First post here in this forum...
I have searched a few times...very informational

My current situation here is either buying 2009 with some extra options that I don't need but getting 1.9% for 60 months

OR

Order 2010 with my ideal build but have to wait 2 months and higher APR, but it's one year newer.

What's your opinion on this? What's the discount when ordering vs buying from inventory?

I have seen some of you said..
$500 - $1000 off MSRP when ordering
$1000 - $1500 off MSRP when buying from inventory
Is this sound right?

Which dealership is good in bay area? seems Pleasanton Mini has good reputation. They mention something about Costco discount...anyone has more information about that?

I'm still debating which route to go....:D

 

Is the 09 new off the dealer lot? If it is, its not really a year old. All of your warranties will start with the "in service" date.

I was just in the same predicament. It was solved when I found a used 09 JCW with 11k miles in PW which I wanted. I got a great price compared to new 09 or 10, and still get a good portion of the warranties. It doesnt have all of the options I wanted, but it does have a good deal of them.

 

That's a tough one. Around here there isn't much in the way of an understanding that there will be any kind of discount when ordering. I was in the same predicament, and ended up ordering a new 2010 for a few reasons.
1: I didn't have to get the add on stuff that the dealer throws on for big bucks (lojack, coatings, stuff like that), saving money and the hassle of negotiating for their removal.
2: The 2010 has an option for a MUCH better premium, Hardon/Kardon sound system, new for this model year.
3: I ran the numbers and even if I can't get a 1.9% rate (which I probably won't), my credit union has a 3.9 at the moment, which over the life of the loan isn't too significant. Plus it's a good negotiating point for the dealer to move the rate down. I'm sure they'd rather get the loan at a lower rate than get nothing.
4: My wife said get what you want, not what they have. I tended to agree, even though it's serious work to practice 2+ month delayed gratification!
The forums help a lot!

Either way, they're awesome cars!

Jay

 

I received quote and it's about $500 off MSRP for 2010 build. You guys think it can go lower?

I also saw some mentioned hidden dealership fee..what's that about?

 

go with the 2010 order, and order exactly just what you need. you have the option to get H/K sound system with the 2010 models, which I think is pretty important.
negotiate for at least $1000 below MSRP. contact all dealers around bay area within 100 miles. and also go to the dealer with your own financing and ask the dealer to beat it.
good luck!

 

wow...$1000 off MSRP
Is it really slow in car business?

 

I'm actually in the same boat. I've contacted a few dealers and there was nothing that matched what I was looking for. I have a pretty barebones build, but I wouldn't mind taking some packages with a few extras IF the amount wasn't higher, which probably won't be likely.

I may end up going with the 2010 and trying to bargain down a bit...

Let us know how things go! I'll likely be ordering within the next two weeks if it comes to that

 

I would lean towards getting exactly what you want in a 2010 model. Even though a new '09 will have a new wararnty when you sell/trade the car it is still a year older model. For kicks go to www.edmends.com or www.kbb.com and check the resale of a year older model.

Two months does seem like a long time but you can track your MINI and they make it kind of fun while you wait. I customed ordered my MCS convertible in April and had it in June and to me it was fun to configure the car exactly the way I wanted. Two months is a short time considering the amount of time most people keep a car.

These are really wonderful cars and are a blast to drive. I have had mine over 4 months and still look for excuses to drive.

Happy Motoring!

 

Just another update. I got a quote from another dealership...$750 off MSRP + floor mat. Seems pretty good already.
I'm aiming $1000 off...reasonable?

 

absolutely.

 

Hi! This is my first post here !
I just went throught wondering whether to get an '09 MCS or '10 and went with the '09 for 2 reasons: One, it was a better APR and two, I'm worth all the extras I don't need!!

 

I shopped around over the past month. Dealers didn't really want to budge on the '10 order though I still think you can negotiate between $500-1000 off. I had them at $750 off when I decided to go the '09 route. I negotiated 2k off an 09 JCW. You may need to shop around a bit to get your price. So in short I would go with the 09 as long as you can come close to what you are looking for. I got most of the options I wanted though I am missing a few.

