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MINI Cooper Prices Paid and Buying Experience

1094 messages,  Last post on Aug 26, 2008 at 1:28 PM

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What is this discussion about? MINI Cooper, Coupe, Hatchback


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#400 of 1094
$149? by dboe
Jun 27, 2006 (9:25 am)
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Just curious, maybe that's 'dealer's cost'?
Do you have a source you can reveal?
 
I see many competitive systems using GPS you can install yourself, and track it with your own PC or laptop,
Most of those are around $200.
#401 of 1094
Re: Buying out of State - Please Help [markjenn] by bfromhold
Jul 04, 2006 (3:13 pm)
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Replying to: markjenn (May 26, 2006 9:16 am)

Hi Mark ~
 
I also live in Washington State. I just visited the Mini dealer in Tacoma area, and they want $595 over MSRP. Plus they told me it's going to be a 15 month wait now!! Also, I was told it'll be a 2007 turbo charged motor in the Mini S (I'm not too keen on turbos).
 
Who did you talk to in TX and what city? Did you get any freebie add-ons (floor mats, arm rest, cup holder, etc.)? I didn't think about checking with a dealer in TX. Do they import them directly there from the Gulf? How many miles is that? I might be able to handle a drive home if it's not too much over 1,500 miles or so...
 
Can someone lead me to a reasonable Mini Dealer with a reasonable waiting time (hopefully 2 months or less)? I'd like to order a new 2006, but I don't want to wait over a year to get it (not to mention pay extra). I've talked with a dealer on the east coast. They offered MSRP and a two month wait, but that's a 3000 mile drive back to home. Any advice out there?
 
Thanks,
Brenda
#402 of 1094
Re: Buying out of State - Please Help [bfromhold] by markjenn
Jul 04, 2006 (9:00 pm)
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Replying to: bfromhold (Jul 04, 2006 3:13 pm)

I bought from Moritz Mini in Arlington. No freebies, just a straight MSRP deal for a MCS. I called them up, gave them my specs, put down $500 or a credit card, and my car was being built a few weeks later. The car comes from the same allocations that ship all over the country.
 
If you don't want one of the new models, here's an article discussing the timelines for ordering the old model. It appears that since the new model won't be coming stateside until early 2007, there might be a couple more months to get an order in for the old model.
 
http://motoringfile.com/2006/06/13/2006-model-year-ordering-details/
 
If I was in the market now, I'd probably wait a few months and see what the scoop is on the new model. The turbo wouldn't bother me (especially if it improves on the abysmal gas mileage of the supercharged engine), but the first-year unreliabilities of a new model from BMW would. I think the best time to get the new model would be a 2008 model in the fall of 2007. If I were to get a new one, that's when I'd be targeting to buy a car.
 
- Mark
#403 of 1094
Re: Msrp [fever] by iwannamotortoo
Jul 06, 2006 (11:39 pm)
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Replying to: fever (May 17, 2004 11:29 am)

Try Santa Ana Crevier. Their customer service is great and the salespeople are not pushy. Be careful of other mark-ups (i.e. the clear bra, the alarm system, installation prices). Also, feel free to e-mail me and maybe we can look for Minis together and get a great deal. =) I'm in Southern California and I've been researching on Mini too.
#404 of 1094
Re: Msrp [iwannamotortoo] by bfromhold
Jul 07, 2006 (6:09 pm)
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Replying to: iwannamotortoo (Jul 06, 2006 11:39 pm)

Iwannamotortoo~
 
How long did the Santa Ana Crevier dealer tell you it would take for you to get your Mini? I don't think I could stand to wait until next year to get one. I'm a Mini manic now..
 
I was thinking it would be a good idea to get the additional security system. It makes a difference on my auto insurance. I was told by Prestige Mini in NJ that it would cost $445 installed.
 
I'm going to check with the Texas Mini dealer to see if they'll throw in any freebies (floor mats, cup holder, arm-rest, and/or an extended warranty).
 
Thanks for your reply
#405 of 1094
Re: Msrp [bfromhold] by cct1
Jul 08, 2006 (8:16 am)
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Replying to: bfromhold (Jul 07, 2006 6:09 pm)

As for freebies, you should be able to get mats. Forget the cup holder, it's standard, and worthless. The first thing I did was get rid of it as soon as I got home. I doubt you'll get the armrest thrown in for free, but it's worth a try. I'm not so happy with it--if I had to do it over again, I'd get an aftermarket armrest. The OEM armrest is made of plastic, and it feels like it.
#406 of 1094
Re: Msrp [cct1] by bfromhold
Jul 08, 2006 (4:48 pm)
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Replying to: cct1 (Jul 08, 2006 8:16 am)

cct1 ~
 
Thanks for the tip about the cup holder and info on the OEM armrest. Where would I get an after market armrest?
 
