MINI USA’s Exclusive GP Delivery Program

Pedro Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Ouch - $2000!!! But the schedule of events on the West Coast sounds awesome (East Coast - not so much).

Bud Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Should be included at no additional cost as part of the purchase. Afterall these events translate into free promotional PR for the manufacturer. A commemorative automobile merits a commemorative event as a no cost option. Moreover, the greatest experience would be to offer purchasers the opportunity to take delivery at the factory/JCW(with tour)in GB.

Charlie Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Why does it suprize people that BMW/MINI would not be giving away the delivery program at Monterey? Maybe if they set the cost of the car at $35,000 folks would expect more (and pay less) for this delivery program. But for a person living on the west coast, buying from a mid-west or eastern dealer at MSRP (Some CA dealers are marking up the car at $5,000 over) it’s not a bad deal.

In my case, it’s a no-brainer, since transportation from the midwest to CA will cost $1,500 anyway (for an enclosed transporter); and the hotel and tickets are worth at least $500! (The Hyatt only has unbooked rooms available at $340 a night now, since the Historics is the busiest weekend on the Peninsula. Hotels.com rate is $165 a nite otherwise; tickets to the Historics for Sat-Sun are $95 each, advance sale…and this doesn’t include any food; and the Concours tickets are $150 each advance, $175 day of show. At worst this is worth $165 x 4 + 190 + 300 = $1,150, and that’s not counting the 4+ meals they’re providing. So, if you use these numbers, th transportation is costing about $850, which is a bargain with diesel fuel at $3.00 plus a gallon.

BzzzBom Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Very tacky of BMW/MINI. Shame on them.

AprilWhine Apr 19th, 2006 Link

I cancelled my GP order over this delivery. Very cheap of BMW/MINIUSA to charge the car buyers for their own publicity stunt.

I would not expect to be treated to the whole trip, but I did expect some compensation for allowing my new car to be oogled by the masses. The $2,000 only covers the 4 days in Monterey, I also would have to pay for airfare to CA and all expenses on the return trip.

What I had expected was for MINIUSA to pay for airfare to CA, a welcome night dinner, and first night in a hotel. But to have no expenses paid and no discounts either is galling.

Tacky tacky MINIUSA.

bluzeke Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Ooops . . . CORRECTION. “East Coast Program” should read: “This program will take place in BEAUTIFUL Jersey City, New Jersey …” ;-)

dickdavid Apr 19th, 2006 Link

It’s going to be interesting to see how many folks embrace this event from a wallet standpoint.

I’ve always seen the typical MINI target demographic as one of modest income leaving the Bimmers and such for the rich kids. Not that $2000 is a lot of cash to spend for an event such as this and being an enthusiast, I totally want to go to.

Affording it (money and time), however, is another issue.

But I’m not getting GP, so what am I worried about.

Mark Hendrie Apr 19th, 2006 Link

It would have been really cool if they had offered the whole package for free, however, it still sounds fun and would no doubt be a great event!
I still wish they would have a similar event in the UK for GP buyers!

Gabe Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Tacky tacky MINIUSA.

I’m at an absolute loss here. How is any of this tacky? Judging by normal lodging costs near Monterey CA (especially at this time) and the other expenses associated with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the Monterey Historics, I would call these costs very reasonable. And why would you not order a car based on an opporunity to take a trip like this? MINI USA os offering this opporunity to would be owners. They’re not forcing it on anyone.

MrV Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Wow. I concur. This is a PR event. I can’t believe that they are making the participants pay for it.

It would be kinda funny if nobody showed up.

