Hi folks,

Been somewhat obsessed with this site since i found it a few weeks ago and am moving closer to a trip to the dealer (I figure once I go, it's all over and have had a few other things to deal with before I take the plunge.) As i ponder my options, I have a little quandry that I could use your knowledgable help / advice on.

Something that sort of started as a joke is my girlfriend and I referring to small, colorful cars as "Ted's car"--Ted being one of about 30 names for our little rat terrier / daschaund mix. Well, Ted (a rescued dog) is somewhere between 13 and 15 years old (she ain't tellin' for sure). To make a long story a little shorter, she has Cushings Disease and probably won't live more than a couple / few months, if that. This is breaking our hearts (daily), but so far, she's still in pretty good spirits.

I think one of the things this possible MINI acquisition represents to us is a way to immortalize our little friend (I know, it's a little twisted, but I've read enough of these posts to know we're in good company). So, I'm getting to my actual question here.

We're really wanting an Oxygen Blue MINI with a manual transmission, but looking at dealer inventories all over the northeast, the closest I can find is in Peabody MA (we're south of Buffalo NY). How does this work with MINI dealers? Is it like other car buying where the local dealer can work out a deal with the far-off dealer and have a vehicle transported? Or, is it up to me to find what I want and go get it (which wouldn't be a bad little trip, mind you)? I've also noticed that a lot of dealer inventory seems to come pretty similarly equipped feature-wise, particularly when it comes to mechanical and safety features. Being in snow country, it seems like the LSD is oft-touted by contributers here but not often available from dealer inventory. I assume this is the downfall of shopping of the floor? I can't imagine it's feasible or practical to install something like LSD after-the-fact, eh?

We would REALLY like to have the car before Ted (aka Susie, aka The Cheese, etc.) goes behind the veil, so she can christen it and we can get her picture in it. It sounds stupid and it's probably not enough of a reason to not get the car we really want (with whatever features we ultimately decide on). Anyway, can you tell me how the dealers work together (or don't) to move inventory from one to another? Any other ideas?

Ted (featured in the pic) is anxiously awaiting your responses (as any terrier would)! Thanks!

 

Ted looks like a wonderful dog. So sorry to hear about her Cushings. Sounds like she has a good life with you... in that way she is a very lucky dog.

Regarding the dealerships working together they definitely do. In fact my car which is on her way was already ordered by another dealer and had everything I wanted so they rerouted her to MN to decrease my wait time. Am thrilled to say that if all goes well I will be picking her up this weekend!

I suggest giving your dealership your wish list to see what they can find. Perhaps your car is on the way too.

 

My dealer searched the country to see if they had something close to my specs-- and.... they didn't, so I ordered. With your time constraints, you may want to get an existing MINI, but the ordering (aka waiting) process is a big part of the MINI experience!

Have fun and here's hoping the little one gets lots of motoring time!

 

Did you check autotrader? You might find a car near you with low miles, the features you want and the color you want being sold at a used car dealership or by a private seller in your area too. It shaves a couple thousand off the price, and might get you into your MINI sooner. It's probably not your best bet, but if all else fails, this might be one way to go.

Give big hugs to Ted from me. My Lab was a shelter dog, and he is the best dog I've ever had. There's something about rescues and shelter dogs. They give a lot of love and it's wonderful that you were there to give some back to her. Kudos to you and your girlfriend for being the people to be there for her when she needed someone most. People like you put just as big a grin on my face as I get when I see a MINI cruising down the road. :-)

Good luck with your MINI and I'll keep the good thoughts coming Ted's way!

 

I have absolutely no idea about the dealers...

Just wanted to give my support for you, your girlfriend and Ted. I hope it all works out. Keep us updated.