Hello, new to the forum and I am going to the MINI dealership next week for some test drives. From what I have read it seems that you can't negotiate at all (maybe some floor mats, lol). Is this true? So I would pretty much be paying sticker for anything I order? TIA.

 

Sometimes you can get a small discount on a car that is already on the lot, but you should expect to pay full MSRP.

Your negotiation should focus on getting some extra accessories and minimizing any dealer prep and documentation fees.

Buying a MINI is definitely different from getting the GM employee discount and a 0% interest rate. . ..

 

If it were me I, too, would definitely go in with this expectation. That said, I know one person who worked different dealer against each other and did get a discount off MSRP for a MINI ordered from the factory. Fine....but in the process they will, unknown to them, be missing out on certain perks the local dealership offers to folks who buy there....like free loaner cars. I'm not sure, in the long run, that it was worth shaving off a few hundred dollars. Some of these perks can come in mighty handy.

 

They basically say "take it or leave it" you should expect to pay the MSRP as stated above. When i went to order my MINI, the price was exactly MSRP, except for a small dealer handlng fee which was already printed out on the paper work. (which they would not budge on) i actully think it is a fair price, there doesnt seem to be a whole lot of mark-up on the car, atleast not at the dealer i went to. The price of the car was exactlly what the website qouted it to be, after i built the car online. That is the price you will most likely have to pay.

Ok...im rambling now because im bored at work so....i will hush!

 

If you go to KBB.com (which gives you invoice, Bluebook and a figure to negotiate with), you will note that MINI's figures actually exceeds MSRP. As everyone has noted, negotiate for the perks and expect to pay MSRP.

 

Cool, thanks guys/gals. Just wanted to make sure I didnt go in there and look like an idiot if I try and negotiate. Also, I just got an email from the dealer and he said they are no longer taking orders for 2006's, only 2007's. Can this be true? I thought they took orders through October??? Would he say this just to try and get me to buy an 07? Personally, I would rather have an 06. Does each dealer have an allocation every year that they can use up or can they order as many as they want? I am in the Seattle area BTW.

 

If you want an '06 and your dealer's allocation is spent you may have to check w/ dealers in other parts of the country. Seems unthinkable, but people do this stuff all the time.

 

Unless you want specific color and equipment on a 2006 maybe you should wait 3 months instead of custom ordering now.

Usually when a new series (such as the 2007) is in the showroom buyers don't want the previous version (2006). So you might be able to get a deal on an in-stock 2006 then--especially if you are willing to travel to another dealer to buy it. Or are MINI's so different from other marques?

As an alternative if it's this close to end of 2006 production and beginning of 2007 AND dealers are still charging full MSRP for the former you might want to consider the latter. It may look slightly different but it is supposed to perform better (faster AND more economical--objectively superior).

You might have read a lot of negative comments on the 2007's appearance on NAM, but it might be similar to all the negatives about the MCSa when it was first introduced. Everyone has an opinion.

Good luck.

 

Not to hijack the tread but..
"It may look slightly different but it is supposed to perform better (faster AND more economical)."

How much better performance; how much better milage?

 

My dealer in jacksonville florida (Tom Bush MINI) said they were taking orders up until Nov. for the 2006 model.

If your heart is set on a 2006 you could order it and then have it shipped. Up to you, but the 2006 is the last year for a supercharged MINI

Besides if you get a 06' you can always trade it in for a 07 later or an 08. But if the new 2007's come with alot of bugs and problems, you can always keep the 2006. I ordered my 2006 because now i have the choice of what i want to own down the road, and i will be the orginal owner for whatever i choose.

 

Well I guess I will find out more next week. Thanks for the replies

Cheers

 

I dont know why your dealership would say that they are no longer taking order's. Are they really that busy? I especially dont know why they would try to make you buy an 07 when they are trying to get rid of the 06 models. Plus, as for trying to get a deal on the remander 06 models, GOOD LUCK! Think about it, it will look like a discount from the 07 models because the 2007 models will be more. Every year MINI has raised the price on the newer models. So think about that one. If I were you I would check around with other dealers before just giving up.

 

This week's Auto Express (why do I get Auto Express on line?) features an article on the new MINI. I assume it was a preview drive. It comments on styling (lights do not appear integral to the hood), interior accommodation (more backseat and trunk space) and cornering (not as much feel). The article suggests the performance model will manage 0-100 km in under 7 seconds and deliver 12.5% better fuel economy despite slightly higher overall weight. Other articles have opined similarly.

 

Don't expect to the dealer to lower their price on a new mini. However, if you are buying from inventory, negotiate on your trade-in. I got a lot for my old car.

 

There was somewhere in one of the articles I read about the '07 that said they were looking AT LEAST 47mpg! I don't know if that will end up being the case, but I still think the new styling is off... I'm happy I have ordered an '06.

 

Doesn't matter where you are - you can always negotiate - if you're persistent, you'll get something.

 

If i had to do it all over again. I first decide on all the options I want and then via the internet I request prices from several dealerships. This takes the ball out of their home court and gives you a little more control. I've read several people having sucess with this.

Also, go to carmax or autoway to sell your car ILO trading it in. Of course a private sale can yeild you a little more.

 

If you have Craigslist in your area, try selling your car there. I had fantastic results, and Craigslist posting is free!