How long did you have to wait for your Mini, and where did you get it (City/State)?
 
I just talked with a Mini dealer in TX (one that someone recommended on this forum). They said it'll be about 6 weeks for special order. I can't figure out why it takes so long to get one here in Washington State (15+ months I'm told).
 
Anyway, thanks for your reply...
#407 of 1094
Re: Msrp [bfromhold] by cct1
Jul 09, 2006 (7:53 am)
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Replying to: bfromhold (Jul 08, 2006 4:48 pm)

I got mine in Milwaukee--took six weeks from when I placed the order. I'd consider checking other dealers--some of them ship anywhere for five hundred dollars. Classic Mini in Ohio, Knauz in Chicago, Mini of Peabody, Mini of Hampton. The reason why it takes so long where you're at is the way Mini's are allocated--there are only so many to go around in the North American market, and you're in a very high demand area. You're probably competing with people from California, since the waits from the dealers there are notorious (as are the mark up). In Texas and the midwest, the demand is less, and the dealers are more flexible with their allocations. The allocation issue is supposed to be changed with the new model; we'll see.
 
As for an after market armrest, Mini Fini makes a nice one; there are others as well but I can't remember them all. The one nice thing about the OEM armrest is that it has a storage area, but it's so creaky, I'm afraid it'll break someday. And I don't need the storage; I replaced the bolster underneath the steering wheel with the european parcel shelf (It's much more practical than the bolster in the U.S. cars; I'm not sure why it's not standard, but it's fairly easy to switch out--not only does it give you hidden storage, but it also slightly increases leg room--I'd highly recommend it). I'll probably eventually replace my armrest with the Mini Fini one, but that will be quite a job, and will require a new piece for the center console (If you don't get the factory armrest, you won't need any new pieces for your console--the factory armrest uses a modified piece for the back of the console that won't work so well with the Mini fini).
#408 of 1094
Press Request by KarenS HOST
Jul 12, 2006 (7:10 am)
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A reporter aims to speak with anyone who has owned a vehicle and found its controls to be complicated. Please respond to jfallonedmunds.com by Monday, July 17, 2006, and be sure to include your daytime contact info and a few words about your experience.
 
Thanks,
Jeannine Fallon
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com
#409 of 1094
Buying a 2002 Mini Cooper - good deal or not? by mini_dreams
Jul 16, 2006 (3:11 pm)
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Hi - I just found this forum and have been reading it. I have wanted to buy a Mini for years, but haven't been able to afford it. I just found a used Mini at what seems like a good price and I'm wondering what people think. I saw some postings about transmission and other engine problems on the 2002, so don't know if I should rule out the 2002 all together or not. Here are the details on the car I'm looking at:
 
2002 Mini Cooper, British racing green with stripes on hood, white top and white mirrors
5-speed manual
30,125 miles
Silver 15'' alloy wheels
Black Leather Interior
Chrome Line Exterior
Heated Front Seats
Fog Lamps
"premium package" - i believe this is the a/c control and the controls on the steering wheel
"on-board computer" - not sure what this refers to except gas mileage info.
CD-changer in the hatchback plus one-CD player in the dash
electric windows and door locks
electric sun roof with sun shade
in very good condition... some minor scratches that are hardly evident
 
Asking $13,995
 
This car is being sold by a Mini dealer in the South. This seems like a good price for a Mini. I've never seen one at this price. Kelley Blue Book lists this car slightly higher for private-party sales. Although there is virtually no warranty left (Sept. 06) and the dealer doesn't have a "certified used car program", they are saying that the original owner traded it in for an automatic because his wife didn't drive a stick. Also, they are saying that they have checked the car over and found no problems, would have replaced the tires if there was a certain amount of tread gone, etc.
 
My questions:
1) Is this a good price, or could it be low because there's something wrong with it?
2) Is buying a 2002 looking for trouble? I have found most consumer reports of this car's reliability and safety to be high.
3) I currently can't afford lots of high maintenance costs... is it just assumed that the Mini is an expensive car to maintain (I've heard brakes all around go for $700 and oil changes are $120, but only required every 12-15,000 miles)
4) do I have the right to have this car checked by another mechanic (although I'm not sure who in the area is qualified to check it)
5) I think this car takes premium gas, which may negate the money I save on gas milege... any thoughts about whether the cooper must have premium gas. (I know the 'S' requires it).
6) any other advice you can offer!
 
I would love to drive a Mini, but I'm not sure it is cost feasible.
 
Max

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