Mini E testing (cross post)

[erkishhorde]

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=15324.0
I didn't know they had open tests for these things. I haven't had time to look over the site because I'm at work but it sounded interesting.

[the_Journeyman]

$850/month seems high to lease something for a field trial ~

JM

[erkishhorde]

Yeah, that's what I just caught too during my break rigth now. How much is a lease on a mini normally?

Also, they wanna install a charging box in your garage and then take it back afterward. I wonder if you can do this if you have an apartment w/ a garage. I don't think the owner will want you tinkering w/ stuff...

[Le Pirate]

I'd love to have one, but I don't live in CA/NY.....and can't afford 850 a month for a lease

[Triple J]

What a joke. They want YOU to pay them $10,200 over the course of a year to test THEIR vehicle...just so they can figure out if it can hold up to daily use. 

This is truly a stroke of marketing genius if they get 500 people to fall for it.

Two of their "benefits" is you don't have to pay for gas or collision.  Hopefully no one runs the numbers...because 15,000 miles worth of gas (high single year), at 15 mpg, and $4/gallon will only cost  $4,000 (nevermind gas is <$4 now). Add another $1,000 for collision insurance coverage (~$75/month) and a typical gas guzzler will cost you ~$5,000 for the year...whereas this "lease" will cost you $10,200. 

I guess the extra $5,200 is for the privelege of driving an untested and unproven prototype. 

[Le Pirate]

What a joke. They want YOU to pay them $10,200 over the course of a year to test THEIR vehicle...just so they can figure out if it can hold up to daily use. 

This is truly a stroke of marketing genius if they get 500 people to fall for it.

Two of their "benefits" is you don't have to pay for gas or collision.  Hopefully no one runs the numbers...because 15,000 miles worth of gas (high single year), at 15 mpg, and $4/gallon will only cost  $4,000 (nevermind gas is <$4 now). Add another $1,000 for collision insurance coverage (~$75/month) and a typical gas guzzler will cost you ~$5,000 for the year...whereas this "lease" will cost you $10,200. 

I guess the extra $5,200 is for the privelege of driving an untested and unproven prototype. 

all good points.


though, if it was around 300-400 a month (somewhat equal to my current car payments) I'd be more than happy to test out their electric cars. I really want the electric car to succeed though.

sure, I'd love to have a big monster V12/V10 italian beast to tear up the roads with on the weekends, but I'd offset it a little with a electric car to commute to work with during the week 

[Triple J]

though, if it was around 300-400 a month (somewhat equal to my current car payments) I'd be more than happy to test out their electric cars. I really want the electric car to succeed though.

I'd consider it at that price point as well if I had a second car (just in case). You could somewhat justify that price using their no gas/collision insurance argument. $850/month seems outrageous to me though.

It'd be interesting to see how much your power bill jumped though. That could be a shocker. 

[Bun-bun]

     I seem to remember that a fully loaded Cooper S convertible will run to slightly over $40k, so that's close to $800/month if you financed it.
     Mini has always done things a bit differently than other carmakers. they promote a sense of belonging to a club, our local dealer has several Mini get togethers every year. They are owned by BMW, so they give you a lot of amenities if you need service, free loaner car, free carwash and detailing, and an excellent free cappucino machine.
     I'd like to see an electric MINI on the roads. I've had my Cooper S for 5 years now, and I'm still very happy with it.