Not sure what to do and would welcome any advice. Here are my options (as I see them):

Option 1
Buy new in NoCal (home). 4 dealers up here. 3 charge $2500 over MSRP and have a 2-3 month wait. 1 charges MSRP, but has a 8-9 month wait (yikes!).

Option 2
Buy new in SoCal. Found a dealer who MIGHT sell for MSRP and ship it to me for only $250. I can also fly down and drive it back. He has 10 in stock but will order me whatever I want if he doesn't have it. He has sold 3 Coopers to my friend (www.oraclemotorsports.com) at MSRP but MIGHT have to charge $2000 over (he is checking).

Option 3
Buy new from Classic Mini. They'll sell it to me for MSRP, but shipping to NoCal is as much as $1600 since gas prices are so high (according to Julie). It could be lower (still over $1000) if they're shipping other cars to NoCal.

Option 4
Buy used '04. I've found som '04s listed at around $24K. Low miles, factory warranty and no waiting. But choices are limited.

I think Option 2 is the best, but it isn't for sure. If I have to go with one of the other options, what sould I do??

Also, are there any other options that I should consider?

Thanks!

 

South Bay MINI and East Bay MINI sell at MSRP but the wait can be long. Based on price, a new MINI is not much more than some of the older ones that are selling. I would say Option 3, since if you paid the most for shipping it still would be cheaper than a dealer mark up. I recently got my MINI from Classic MINI and I am glad I did. The freebies were a great addition and it is a unique experience. There is always a possiblity that others from CA will order from Classic as well.

 

I agree with Kellzir (who got her car same time I did).

Yesterday I was parking my car near an elementary school and noticed a guy lurking. I took my time maneuvering into the space to keep my eye on that guy (and also because I haven't learned to judge the fenders). He was definitely lurking! He was peering through the fence and then walking behind the street tree. Weirdo. When I got out of my car he walked towards me! I was prepared to yell to the little kids in case I needed help. But it was such a balmy sunny day I decided to give the guy whatever he wanted. Turned out he wanted to know if I got my car at Classic! His girl friend got her car (same color as mine) in that same drop, but I had not met her because she picked hers up earlier in the afternoon. What a communit!

What freebies?

 

I ordered mine from Pittsburg Mini in PA. I ordered it April 5th and they had it in stock on Friday. I should have it in a week or so. They sold it for MSRP and that included the shipping to Los Gatos. Call George Malloy they were great to deal with and they have 3 other cars coming out here to CA with Mine.

I got a Purple MCS, White roof, Grey Seats, with LSD premium chrono and sport and the fancy wheels.

I will probably be up a Thunderhill as an instructor next week. I race in SCCA.

John

 

OK...why else?



Free Stuff! Here's what you get...



The NAM Classic MINI Care Package

Floormats

Fuel Fill Up

20% Off of all MINI Accessories (except JCW)

Glove Box Organizer

Mini MINI Model

MINI Keychain

 

I have to say, I'm seriously considering going with Classic when the time comes since so many people have had good experiences.

Just wish the drive back to NC was more interesting.

I haven't contacted local dealers yet, but Classic is making a strong case for itself.

 

I went with option 2 and it was great! Ordered at South Bay Mini in Torrance (wait was not long at all at the time, they also have a ton of inventory), they sell at MSRP with no BS (got free mats too), used Southwest miles to fly there and the sales rep picked us up at the airport (there are several cheap flight options from Norcal to Southern Cal and they will pick you up from, I think, either LAX/Burbank/Longbeach airports), and the drive back to the Bay Area was great.

Freddie and Jennifer were stand up to work with

Edit: I'm sure buying out of state can be great but just be sure what your recourse is if there is shipping damage or other issues. I'm super picky so for me being able to do a close pre-delivery inspection in person was important.

 

It's really sad that so many people have to have such a hard time buying such a wonderful car :( Some dealers are really *******s!

 

A MINI model?! Wow. I could not read my sales slip. None of the accessories were listed so maybe I got them for free? I dunno. I was at the DMV registering my car yesterday and the counter person was kind enough to translate for me (usually I have a salesperson, but this was purchased via internet). She told me there were dealer service charges, but that does not figure into the price paid for the car (which determines the amount of sales tax). She asked about accessories and I told her I got an iPod connection, glove box organizer, grocery bag holder, stone guards, upper and lower invisishields, and bonnet stripes. I told her I thought these should have cost an additional $800-$1000. We couldn't find them on the sales slip. Just a total price of $24,100. So maybe I got all that stuff for free. And that's why I didn't get the mats and model. Wish I had that model. I haven't had to fill up the tank yet either. Classic gas must be magic!

 

Thanks everyone for the great advice.

I'm leaning towards buying in SoCal and driving it back to NoCal. Maybe I'll take a trip up Hwy 1 .....

Classic would be a great option, but I'd rather save $1000. I can buy floor mats and a key chain (and fill up my tank) for a grand!

 

Actually, Mini of Mountain View is now selling at $2500 over. So are SF, Concord and Sacramento. Pleasanton Mini is selling at MSRP, but they have a 8-9 month wait.

 

I know what you mean. But I don't really blame the dealers. It's all supply and demand. If someone is willing to pay $2500 over and the dealer still has a 2 month waiting list, then they have no reason to sell for less. They're in it to make money and I have nothing against that.

I'm not really having a hard time, just trying to decide the best course of action. Don't get me wrong, this is fun and exciting. I can't wait to get it! Plus, after all this, it'll be worth that much more to me!

 

You can take over my order with Mini of Pittsburg. They ship for free . I couldn't wait any longer, so I bought one in stock at Classic.

The one I ordered is CR/B, Navi, Auto, 4 packages, rear fog. It is already in production and will be completed on the 31st.

 

I continue to be amazed at how many dealers are still getting away with charging above MSRP! You Cali people seem to have it particularly rough.

 

I've sent alot of people to Moritz MINI of Arlington, TX. They are MSRP and 8 weeks. Buy a one way ticket and drive back.

 

No thanks, but I'm talking with George over at Mini of Pittsburg. I don't mind waiting.