Originally Posted by Jake C6R

OK Gilmoregirls, as promised here is the first pic of my new car! It's going through the Panama Canal - you can see it's the red one in the back, on the right!

Originally Posted by Jake C6R

OK Gilmoregirls, as promised here is the first pic of my new car! It's going through the Panama Canal - you can see it's the red one in the back, on the right!

Originally Posted by Trystana

I feel bad gloating given other folks' issues, but the ship tracker finally updated today and shows my ship in Baltimore!

I emailed my MA and he said he will probably have a notice by tomorrow telling him that it has arrived. So it's looking like we're on for next weekend!!!!

Slightly off topic, the JCWs aren't coming with all seasons as an option (why would you want all seasons on an AWD car in the height of winter? Ridiculous, right?) so after going back and forth with the dealer, they said I'll be able to pick some off of Tire Rack when it gets in (have not yet figured out if they expect me to pay, but we'll see...).

I was looking at possibly these:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....245VR8CP7ASRFT

Anyone have any experience with these Pirelli Run Flats? The reviews on Tire Rack are pretty positive. I'll probably stay with run flats for now so the selection is more limited. I am just looking for a good all season that still provides some performance tire action.

Will probably post to the tires forum too, but just wanted to start soliciting opinions.

Originally Posted by Deli

My dealer told me that the Oxford plant is open. They (several MA's who I engaged in a conversation) were surprised when I mentioned January 21. I think that they focus on selling cars, not following the details of production or the blogs, forums, or news websites. They're either clueless on what's going on or they simply don't want to be forthright about the delays.

Edited to add: Woohoo...with this post I'm in 6th gear.

Originally Posted by weaf27

Wow! That was excellently written and more than fair. Irvine Mini is the one that I got the news article from that showed the Oxford factory being closed until Jan 21st.

You were direct, to the point and gave examples which makes it hard for them to lie or sugar coat anything. Plus you are giving them a chance to try to do better with the last part of the letter.

I couldn't agree with you more I feel like dealers would rather not tell us things then just being honest and saying this is what we can do and why. We may not understand everything not being in the business nor like what we hear but I have always respected people who have been honest with me. I get along with my MA but I do feel like he doesn't tell me anything he feels I might not fully understand like allocations and should have educated me a little more on the entire ordering process. Had he spent more time educating me on the ordering and features I can almost guarantee I probably would have spent another 2k to 4k on additional items on the car. Figuring his commission is a % of the purchase and / or profit it would have only benefited him ($) and me (more toys and satisfaction with the purchase). My Finance guy I simply do NOT trust at ALL as he was very nice, gave lots of bad advice (he meant well, I think) and when I confronted him on a few issues he went into instant liar mode (3 lies back to back and couldn't look me in the face to save his life) which only made me angry. The Sales Manager was very down to earth, pleasant to deal with and followed through on his promises.

If I sold Mini Coopers (I use to be in sales) I would show customers every option (maximize the sale and allow the customer to make educated choices) and if they decided to order instead of buy it off the lot I would go over the process and common delays that occur. Then each week I would send them at least 1 email letting them know the status even if the entire company was closed for more than a month as this would show that I care and would let them know when something did change. This would show I cared as I would as it is part of the process and the paycheck. Plus word of mouth is the absolute best advertising anyone can have in most businesses.

Originally Posted by Trystana

I feel bad gloating given other folks' issues, but the ship tracker finally updated today and shows my ship in Baltimore!

I emailed my MA and he said he will probably have a notice by tomorrow telling him that it has arrived. So it's looking like we're on for next weekend!!!!

Slightly off topic, the JCWs aren't coming with all seasons as an option (why would you want all seasons on an AWD car in the height of winter? Ridiculous, right?) so after going back and forth with the dealer, they said I'll be able to pick some off of Tire Rack when it gets in (have not yet figured out if they expect me to pay, but we'll see...).

I was looking at possibly these:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....245VR8CP7ASRFT

Anyone have any experience with these Pirelli Run Flats? The reviews on Tire Rack are pretty positive. I'll probably stay with run flats for now so the selection is more limited. I am just looking for a good all season that still provides some performance tire action.

Will probably post to the tires forum too, but just wanted to start soliciting opinions.

Originally Posted by Jake C6R

OK Gilmoregirls, as promised here is the first pic of my new car! It's going through the Panama Canal - you can see it's the red one in the back, on the right!

Originally Posted by Jake C6R

OK Gilmoregirls, as promised here is the first pic of my new car! It's going through the Panama Canal - you can see it's the red one in the back, on the right!

Originally Posted by Deli

I can see the black Roadster, the blue MCS and the red Coupe but not the red convertible. You sure it's on there?

Originally Posted by Kleiner

What site do we find these photos at?

Originally Posted by gilmoregirls999

Thanks Weaf!! After reading what you would do if you sold Mini's, I wish I had purchased my vehicle from you. lol

I'm waiting for them to tell me I'm not going to get my .9% financing. I have it in writing that my rate was locked in on 11/27. But, after reading the posts on here, it seems like the finance people are not allowing the rate. I'll pay the extra 1 percent --- as long as they take it off the purchase price.

I have so many emails from my sales guy lying to me. I actually printed them all out and met with the owner 2 weeks ago. He has now promised to give me a loaner Mini if my vehicle doesn't dock on 02/06 like it was supposed to (and it won't since it hasn't even been built yet).

I keep telling myself I am going to love her even more when she FINALLY arrives. Crevier Santa Ana....Not so much

Originally Posted by Deli

Call 866-ASK-MINI and talk to a representative. Let them know about the financing quote and the delays. They will document your record and it will help you fight this. I just did it.

Originally Posted by weaf27

No matter what happens good or bad you really can't hold it against the Mini.
People are People, some are really nice and honest others are very far from it and the rest are all over the place good and bad. Just think this time next year it will all be over and you will be buzzing down the road just enjoying your sweet ride.

Originally Posted by weaf27

WTH!!! Where do you live! $141 for run flat Perelli Tires!!! 18" too! That is CHEAP! North Florida they go for about $219 each at discount priced dealers and maybe $200 if they have a sale or rebate!

Originally Posted by gilmoregirls999

Trystana~ GLOAT AWAY!!! It does us all good to see someone excited their Mini is on the way. We live (or at least I do) vicariously through those that are getting their Mini's (especially when they post photos -- hint..hint)

Originally Posted by gilmoregirls999

Great adivce!!! THanks a bunch Deli

Originally Posted by Trystana

I also gloated all day at work once I pulled up the ship tracker and saw it in the Chesapeake Bay.

I came up with a great idea, too. I told my coworkers they should throw me a "baby shower" for her next week. One coworker says he will bring me a ShamWow and I almost have another talked into a gas card.

Originally Posted by gilmoregirls999

Love the idea. Honestly, I might have to steal that one oh the perks that come from being a girl. teeheeheehee

Originally Posted by Deli

I can see the black Roadster, the blue MCS and the red Coupe but not the red convertible. You sure it's on there?