So I've been getting calls and emails from the dealer where I bought my Countryman back in 2011 and they're saying that they have people specifically interested in my Mini. A big part of me (about 75%) thinks that this is just a sales tactic for me to trade my car in for a new one, which I'm not really interested in doing. The lesser part of me (25% or so) is really interested in entertaining this offer. Anyone else getting the phone calls or emails?

BTW my car is a 2011 Countryman with a little over 16K and is pretty much the base model, no bells or whistles. I used to drive a 2007 Cooper S with pretty much everything but then I realized I needed a bigger car and I wasn't even using all the extra stuff.

 

Definitely a sales tactic.

 

That is a typical sales tactic to bring you into the dealership to spend money.

 

Lol...sales tactic...
We get letters for a 210,000+ miles 10 year old highlander my wife drives......as if they need it NOW for customers who want to buy it.....yada...yada...yada...
Anything they can say to get a foot in the door.... They will make their $$ on selling a car, and wholesaling the old one if needed to an auction....if they can resell it on the lot a bounus, but the reality is they don't care. Their real $$ is made on the new car and the subsequent warrenty work. What they are doing is making you ponder a new car, and taking a second 40% deprecation hit driving off the lot....

 

I got the call from Passport. All rosy and wonderful - they were going to go above and beyond Blue Book. It all sounded real good until she said ". . . if you bring it in, we can put you in a brand new Mini the same day." (I was on my way to Pburgh in my truck at the time. You ever get the giggles at 70mph in a Ranger on the PA Turnpike?) I explained that my objective was to close out my lease and get away from Mini and if she could help with that, I'd be glad to come in and talk. Kind of ended the conversation.

 

Actually, the dealer wants your wallet back. They need to move some left over cars. Your trade will be auctioned off at wholesale as soon as they get the title. There is no one standing around waiting on it and they don't need it. They have an entire car lot full of cars they have floor planned and they owe interest payments. Having said that, if you want another MINI, go back and buy one!!

 

not even for a NEW Blazing Red CM !!!

 

Sales tactic no doubt in my mind, get the same offers from KIA for my wifes car.

 

Don't get too excited... its a way to get you to come into the dealer...

They "buy back" your car as some magical number above NADA/Blue Book only to swing you a half-assed deal on a new car.

They get to sell a car that month, and get a nice used car to resell.

 

Sealy wants to leave MINI?

 

When I was getting ready to buy my Mini fall, a local VW dealer offered to buy my Passat. They were so eager to take it off my hands, they offered me exactly what the Mini dealer gave me in trade.

 

About a month ago, I stopped by a Honda dealer to buy some fluids for the wife's Pilot, and as I got out of MINIon, a sales associate asks me if my car is for sale. Told him, wasn't interested cuz dealership probably wouldn't give me what I want for it.
He replied, "I got a guy who's been asking about whether we've gotten any used MINIs in the lot...stops by every couple weeks." I actually believed him at that point and gave him a high number. He said he'd call me back when he gets in touch with his buyer, then I told him that I'd have to take the car back to stock cuz I wasn't ready to part with all the aftermarket parts I upgraded yet and would want to put them in my new MINI. You should have seen the look on his face, when he realized he wasn't going to be selling me a new Honda in this deal lol. That was when I realized he was just doing his job. Never heard from him since..lol

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Kind of unclear on the concept of incentives, are we? A tomato with a chrome tramp stamp isn't much of a draw. And, yes - my MINI experience has not been all I expected. No major complaints, but when the lease is up, it will be time to move on.

 

Sales tactic for sure. Done pretty much with all car brands I'm sure... I can state that BMW does it all the time. Got one for my 09 MCS hatch after a little over a year of ownership... Got a couple for my BMW Z4 Coupe after about 2 years... Haven't gotten one yet for my 2013 CMS All4... I'm sure this time next year, I'll get one.

They are trying to unload all of the 2013's to make room for the 2014's. Typical model year end push you get with all car manufacturers. With MINI/BMW CPO, your car year and mileage would still make it a potential CPO car which is even more money for them. They'll run a check on it, slap on the 6 yr 100,000 mile warranty on it, add in new car financing and bump up the price a bit more.

I've always said, the best time to buy a car is the very end of August when they are preparing for the new model year. The only other time I would buy is a sports car/Roadster in the dead of winter... Which I what I'll prolly be doing this December.

 

Subaru did that to us. We had went in to buy my wife's outback and I saw the sign they had saying they needed 2005 Outbacks, which is what we were trading in. When we were offered less than blue book I asked about the sign and was sold by a very embarrassed sales guy that my trade was a turbo and no one wants a turbo! Bull!