I’ve been bursting to blog about this but didn’t want to until it was a confirmed thing. I can now proudly announce that the newest member of our family is well on his way to an official birthday. Max Mini O’Shea will be out of production NEXT WEDNESDAY and could be in Long Beach as soon as five weeks from now. Yes, we bought a Mini Cooper S, the most awesome, wonderful car on the planet, bar none (in my personal opnion – your mileage may vary).
I’ve been quietly lusting after the Minis since they first started making the new ones back in 2002. When I was a kid, my uncle had an old white Mini and I thought it was the coolest then. now they have BMW engines and the latest in safety items. not to speak of amazing sound systems, etc. the whole purchase experience was the best – as in there’s none to speak of. You configure the Mini online, then take the printout in to the dealer (or email them) and that’s it. No haggling over price, no wheeling and dealing. It was the best car buying experience I’ve ever had. I spent the most time pondering the color. Initially I was in love with British Racing Green. But after having had a black car for a few years, decided that the color shows dirt too fast. Then it was yellow, but I could see that Chuck had some issues with yellow (as in he just didn’t like it). So I settled finally on dark grey, with a white roof, side mirrors, and bonnet stripes. It also has a navigational system and the upgraded Harmon Kardon sound system, and heated seats.
After we placed the order, we waited about a week to get a production number. Once you have one of those the fun really begins. You can track the entire process online! You create a membership in the Owner’s Lounge, and from then on you can log in any time to see where your Mini is in the production process. You can also call 1-866-ASK-MINI which I have learned is a way to get more current information. Today I called (okay, I’ve been calling almost every day) and spoke to a super nice customer service person named Laurie who told me that Max is indeed in Production Week 38, and will be done next week. Next stop is quality control, then its off to the shipyards for the voyage across the Atlantic (all Mini Coopers are built in Oxford, England). I ordered a few extra items that are dealer installed, so once in Long Beach, Max will spend a little time in the shop getting stuff like bluetooth capability installed. Then it’s time for Max to come home!
In anticipation, I went to the Mini Store and bought a little model (1:43) that is sitting on my desk right now (its antenna was broken when Chuck attempted to open its rear hatch – that doesn’t actually open), so I can imagine myself zooming along the highway (albeit with lousy raido reception ;-). I also bought two keychains and a picnic blanket (the Mini comes with a cool box in the back for drinks, so it’s very picnic-ready).
I’m already planning a christening party, and will register at the Mini Store for gifts (just kidding, sort of).