Jay Apr 19th, 2006 Link

AprilWhine,

I’m pretty sure you can still pick up a GP at the dealer, you’ll just have to wait an extra month or so. As mentioned above, participation in this event is limited to one car per dealership. There will be 450(?) JCW GP’s delivered to the US and only 45 can participate in the West Coast event. MINI/BMW certainly isn’t forcing anyone to spend $2000 (or even $800) + transportation to pick up their GP. It’s an opportunity for some owners to do something cool & fun with their MINI.

dr Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Yes it is a publicity stunt….BUT, Maybe you could site some examples where some other manufacturer flew 45 owners all expense paid just to hand over the keys? It may be publicity, free publicity….but I give MINI plenty of free publicity everytime someone asks me about my car….As long as MINI makes a great car I am happy to spread the word far and wide free of charge…..Besides, it sounds like a fair deal on the trip

Todd Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Ok, a GP buyer doesn’t have to take part in this program. The Monterey pick-up is only offered to 45 buyers and the NJ pick-up to 35 buyers. You can still wait for your new GP to show up at the dealer for no additional charge - but you’ll have to wait another month. The price is completely reasonable considering what’s provided and that both the Monterey Historics and the Concours d’Elegance are two of the most prestigious automotive events around. I’m not familiar with the Limerock event and I’m more of a left coaster myself so while the $800 price tag for the NJ pick up is appealing I’m shooting for Monterey.

As a GP buyer I’m jumping at the cahnce to pony up an extra $2,000 plus expensses to get to Monterey and expenses to drive back halfway across the country. Maybe it’s just me but the MINI experience is just that - an experience. It’s not just a car or just a possession. It’s an experience and very few experiences like this are free or cheap. For me it will, potentially, add to the mystique of my particular car.

It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and for a MINI vacation the price seems right but that’s just me. I know a lot of people will disagree and that’s fine.

matt Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Using Charlie’s numbers, assuming the high price of rooms at the Hyatt, 4 nights, 2 days of passes to the races x 2, plus 2 passes to the Concours, not including the food, i come up with $2,040 for the market value of the trip for 2. this doesn’t account for fuel or transportation to and from the event (either a pair of 1-way tickets and lodging for the drive back, or round-trip tickets and a transporter). to me this is a mild value.

i certainly feel MINI could have done a better job on the pricing, particularly as the pull they must have as a manufacturer, and as the celebrated marque of the event, to get discounted rooms/passes to the assocated events. no sir, i don’t like it. i don’t have a problem paying for the experience, i feel the price is a bit high. if MINI had paid for flights and/or GP transportation back to your dealer of chioce European Delivery style it’d be better deal, IMO.

Nick Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Jersey City?? $800? Yikes. Now if they were paying $800 to go to Jersey City–maybe. Just joking. I love Bon Jovi and THE BOSS.

badburro Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Cost wise, it is reasonable for what they are charging. I don’t think people would be complaining so much if they just “hid it” in the final cost of the GP. $33,150 instead of the $31,150. This way only the first 45 that signs up gets the delivery option for the west coast and MINIUSA/BMW pockets the $2000 from the other 370 cars.

A Parade lap at the world famous Laguna Seca Raceway

At least I was right on one thing about the GP…

I think a parade lap versus track time is offered because of break-in time for the cars (4500rpm @

badburro Apr 19th, 2006 Link

90 mph for 1250 mph)

Any word on delivery options for other parts of the world?

NSS Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Rooms at the Nyatt in Monterey that weekend are 400 bucks a night, if you can even get them. Tickets to the track and Pebble Beach are 75-150 bucks per person, per day. You can get past 2000 mighty fast - without including all the food you’re likely to get for free.

Michael Apr 19th, 2006 Link

without including all the food you’re likely to get for free.

And drinks!!!!

dickdavid Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Cost wise, it is reasonable for what they are charging. I don’t think people would be complaining so much if they just “hid it” in the final cost of the GP. $33,150 instead of the $31,150. This way only the first 45 that signs up gets the delivery option for the west coast and MINIUSA/BMW pockets the $2000 from the other 370 cars

That would piss me off, hidden or not. When you put it that way, I’m glad they’re charging for the event and offering the GP for the reasonable price of $31,150. Given the limited spaces available, that would totally be unfair to those who can’t get a slot, or choose not to go.

dickdavid Apr 19th, 2006 Link

awaiting moderation question:

Is there a list of things I shouldn’t write to get “awaiting moderation” status on my comments? I don’t want to offend folks.

kelly Apr 19th, 2006 Link

I think a parade lap versus track time is offered because of break-in time for the cars

insurance cost is more likely as everything has to do with money.

