Hello: I'm considering putting down $1k to be put on a waitlist for the Countryman at my local dealer. Does this mean that I will at least sticker price when I go order the car? Or do they mark up beyond MSRP for this privilege? Thanks.

 

I'd negotiate the price before putting the money down.

 

Negotiate everything before giving the deposit.

My $500 deposit for the WC50 1 year in advance of delivery was for MSRP, first one into dealership, and right of refusal for full refund.

You might be able to get 1% discount if they cash your check right now. Worth a try.

 

Welcome to the forum, get everything down on paper before the deposit and most assuredly the price, wouldnt hurt to ask for the discount NOW!

 

The dealer won't have pricing for another 3 months.. I guess I'll wait just to be safe. So far they have about a dozen people on the list already.

 

Is the deposit refundable? If so, you may as well if you've got $1k you won't need in the interim. With MINI I'd count on paying sticker price. I'd not pay a premium, and actually would consider whether or not to buy the car the first year anyway... Nice to give them the time to work out some kinks.

 

The manufacturer sets the MSRP, but it's up to the dealer what the customer pays.........

Most dealers don't overmark the car, but some do charge some pretty amazing fees for doc service and loan origination fees and such. It pays to ask those questions before giving anyone any money.

A fully refundable deposit simply guarantees your place in the order que, the rest can't really been determined till the Mfr releases the build info and prices, but the dealer should be able to give you a rundown of any additional markup or fees before you give them a deposit.

Based on reactions I saw at the MTTS event and positive press, I think this car is going to sell well and be a solid performer for MINI. In fact, I wonder if it won't wind up killing the Clubman?

 

I hope not. I love the Clubbie.

 

I like mine too, but it'll be hard to make a business case for it with the more door in the lineup, I think the Countryman will outsell it 5 to 1, depending on availability.

I bought mine because I wanted the extra room for trips and to take my dogs, but had the Countryman been available I might have gone that way instead and replaced our Audi wagon, and kept my '03 JCW.

People who need the extra room will buy the 4 dr, those who don't will get a coupe or one of it's many variations. I don't see much of a market left for the in-between Clubman and I'll be surprised if they don't kill it in a model year or two. I would like to see them make the Clubby just an extended wheelbase version of the Coupe, with a hatch instead of the barndoors, the same angle to the back window, and lower the roofline...

 

Their coming out with a new Clubman with 4 doors in about 2-3 years. I never understood how they could sell the Clubman in England with the Club door on the wrong side, maybe they don't sell them there.

Go to http://www.motorfile.com and search the past few weeks and it shows what it may look like and talks about it.