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.”

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.”

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!

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.

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!

Once you’re done, you’ll head back to the dealership for another fun BBQ and music from MikeFM.  We’ll also be giving out hats and prizes for the best poker hand. So get your game face on and let’s motor!

We’re hoping this year won’t bring any rain–i think it’s rained every year so far.  That’s why we’re pushing it back a few weeks…in the hopes that we’ll have a bright sunny day that even you convertible owners can enjoy.

Visit our events page to register for this years rally.  Space is limited to 100 cars…so you definitely want to be one of them!

If you’re new to the rally, see our fun photos from last year!

Peace and happy motoring!!

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MINI of Peabody had a bright and breezy day at  all new MINI Convertible launch party on Sunday April 19th, 2009.  Over 85 people turned out to see the new car and to check out some of its new features like the open-o-meter!  Our event had a fun beach theme–from a fun photo studio to lei’s and a complete BBQ.

3 MINI Convertibles were on display outside and each appropriately had their tops down.   In keeping with the beach theme that day, we had our friends at MIKE FM pumping some fun Beach music ad giving out Foreigner tickets and Pizzeria Uno gift cards.

We did have to move some of the party inside as we had quite a wind kicking over!  But that didn’t stop us from enjoying the sun filled day.

Those taking test drives said it was the perfect day to put the top down.  Others commented that this car is the “coolest, most fun MINI yet!”

As always, we kicked off another season of MINI events in style.  What else would you expect from us?

Stay tuned for details on our MINI Poker rally…scheduled for May 17th.   In the meantime, check out our new convertibles.

First, let me say – welcome to spring because it has been a long cold hard winter and thanks for supporting our MINI store for the past seven years!  We continue to be as excited about these special cars. New products always seem to be around the corner.  This spring, we introduce our new “Open” convertible and hope you will enjoy it as much as the previous car.   Rumor has it, code name “Colorado” is another year away.

What I’m really excited about  is that MINI of Peabody will be opening a new MINI of Peabody store in the not to distant future. This coming October we will break ground at our Acura dealership on Route 114 (as they move just down the road) and we will begin construction on a new much larger and greener facility to better accommodate your service and sales needs.

With a brand such as MINI, we are so fortunate to have the right car at the right time.  Sadly as other manufacturers struggle, MINI prospers.  It has prospered so much on Newbury Street (in Peabody, that is), that we continue to sell more new, NEXT, and used MINI’s than any other retailer in the United States. Your dedication to our store and this brand has been amazing.

So with some luck, great design, and our competent construction team, we will be up and running within 6 months of the shovel meeting the ground.  We will vastly increase our service capacity, showroom, parking and yes even customer lounge areas.  We hope to come up with some very creative ways for you to spend your time with us, whether you are waiting for your car in service, or just stopping by for a hello. 

To all of you, thanks so very much for your patronage and let’s keep motoring!

Sincerely,

Warren Waugh

Managing Partner

The Lyon~Waugh Auto Group

 Previous events include:

Tech Days

Hands on event where customers spend one on one time with a technician looking under the hood and putting their car up on the lifts.  They check their oil, transmission, fuel tank, tires etc!

 OctoberFast

This is coordinated by the BMW Car Club.  There is an Autocross set up with timed runs and prizes for fastest time.

Participants learn advanced driver skills school featuring braking and handling instruction and performance tips from MINI experts.  BBQ, prizes and gifts for all attendees.

 Launch Parties

MINI of Peabody has become known for the their new model introductions.. For the 2008 release of the MINI Clubman “Club MINI” opened its doors to all MINI of Peabody guests.  A “fashion show” featuring all MINI models driven by our motoring advisors was set up for all the minis to cruise down the runway

This year MINI will hold a launch for the R57.

 Rallies

Every year MINI of Peabody puts on at least one rally for their customers.  Poker rallies, where each MINI makes stops along the way to pick up a card have been very popular.  Guests all meet back at the store for food, entertainment and prizes.  “Best hand” wins!

 ”We have a very loyal customer base and have become famous throughout the MINI community for the wonderful events we put on.  Sometimes as many as 100 MINI’s turn out for these events”-Gary King, Service Manager, MINI of Peabody.

The events are a great way for MINI drivers to interact with each other experiencing the best the MINI Cooper has to offer.  It is also a great opportunity for MINI of Peabody to keep in touch, on a more active level with their devoted base of MINI enthusiasts!

About Mini of Peabody:

Mini of Peabody has one of the largest supplies of certified pre-owned MINI’s in stock.  Each Mini is put through a rigorous inspection process and only the best are considered worthy of being a Certified MINI. 

And, every MINI next is backed by a 6 year/100k mile warranty.

Massachusetts and New Hampshire residents looking to own a New or Certified Pre Owned Mini Cooper should quickly call or visit Mini of Peabody.  The sporty, roomy and fuel efficient cars won’t last long on the BMW lot.

More information is available at http://www.minipeabody.com

We are currently have  a really great selection of John Cooper WorksMINI’s in stock.  If you’re looking for a car with the following—maybe it’s time to upgrade??

