Low Ownership Costs Garner IntelliChoice Recognition

Already known for their sporty handling, reliability and miserly attitude at the gas pump, the 2011 MINI Cooper Convertible and 2011 MINI Cooper Hatchback can now add Best Overall Value of 2011 to their list of achievements.

IntelliChoice, a leading provider of automotive information, named the MINI Convertible as its Best Overall Value of 2011 in the Convertible category, while the MINI Hardtop took the honor in the Sporty/Coupe category. IntelliChoice presents these awards based on predicted ownership costs over five years, including fuel costs, maintenance and repairs, recognizing those new vehicles that offer the best return on investment in their class.

“Consumers need to know that fuel efficiency isn’t the only thing that matters when you’re talking about ownership costs,” said Marshal Cabot, general manager of Massachusetts MINI Cooper dealer MINI of Peabody. “With prices rising again at the pump, gas mileage is a big consideration for buyers, but shoppers also need to think about resale value and what it will cost to maintain a new car. MINI shines in all of these areas, and it’s great to see independent recognition of the value our models offer.”

With EPA ratings of 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, the 2011 MINI Cooper Convertible matches up to Detroit’s new subcompacts and most hybrids in the fuel efficiency category. The MINI Cooper Hardtop fares even better, kicking city mileage up to 28 mpg in automatic-transmission models. Greater Boston MINI buyers will find themselves spending less time at the gas station, even if Central Artery congestion is part of their daily routines.

While fuel economy is an asset, what truly sets the MINI apart from the sporty subcompacts waiting at most showrooms is its pedigree. Beneath the hood, the MINI Convertible and MINI Hardtop carry on the tradition of automotive engineering excellence of their parent company, BMW. The influence of BMW can be seen in the engine design and sporty handling of both models, as well as the reliability of the cars as they age.

Owners who want to take the sportiness of the MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Cooper Hardtop to the limit can now upgrade their cars with a John Cooper Works performance package. Originally available only for Cooper S models, a new John Cooper Works package has been announced for the basic Cooper Convertible and Cooper Hardtop. The package includes a new front bumper, a bigger radiator grille, new side sills and lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels in the John Cooper cross-spoke design.

“Just looking at a MINI Convertible gives the impression that this is a well-built car, and that’s a design feature that some subcompacts simply cannot match,” Cabot said. “Get up close and look under the hood, and the true quality of these cars is apparent. A MINI Cooper is built for everyday use in demanding conditions. People who are thinking about smaller cars for fuel efficiency should give MINI a look to see just how well made a small car can be.”

Massachusetts MINI Cooper Dealer Celebrates New Model Arrival with Cook-Off

Amid piles of snow and ice, things got downright “chili” at MINI of Peabody on January 16, as the Massachusetts MINI dealer welcomed the first MINI Countryman models to its lot with a midwinter “bootgate” party and chili cook-off.

More than 100 MINI enthusiasts attended, getting their first look at the biggest MINI in the company’s history and sampling 21 different flavors of homemade chili. The winner received a $200 gift card and the use of a new MINI Countryman for a weekend.

“Events like this are what make our MINI dealership special,” said Marshal Cabot, general manager of MINI of Peabody. “We got a chance to spend time having fun with New England MINI owners, gave away some MINI footballs and gift cards, and let everyone see the four MINI Countryman models we had on display.”

The winter backdrop was an appropriate setting for the MINI Cooper Countryman, which promises to tame snow-packed roads with a new level of flair. As MINI’s entry into the crossover category, the Countryman is 15.7 inches longer than the MINI Cooper S. That means no driving up and down narrow staircases, Italian Job style, but it also means that buyers can opt for a rear bench seat with room for a fifth passenger.

The Countryman base model features the same engine found in MINI Cooper and Clubman models, a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that puts out 121 horsepower, but New England drivers who want the most fun in the snow will want to upgrade to the MINI Cooper S Countryman. Offering all-wheel drive for surer footing in the snow, the Cooper S Countryman also ups the drivetrain power with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine capable of 192 pound-feet of torque and 181 horsepower.

Owners of the MINI Cooper S Countryman will also get a dash of parent company BMW’s technology in the form of the Valvetronic variable lift system, which uses an electric motor to control valve timing and improve fuel economy.

