[geeslice]

Hey all!

So I got an issue and I'd love to hear ppl's opinions on this.

I recently got a new job and will be moving to a new area. This is a metropolitan area where evrything is within walking distance including my job and there is public transportation. I still want to have a car but the spaces are miniscule. I ordered an e90 a month ago and am now starting to think it is just going to get dents/dings and generally be treated badly not to mention the fact that it's kinda rough to pay 40k for a car that I might drive once a month.

I'm thinking of forfeiting my deposit and getting a slightly used (2005 with 2k miles, demo) Mini Cooper S Convertible to basically take me anywhere that I have to go in car when I need one which would be roughly 25k. It would fit better in the parking spaces and is a lot cheaper. Plus, I'm thinking I might lease since I'll pry have different needs and will only keep the car for 2-3 years anyway.

Am I completely nuts? This is a way different direction than I was going getting the e90 because I was planning on getting the e90 and keeping it for several years but I'd feel bad because I get the impression that it's just gonna get hurt and maybe I should wait. Plus, if I wait I could let the $ sit in the bank and possibly afford a 6-series in 2-3 years.

Does this all sound reasonable and sane?

[KL2DC]

Ahhh you're leaving us here in DC metro area?

As far as I know, your deposit is refundable so there is no need to forfeit, I mean the deal is practically not final yet. If you are unsure, why don't you wait until you have settled down in your new area and reassess your automotive needs? I agree, some cities you won't even need a car and can rent one on occassion as required or maybe even that zipcar concept...

[geeslice]

Originally Posted by KL2DC

Ahhh you're leaving us here in DC metro area?

As far as I know, your deposit is refundable so there is no need to forfeit, I mean the deal is practically not final yet. If you are unsure, why don't you wait until you have settled down in your new area and reassess your automotive needs? I agree, some cities you won't even need a car and can rent one on occassion as required or maybe even that zipcar concept...

KL2DC,

I live right now in a ruralish suburb of Fairfax and I am moving to Clarendon/Ballston. On the thing that I signed it says the deposit is not refundable. And I am moving in one month's time. So it's kinda decision time. I hate making decisions!!

[e90rocks]

Originally Posted by geeslice

KL2DC,

I live right now in a ruralish suburb of Fairfax and I am moving to Clarendon/Ballston. On the thing that I signed it says the deposit is not refundable. And I am moving in one month's time. So it's kinda decision time. I hate making decisions!!

A compromise might work. If the dealership sells Mini's, perhaps you could apply the deposit to a lease for a Mini Cooper. Otherwise, I'd consider changing the purchase to a lease, and see how it is to use an e90 for a while. You'll probably find yourself taking lots of weekend drives! I know what you mean about dings (see my 'ding' thread on the exteriors forum), but it wouldn't keep me from buying the car. This may sound over the top, but I would say my e90 purchase borders on "life-changing experience".

[KL2DC]

Shooot your deposit wasn't refundable...that sucks.

Clarendon/Ballston is not so metropolitan, you'd still need a car (unless you're working/living in clarendon/ballston. I had the impression you were moving to manhattan or something like that

Your new building won't have parking/garage parking. They most always have them....

Hey you won't be that far from me, I live just off 395 and King Street/Rt 7....

[geeslice]

Originally Posted by KL2DC

Shooot your deposit wasn't refundable...that sucks.

Clarendon/Ballston is not so metropolitan, you'd still need a car (unless you're working/living in clarendon/ballston. I had the impression you were moving to manhattan or something like that

Your new building won't have parking/garage parking. They most always have them....

Hey you won't be that far from me, I live just off 395 and King Street/Rt 7....

Where I am moving is three blocks to my office. Besides the rent being outrageous I have to pay for parking at the apts and at my office so it will constrict my cash flow would would make having that money in the bank feel all that much better. Since I'll usually walk to work that takes care of that cost but I'd still be paying 100+ for parking a month at the apts. I'd basically be using the car if I need lots of groceries or if I want to go visit my family in Chevy Chase or in Fairfax. I want to have a car because I am used to it and can't imagine not having one.

I'm looking at the MINI since they are made by BMW I heard they handle beautifully and are great for city living and joy rides. Plus I think they are adorable!

That's what I love about Clarendon is that you are so close to everything... and everyone! It almost makes up for the premium on rents... ALMOST.

[KL2DC]

I love Minis....they're awesome cars.

Well, I understand your situation. It sounds like you'd have a great and enviable arrangement i.e. work/live within walking distance...no negotiating DC traffic everyday back and forth.

Is keeping your current car an option (I forgot what the story was with your TT). It's a shame about your $1k deposit...is there any way to get your money back? $1k can buy a lot of Happy hour rounds

[geeslice]

Originally Posted by KL2DC

I love Minis....they're awesome cars.

Well, I understand your situation. It sounds like you'd have a great and enviable arrangement i.e. work/live within walking distance...no negotiating DC traffic everyday back and forth.

Is keeping your current car an option (I forgot what the story was with your TT). It's a shame about your $1k deposit...is there any way to get your money back? $1k can buy a lot of Happy hour rounds

I haven't called BMW of Fairfax yet about it... They don't sell MINIs and my deposit was $2,500...

The TT I need to get rid of because it is a $pit... I hate HBL and Audi of Alexandria so much that I told Audi NA that I was getting rid of the car on principle... I got that bad of service.