Kennedy Apr 19th, 2006 Link

I’m not sure I see the big deal in them charging for this. Think of it as a $2k option for those that want to go, if you’re offended to pay the $2k for it, then you don’t go and you don’t pay. Otherwise if they gave it away “standard” with the GP, then everyone would end up paying regardless of if they would go or not. This way, if you want a GP and don’t go to the events you get a helluva deal on a sweet MINI.

Even if they did pay for a small portion of the costs, you don’t think they wouldn’t have figured that into the cost of the GP itself?

I know I’m just repeating what many others have said, but just trying to get my vote in too…

drew Apr 19th, 2006 Link

i would take this trip in a heartbeat! sounds like a blast. don’t understand all the agitation…

YellowMiniNY Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Ah, yes. Beautiful Jersey City, what a unique location to draw Mini owners from all over the East coast to! What the heck were they thinking when they chose it? Nothing like taking your new car out on the Pulaski Skyway…

eto Apr 19th, 2006 Link

I don’t see it as a hidden cost. This is a special delivery option, and you aren’t charged it to accept delivery of the car from the dealer. Only those who want to be part of the event with receiving delivery of their GP will pay the additional cost.

From what I understand, you can get a special delivery of a new Corvette, by going to the build plant and having a tour of the Corvette plant and museum, the last stop on the tour being your purchased car sitting in the museum waiting for you to drive it away.

Dave Apr 19th, 2006 Link

If the $2000 trip to Monterey was the only way to pick up your GP then yes, having that additional $2000 expense “sprung” on you would be disappointing. That’s clearly not what’s happening here though. No one is being forced to pick up their GP in Monterey. The standard free delivery option is still going to be the norm for most GP owners.

Only 10% of the deliveries will be made in Monterey, and as Todd pointed out, it is both a once in a lifetime experience AND has the added advantage of providing some additional unique history for each of those 45 GP’s, that the other 375 GP’s won’t have.

$2000 doesn’t seem out of line at all for the level of the accomodations and the uniqueness of the event.

Mark Hendrie Apr 19th, 2006 Link

I asked about the options for this car recently and as far as my dealer is aware there is absolutely none, however, you can delete certain items from the current spec list ie air-con etc
It is a bit of a shame because the new option of leather dash with red piping would look great when combined with the similar coloured Recaro seats on the GP!

BzzzBom Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Tacky tacky MINIUSA.

I’m at an absolute loss here. How is any of this tacky? Judging by normal lodging costs near Monterey CA (especially at this time) and the other expenses associated with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the Monterey Historics, I would call these costs very reasonable. And why would you not order a car based on an opporunity to take a trip like this? MINI USA os offering this opporunity to would be owners. They’re not forcing it on anyone.

The costs are reasonable. That is not the point. It is tacky because it is not a class act. It would be much classier to charge a few dollars more for each car and do the PR event for free. The next thing we will see is BMW charging $1.00 for window stickers that say “I HAVE A BITCHIN MINI”

BzzzBom Apr 19th, 2006 Link

If anyone wants to buy a MINI GP in L.A. I’ll take you to dinner and drive you to the dealership for free. Try to beat that as a PR stunt.

Gabe Apr 19th, 2006 Link

The costs are reasonable. That is not the point. It is tacky because it is not a class act. It would be much classier to charge a few dollars more for each car and do the PR event for free.

So your calling this tacky because MINI didn’t charge every GP owner 2k more for their car so that 80 could participate in a special delivery program. Wow… I’m at a loss in trying to understand that rationale.

DesignIt Apr 19th, 2006 Link

I personally think it’s a very cool deal for both GP owners and MINI. If I had ordered a GP I would sign up for the West Coast event today. What WOULD make me mad is if I couldn’t attend either event and MINI put a few more dollars on the cost of my car to cover an event that only 80 owners could attend.