Every passenger in the new Countryman will be sheltered from the elements in rare comfort, with reclining seats in both the front and back rows. When the back seats are filled with friends and family, 12.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity remains in the easy-to-access trunk, or “boot,” as they call it in the UK. If extra cargo capacity is needed, owners can give backseat passengers the boot and fold the seats down to increase storage space to 41.3 cubic feet.

“This may be the biggest MINI that we’ve ever had in the showroom, but it still has the peppy MINI handling that owners love,” Cabot added. “With the available all-wheel drive, it also becomes a very capable winter crossover for everyday use, no matter how difficult the roads get.”

Talk about raining on someone’s parade!  For the 4^th year straight, MINI of Peabody hosted their annual poker rally in the pouring rain.  However, the rain didn’t stop over 100 people from coming out to the dealership for a day of cars, cards and fun.

Customers, co-pilots and friends of MINI of Peabody got together on Sunday, May 17^th for a 2 hour rally that took them (and their MINI’s) on a beautiful tour of the Massachusetts and New Hampshire shorelines.  The dealership planned 3 designated stops along the way where customers would be handed a playing card by a MINI staff member.  Then, they’d set off onto the next stop.

Once everyone returned to the dealership, they were handed an additional 2 random playing cards, parked their MINI’s and headed inside for a catered barbecue.  While everyone enjoyed their burgers and ‘dogs, tunes were played by the dealerships’ favorite radio station street team, Mike FM.  DJ’s gave out prizes including passes to 6 Flags, DVD’s and gift cards.

Following lunch, 2 prizes were handed out for the “best poker hands.”  The lucky winners received a $100 gift certificate for MINI Motoring Accessories (top prize) and $75 (second place).  MINI of Peabody’s local Collision Repair Center also attended the event and drew a winner for a pair of Red Sox tickets.   No one left empty handed though as everyone in attendance received a MINI of Peabody baseball cap.

 While MINI of Peabody had yet again a fun filled day, next year, the dealership has already put in a special request to Mother Nature…NO RAIN!

If owning a MINI isn’t already fun enough, now it’s even easier to get behind the wheel of one of these road hugging, made for the open road fun-mobiles.   From now through May 31st, MINI of Peabody is announcing 1.9% financing on just about every new MINI Cooper in stock (minus the R57 Convertible).  This limited time low finance deal is the most aggressive offer that the dealership has been able to promote and customers interested in taking advantage of it should contact MINI of Peabody before the end of the month.

1.9% financing can be applied to 2009 MINI Cooper, Clubman, ”S” models and the John Cooper Works MINI Cooper for up to 36 months.  Plus, prices on a new MINI Cooper start at just $19,200 MSRP.  Now is the perfect time to contact us about a new MINI.

The Peabody based dealership is also offering 2.9% for 48 months and 3.9% financing for 60 months.  It’s a fantastic deal that came at the right time when economic uncertainty is still facing consumers.

For those not familiar with the brand, MINI Coopers also get exceptionally good gas mileage at 37 mpg.  Every MINI Cooper purchase from MINI of Peabody also comes standard with a 3 year, 36,000 mile no cost maintenance plan.

Contact our MINI sales team at 978-536-0088 for more details. For additional information on MINI Cooper finance rates and specials, visit http://www.minipeabody.com

MINI of Peabody is accessible from all points in New Hampshire and located on Route 1 south in Peabody, Massachusetts.  The dealership can be reached at (800) 440-9175 and at http://www.minicarsmass.com.

As if owning a MINI isn’t fun enough, now it’s even easier to get behind the wheel of one of these road hugging, made for the open road fun-mobiles.   From now through May 31st, MINI of Peabody is announcing 1.9% financing on just about every new MINI Cooper in stock (minus the R57 Convertible).  This limited time low finance deal is the most aggressive offer that the dealership has been able to promote and customers interested in taking advantage of it should contact MINI of Peabody before the end of the month.

1.9% financing can be applied to 2009 MINI Cooper, Clubman, ”S” models and the John Cooper Works MINI Cooper for up to 36 months.  Plus, prices on a new MINI Cooper start at just $19,200 MSRP.  Now is the perfect time to contact us about a new MINI.

2.9% for 48 months and 3.9% financing for 60 months is also available.

If you’re interested in contacting us regarding a new MINI Cooper, contact our MINI sales team at 978-536-0088 or mini sales.

Happy Motoring!