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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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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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Replying to: nycgrrrl (Dec 04, 2005 9:22 am) The best thing is a signed sales contract, but your situation may make it a little tricky to do this. I'd go with what you have and hope for the best. I think the flexibility cuts both ways and being able to back out of the deal at the last second when you see your situation in LA might be a bonus. If the worst happens, you go down and buy a new Civic Si, or Jetta, or Mazda 3, or whatever for a lot less money. Is this really the end of the world? - Mark
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| For a tiny bit more, just buy an RX-8. The 2006 models are coming out any day now, so 2005s will be easy to get for just above 20K. | |
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Replying to: markjenn (Dec 04, 2005 11:03 am) I'll let you all know how it goes down in January!  -nycgrrrl |
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