[geeslice]

Originally Posted by Ethirtynine

You can't go wrong with either choice. Good luck with your new job!

Thanks!!!

[CnoteMD]

Wow, a $2500 deposit? When I ordered my car, they only asked for a $500 fully refundable deposit.

Your car is a fairly standard 325 that they shouldn't have any problem selling. Definitely talk to the dealer and see what they can do.

[KL2DC]

Wow $2,500 non-refundable, that's a lot of drinks ... that is also a big consideration....

So to recap, your concern thus far is incurring the extra costs of parking at your new place and also that fact that you might not need the car that much to justify the cost...hmmmm Tough

Are you certain, you won't need the car that much...what about evenings and weekends and stuff. What about parking the car with your relatives at Chevy Chase (a metro ride away). Is that an option? What about getting a place with parking? Again, I am not sure what your new situation will be but $2,500 its a darn shame to throw away....try talking to your dealer, there must be some way to get the money back. What about getting someone to take over your order, you'd get your money back right? Try and ask around or ask some posters here...

[geeslice]

Originally Posted by KL2DC

Wow $2,500 non-refundable, that's a lot of drinks ... that is also a big consideration....

So to recap, your concern thus far is incurring the extra costs of parking at your new place and also that fact that you might not need the car that much to justify the cost...hmmmm Tough

Are you certain, you won't need the car that much...what about evenings and weekends and stuff. What about parking the car with your relatives at Chevy Chase (a metro ride away). Is that an option? What about getting a place with parking? Again, I am not sure what your new situation will be but $2,500 its a darn shame to throw away....try talking to your dealer, there must be some way to get the money back. What about getting someone to take over your order, you'd get your money back right? Try and ask around or ask some posters here...

That's basically what it is... Chevy Chase is a very long metro ride away in which I would have to take a taxi or have to have them pick me up...

I can get parking. I will get parking no matter what I end up doing it's just the spaces are not assigned and are all "compact" spots. This is how it pretty much is in the area.

I'm leaning towards the Mini... I think it will end up being more sensible since it's cheaper and I won't drive much. Even if I lose $2,500 I'll still have the majority in the bank and 25k is a lot less that 40k! All my friends are with-in walking distance and DC is a 10 min metro ride away...

Just wish I would have realized it before plunking down $2,500.

I'm going to call Fairfax BMW is check and see tomorrow before I go to the concert. (Franz Ferdinand/Death Cab, fifth row!! :rocks: )

I'll keep you posted.

Originally Posted by CnoteMD

Wow, a $2500 deposit? When I ordered my car, they only asked for a $500 fully refundable deposit.

Same here. That's just not right.

[geeslice]

Originally Posted by CMD

Same here. That's just not right.

Yeah, on the phone they told me $500.00 refundable but the story was different when I got there...

I think it might have been because I'm 23...

[magmd]

You should really double check that policy. Usually the "deal" is not final until you take delivery of that vehicle. I left a deposit of $1000 and signed some paperwork as well.....but it was in fact refundable for whatever reason I did not take that car.

[Explorer3253]

Originally Posted by geeslice

Yeah, on the phone they told me $500.00 refundable but the story was different when I got there...

I think it might have been because I'm 23...

Did you call the dealership yet and explain your situation? If he is a respectable sales person, he will go ahead and return it. I too, am 23...I signed for a fully equipped 325xi initially, and after about a week right before delivery, I had to back out of it. He immediatly refunded my money and said when I need a car, to come see him. 3 weeks later, I went back to him and purchased the car from him even though there was another BMW more accessible for me. I felt it was very respectable of him to refund my money w/o question or pressure, so I went right back to him and sent him 3 other people his way.

[shimshimhada]

Oh man, you got owned by BMW of Fairfax. Good luck getting your deposit back (you should never put down more than $500!, if that!). BMW of Sterling would have been the ideal place for your current situation.

BMW of Fairfax and respectable are oxymorons.

[Marven]

Originally Posted by KL2DC

Shooot your deposit wasn't refundable...that sucks.
Clarendon/Ballston is not so metropolitan, you'd still need a car (unless you're working/living in clarendon/ballston. I had the impression you were moving to manhattan or something like that
Your new building won't have parking/garage parking. They most always have them....
Hey you won't be that far from me, I live just off 395 and King Street/Rt 7....

I also put down only $500 at BMW of Fairfax...I would get there ASAP and get my money back if you've changed your mind.

Hey KL2DC, this is exactly where I live..
I live in the Fairlington Towne homes..

We should meet up up some time!

M.

[ward]

mini cooper convertable sounds fun as heck!!!!

I like that plan a lot DO IT

[CALIF65GM]

$2.5K deposit is a lot of money and unusual and it shouldn't have anything to do with your age. Good luck.

[BMW F22]

mini cooper is a fun car IMO. Your thinking sounds sane to me. Are you married?? If you're gonna date, I fear a Mini Cooper might be...inadequate?? Haha just my 2 cents...

[geeslice]

Originally Posted by BMWE90

mini cooper is a fun car IMO. Your thinking sounds sane to me. Are you married?? If you're gonna date, I fear a Mini Cooper might be...inadequate?? Haha just my 2 cents...

Hahah! I'm a girl so I think it is expected for me to have a girly car...

No I am not married... the guy I am seeing actually thinks it's awesome and is quite jealous that he can't pull off a MINI. (He lived in London for a few years.)