Well my deposit is in and I am now in line, (do not like waiting). I bought my MINI from South Bay MINI in Los Angeles, after choking on the $3000.00 dealer markup at Bob Smith BMW in Calabasas. I can't give any logical reason for dumping my Acura RSX for the MC, and wrestled back and forth between buying and forgettingaboutit. Emotion prevailed, so here I am in line.

As my user name implies, I ordered a PW/PW S, with very few extras which are: Auto Transmission, Sports Package with 17" run flats, rear fog, park sensors, multifunction steering wheel with cruise control (which is nice on the way to Las Vegas). I thought that I would add bits and pieces as I go along.

The only thing that I've read that concerns me is some discussions about the effect of 10% methanol gas on the engine etc.. It's a big issue for me since ethanol is a way of life in California. Would appreciate any soothing words.

**** in So Cal

 

Welcome to the MINI club ****! I'm still playing the waiting game myself, so have no real-world experience with the ethanol issue, but have read a ton of 'back-issue' threads because this was a real concern to me also, being from the Phoenix area. What I gathered from those is that as long as you're using top-tier fuel you should have no problem. Check out this site (www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html).

Did you think about buying from a different dealer and just enjoying a road trip home when it comes in? $3k mark-up seems pretty darn steep! I bot from Schomp in Denver to shave 2 months off my wait time, and don't regret it - really looking forward to a twisty ride home!

 

Good color combination ****. I went with Universal Mini after calling Bob Smith and Assael, both of whom had mark ups.

 

Thanks for the info and suggestions. As I said I SAVED $3000 by just going 40mins down the freeway. I still get steamed thinking about the intended gouging, because I really wanted to buy from a dealer in the neighborhood. I will still get my service done there because of the convenience.

After reviewing the top tier list it seems as if there will be no problem finding a suitable gas. I just wonder if any of those is better than the others??????

By the way, how do you get the badges?

**** in So Cal [IMG]images/smilies/thumb-up.gif[/IMG]

 

Welcome to NAM!

Love your color choice!

 

Here you go.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=71218

 

Thanks, not so tough

 

Welcome White Hair,
You can search the forums and find plenty of informaton on appropriate fuel choices. I either use premium (which is 91 octane here in New Mexico) or mid grade (88 octane) blended with e-85 (105 octane) to 10%. I have used e-10 in the past, which is 89 octane here, with no problems but a suspicion of slightly less fuel mileage and performance. I originally got into blending fuel in the tank with my toyota diesel pickup . . . I'd buy B-100 and blend it with regular diesel fuel . . . but B-20 became available so I quit that chore.
MINI is good with ethanol up to 10% as far as the warrenty goes.

I waited a couple of months for my MINI. It is all in the past now and the car was so much worth the wait. It brings me such joy.

 

Thanks for the welcome! I notice that you are in St Clair Shores, we(my wife & I) grew up on the east side when it was still a nice place to live. I have some fond memories of SCS.

****