Hi, I am new here and looking for Countryman S around LA area. I tried to use PenFed to start with my search. I checked the website and they only has 2011 model quote. I really doubted local dealer has the car meeting my specific requirements ( Color, Auto, Navi, etc). However I still saw about $1500 discount on my quote (3 dealers within 25 miles). I just wonder if they really have the car I wanted and what happened if they don't. Basically I just want to know how this on-line quote thing really works.

I really appreciate any inputs here, especially someone used this website before. Thanks!

 

Wouldn't bother using a third party site like that.

Bad or old info in, not updated = bad info out.

Contact your local MINI dealer. If they don't have what you want, Maybe they can find it elsewhere and work out a trade with that dealer.

Absent that, I would suspect you will have to wait for a 2012 model......

 

If they are in the PenFed network, they will usually give you the PenFed price on anything you buy. I didn't have a dealer in my local area that was in the network and will have to travel 120 miles to pick mine up. Wasn't in their stock and they had to trade with another dealer and I still got the Penfed/USAA price.

 

First, thanks for the replies..For Powerguy, it seems at least the dealer find your car on the lot. I wonder what happened if they need order 2012 model for you, will the price still work? Anyone else has the similar experience? Btw..any hidden fee later(doc fee, prep fee, etc)? Thanks!

 

They were willing to order a 2012 and give me the PenFed/USAA price. I was about to order it, then the dealer they were trying to trade with finally agreed to trade with my dealer and now I am waiting for it to arrive at the dealership. It arrived at the port on the 15th. Most dealers charge a doc fee which is negotiable. Prep fee is a no go.

 

Thanks! Powerguy..This is really helpful! PanFed sounds really easy to use. One more question.. how much is doc fee? around 100 or 200....just want to get an idea.. Thanks!

 

Doc fees can vary by dealer and state to state.. I was quoted NY $75, NJ $250ish, CT $399

 

wow..that's big difference.. Anyone know Socal doc fee numbers? Thanks!