyone have any experience with National Paint Protection Film LLC in Portland? I want to get clearbra on the car and I'm figuring it's probably best to do that before the drive up here.

On the other hand, it just occured to me that the dealer may have put in some swirl marks in the past two months. Probably would be better off driving it back here, getting a nice detail, and then putting the clearbra on. Hmm

 

I'd almost say get it done down there. I had a lot of rocks thrown at me by trucks on my way home from gran prix.

 

My Mini was swirled & looked like poop when we got it. I did a full detail the day after we got her home.

We had the whole front end done in venturshield. We have like 2 lines on the whole front end.

We used Matt @ Ultimate Auto Skins, he is mobil & does great work.

You can see here, the whole car looked like this


After with the VS on.

 

I love your mini too Mike - great color.

 

I talked to both Aaron and Matt (Aaron also recommended him) and I'm going to go ahead and risk the drive back. My only options ar going sight unseen on the car to get the install done down there, or have Matt do it up here after any necessary cleaning/prep from Aaron. At least I know Aaron and have completely confidence in his work.

 

Thanks Greta, we love it, you can't ask for a better commuter. You know I drool on your car bit....

The paint is tough, you should have no problems driving it back up. Any time you get clear bra installed, the car should be polished first, so the paint under the bra is perfect. If you get the "kit" it has a ton of lines, & doesn't cover all that much. We were going to get the factory clear bra put on, but after seeing one done, we passed.

I have seen quite a few cars that Matt has done, he is top notch!! The only other person in the area I would trust is John @ metropolitan detail.

 

If you change your mind and decide to get the clear bra done in Portland, I'd definitely recommend 503 Motoring. http://www.503motoring.com/ They've done Greg Oden's car and many Lambo, Porsche, Ferraris, etc. They can also detail your car.

Here's the M getting done there:

 

wow mike! i LOVE the color of your mini as well! very cool!

john,
i'm happy for you about your new mini! i'm happy that it all worked out! but when does the boxster get to come out and play? i miss saying hello at stop lights! =)