I just don’t understand all of the hate being expressed here.

DesignIt Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Oops, Gabe beat me to it. :-)

drew Apr 19th, 2006 Link

tacky? don’t you all get it? since when did everyone in the mini universe turn into such cheapsaktes? mini isn’t holding a gun to your head, they are providing an OPTION for those die-hard folks who want to make the experience even more special. they certainly don’t NEED the pr - the cars sell themselves!! and as far as this car goes, pr isn’t even an issue - there are only 2000 of them in the world and generating pr for something that (essentially) nobody can buy is clearly NOT the intention here. this is for the mini fanatic. for somebody who can afford a gp. for somebody who doesn’t care about having no backseats!

peace out - drew

Dave Apr 19th, 2006 Link

they certainly don’t NEED the pr - the cars sell themselves!!

The PR angle on this isn’t that the publicity is needed to sell the GP, it isn’t. MINI benefits from having coverage of a more performance oriented offering. It helps them to play that angle up with prospective male buyers who don’t necessarily care for the “cute” reputation the MINI has.  MINI needs to pay attention to how the car is positioned, especially considering the production is about to be increased significantly with the R56. 

Mark Hendrie Apr 19th, 2006 Link

People should stop moaning about this as it is a great deal and contains a great program. Mini UK are not having anything (unless there are any other secrets that Gabe is keeping????) and even if they did it would probably cost $8,000 and equate to no more than one glass of champagne in some rubbish hotel in the back end of nowhere!

bob Apr 19th, 2006 Link

people in here complain to much, How many of you who are complaining are going to take delivery of a gp car? I think the gp car should be bright yellow and it should be free, but i an not going to buy one so it does not matter. Look out your window, there is a world out there passing you by.

bob

matt Apr 19th, 2006 Link

i’m on the list for a GP and have been asked by my dealer if i’d like to take the special delivery option, although a deposit has not yet been requested or given. i think the west-coast delivery option sounds like fun, however i’d be concerned about potential miles during break-in and/or arranging shipping - something i’ve done before and is a PITA, and feel MINI has enough pull to get a better deal for their customers (it could be cheaper).

unlike todd, i NEED to figure out a way to keep my 03 as i have an infant child and NEED the back-seat. The GP would live as a work vehicle for Detailing Concepts and use on the track. so i can’t fully commit to the order and likewise the trip by May - otherwise, funds permitting, i’d be going.

JR Apr 19th, 2006 Link

I don’t understand the cheap complainers who fault MINI for giving a select few a very special and rare oportunity to experience the whole Pebble Beach weekend. It is an exclusive social for the rich and well connected in the classic car circles. To give GP buyers the chance to experience is a real treat.

If I ever had the oppotunity to get buy a trip to the Pebble Beach weekend for 2K, I’d jump at it.

MrV Apr 19th, 2006 Link

OK, I retract my previous statement. I didn’t realise that these owners could opt to take delivery at the dealership. It makes more sense to me now.

BzzzBom Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Webster’s dictionary defines tacky as “marked by lack of style or good taste” IMO it would be much more tasteful for MINI to either pay for the event by other means or donate the proceeds to charity. In the past MINI’s pr methods have been a class act. Examples include a full tank of gas at delivery and the cool welcome kit. I may be wrong but IMO it seems that the whole GP thing is a way for MINI to squeeze a few extra bucks out of the outgoing model. This dissapoints me because I spend many hours every week promoting the MINI. I have a 2005 MCS, am active in my local club,and have convinced three friends to buy MINIs. I am 51 years old, have owned many cars including muscle cars, a Mercedes and a zillion BMWs. The MINI, by far, is the best car that I have ever owned. I guess I hold MINI to a higher standard.

badburro Apr 19th, 2006 Link

How can you say that MINI is trying to squeeze a few extra busks out of the outgoing model. As I see it, the car is priced very competitively for all that you get. The cost of the hotel room, meals and track time is not free…MINIUSA does not own these entities. $2000 is a very fair option for those that choose to partake in this event.

