Okay we ordered our car six weeks ago and agreed to MSRP. We then added accessories via phone after we left because the accessories guy was on vacation. Consequently, we don't have a signed contract with final price; though we had anticipated a certain cost.

Today our credit union requested that the dealer send over the deal sheet for the MINI. I asked our loan officer to forward the deal sheet to me so I could see the final price. Needless to say it was in line with my estimates. However, I would like to knock a little bit off the cost when I go in to pick up the car.

My first thought is to request the floor mats that I ordered for no charge (seems like most people are getting those thrown in already). But the more I think about it, I would really like to get rid of the administrative fee of $297 that's on the contract. Considering that our final price with tax and accesories is just north of 30k, I don't think this is unreasonable.

Any suggestions on these two ideas? Let me know if they're reasonable requests and any thoughts on how to approach this with the dealer. Thanks!

 

The floor mats seem reasonable. The admin fee, if it is tied in to doc fees etc. may not be that negotiable. However, labor on all the step 5 accessories isn't set in stone. That was our window for negotiating! Good luck!

 

If you are picking up your car today, it's too late. The deal is done. The numbers are written up, bill of sale made, registration done, etc.... The negotiation is done before the car pick-up time, at contract signing time.
At least here on the East Cost it is.

 

Ah, but there's the rub... There is not a signed contract with the final price,. After we placed the order, all we rec'd was the Vehicle Inquiry Report listing our options and the base MSRP. We haven't signed anything other than our deposit check.

 

Good luck and tell us how it turned out!

 

Negotiating with a MINI dealer: Bend over and grab your....checkbook. You are going to pay whatever they say or you don't get the car. Period.
But good luck, and congrats on the new MINI!

 

You won't get anything knocked off. MSRP is a deal at the vast majority of Mini dealers, especially for an "ordered" car.

 

so..? how'd it go?
update and tell us if you got more knocked off or got stuff thrown in for free.

i actually got it down about $2k and got free mats and a keychain.
but then again. i didnt order my mini and bought one off the lot.

 

Yes, Update please!

 

Hopefully this last minute "hoping to get a few bucks" negotiating thing doesn't sour you on the Mini experience. You had a deal, paperwork or not. Some small amount of "hey can you throw this in" is probably expected, and I'd have disagreed strenuously on the Admin fee during negotiating time (which seems to have passed) but don't expect anything major - you did have a deal, and appear to have already negotiated and entered into it (if I'm mistaken, let me know).

Good luck with the new car!