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Any local dealers likely to work with me?

 
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Old Jul 10, 2008 | 01:48 PM
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Any local dealers likely to work with me?

Ok, I know most pple are going to say none. But out of the 3 localish dealers in the area MoS, MoA, MoT which one is most likely to budge just a little on MSRP? Any of them? I know it's all about supply and demand, but is there 1 dealer more willing to work with a consumer that is trying to save a little cash?

Thanks

Dell
 
Old Jul 10, 2008 | 02:09 PM
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Depends on what you're buying and what their allocation is when you order. MoS has no cars to even test drive so it's unlikely they'd be willing to do anything for you. I was able to get a free armrest and install out of them two years ago however.
 
Old Jul 10, 2008 | 02:35 PM
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I agree with Dan (PGT). You'll be lucky to get anything, but I think until recently it was customary to get a free set of floor mats. Beyond that, you're not likely to get a deal on the price of the car.

All three dealers are experiencing phenomenal sales due to gas prices, so they really don't need to cut their prices to sell cars. Frankly, I'd be surprised if they didn't start to charge extra for them in the near future, like Honda did in the 80s. Supply and demand.

Best advice... visit all three dealers and see who treats you the best, and also where you feel the most comfortable. All things being equal, choose the dealer closest to where you live. Or if you're in a huge hurry to get your new MINI (totally understandable) then maybe choose the dealer with the car closest to your specs that will arrive first.

Good luck with your purchase, and let us know how you make out!
 
Old Jul 10, 2008 | 02:47 PM
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Thanks for the replys! I have been to MoS and while I was there I was treated very well, but I didnt buy that day and subsequent attempts at phone calls and emails have gone relatively unanswered. I plan on ordering a MC in the next day or 2 and was wondering if I should just go back to MoS. I live downtown DC so I am not 100% which is closest, but I will check it out.

Thanks
 
Old Jul 10, 2008 | 03:03 PM
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call Fred Sweets and schedule a time and tell him Dan sent you. He's super busy but WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU. He's the only one I deal with
 
Old Jul 10, 2008 | 04:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Cally95
Thanks for the replys! I have been to MoS and while I was there I was treated very well, but I didnt buy that day and subsequent attempts at phone calls and emails have gone relatively unanswered. I plan on ordering a MC in the next day or 2 and was wondering if I should just go back to MoS. I live downtown DC so I am not 100% which is closest, but I will check it out.

Thanks

Location wise go to MINI of Annapolis: get on NY Ave 50 East: once you past Bladensburg Road intersection is a straight shot 'til exit 28 - about 40-45 min. Sales Dep. is great - Scott is the guy - and you can tell him I said so.

Once you have to bring the MINI in for service schedule it for 8:00 am leave DC by 7:15 -20 am get to MoA get in the loaner and back to DC - if you work downtwon- by 9:30 - 9:45 (with traffic). When you go pick up the car (ask for the key and paperwork to be left in the MINI or Sales- check w/ them for closing time) get on the road after 6:00 and by 7: 00 you are back with your MINI.. with time to stop for crabcakes in Annapolis..


PS: If time is not a problem while on your way to MoA get off at Bowie and take some twisties -
 

Last edited by lastrega; Jul 10, 2008 at 06:51 PM.
Old Jul 10, 2008 | 06:45 PM
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2nd for Mini of Annapolis. I just had a very good experience with the ordering and delivery of my new Clubman S. The sales staff is great. I was intially stunned by how much I liked these little buggers, so I came in three separate times for test drives. Very helpful and cooperative every time. My sales guy is Will Barfield. Rick, the sales manager is also very helpful, and a nice guy.

I did have to pay MSRP but got free floormats. I guess that is the current market. Aside from that, both Will and Rick were great throughout the whole process and after. I tried not to bug them, but every time I called with a question, I always got an accurate answer or a prompt return call.

I don't know what their allocations look like now, but I ordered on May 26, 2008 and took delivery 25 days later.
 
Old Jul 11, 2008 | 06:11 AM
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Old Jul 13, 2008 | 05:42 PM
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Supply vs Demand---Annapolis Mini

Hi Cally95,
Maybe I am to late but I called and went to Mini Annapolis. Live in Gaithersburg, MD and Sterling may have been closer but figured that if my car needed service, I could kill several hours in Annapolis before hopefully picking the Bean up. By the way, I went there twice last week, test drove an Automatic once, came back and ordered the HC/HC 6 speed manual. Done deal, expect to arrive late September. Let me know what you ended up doing. I ordered mine through Mark but my sales rep really was William.
Let me know,
Evan
 
Old Jul 13, 2008 | 06:35 PM
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Hi Evan,

No its not to late. I have been in contact with both MoS and MoA. Both have been responsive to emails (this time)....more so MoA. My issue now is that MoA is still putting orders in for 08's. MoS has moved to the 09's, of course that puts delivery date farther away. But now I need to figure out if I want to wait a month/6 weeks or so longer for an 09 and deal with MoS or go with MoA and go for an 08. Thanks for the imput, I appreciate it!!
 
Old Jul 14, 2008 | 05:35 AM
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Hi Emkatzman,
I have a MCCS on order and live in Gaithersburg. Do you think the guys at MoA would treat your Mini any differently if you purchased it from MoS but went to MoA for service? I may be doing just that if I find the service at one to be less than expected. Either dealer is a real schlep for us but it is the price we pay for buying a unique vehicle.
 