Dave Apr 19th, 2006 Link

it seems that the whole GP thing is a way for MINI to squeeze a few extra bucks out of the outgoing model.

MINI doesn’t need the GP to sell more cars. To some degree it doesn’t matter how many are even produced. The mere fact that MINI made a limited production performance oriented factory offering is the important component of the GP. MINI could fill those 2000 build slots with other (non-GP) MINIs. They’d still sell with no problem.

As I said above, the GP is here to help combat the perception that MINIs are “cute.” If that cute label goes unchecked, then male buyers will start to look elsewhere (insert all of the “is the MINI a chick car?” banter here).

MINI does a lot of things to play down the cuteness. They have a contingency program to encourage a select group of nationally competitive drivers to select MINIs to compete in. As with the GP, it’s not so important that a lot of MINI owners actually race, what is important is that there are nationally competitive MINIs to be photographed racing.  The same goes for the NAMCC.

MINI also plays down the cute angle in more subtle ways. Ever notice how you rarely if ever see a woman driving a MINI in a MINI advertisement or catalog? Men are pictured prominently. They are clearly trying to play down the impact of the “chick car” label.

Like it or not, women will buy cars with a more male demographic, but men will avoid cars with a perception that the majority of buyers are women.

The GP is just one of many ways MINI is trying to help shape their brand image. It’s not being made to simply sell more R53 MCS’s. MINIUSA has to be concerned whether or not the market will respond as strongly once more cars become available with the R56. They can’t risk alienating a sizeable chunk of prospective buyers by having the MINI go the way of the New Beetle.

IanF Apr 19th, 2006 Link

I’m with Gabe here. Were I buying a GP, I’d be happy to take part in either one. $2000 for 4 days in Monterey sounds pretty good to me.

Even $800 for a nice trip to Lime Rock doesn’t sound bad. It’s not like Lime Rock is in New Jersey… I’m having visions of a line of GP’s cruising from NJ up to the track.

BzzzBom Apr 19th, 2006 Link

MINI doesn’t need the GP to sell more cars. To some degree it doesn’t matter how many are even produced. The mere fact that MINI made a limited production performance oriented factory offering is the important component of the GP. MINI could fill those 2000 build slots with other (non-GP) MINIs. They’d still sell with no problem.

As I said above, the GP is here to help combat the perception that MINIs are “cute.” If that cute label goes unchecked, then male buyers will start to look elsewhere (insert all of the “is the MINI a chick car?” banter here).

MINI does a lot of things to play down the cuteness. They have a contingency program to encourage a select group of nationally competitive drivers to select MINIs to compete in. As with the GP, it’s not so important that a lot of MINI owners actually race, what is important is that there are nationally competitive MINIs to be photographed racing. The same goes for the NAMCC.

MINI also plays down the cute angle in more subtle ways. Ever notice how you rarely if ever see a woman driving a MINI in a MINI advertisement or catalog? Men are pictured prominently. They are clearly trying to play down the impact of the “chick car” label.

Like it or not, women will buy cars with a more male demographic, but men will avoid cars with a perception that the majority of buyers are women.

The GP is just one of many ways MINI is trying to help shape their brand image. It’s not being made to simply sell more R53 MCS’s. MINIUSA has to be concerned whether or not the market will respond as strongly once more cars become available with the R56. They can’t risk alienating a sizeable chunk of prospective buyers by having the MINI go the way of the New Beetle.

Very well said - I stand corrected

Nathaniel Salzman Apr 19th, 2006 Link

I may be wrong but IMO it seems that the whole GP thing is a way for MINI to squeeze a few extra bucks out of the outgoing model.

You’re all saying these things under the false assumption that MINI is going to make money on this event, or even on the GP for that matter. There are several breakdowns in others’ comments about how $2000 is very reasonable for this experience and all the events it includes (a parade lap at Leguna Seca? Seriously!). MINI isn’t going to profit on this event. They’re not nickel-and-diming customers trying to make a buck. If anything, you’re getting group rate on the events and actually saving money.

