Hello all,

I have been considering buying a new Mini Cooper S and I recieved an invitation to our local Mini dealer customer appreciation sales event. Is it really a good idea to attend one of these event to try to get a lower price or is it just a was for the dealer to get you in the door again?

Mdun6

 

I think you have answered your own question here.

Here's a few quick car buying tips. Buy at the end of the month. Negotiate your price prior to letting the $tealer know how you are paying--cash, finance, lease. Buy a car off the lot if you can. You will (almost) always get your best price on the car that's been on the lot the longest. So if you can live with the white one over there in the corner that's been there for 3 months, you'll get a good deal. Don't quote Edmunds and other car buying websites. They are not all that useful when in the shop, but they help you at home. You need to do your homework before going into the shop, and determine how much over invoice you should be paying. That varies by geographical location, local competition, etc....

Know that car buying is an emotional experience. That's why the dealer wants you to test drive a car, and asks you what color you like, etc.... If you 'act casual' and are prepared to walk away if you do not get your price, you'll get your best deal.

But hey, buying a Mini IS an emotional experience. I overpaid for my car because I found the exact used and certified ride in the color I wanted with the right miles. I had 1 car to choose from, and was willing to pay the premium. And I'm glad I did. Good luck!

 

I shopped around for almost 2 months when the r53 I ended up buying popped up on the weekend I decided to buy on. test drove a bunch of 56s some later model 53s then drove the 2 hours north to the jem, 03 with jcw emblems! the car lot did not have any info of it, just a picture...called in and got the specs 03 r53, JCw 210 installed and only 26,200 miles

When I called I said I would be in be in on Sunday to test drive it, when I showed up Saturday I asked for the "new guy". Ended up being this nice mid 40s lady who had been doing the job for less than a month she claimed. After walking along the lot peering into the chargers, bmw's, and a few expiditions having the lady run back and forth getting keys I asked her for some info on the little red car in the corner.

Turns out they got the r53, and a m3 in a trade for a H3 few days before. Doing my research told me this was a rare mini with such low mileage. I HAD TO HAVE IT. After test driving on the free way getting up to speed in second, and pushing into 3rd as I missed the exit I said you wanna make a sale? As the spedo reached 110mph, she said as long as you dont get a ticket...

Get back to the lot, and she thinks ive taken the bate. does the whole lets go talk inside gig. Im not buying it! I tell her, have her run inside and get keys for a 09 civic with vtec...again same run as previous with the cooper. Get back to the lot, and thank her for her time. Turn to my wife and say lets go babe...The cars lady about had a heart attack on her face. Tries to throw in a set of floor mats, free oil changes, anything to get me to stay on the lot.

We continue to walk. Go to dinner and come back after me and the wife crunch the numbers. we get back to the lot and at this time its dark, there about to close almost 9pm. She asks if were ready to talk. Sure am. So they wanted $21k out the door. Big X over it, write down 10K... lol

She comes back, trys to explain the car has this and that...with an offer for $19.5K. again I X and wrote 11.5K I matched there difference they were willing to take. Again she walks away to talk to "the man"...Comes back and asks if i used to be a car's salesman.. Im 22, she knows this and I simply say sure am, Ill let you go home when you give me the price I want.

We haggle back and forth till about 1030, when I managed to get them down to $18k. I fire back with big writing $15K CASH out the door. Mind you this whole time we were talking about financing. She comes back very quick this time with an offer-16.5k. now were there. I tell her this works for me, but you forgot my military discount! She about turns into a cherry at this point. walks away and comes back with her manager. He talks does the whole we appreciate your service speel and offers me $16Cash. Im not stupid theirs tax and fee's. So I say sure out the door. At this time ive walked away and pretending to talk on my phone not paying attention to the conversation. again I ask, so 16 out the door?

You got a deal!

Dragged the ordeal out for over 2 hours, but when all was said and done I walked away happy as could be.

TLDR:
Look around, do your research and have payment plan in mind.