Old Jul 14, 2008 | 08:12 AM
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Dealer Treatment

Hi Shamus Kay,
I always wondered about this as well. As when I had a VW bought in Virginia, and serviced in MD. My feeling is that A. it should not matter at all. B. If we are polite, courteous, civil, etc and remember it is a manmade object, C. I can find much to do in the Annapolis area or even spend the day at the beach by the Bay Bridge to kill time. Thus it is better for me to go there for service and have a few hours to kill then it is in VA. No offense to anyone but I do not really like Virginia.. (northern boy about the Mason Dixon all the way)
 
Old Jul 14, 2008 | 12:56 PM
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I was offered $500 off MSRP (still trying to find they're trying to add a processing fee on top) by one of the local dealers today. If anyone needs info, feel free to PM me.
 
Old Jul 14, 2008 | 01:21 PM
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emkatzman,
Even though MD is below the Mason Dixon line, I know what you mean and agree. No offense to our neighbors to the south but I wish they would do something about their infrastructure.
Hope to see you on the road around G'Burg. My MA just told me that my MCCS is now scheduled to arrive this weekend!
 
Old Jul 14, 2008 | 06:06 PM
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Can ya stand it?!!!

Shamus,
Bet ya cant stand the wait! Like a kid at Christmas or Halloween. Congrats! We will have to meet at a get together or make one of our own up this way, maybe at the Star Diner . I called my MA today and he said they are still waiting for their allotment so I cannot get an order number to track my Mini. Remember when our parents would get the brochures and wait for their car to come as ordered. And since then, we all just went and bought one off the lot as it was?
See ya soon & have a great weekend!
Evan
 
Old Jul 14, 2008 | 06:43 PM
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Evan,
Glad to make your acquaintance. Actually, we walk to the Star Diner since we live in the Kentlands! Gee, does that mean I will be the first kid on the block to own a clubman? Looking forward to seeing more of them in the "hood!"
Lloyd
 
Old Jul 14, 2008 | 07:51 PM
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This whole VA/MD thing is STUPID

I have lived in DC (Georgetown) for many years, I have lived in Maryland for almost 3 years (North Potomac/Gaithersburg), and I have lived in VA for a bunch as well (about 8).

It's just a river. Seriously. I never understood people's weirdness about crossing the Potomac... in both directions!

The only things I hate about living in VA are the extra-strict traffic laws (80+ qualifies for reckless, even in a 65 zone... no radar detectors...). Maybe the personal property tax too (i.e. car tax), although those taxes were scaled back fairly close to elimination that it really isn't that bad now.

Beyond that, VA is nothing to be afraid of, Marylanders... and MD is nothing to be afraid of, Virginians!

So petty.
 
Old Jul 14, 2008 | 07:57 PM
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MD drivers don't use turn signals. That scares me
 
Old Jul 15, 2008 | 04:14 AM
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The only think that bugs me about traveling to Virginia is having to change my money at the border.

I'll admit that I have referred to Virginia as "The Fascist State of Virginia". In return, I've heard Virginians refer to my state as "The People's Republic of Maryland". Aside from the "Recent Unpleasantness" (the Civil War), its all fun and banter.
 
Old Jul 15, 2008 | 02:58 PM
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Originally Posted by richs10
The only think that bugs me about traveling to Virginia is having to change my money at the border.

I'll admit that I have referred to Virginia as "The Fascist State of Virginia". In return, I've heard Virginians refer to my state as "The People's Republic of Maryland". Aside from the "Recent Unpleasantness" (the Civil War), its all fun and banter.
Lived in VA for 17 years. Transplanted Massachusetts native (Cape Ann.) Haved lived in the "Democratic Republic of Arlington" for all 17 of those years. I get lost every time I try to drive in Maryland, but getting lost of part of the adventure of life. (Hence my refusal to buy a GPS)

We have totally hijacked this thread!
 
Old Jul 16, 2008 | 07:19 AM
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Hi Shamus,
Yes, you will be the first on the block. Kinda sucks, ordered my MCC last week but they are telling me not till late Sept --Oct. I may have to be Coma induced to survive the wait. We will get together. Wife, Daughter and I live in the Lakeland side.
evan
 
Old Jul 16, 2008 | 08:19 AM
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Originally Posted by Little Bean
Hi Shamus,
Yes, you will be the first on the block. Kinda sucks, ordered my MCC last week but they are telling me not till late Sept --Oct. I may have to be Coma induced to survive the wait. We will get together. Wife, Daughter and I live in the Lakeland side.
evan
If you need a "fix" you can come drive mine. Then again, that was a contributing factor in your misery to begin with.
 
Old Jul 16, 2008 | 10:59 AM
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Perhaps we can have a "mini" rally in G'burg or sign up for one of those city events later this fall and drive down Summit Ave. together!
By the way, "Little Bean" what did you order from MoA? "Claymore" I am pretty sure I've seen you around I 370.
 
Old Jul 16, 2008 | 11:09 AM
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Originally Posted by shamus kay
Perhaps we can have a "mini" rally in G'burg or sign up for one of those city events later this fall and drive down Summit Ave. together!
By the way, "Little Bean" what did you order from MoA? "Claymore" I am pretty sure I've seen you around I 370.
Yup, that's probably me. My office is off of Shady Grove Rd.
 
Old Jul 16, 2008 | 07:03 PM
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Well I thought I would be the "first on my block", but I just saw my second Clubman S (Laser Blue/Silver) in the "wild" in Lakelands, (G'burg., MD.)
Oh, well, I guess there is plenty of room for the few of us!
 



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