Why we've chosen to extend for a second year

As you may have read in the Facebook MINI E group and other sites, we were offered a second year lease extension at $600.00 a month with all terms of our current lease remaining the same.

We and others had hoped for a payment closer to $400.00. There's been speculation that BMW wants to move some of the MINI E cars around perhaps to other countries and that a higher price helps assure they get a fair number of cars back. Whatever the reasons are I understand this is business and for some folks the number can work and for others, it makes no sense.

Like a few others in the Field Trial, we drive a lot of miles. The more miles you drive, the easier it is to justify the $600.00 payment. While we'll by no means break even, the savings generated by not purchasing fuel, oil changes, tires and other things that arise in driving 20k or so miles (along with less depreciation on our other vehicle) makes it a little easier to swallow.

The major thing that you can't put a price on is the fun factor. I love driving the MINI E. The smiles I see on the numerous test drivers faces and the joy I get from punching that pedal and zipping away is priceless.

This program has given me the opportunity to take part in something that's hopefully going to lead to more choices for future drivers like our four year old girl. EVs may not be right for everyone but having them in the market for those who want them is something I'm really excited about.

Lastly, I was really happy to see the quote below from today's MINI E Plugged In newsletter that each Pioneer receives:

Those choosing to lease their MINI E for a second year will get a priority spot in line for the new BMW ActiveE scheduled to come in summer 2011, assuming all other program requirements are met.

Being able to go places as a family in a gas free vehicle will be awesome. Having that vehicle be a BMW is an added bonus that'll be hard to beat!

Lease extension info coming next week!

Looks like we'll be finding out the details of the MINI E lease extension sometime next week. Can't wait! Would be great if there was a bridge to the BMW Active E concept. Having the backseat of the Active E will make a world of difference. We'll use that car for probably 99% of everywhere we go. Not to say we aren't loving the MINI E. It's been a great car. However, being able to go everywhere as a family emission free...that would be hard to beat. :)

We'll be finding out soon about lease extension offer :)

Was happy to see in the MINI E e-mail blast we received today that we should be hearing about the lease extension offer by early March. From reading, it's not clear if everyone will be offered a lease extension. I quote, "The first email to keep an eye out for will come from campaigns@insiders.MINIUSA.com by no later than early March. We will announce details about the opportunity to re-lease the MINI E for a second year, from this email address. As previously mentioned, this offer will be extended to a number of Pioneers, but only to those who are able to respond because the announcement is not stuck in a junk mail folder – well that’s not actually part of the criteria, we just want to be sure you receive the email and have the chance to respond quickly."

There's been a lot of talk about what the monthly price should be for the second year. A number of $425.00 a month was brought up in the Facebook MINI E group and that number sounds perfect. That would bring the 24 month average to $637.50. I for one, would be thrilled with that number. I love spreading the joy of emission free MINI E driving and hope to do so in the second year.

14,000 miles today and lots of rain

Crossed the 14,000 mile mark today. Had another big storm today in Southern California. Drove the 40 miles to work in a downpour with no problems. The MINI E stayed straight and true. Regen kicked off a couple of times in deep water. Car handled great. Our miles would be a lot higher if we had a back seat. Can't wait for the BMW Active E Concept.

New tires and wiper blades at 13k service

Just had the 13k service at 13,200. The two front tires were replaced along with the wiper blades. The tires were below the 2.5mm minimum on the left and right sides of the tire. The tires looked great to me but thanks to MINI for keeping me safe and sound. Was given a 335i loaner. Brand new car. A rocket ship but only got 17.5 mpg. I did have a lot of stop and go traffic which doesn't help a gas powered car but increases the range of an electric car due to the regen braking. I spent $26.00 over the two days driving to work and back. In the MINI E my cost would have been $4.50. :)
I find myself really missing the regen braking when I'm without the E.

13,000 miles and driving in the rain

Just crossed the 13,000 mile mark today on the way to work on this rainy Thursday. The Southern California area has been getting drenched of late and the MINI E hasn't had any problems driving or charging in the rain. The only thing I've noticed is that with the front wheel drive you have to take it easy when going around a corner and not punch it or you spin the tires a little bit. All that torque gets things spinning pretty quickly, if you're heavy on the pedal. While at work, I've been plugging in via the 110 cable and even in downpours that last for hours, the orange light keeps blinking and the car charges away. While driving on the wet highways at various speeds, the car feels stable and safe. Having a great time driving emission free. :)

MINI to extend leases until ActiveE arrives

Good News for those not quite ready to give up their MINI E after a year. The added bonus of being offered the ActiveE is icing on the cake. Thank You MINI and BMW USA!

MINI to extend leases

P.S. While no pricing was announced, I have no doubt that the price will be lowered from the current $850.00 plus tax for the extension.