Furthermore, given exchange rates, MINI is barely making money on cars it sells in the US to begin with. In the case of the GP, it’s being sold for at least $2000 under its configurator price, and that’s after the added expense of having the car modified by Bertone over in Italy, the added transportation costs for having the car made in the first place, and whatever they’re paying Bertone to carry out the modifications. In the US at least, the GP is most likely being sold at a slight loss for the sake of injecting some more enthusiasm into the brand. If that’s not classy, then I’m at a loss for what would be.

All things considered, I think MINI is practically giving these cars away. So impugning their corporate character for not dropping another $120,000 so you can go on vacation is simply asinine.

I think the lack of class sits squarely on the other side of the table.

Dave Apr 19th, 2006 Link

I wonder how many MINI owners would pay $2000 on a vacation to take delivery of their non-GP MINIs at Monterey Historics. I bet quite a few.

Gabe Apr 19th, 2006 Link

You can count me in that group Dave. I’ve always wanted to do the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the historics. If I could have had my 2005 MCS delivered for the same event last year I wouldn’t have hesitated.

ukplyot Apr 19th, 2006 Link

What will happen to buyers who want to go but don’t get in because they were #2 on the list? Will they get any special feel-good treatment, or be just another punter driving off of the dealer lot later in the year?

Sensitive chap that I am, I might feel a bit peeved that I didn’t get the same special treatment as other owners.

badburro Apr 19th, 2006 Link

I’d second that, Dave. In fact, if MINIUSA were to offer the same package to current MINI owners to join the GP group at Pebble Beach and Laguna Seca, I’d would do it in a heartbeat.

radiationman Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Why is this move by MINI tacky? It’s simple…

Some people heard about the possibility that they could get the car delivered to them in a special ceremony at the Monterey Historics… Without any other details or information, they ran to their dealership and signed up to get the car, assuming that MINI was going to give them a free trip to CA just for buying the car.

Since they can’t get the free vacation that they assumed they were getting, those very same people are grumpy, upset, and now running to their dealership to cancel their hoped for 31k vacation errr MINI.

Which of course makes the rest of us sit back and wonder just why they thought they should order a GP in the first place….

Dave Apr 19th, 2006 Link

How about a MINI equivalent to Trek Travel which has premium vacation offerings to Asia, Europe, and Central America. Trek bicycles takes care of the hotels, meals, route planning, and provides high end and expertly maintained bicycles. The MINI equivalent wouldn’t necessarily have to be European delivery of your new MINI, but maybe something more along the lines of driving in the alps with a JCW for a week.

I’d certainly be interested in a trip like that (hint hint).

Doug Apr 19th, 2006 Link

I believe that MINI is trying to make it special… For themselves.

If they cut the rate in half then it’d be an envious adventure.

I can get discounts and rate near cost or half alone, myself. Even entry into events for $0. Now, one would think, that a BIG OLE corporation like MINIUSA would have some pull, some iddy biddy influence over admission, lodging, etc… to help their CUSTOMER, attend their own Selfserving event.

The arguement that MINI does not need the PR is absurd. If they did not, then why do they BOTHER?

It just seems like consumer rape hidden in a shiny box.

I’m sure some dolt will pay the $2k to feel special.

dickdavid Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Some people heard about the possibility that they could get the car delivered to them in a special ceremony at the Monterey Historics… Without any other details or information, they ran to their dealership and signed up to get the car, assuming that MINI was going to give them a free trip to CA just for buying the car.

We all know what happens when we assume things…

Honestly, I don’t think folks were lining up to get a GP for the free vacation. It’s an awesome, limited edition car at a very reasonable price.

The event is just an added value that folks will either buy into or not.

Besides, nobody, anywhere reported that this event would be free. Admittedly, there is an initial sticker shock with the price, but given the value of the event, well worth it.

