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Prices Paid: Buying & Leasing Experiences MINI Cooper Prices Paid and Buying Experience
1056 messages, Last post on Jul 03, 2008 at 10:51 PM
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Replying to: nycgrrrl (Nov 30, 2005 5:10 am) If you have a specific lead on a dealer who is discounting, you might give that one a try, and you're certainly welcome to offer anything you like, but if I were in you situation, and on this particular car, I'd just find one that is as close to LA as you can find that will do a straight MSRP deal and call it a day. Beware of various "doc fees" and the like that may get tacked on to the deal. While the costs of registration and taxes are above and beyond MSRP (and fixed by the state taxation situation), most dealers will have a $100-$800 document fee they'll attempt to tack on. This is non-standard and is basically extra profit to the dealer. I would try and negotiate this away, or at least make sure it is nominal (less than $100). I'd ask that they fax you something back which shows the full purchase price of the car when you take delivery so you're not surprised. States taxes and registrations are local to the state and sometimes even to the county where the dealer is located. Sometimes they'll vary depending on what address you give as your home. Some will charge sales tax and/or registration for an out-of-state buyer; others won't. And for sales tax, when you register the car in your home state, you'll typically get credit for sales tax paid in a different state, but not always. If you're buying out of state, you might consider buying from a Texas dealer. They don't charge sales tax for out of state buyers. I bought mine at Moritz Mini in Arlington and it was very straightforward. And this might be the closest MSRP dealer - I've heard that the few dealers in AZ, NM, and NV typically surcharge above MSRP. A little off topic, but I'd advise you to postpone this whole car buying thing until you are settled. It sounds like you need to move to LA (from Barcelona), find an apartment, presumably will be starting a new job, etc. etc. etc. Do you really want the hassles of buying a car at a distant dealer and having it shipped and delivered during that 1st month? And what if your job situation or apartment situation ends up having the car parked in a location that is subject to vandals or theft? The extra cost of driving a rental for an extra month or two is nominal - it might even be cheaper than your car payment and insurance. You might decide on a different car once you learn your full situation. I'd keep your eye on the ball and keep your options open until you get settled. Good luck, - Mark
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Replying to: markjenn (Nov 30, 2005 9:20 am) Thanks for your very thoughtful advice... Well, I did spend 5 hours yesterday calling dealers all over the country, and guess what? I found my dream MINI!!!! I was on the fence about whether I should order my exact specifications, or see what was on dealer's lots.... I found plenty of dealers selling at MSRP, and some were offering below MSRP!! It is possible!!!! You just have to ask. I also found many who were willing to throw in freebies as well. I was lucky enough to talk to a great dealer at MORRISTOWN MINI, (can't mention his name here),he located my exact car through his locator. He directed me to ASSAEL MINI in Monrovia, California, and my MINI is en route to the states. I was able to purchase it at MSRP. My MINI is a bare bones pure silver convertible 2006, with automatic transmission. MSRP is $23,750. My dealer says with tax,title,registration, it comes out to:$26,011.84. Does that sound about right??? I offered to put down a deposit to hold the car, and he said not to worry about it. It seemed almost too good to be true. The timing is perfect, as the car will not be delivered to L.A. until probably last week of December, or first week of January. He said that he had no problem holding the car for me until I arrive in Los Angeles. I asked for a written confirmation of my order, since I don't want to lose this car to anyone else. He sent me an e-mail with the production number and the VIN number, and I am tracking the status in the Mini Owner's Lounge. Please let me know if you think this sounds secure enough. I want to make sure that nothing falls apart at the last minute, since I have no written documentation or signatures of our agreement. I would like to tell all prospective MINI buyers not to lose hope!!!!! Although I did not call every single dealer, I found that many are open to negotiation below MSRP, especially on the East Coast, especially in Long Island. I even found quite a few dealers in L.A. willing to go down on their mark-up. It was the last day of the month as well, so take that into account when you are looking to buy. Honestly, I am still in shock that I was lucky enough to find my dream MINI, with no additional dealer installed options, at MSRP, in my new home state. I don't think I could ask for more!!!!  Re: accessories - what do you all think of the ipod adapter? Can I find something similar on my own for cheaper? They are charging $150 for installation, and $149 for the adapter. Let me know what you think. Also, how much of a down payment do you think I should put when I go to pick up my car? I have a little saved, but not much. I need to have enough savings to find an apt, get settled, etc. I will definitely be financing my car. Thank you all for your help in my quest for my MINI. And remember, don't give up searching for your dream car - call around and always ask what they have coming in the next month or so....they can always try to hunt down and locate your car anywhere in the country. Good luck to all! Love and Peace, nycgrrrl
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Ok, with regard to the ipod adapter: If you have the multifunction steering wheel, and you'll use it for the ipod, then it's a reasonable way to go. If you don't have it, or if you won't use it to control your ipod anyway, just get the aux/in instead. It's more versatile; you'll be able to plug anything into it, whereas with the ipod adapter, it's the ipod and that's it. It's also only $50.00. It doesn't charge your ipod, and the songs won't come up on the HU or be controlled by the steering wheel--if these are huge issues for you, go with the adapter (Ice link makes an ipod adapter too, but I'd stick with the Mini offering; this is something you want under warranty IMHO). BTW the aux/in is very easy to install. But what I'd really recommend doing is buying a european parcel shelf (many mini sites have them; they cost about $70.00; you can get it for half that without the rubber floor to it--you can cut that out yourself if you want to save thirty bucks. I'm lazy, so I bought it complete. Have your dealer install the shelf and the aux/in or the ipod adapter at the same time as the parcel shelf, or you can do it yourself if your comfortable with it--it's actually easy. The parcel shelf is wonderful. Underneath the steering wheel normally there is a solid piece of plastic--the parcel shelf replaces this; the parcel shelf replaces this and has shelves in this, so you have storage area underneath the steering wheel, where no one but you can see it. It's standard in europe, but you can buy them in the USA. It actually increases leg room slightly too, but it's hardly noticeable. You can have the ipod adapter put here, or the aux/in (this is what I did); instead of in the glove compartment--much more convienent this way. To get behind the stereo, they'll have to disengage this panel anyway, so it's no extra work for them to remove it and replace it with the parcel shelf. The aux/in (and I think the ipod adapter too) simply plug in to the back of the HU; all you need is to be able to get back there.