• - Sport tuned 208hp aluminum alloy engine rockets from 0-60 mph in just 6.2 seconds
• - 192 lb-ft of torque tempered by Dynamic Traction Control with Electronic Differential Lock Control
• - Brembo front brake calipers with 12.4 in ventilated brake discs
• - Free-flowing air filter and intake
• - Revised turbocharger
• - Upgraded pistons
• - High-performance clutch
• - JCW Sports Exhaust
• - 17″ Challenge Spoke alloy wheels

We have JCW Hardtops andClubman’s in stock starting at $32,900.   Here’s the real deal…ask about M4752

We hope you’re enjoying some really beautiful weather in the Northeast today.  It’s a perfect day to get out there with your MINI.  Motor on!

We do have some really fantastic things going on at the dealership.  We’ve put a number of fantastic cars on our specials page.

Plus, we’re also planning for our R57 launch.  Details will be available soon…but as most of you know, no one throws a party quite like us at MINI of Peabody.  You can stay posted by clicking here.

One thing we didn’t mention in our email blast is that we’ve created a Facebook group called MINI of Peabody!  Do a search for us in the groups tab in Facebook and join the bunch! We have 38 members so far and we’re growing by the day.  It’s been set up to post photos, videos…anything you’d like.  Basically, it’s another place where we can all meet n’ greet and talk MINI.

So take care and we’ll blog soon…let’s motor!

Here’s a classic flashback from February 15, 2008… 

The moment everyone was waiting for arrived. The lights dimmed, the disco ball was spinning round, the music began and then a selection of 4 MINI Clubman’s strutted themselves out onto the runway.  The crowd cheered and cameras flashed as each Clubman stopped mid-way down the runway.  Each Clubman had it’s own distinct features, but all had one thing in common…their infamous signature Club doors.

Following the show, guests were able to meet n’ greet the newest member of the MINI family.  The 4 Clubman models were positioned in the service drive through area for the remainder of the evening, giving each guest the chance to get to know more about the new product.

 The night concluded at 10:00pm and guests motored off feeling pumped about the Clubman.  MINI of Peabody definitely made their Clubman launch a night to remember.

We’re planning our R57 launch…stay tuned!  Now that we’ve had some time to reMINIsce, let’s get back to work.

Check this out…we worked with a “wicked awesome” production company out of Gloucester to produce this video highlighting our accessories.  We tried to fit all 10 million customizations, but we only had 7 minutes.  From bonnet stripes to i-pod adapters and fun mirror caps, we’ve got something for everyone.

If you’re a current MINI owner and you’re looking for that second “small addition to the family,” now is the chance to take advantage of some great finance rates.  We’ve got a great stock of new MINI’s available   at great prices.  I guess this is our way of wishing you a very happy Presidents’ Day Weekend. 

Well, it’s Wednesday and it’s officially 50 degrees outside.  Think it’s time for convertibles?? More on the New R57 to come…stay tuned.  We’re planning something fun for you to celebrate the launch.

Motor On!

Come support our planet during

Ragged Mountain Resort’s Green Day 2009!

Show the world how environmentally friendly your MINI is!

Prove that your MINI is FUN in all weather, even Snow!

Let Ragged Mountain Resort thank you for doing your part to clean up our planet!

Receive a discount on lift tickets when you drive your MINI to

Ragged Mountain Resort on Saturday March 14, 2009!

Here’s something from some MINI literature:

-Winter tires reduce stopping distance in wet, dry or snow covered conditions and deliver superior traction when temperatures dip below 45 degrees.

-Tread block designs that pack and push snow

-Multiple sipes that cut through water and slush, delivering greater traction. 

Let us know if you have any questions on snow tires.  You can email us or contact us at 978-536-0088.

Not only are snow tires good on a day like this, but there are a number of additional benefits to adding snow tires to your MINI.   Be safe out there again! 

Oh, and check out this picture—it’s not the real thing but does show the power of photoshop!

There are 3 levels to choose and the ultimate goal is to avoid obstacles and get coins safely into a MINI.

Also, you can find MINI of Peabody and download directions from Google Maps.  It’s a very cool way to get your game on! May we just recommend to not play and drive!!  If you’ve tested it, let us know!

When you do manage to get out onto that big, bad,  snow covered side streets, there’s nothing better than having a good set of snow tires to keep a good grip on the road.  We recommend calling MINI of Peabody’s service department about our snow tire packages.   We have several packages available for all MINI Cooper models.   We use a variety of tire manufacturer’s from Goodyear to Michelin.  Please also visit our website for more details.  While you’re on our accessories site, check out some of our winter Motoring Gear and Accessories.  We have a really fun selection of sweatshirts and jackets—the perfect addition to your winter wardrobe.

Until the next storm friends, Motor On.

A MINI pile-up !

That my friends, is perfection.

But in the meantime, stay tuned because MINI of Peabody is proud to launch this blog today with a promise to keep you up to date with everything we’ve got cooking on Route 1.   We’ll post photos, videos…and upcoming events.

Motor on.  Oh, and stay warm in your MINI.