Nathaniel Salzman Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Some people heard about the possibility that they could get the car delivered to them in a special ceremony at the Monterey Historics… Without any other details or information, they ran to their dealership and signed up to get the car, assuming that MINI was going to give them a free trip to CA just for buying the car.

Are you kidding me? Who plops down $30,000+ on a MINI with no back seat because it might mean a free trip to California? And at what point did MINI even infer that the California delivery event would be free? If those individuals are now so dissuaded that they no longer want the car, then good riddance and those GPs can go to people who truly want the car on its merits.

But If anyone is interested, I’ll gladly sell them my deed to the Brooklyn Bridge. And it WILL include an all-expense paid trip to New York to take delivery.

Nathaniel Salzman Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Ha! dickdavid beat me to it.

dickdavid Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Ha! dickdavid beat me to it.

Yeah, but yours reads better. ;-)

drew Apr 19th, 2006 Link

i’m stunned.

not to beat a dead horse, but what the hell is wrong with everyone today???

the gp - and mini in general - is all about performance, fun, racing heritage…you know!

so how is it that having an event at the country’s most exclusive auto gathering to take delivery of mini’s most exclusive car tacky? or greedy? or bad in any way shape or form?

geez guys - take it easy!

DB Apr 19th, 2006 Link

I believe that MINI is trying to make it special… For themselves.

Last time I checked, MINI, and BMW for that matter, are in the business of making money. Well, they are in the business of making cars, which in turn makes money. While I think it would be cool if it were free, I honestly don’t think that MINI has a budget large enough to be able to afford such an effort.

I’m not getting a GP, but if I were, I would be dumb enough to shell out the 2K for the California delivery option just because it sounds like fun and I would be one of the first in the US to get to drive the new GP!

Now, if this were a General Motors event…;)

not to beat a dead horse, but what the hell is wrong with everyone today???

Amen! I’m done, I really just wanted to be able to take a jab at GM :)

badburro Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Doug, do you have a deposit down for a GP???

I wonder how many that are complaining here on MF actually have a deposit on a GP.

Craig Apr 19th, 2006 Link

There are people who are planning to buy this car as an investment. How much value do you think it will add if you and your GP were one of the 45 to participate in the ENTIRE event. I daresay that this could add significant value with this as part of it’s provenance. How cool would it be to the future owner to be able to show a photo journal of the entire event from CA to CT?

Todd Apr 19th, 2006 Link

There are people who are planning to buy this car as an investment. How much value do you think it will add if you and your GP were one of the 45 to participate in the ENTIRE event. I daresay that this could add significant value with this as part of it’s provenance. How cool would it be to the future owner to be able to show a photo journal of the entire event from CA to CT?

Craig - Shhhhh! Don’t give anyone any wild ideas.

BTW - you had to know something like that was in the works by someone, oh, I don’t know, with a MINI podcast maybe????

We’ll just have to see if I am one of the select few who gets to go.

And I don’t mean that I’m buying my GP as an investment. I fully intend for it to keep its value - after all it is a MINI. : )

Justin Johnson Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Add me to the list of people who would pay the $2,000 if I were getting a GP. And I’m on the east coast.

Can any MINI show up at Lime Rock for the event there?

Vanwall Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Sadly, tanstaafl applies here. A hundred grand or so is a still hundred grand or so, any way you look at it, and MINI is still a price-point kinda car. While not everyone can shmooz their way into a free set-up at Monterey & PB, and if this was left up to the individual to make their own arrangements it could be pretty expensive for some folks, it might be nice if MINI mitigated the travel costs for those who have far to go and are willing to shell out for the festivities.

               BCNU,
              Rob in Dago

Karla Apr 19th, 2006 Link

After reading through some of the posts, if it were a free event, MINIUSA would need to hire extra staff just to deal with …

-Can I bring my kids?

-I can’t get there for the first two nights but I want to be there for the last two nights.

-I need a room with queen beds on the first floor.

-Who will meet me at the airport? I arrive on American flight #123 at 4:10 PM. I think it arrives in San Jose. Or is it San Francisco?

