Planning to purchase a Mini this summer. Pre-purchase questions

[wscruiser]

After more than 3 years of wanting a Mini, it looks like later this year is going to be the time for me to purchase one. But, before I fork out (+/-) $26,000 for one, I have a few questions for current owners.

Knowing what you know now about owning a Mini, would you do it again?

In your opinion, what are the must have options that every Mini should have?

Does actual gas mpg fall within the estimated EPA sticker figures?

How would you rate Flow Mini for customer satisfaction?

When ready to purchase, can I expect to pay sticker price, or is there some room for negotiation?

Thanks in advance for your help in answering these questions that I have spinning around in my mind.:confused: :rolleyes: :eek:

[FTGT101]

I bought mine in mid-November and I my only regret is I did not do it sooner. The mileage if you do not start lead footin it is very close for me which means that someone else would probably see the estimated mileage. I average 27-29mpg about 350-360 miles per tank give or take. I would probably go fully loaded except the NAV. For the price of the Nav I have found the GPS to be cheaper and you can transfer it car to car.

[TWISTER]

1- hell yes!
2- a pully upgrade, cold air intake & new exhaust (oh you meant dealer options) a 6 speed S, and what will make you feel comfortable in the car.
3- yes
4- very high if you talk to the right people (tell Ryan Cole I sent you)
5- right now all cars either get 500-700 off MSRP (ask for mats to be thrown in)

[Vango]

#1 most def. this is my 2nd mini
#2 6 speed S heated seats Ohhhhh!!
#3 pretty close
#4 give them 5 out of 5
#5 I traded my 04 for a 06 got what i thought was a good price
I agree with FTGT101 about the gps get a garman so you can keep the big Speedometer

[MINI Rog]

1 - Most definitely, this is my 2nd MINI as well (convert this time)

2 - Convertible S, premium pkg, chrome pkg, sport pkg, CVT

3 - Mileage is right on if not better hwy, just made a roung trip to Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Mussel Shoals, AL; Chattanooga, TN and back to Burlington and averaged 35mpg with justacooper w. cvt.

4 - Flow is tops, I bought my 1st MINI from Checkered Flag in Virginia Beach and Flow beats them to pieces.

5 - Close to sticker with several free options thrown in.

Happy Motoring

[MidnightDave]

1) We bought the MINI and a Lexus IS350 at the same time, MINI = 8500 miles, Lexus = 5100 you do the math. ;-) Seriously, they're as much fun as you think, the clubs are great, and you can't go wrong 'cause resale's HIGH if you absolutely don't like it, although that seems unfathomable!

2) I want to race mine (eventually) so I only wanted the steering wheel controls and found one on the lot at Hendrick's that way, the content, fit and finish are great, you won't be disappointed.

3) Drive for SPG, not MPG where S = Smiles!

4) Hendrick's is great too, if you're closer, go FLOW

5) EVERYTHING is negotiable...

[KillerKar]

Knowing what you know now about owning a Mini, would you do it again?

YESYESYES! My dream is to acquire (after winning the lottery) a fleet of vintage Minis of all descriptions/kinds and new ones out the butt! ;-)

In your opinion, what are the must have options that every Mini should have?

I haven't tricked mine out much but I think regular (NOT run-flats) tires are a must.

Does actual gas mpg fall within the estimated EPA sticker figures?

Mine's done really well - getting between 30-35 mpg on a combination of local and interstate driving. Average 400-430 miles per fillup, so I don't feel I can ask more from a tank of gas!

How would you rate Flow Mini for customer satisfaction?

EXCELLENT. Ed Simmons is the guy you want to talk to - and Randy Pettit (sp?) is the finance guru. They did some fastastic work for me on the financing end, when I had a question they got back to me ASAP and kept me well informed as I waited as patiently as possible for KillerKar to make the journey from the UK to my driveway. I'd do it all again with both guys - I can't recommend them too highly.

When ready to purchase, can I expect to pay sticker price, or is there some room for negotiation?

Mark's right - close to sticker but they threw in a few things for me AND gave me a generous trade (you should've seen the condition of my poor T-bird that I traded!)

[UN4G1VN]

I also waited years to get my MINI. I bought mine used and it has almost every option. It is so much fun to drive it should be illegal. I have issues with the mpg due to pressing the pedal to hard but it still gets better than the Dodge Ram that I owned before. Get one, you won't be sorry.

[Silver_Phoenix]

Im in total agreeance with UN4G1VN. I have always wanted a Mini since I started watching Mr Bean when I was somewhere around the age of 8. (I am 23 now)

I purchased my Mini, used, but like UN4G1VN it has a LOT of features on it-- considering, in other words-- to keep me happy! The feature I like best about mine is (well other than the whole car itself) is the full roof moon roof. This is my first car with one. I had a hard time believing that the stereo system in this car was factory... and it doesnt sound crappy for factory speakers!

As far as MPG, I am averaging between 28 and 30mpg which equates to between 350-360... 371 if I stretch it, miles per tank, and usually fill up to 12.556 gallons every time Im at the station. I have a little bit of figuring to do when it comes to the button on the left arm (light control arm) for the display on the tachometer.... but other than that- no complaints!

I went from bigger to big to SMALL vehicle... lol... 1979 f-150 4x4 on 33's with a 351m engine (8mpg) to a 1998 ford Mustang 3.2l v-6 (17mpg) to my 2002 Mini Cooper. I never thought I would be a car person, but I love my Mini and I dont think I would ever go back to another car... maybe a truck, but the finace' has one, so were covered!

:D