I'm planning to get a MINI (sadly not enough money for an S), and wanted to know what to expect from the dealer.

• Are the prices jacked up?

• Do you end up paying more or less than the price the configurator online spits out?

• Is there any haggling room available?

• Is it a good idea to order fresh, or scour the internet for one already on a lot?

I live in SE Wisconsin if that matters at all.

Thanks!

 

Generally in the midwest, you should pay what it says on the configurator. Until very recently, there was no haggle room and in fact many places out west were charging premiums (and still are) but there seem to be alot of cars on the lots of several midwest dealers and so some of them may take $500 or so off. I wouldn't hold my breath for much more than that. But, if someone doesn't have what you want on the lot, you're gonna pay what the configurator says. So, you may have the choice of getting prettymuch what you want for maybe $500 of MSRP or getting exactly what you want for MSRP

 

No

Same.

Probably not since it's spring.

Order fresh. It's part of the MINI experience.

I'd recommend trying Knauz in Lake Bluff IL or Patrick in Schaumburg.

 

I got my first MINI 1 year old at a Chevy dealer and saved quite a bit (a few grand?), but that was before they new anything about them and I convinced them that it was bare bones when it was actually loaded. They may no by now though, just a thought.

 

Welcome to NAM, Crustyjoe! Build your own on the MINIUSA configurator, then fax/email your specs to various MINI Dealerships to see if they have any close to your specs on their lots, or how long it will take to get one. Good luck!

 

+1, Awsome sales experiance!! They had almost what I thought I wanted (few cosmetic diff), but found I have everything I really wanted (color pref, chabged seeing one everyday). Usually have good stock or can order one for you. Best service Dept. I have seen, ever. Very helpful staff, made a MINI finacially possible for me, followed up with me after test drive. Never need to wait to talk to an SA. And I could keep going. Also offer discounts to local club members on OEM accesories.

 

Excellent! Thanks for the advice guys!

 

I bought a 2002 S still under factory warranty..If you buy used, don't buy the warranty they try to sell you.
My suggestions is if you really want an S, you won't be happy with anything else so GET AN S!!!!LOL
I love mine and it's exactly what I was going to buy in 2002 minus the inflated price....
just my 2 cents..

 

I built my own, contacted the dealer and the price he quoted was right on target with the MINI site...no room to haggle, though...I am not disappointed. Mick