So I contacted a few of my local dealers and one has a model coming in from the port on Tues/Wednesday. I have a few questions on how this works

1) MA says I "need to act fast", yet I scheduled a Saturday appt with her on Thursday and that didn't seem to be too long. I assume they're getting the car in and no other dealer will get its paws on it because she gave me a few other options but said that there would be a delivery charge (none on first one).

2) She said there were forms, deposit, etc to put down. Exact words: "We would start the paperwork as if you were purchasing or ordering a MINI (buyers order, credit application, privacy notice and credit card authorization for the down payment). We would need to have these filled out, signed etc... before we could submit a request for your MINI.". Decode please! This makes me think they'll treat it as a special order, but it's not....?

3) How will financing work? Since the car doesn't even arrive till mid next week, I was hoping to use the weekend to decide whether to trade in or sell current car. When I go tomorrow is that when we'll decide on price and such? Or do I not do any financing until it comes in?

Thanks guys!

 

Wait and order 2011. Look on motoringfile.com. Lots of upgrades

 

a) Don't want to wait
b) I can get a good deal on this one

 

what's a good deal? 4K off ?

 

About the financing are you going through the dealer...If your not going thru the dealer start lining your financing up through your bank or credit union. If you can go through your credit union they usually have great rates. The check/approval you get from your bank or cu is usually good a couple weeks...mine was 60 days.

When I purchased my MINI is was coming in and wasn't a special order I paid a $1000 deposit got my financing lined up through my cu on the delivery date I went to pick up and actually went with a different MINI...Painless process except for the waiting. It was month from deposit to delivery.

 

I suspect the MINI is not theirs but the owning dealer will trade it. If that is the case there will be no delivery charge because there will be no extra shipping if you do it before it leaves the VDC. Hence the need to act before it goes to the other dealer. If the MINI was theirs as you assume, there would be no need for them to submit a request for it.

You need to be preapproved for financing before the dealer can make a commited deal with you. You can do that with no trade assumed and then still make the trade and borrow less than you were approved for.

If you are asked for a deposit make sure you get the terms for reimbursement or forfeiture in writing before you give it to them.

 

You don't have to wait long for a 2011. They are already being produced. Do your research and you will see it is a much improved car. Unless you are getting an absolutely smoking deal on the 2010, I would order a 2011.

 

+1 above.

 

Get the one that makes the most sense for you - from everything I have read the manual trans is the way to go if you are comfortable with it. I chose to not go for an "S" because I do not want to be constantly tempted with that extra HP and I wanted the better MPG.

I am anxiously awaiting a 2010 Clubman that I ordered 4 weeks ago and I was able to get a $500 courtesy credit (on a custom order) in addition to the option credit and 1.9% financing. I would imagine you could do even better if you took something from inventory. I would doubt you will get much off of a 2011 anytime soon and I think you are going to be hard pressed to beat 1.9% financing (I was approved for 3.9% and 4.25% from 2 credit unions)

With regards to your other questions - I had to put a $1,000 non refundable deposit. I got approved for financing with the order but will not actually commit until delivery.

Good Luck!

 

I'm going for the 1.9% through MINI, it's the best out there. Even other makes/models who claim to be offering 0% fail to mention it's only on their large/boat sedans and SUVs
My biggest question is: do I have to negotiate the price today? I know I need to get pre-approved financing, but this whole "you're ordering a car today that exists but not really getting it" is becoming a hassle to think about

And no, I really can't wait for the 2011s. I'm not dumb, I know they're coming soon and have seen the changes. But my local dealers are telling me, at earliest, a Sept 15th delivery. That's a month and a half and with personal issues going on during September, I can't wait. I also don't want to wait

 

"My biggest question is: do I have to negotiate the price today?"

If you are putting down a deposit, yes.

 

If you are going to secure the car with a deposit they are probably going to make you sign the actual purchase contract. Good luck negotiating - my local MINI dealer said no negotiations. I contacted another dealer about 30 miles away and was told them same thing but then got a phone call 2 weeks later offering me the discount.

 

Mine is due to arrive at the VDC sometime around then as well. I understand the not being able to wait since I was in the same boat. Ended up ordering a 2010 MCS in Dark Silver and can't wait to pick it up. Which dealer are you going through? Sounds like they're kind of pushy, but most are unfortunately.

 

My dealer checked the inventory to find if there was anything remotely close to what I wanted: S, manual, Midnight Black/w white moonroof, premium package. There were two black cars w/manual in inventory. One was heading to MO, I left a $500 deposit which was refundable if the MO dealer didn't want to give up the car. It was a go, so he took off the cost of the premium package and I took the 1.99% for 48 months. No discounts other than what MINI was offering.

The MCS came in Friday and was sitting in front of the dealership where I'd parked it. While I was buying a badge holder at the parts department, the dealer's phone rang - someone was looking to buy my car.

Anyway, I no 2011 for me - not crazy about the styling changes. Very pleased with this MCS - it's stupid quick.