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Prices Paid: Buying & Leasing Experiences MINI Cooper Prices Paid and Buying Experience
1307 messages, Last post on Dec 05, 2009 at 5:52 PM
You are in the Prices Paid: Buying & Leasing Experiences Forum. Your Hosts are car_man & kyfdx
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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 4:51 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 9:27 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 10:04 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 5:28 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 8:16 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 7:56 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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Replying to: nycgrrrl (Dec 02, 2005 2:50 pm) This is just Dealer Doublespeak 101 for gaining an upper hand in the push/pull of consumating car deals. I've seen deals sail along completely peachy right up to the last point in the finance mgrs office with the sales guy long gone. They shove the contract in front of you as a final formality, and if you take the time to read it you find $500 or $1K of special fees, or the price has changed, or the finance rate is suddenly 8.9% rather than the 3.9% you agreed to, or you're buying a $800 protection package you didn't agree to. When you object, you'll suddenly be in a confrontation and they'll draw on their "we're doing you a big favor" capital, so "why are you being such a hard ass about $500 now? We gave you a price that is $4K less than we usually give!" NEVER let your sheilds down. If someone else has had a non-straightforward dealing with this dealer, you probably will too - that doesn't mean you won't get the car for what you want, but if you don't have the deal in writing, you'll always have to be willing to walk. ALWAYS. It's damn cold and wintery in the PacNW right now, I wish I was in Barcelona! - Mark |
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Hey Mark, it's cold and wintery in Barcelona,too! I appreciate your words of caution, but now I'm getting scared... I asked my dealer 5 days ago to send me an itemized price sheet, or a written confirmation of our deal. Still haven't heard from him. Do you think the e-mail he sent me regarding the total price including tax,title,registration is sufficient proof enough of our agreement? Should I pester him until he sends me something more substantial? I would hate for this deal to go sour at the last minute... What do you think I can do to prevent them from overcharging me at the last minute? I know you said to WALK, but I need my car asap, and it's difficult to find my exact MINI on a dealer's lot at the last minute. Oh how I wish dealers weren't so greedy!!!! 
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