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MINI Cooper Prices Paid and Buying Experience

1111 messages,  Last post on Oct 10, 2008 at 8:06 AM

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

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#95 of 1111 It's here, but.... by hollyg Oct 16, 2004 (5:54 am)
Hi. My mini just came in and the salesperson is talking to me about purchasing an "autobahn bra" to protect the front of the car. He says they are more prone to knicks and scatches because they are low to the ground and their physical structure. Also, he suggested insurance for my runs flats and rims. These are the only 2 things he's suggested with any real emphasis. Advise me! thanks
#96 of 1111 by steve_ HOST Oct 16, 2004 (7:40 am)
Check out Car front end protective bras & film.   How much did you pay - MSRP?   Steve, Host
#97 of 1111 by markjenn Oct 16, 2004 (5:10 pm)
I'd advise against both.   The bra will protect the front end from scratches, but has its own problems. Dirt can work its way behind the bra, and over time, sand the paint, and there is the issue of uneven fading of the paint between the covered and uncovered surfaces. Many bras don't fit that well either. Finally, they're ugly, but that's a personal thing. I think the best bet is to accept that the front of your car is going to get some nicks and just live with them, or touch the car up with some touch-up paint. You can go with protective film, but that's got problems also.   The wheel insurance is simply a rip off - expensive for what you get. They hard sell this because the chances of you cashing in on it are slim.   If you decide you do want either of these items, I'd shop around rather than buying them when you buy the car. They're pushing these items because the markups are incredible - probably over 50% of what you pay for the wheel insurance will go directly to the salesman and finance guy.   - Mark Replies to this message: crunch (Oct 16, 2004 5:46 pm) hollyg (Oct 18, 2004 3:09 pm)
#98 of 1111 Re: Wheel insurance by crunch Oct 16, 2004 (5:46 pm)
Replying to: markjenn (Oct 16, 2004 5:10 pm) I agree that the wheel insurance can be a rip off. Think about it, when was the last time you needed a new wheel? If it was 2 or 3 times in the last year or so, then maybe you need it. If you can't remember ever needing a new wheel (like me) maybe its worth the risk. If I really needed one and couldn't afford it, my comprehensive would cover it anyway.
#99 of 1111 04 vs 05 tranny change ? by pad Oct 17, 2004 (12:02 pm)
Does anyone know if the manual transmission gear ratios were changed in the 05 base model ? What kind of rpm's does it turn at 65 mph in 5th or 6th if you have the S model ? Also do dealers charge a "prep" fee in Texas, if so how much ? Thanks in advance. Replies to this message: crunch (Oct 17, 2004 2:10 pm)
#100 of 1111 Re: Texas Dealers by crunch Oct 17, 2004 (2:10 pm)
Replying to: pad (Oct 17, 2004 12:02 pm) I can only speak for my dealer, John Roberts MINI in Dallas. I purchased two MINIs, no prep fees. They typically charge MSRP for an ordered car. MSRP +1K for a 'in stock' MC and MSRP +2K for an 'in stock' MCS. Some negotiating can be done.
#101 of 1111 Re: [markjenn] by hollyg Oct 18, 2004 (3:09 pm)
Replying to: markjenn (Oct 16, 2004 5:10 pm) thanks for your response about the bra and wheel insurance. I will take the latter off my list of wants...Before I nix the bra thing, another question. The one they'd be using is more like a protective film, not removeable material. Are there problems with paint fade? Do they peel off? thanks again - Holly
#102 of 1111 by markjenn Oct 18, 2004 (9:28 pm)
Holly, some folks swear by the clear protective films, others think they do more harm than good.   If you go onto any of the other Mini forums you'll hear a lot of pro/con. I have no experience.   My recommendation is that you simply ignore the whole issue until after you take delivery. You'll experience a super hard-sell on this and other things when you buy the car - they do this because they know you're vunerable, they're high profit to the dealership, and the idea of rolling the cost of these accessories into the monthly payment seems attractive. But they're almost universally a poor value - you can do better getting these accessories a month or two later on your own. In fact, you can probably go out and get the protective film treatment from the same people who the dealer contracts with but at a fraction of the cost since you're eliminating a middle-man.   Just say NO to EVERYTHING. When you get the car home, you can take month or three to decide what stuff to get.   - Mark
#103 of 1111 Hi all, by akitadog Oct 22, 2004 (7:02 am)
I rarely post here, but I read almost everyday. Getting a MCS in a couple months. I have a question about dealer financing. Do they take care of all that on the date of order, or on the date of delivery? Thanks, and keep up the good posts.
#104 of 1111 Financing by markjenn Oct 22, 2004 (7:39 am)
Typically, you can be pre-approved on the order date, but the actual paperwork occurs when take delivery of the car. Many report that the dealers attempt to bump the interest rate up when they get ready to sign the papers, so it is always good leverage to have an alternative financing option ready to go, even if you plan to use the dealer.   - Mark

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