>> Based on the above, it sounds like MINIman is going to win your business!
>>
>> You haven't mentioned the Merc A-class. Hasn't the model recently been updated? Probably loads of
>> pre-reg and run-out stock of the old model out there..?
>>
Just to bring this to a conclusion, Auntie Lockbrakes was correct. The man from MINI was the only one to actually listen to what I wanted, understand that actually getting a car quickly was important and hear what was important spec wise. The sales guy at Ford lost interest when I wasn’t going to buy a manual one he had in stock. Still waiting for a call back on lead times for an auto. The MB dealer tried, but for me the combination of model/spec/options and price didn’t really stack up for a car that’s being replaced next week. A SEAT would still have been my preference, but virtually no used stock (and none at a price low enough to make it a good buy) and a 6 month lead time meant it was out too.
So a built to order (modified pipeline car) 3 door MINI Cooper auto will be delivered around the 15th July. It now comes with a DSG gearbox apparently, which is good as the Clubman I drove with the 8 speed box was a bit too laggy for my liking. In Melting Silver with a black roof, darkened rear windows and standard black cloth/leather interior I think it’ll look pretty smart :)
The standard car is reasonable value at £19,270 including the auto box and metallic paint. Add a CHILI pack at a somewhat pricey £2,800 (which does get you lots of stuff...), the frankly overpriced Navigation Plus Pack, a sunroof, privacy glass, adaptive suspension, adaptive lights and heated seats and you’ve added £6,800 of options...to a MINI... though you’ll convince yourself it’s only £4,000 because the CHILI pack is a trim level... ;) 11% discount makes it just under £23,500 on the road. A further £1,300 off by taking £5k of MINI finance (at a somewhat pricey 5.9%, but one months interest is only going to be £25 or so) makes it close enough to £22k to make no difference. Which is almost in budget...and I’m £1k up on the insurance payout anyway so it’s really only £21k ;)
Let’s hope it lasts longer than the poor Ibiza!
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