I am looking at ordering a 2012 JCW hatchback and was wondering what I can expect to pay over invoice. Dealer indicated that he could do $1,250 over...is this as good as it gets???

What options are must haves and what should I avoid?

 

That sounds like a very good price. What state is the dealer in? Market prices can vary.

As far as options go, everyone will have their own opinion. I'd say one of the "must have" items are the bi-xenon headlights. You can get them with adaptive (silver only) or blacked out (now available on JCW as of 2012 builds).

Also, consider a suspension upgrade to either Sport or JCW or aftermarket. The extra torque and brakes in a JCW, when paired with the softer base suspension, can make for a tipsy ride.

Beyond that, it is a matter of personal taste and budget.

 

Invoice is not the real invoice. Only the GM knows the real invoice. If you are ordering it then pay the sticker price and no more. If it is on the lot, you can bargain with them. On a lot of cars if you know what to say, you can easily get 1-2 grand knocked off in about five minutes or less. Then go back two more times to get another couple hundred knocked off, maybe more. It can be a pain, so ordering exactly what you want is probably the best route, which it sounds like you are doing. Also, go to a few different dealers. We went to three.

 

The dealership I dealt with was willing to go under invoice significantly for a JCW hatchback. You can get under invoice (sticker price) it just takes a little dealing.