From what I've been reading on here, other than GPs, do most dealerships sell above MSRP because of demand? I also read that roughly 60% of Minis are ordered rather than chosen from existing stock. Can your local dealership mark up a car that you ordered from Mini before they even have it? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

No, I've never bought a new car before... :(

 

Actually, most dealers only charge MSRP. I'm in Norfolk, VA as well, and the local dealer (Checkered Flag) does NOT charge a markup. I don't even think they've marked up the GPs they've sold.

As for the dealers that DO mark up their prices, they'll generally mark them up whether you're buying off-the-lot or custom-ordering one.

We bought both of our MINIs from Simon at Checkered Flag, but Mike and Todd are great guys, too.

 

I have gotten anywhere from $500 to $2600 off of MSRP my MINI's.

 

Thanks riquiscott. How was the experience at Checkered Flag overall? Is the service department competent?

 

Febmoon1 how did you manage to do that? Somehow I doubt that will happen for a while for the 2007 MCS's...

 

The experience was great both times. Simon kept us up-to-date with the status and location of our cars (both were special-ordered). They threw in lots of freebies when we picked up the cars, and everyone on the sales staff is very knowledgable. We haven't had to do anything significant with the service department yet, so I can't say too much about them.

 

Warped1966,

Depends on how well the 2007 Mini is percieved and the economy. Just look at ebay to see what is really selling. Gp's bids are way below MSRP.

 

jjtricket,

Would that be because of the 2007's coming out? I know the GP is a special edition with tons of goodies but I still don't know exactly what they are... I'm probably going to wait until April to order because I want the alarm system and a few other goodies that won't be available until March according to miniusa.com

 

I also purchased my MINI at Checkered Flag...see my siggy info.

I bought my MINI off the lot...it only had 17 miles on it when I took possession. I wanted bonnet stripes & the black bumper guard for the horizontal surface of the bumper near the boot hatch--service was quick & easy and I received a MINI as my free loaner car while the work was done on mine. ***Checkered Flag has a fleet of MINIs for free loaners--it's a perk for buying your MINI there.***

Simon is fantastic to work with, too!

 

I have heard that the alarm is a waste of money. (even from my MA - motoring assistant = sales person) The 07s all have an engine kill that shuts the engine down. The "Alarm" is basically only a noise maker.
Unless you want it for the cool alarm light on the top of the tack you can probably do better with your money.
This has been fully discussed in a thread or threads here -- might be some threads/posts probably in the R56 forum section and general factory alarm vs 3rd party alarms and/or LoJack the 1st Gear section.
Good Luck, I think you really are getting a great car -- no matter what anyone says.
If you have trouble finding it do a search

 

Yep - the engine already has an immobilizer that's separate from the alarm. It's effective enough that the chances of a thief being able to drive off in your car without the key are extremely slim. They could still roll it onto a flatbed or tow it off with a tow truck, but they probably won't be able to get the engine started.

 

Thanks guys. I'll be sure to ask for Simon when I go there to order. Maybe I won't wait until April but I certainly do have to wait for the two houses that I'm selling to close. That should be happening sometime this week. Do any of you have the 10 speaker sound system? If not, what does the standard one sound like? I think I read something on these boards about the 2007 model's stereo being integrated into the speedometer bezel or something so an aftermarket head unit would be almost impossible to squeeze in there. I'm not quite the audiophile that I once was but I still like quality tunes while driving.

 

I think ScottRiqui might have the HK system; I have the standard system & it sounds GREAT...especially when I've got AC/DC cranked up all the way!