-I have an allergy to feather beds. What kind of beds do they have.

-Do I get a free key chain?

-You didn’t ask for my t-shirt size.

-I’ll need a special meal.

matt Apr 19th, 2006 Link

commentary from a GP buyer.

i’m on the list at my dealer and have been asked to do the West-Coast delivery.

i have at this point declined, largely due to time and fiscal constraints. things may change soon, but i don’t count chickens.

i feel the experience is worth the 2 G’s. if i had the 2k (+ etc) to drop on this and the week or so of time, I would go.

i also feel MINI could have done much better for their customers, either by charging less or providing more (car transport option - air-fare).

given the exclusivity of the events involved, and the relative lack of control (screening process) of the 45(90) attendees, a fair bit of ‘handling’ will be unavoidable - being shuffled from place to place by PR reps.

in my estimation, the experience will still be a value and have considerable utility for those who partake, if not the best MINI USA could have done.

Diego Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Having placed an order on a GP this past weekend I feel the need to chime in. I really don’t understand why so many people are calling MINI out as cheap or tacky. Do you guys seriously expect everything involving MINI to be perfect or in this case, free? The bottom line is the MINI is still a business. As MINI owners, I think we SHOULD expect more out of our brand than xyz car brand, but there are also limits to what we should expect.

This is AN OPTION. This is not intended to make anyone feel less. On the same day I ordered my GP my dad ordered my brother and sister a Cooper….with CVT. Does that make them less in my eyes because they only have a Cooper and it’s not manual? Of course not! We’re all happy to be part of the MINI family. I thought the uniqueness of each MINI was one of the main draws to this brand? Think of this package as (I reiterate) an option that can add another degree of uniqueness to your MINI experience.

This is all considering….IF you were lucky enough to even be first on your dealership’s order list and you have this option financially and timewise.

Fact of the matter is, to even be the first on the list is kind of a matter or luck — it depends on your individual financial situation, how soon you were able to contact the dealer, how soon the dealer responded to you, etc.

There’s no need to feel bitter. It is what it is, first come, first serve. Tis a market economy after all. (And no I am not going on this trip as I am car #5 at my dealership)

MINIAC Apr 19th, 2006 Link

There are people who are planning to buy this car as an investment. How much value do you think it will add if you and your GP were one of the 45 to participate in the ENTIRE event.

$0 … value will be dependent on condition and mileage.

Charles Apr 19th, 2006 Link

I’m invited by my dealer as of today and am thinking of the East coast dates. It seems to me it would be fun on either coast. (But I don’t see how one can get four nights at the Hotel if it runs from the 2nd through the 4th - that’s three nights.) On the 4th the party moves to Lime Rock, from which one would start the drive back to the midwest with one night on the road. $800 - includes a guest?
Hmmm. thinking about it.

International Autos in Milwaukee has one not spoken for. - they have been allotted five GPs.

Radiationman Apr 19th, 2006 Link

Are you kidding me? Who plops down $30,000+ on a MINI with no back seat because it might mean a free trip to California?

Apparently the person who made comment number 5 for starters and declared that MINIUSA was being “Tacky”

And for the person who made this remark:

I’m sure some dolt will pay the $2k to feel special

Nice… Way to diminish your point…

While I personally am not getting a GP, and am not sure I would spend the money for such an event, all I have to say to those who attend is more power to you and enjoy…

O(=^=)OCapn Apr 19th, 2006 Link

As Diego said “This is AN OPTION”

One thing that I am surprised that nobody mentioned at all is I ASSume that if you get your car with an earlier production date it will have a lower limited edition number. So if you take this option your car would have the potential to be worth more.

How many of you would pay 2k more to have a production number under 0100? Look at it this way, plus you get to do some traveling!

(I thought it would be a free meal at least.)

‘Yes!’

whiteroofradio.com » Woofcast #55 Apr 25th, 2006 Link

[...] Almost fired up the BlackRoofRadio tonight. We spend this episode discussing the GP delivery program. Click the link, read the comments and play along! [...]

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