I have to say that I'm really impressed with the length and breadth of NAM. Nothing like a group of real enthusiasts to promote the brand and keep folks informed.

I haven't got my Mini yet but I'm ready to shop for one in earnest and could use some advice. Because I live in central Florida, no Mini dealer is really convenient. I can buy anywhere, including Georgia or beyond. Can anyone recommend a dealer from which to buy? I have a large aversion to dealer fees. Just on principle, I'll drive a few hundred miles to avoid paying a large dealer fee.

Also, I notice that the Tampa dealer has some leftover 2006 models. (At least that what their web site implies.) If this is so, what sort of discount should one expect on a leftover, nearly 2 year old car?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

I just checked the site for Tampa - it does not say if the 06's are conv or not. My local dealer had several 06 conv left over - I did not want one so I passed, I like the interior of the 06 better and would have bought an 06 cooper in a heart beat if they had one... My dealers here charge MSRP - If I were you, I would start making calls and see who will give you time on the phone and treat you with respect and not just blow off a "phone call" Ask your question about MSRP and dealer prep - if they sell above or have a prep charge - move on.... I am not sure how to word this question - but ask how the production numbers are - meaning if you place an order NOW - how long before you get a production number and your Mini is started on. I am new here - I ordered my Mini on 8/31 at 10am - by that afternoon I had an email with my production number - I called "ask mini" and found my Mini was being built on 9-2 and is sch to be completed on 9-9 or 9-10... I have seen other people here buy before me and there production is after mine???? In asking here on the forum - I was told some dealers have more production slots??? agian, I am new here so don't take this post as the Asolute fact - it is the best I know... I just know my order went fast and others are not as fast????
So, Make calls and ask questions - you should find a salesperson (MA) that will take their time - Don't pay above MSRP and watch out for any dealer set up fee.... I ride a Harley and the dealers add that fee all the time....what a rip off but all do it....

 

Thanks for the comeback. I went to Downtown Mini in Orlando yesterday. Nice people, not pushy at all, but straight MSRP plus a $389 dealer fee. And this was on an order car.

I'll keep shopping. A few years ago I bought a 350Z. The stealer in Sebring wanted a $489 fee. He said I was lucky, that the dealers in the Tampa area were charging $700. This was supposed to make me feel good I guess, but I just said goodbye. I bought the Z in Maryland where state law limits such fees to $99. In the last analysis, I probably spent more than the $489 in travel but I felt a lot better about it.

The Mini guy in South Atlanta has an agressive web site. I'll see how this performs in practice.

 

After visiting 2 Florida dealers who charge big dealer fees, I found the web site for Century Mini in Greenville, SC. They offer $1500 in dealer accesories or they will ship the car to your door for free. Well, nothing's free but with no additional cost.

We negotiated a trade-in price for my Honda over the phone and they had the car I wanted. Wife & I drove up from Florida, 1200 miles round-trip with 2 nights in a motel. Wife says we spent about $250 on the road. This beats a $500 fee for which you get nothing. As it was, we had a nice ride home taking back roads and had the top down till it rained.

For us it was MSRP with floor mats and the portable GPS thrown in.
So I can heartily recommend Century Mini in Greenville, SC.

 

I bought from Century as well. I took the home delivery since I am 3,000 miles away. I would have loved to drive it home but did not have time. I certainly felt Century was fair in their price (MSRP) and their sales service was great. They also had a large selection of Mini's to choose from.
500 miles in the first week and still nothing but !!!

 

The dealership right here in charleston is also very good and has a big selection