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Replying to: nycgrrrl (Dec 01, 2005 5:51 am) I would definitely have financing arranged ahead of time, if for no other reason than not to be over a barrel in accepting whatever financing terms the dealer will offer you when you take delivery. In fact, you really shouldn't be shopping for a car without knowing if you can get financing. But you've got a month or so to take care of that. And since you have nothing down on the car, if worst comes to worst, you can just back out. - Mark
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Replying to: markjenn (Dec 01, 2005 10:27 pm) Do you think that my dealer giving me the production number and VIN number is enough of a guarantee that the car is being reserved for me? I would hope so, but I would feel much better if I had some sort of confirmation letter. Do you think it is normal that they would hold this car for me without any sort of deposit??? Do you think the dealer was just being nice and doing me a favor? I would almost prefer to pay a deposit, and have more peace of mind that my order is locked down.... what do you think? Thanks again for all of your help.... nycgrrrl
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Replying to: cct1 (Dec 01, 2005 11:04 am) I think I will go with the ipod adapter, since I want to make sure the battery is being charged...i didn't even consider the under warranty aspect. That is important...thank you. You have been of great help to me. I really appreciate it! nycgrrrl |
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Replying to: nycgrrrl (Dec 02, 2005 6:28 am) That being said, they won't hold the car for you indefinitely - you should be ready to buy when when car arrives or whatever time frame you've agreed to. They probably understand your odd situation and are just wanting to do something to help you out in the name of good customer relations. And they aren't taking any significant risk if you back out - they can sell the car easily to someone else. I think you did get lucky to get the car, although I suspect the fact that it is a MC rather than a MCS is helping out a great deal. The MC convertibles aren't in nearly as high a demand as the MCS. This worked in your favor. Again congrats, - Mark
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They can be decent, but I for the life of me couldn't get them to deal squarely with me. It basically came down to: 1:Pay us lots of money up front for the priveledge of driving one today. 2:Let us do the financing(8-12%) and get MSRP. The exact quote I got from the salesperson was "I have to ensure that I get the same 3-5K markup that I get for the ones on the lot, afterall". Total(insert British term starting with "w"). 3:Buy several thousand in options. They were up front with the idea that you must pay a premium to own one and that nothing was real unless it was in writing(flat out refused to put anything in writing when I was there). Extremely sneaky and unhelpful bunch of people once I got there.(though thankfully I only live 15 minutes from them) But, who knows - you may get lucky. It happens. In any case, I'd come with a check for that exact amount and financing lined up. Play coy, get the car in front of you, make sure the price is real, and then when it comes to financing and all of that - just pull out a checkbook and write the full amount in 30 seconds before they can do anything.
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Replying to: plekto (Dec 02, 2005 9:16 am) I don't know how recently you bought your MINI, but I think I was lucky, because it is winter, and right before the holidays... The dealer told me they normally charge a $4000 mark up during the summer months, and they were going down to MSRP, because convertibles are in less demand in the winter. I'm sorry to hear that you had a bad experience. I asked the dealer to send me an itemized price sheet, and he hasn't responded yet. (it's been 2 days already) However, I do have the e-mail he sent me with the total including tax,title and registration. If worse comes to worse, I can hopefully print that out as evidence of our agreement. One thing I did learn, is that it is always better to ask for the internet manager, as opposed to a saleperson. The first time I called ASSAEL, I asked for a salesperson, and told them I was looking for a silver MC automatic. They said they had none. Then I got a lead from a dealer at MORRISTOWN telling me the chassis # of my dream MC, that was en route to ASSAEL. Then I called ASSAEL, asked for a salesperson, and he did not sound enthusiastic at all about my desire to purchase this particular car. He said he had only been there 3 months, and would have to talk to a manager first. After calling other dealers around the country, I finally wised up, and called ASSAEL again, and this time, I asked for the internet manager. He was fantastic, and did not pressure me whatsoever re: options, financing, etc. I asked him about the installation costs for a few accessories, and he offered to install them for free. He even offered to throw in free floormats when I asked for any freebies. I hope this helps others when they call around. And trust me, if they screw with me, I will definitely let you all know as a word of warning!!!!!!!!! 
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Replying to: markjenn (Dec 02, 2005 8:56 am) I am going to have faith that they will keep their word. I really appreciate you and every other kind soul in this forum that has held my hand and guided me every step of the way. I couldn't have done it without all of your wise advice and counsel. I'm giving you all a big hug and kiss from Barcelona! Hope you all enjoy a very happy holiday season!!!!!!! nycgrrrl
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