The main things I was looking for was color and the 2010 HK stereo upgrade. With 2K and the 1.9 financing I can buy lots of additional stereo equipment.

After having the car for a short period I actually miss not having the convenience package. The package really wasn't high on my list though rain sensitive wipers seem like something useful. The intermittent option can be a bit annoying. Homelink would be nice rather than my garage door opener sliding all over the place.

Just my opinions though.

 

Funny, I got the exact same offer on an 2010. Must be part of their sales training

 

We should aim for 5% above invoice. It's about $1200 off MSRP

 

I just got an email from Irvine Mini. Here is a quote.."For the month of October 2009, I am in a position to HEAVILY discount all CUSTOM ORDERS on every 2010 model. Yes, every 2010 model !"

I don't know what they are actually willing to do but from the recent post about dealers giving better deals, and from a spate of emails from various dealers to me, I think it is fair to say that something has changed. There is probably a new kickback to the dealers from Mini to goose sales.
I got $500 off of MSRP last month so it's a good bet that one can get $1000 or more off MSRP these days.
Just be careful to not give it back with a crappy loan.
Read this article before you go to the dealer. http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying...2/article.html

Everybody seems to love their MA but it is a good idea to know what the dealers and salespeople are capable of doing if you aren't on your toes.

 

I was in the same situation. I decided to order a 2010... after I waited it out and went in to pick my 2010, I walked out with a 2009. It was really worth it. I got a car with much more options, with 1.9% and $2,000 off MSRP. It turned out to be way cheaper than my 2010 which had $3k less in options. My dealer wasn't really willing to give a big discount on the '10.

BUT if you can't find one that you like then its probably worth it to order. 2009s are in low supply. I was lucky enough to get one with the color/interior I was happy with.

Good luck.

 

I considered previously owned. Till one day, at dealership, I waited for sales help to finish with a customer. This customer wasn't sure about her ability to handle a stick shift . She wanted to test drive their dealer demo - which they went and did.

I'm all for giving people benefit of the doubt, but this made me wonder about people practicing their shifting skills (or lack thereof) on a vehicle I may be purchasing later on. I ordered new:
1. configure it the exact way I want it.
2. no worries about the clutch - any damage later on, I'll just look in the mirror .
3. like ketsup, the anticipation is all part of the experience (for me).

 

I was at Orlando Mini the 20th of Oct. and they had a bunch of 2009's. Most were convertables & Clubmans. They were offering up to $2,500 off of sticker price.
Go to the Mini USA web-site and get on Orlando Mini's internet page for a list of the cars in stock. There could be one you would want.
Ronnie948

 

Due to lack of 09 inventory with matching options. I went ahead and ordered 2010 with the exact options.

Wait is two months. I hope it will come sooner before dec 31st.
So can I get the car quicker? What's the normal waiting time?

Really 2 months??? :D

 

What part of the country do you live? Mine took about 5 weeks from when it started production.

 

Yeah, it depends a lot on whether you're car will head to the east or the west coast. Add at least two weeks for west coast delivery, since the ships need to navigate through the Panama Canal and up the coast. Another qualifier is whether the particular ship you end up on makes a number of stops on the east coast before heading west. And, in my case, I just missed getting loaded on a ship and wound up sitting for a week before another ship boarded for the west coast.
So typically it can be between 5 and 8 weeks, plus or minus a week or so.

I'm still waiting- three weeks to go! The first month was nerve wracking, but it's getting easier.

Good decision though- you're getting what you want!

Jay

 

One question - is it confirmed that Mechanical Limited Slip differential is no longer available on 2010 order?

If so, how come it's still showing on the site? A $500 option...If I'm getting sport package with EDLC, the LSD will be duplicate function?

 

I would just order a 2010 Mini MCS hardtop. Miniusa just came out with a new offer that gives all 2010 hardtops 3.9% financing. I would talk to your dealer about it. the offer ends apparently Nov 2nd, so i called my dealer since mine is still en route. to make sure i am qualify for it.