Hi All,

Thinking about taking the plunge on a new MCS (although right now I'm still looking at used cars as well). Any thoughts on an appropriate price point for a '12 MCS relative to MSRP or advertised invoice pricing? I've looked around the site for a thread where folks could list the price they paid (something I've found on other enthusiast forums), but haven't had any luck here. If I'm missing something obvious, please educate and redirect me.

Anyway, the local dealer is marking up all models with $500 interior/exterior protection packages and some other garbage charges - just curious what kind of experiences you folks have had with your purchases and if this sort of markup is par for the course in mini land.

Any and all comments/advice welcome. Thanks everyone!

 

Not sure of your location. But I paid $1000 off MSRP in CT. Dealer this month in fact has same deal for anyone for in stock car. I was able to get on an ordered car. Watch out for other fees too (doc fee, etc), if you have multiple dealer options, its always good to compare out the door price.

BTW mini has 12 years or rust coverage standard, please don't pay extra for that. Do a search on 'mini factory' on Youtube. These cars, at least the way the video looks, seem to have great rust / paint protection, wax in body cavities, etc. All very nice.

good luck

 

I knew what the invoice price was (thank you Consumer Reports!) and was able to negotiate a "split the difference" deal with my dealer so they made $1,500 and I saved $1,500. Was able to get great financing too.

In my very non-expert opinion, dealers have sooo many options to work with in combination to help you spend your money in their favor. In the end, I subscribe to the axiom: "value is a function of what you're willing to pay" so if you're comfortable with your bottom line, pay it and motor on!

 

Run, don't walk away from this type dealer. Hopefully you're not in a remote area where you only have one choice. I've been buying strictly German cars for the past 15 years (BMW, VW, Audi) and have found the dealerships generally quite professional (they still want to make money, but aren't AS sleazy about it). Last year, my wife wanted a Subaru Outback and I went along for the negotiations -- it was just like going back to the 70's with the whole gambit of schemes and techniques (not giving you your keys back after they looked at the trade, back and forth with "let me check with my manager", "What do we have to do to get you in this car today?"). The worst was finding the car she wanted had "paint protection", "interior protection", pin striping and door edge guards (the cheap stuff you pay $9 in Pep Boys). That came to $295. Total rip-off and just a sign of things to come.

I don't have a problem with a dealer not budging on price or only taking a little off MSRP if they feel they don't have to -- I can always take it or leave it. I do have a problem with dealers who think I'm stupid enough to fall for bogus add-ons. Those types will treat you like a "mark" in everything you do with them.

 

I paid MSRP + $295 + $75 doc fee (Ordered Dec '09)
The $295 included some wheel locks, tank of fuel. Rubber floor mats and a few other items.
Note that there is only 1 dealer in my state. It was MSRP for current year from on lot or ordered. They would take a few hundred off some of the previous years stock on the lot but they all had options that I did not want.

 

I got $1000 off from the dealer. $750 voucher from an event I attended in October. And another $500 for a current December-only rebate called You-ification. So my total off MSRP was $2250. Then I had to pay a $200 doc fee, and $20 for some other fee I can't remember. I visited a Mini Dealership in CT (which shall go unnamed) and their doc fee alone was $399.

Totally loved the whole experience. My dealership and MA were fantastic. Jack is the second Mini I've bought from them. They told me some of the "dealer extras" protection plans, but then guy said "I'm required to tell you about them, but you don't really need any of them." <3 lol.

 

I ordered my car. I paid MSRP, period. They offered me a bunch of other (dealer profit) stuff like the "paint protection", but I declined it all.

 

I had an online quote and brought it to my local mini dealer (in CT too) figured they could match it it would be easier locally. They matched about 1250 off msrp. But with that 399 dealer fee then they told me I couldn't have a build slot until Jan b/c they wanted to save slots for someone who would pay more. Really made me feel "special". Emailed other MA during a "let me check with my manger". Walked away and put a deposit down with online quote. Guy has been great

 

Looks like you saved yourself a hassle. It was probably the same place I first went to...and I ran to another dealership 2 hours away for a better experience and service.

 

same place I've ordered mine from. rdex79 you did $250 better than me. or $175 as they are paying for half the rubber floor mats. First place was going to throw them in for free. I think I did ok, but always love to hear people doing better.

 

Really + or - a couple of hundred and driving a little to get there doesn't bother me as long as the experience is good. I like my MA and haven't gotten any red flags. Spending that kind of money you always have a little buyers remorse but it always feels better when it at least feels like it is straight or you are in control.

 

Awesome responses. Great to hear everyone's experiences.

I definitely will not be paying dealer markups (ever, for any car, period). There are not a lot of dealers in my area so that will make it difficult to get the best price locally, but I'll give it a shot. If I can find the right price within a reasonable distance I'm willing to travel too. I'm pretty picky when it comes to my car, so chances are I'll be ordering something. Not sure if that helps or hurts (or is a non-factor) as far as negotiation wiggle room.

Anyone else? I think this sort of discussion helps the community as a whole.

 

I think ordering isn't a factor. I haggled just as much as if I bought a dealer's lot car, but I wasn't rude and we ended very quickly on a fair price for both parties. It was a painless ordeal, thankfully. I did all my price discussing up front though, before I put down a deposit on the order, and had everything listed on the deposit sheet/bill of sale (before the finalized BoS I signed when I paid for the rest of the car upon delivery.)

 

I got almost $2K off MSRP.
650 off by using Costco auto purchase program, 750 moto-tober, and 500 for October special. Not sure how much I paid for document fees, but it was a pretty smooth process.
If you have Costco membership, you should definately check out their deals.

 

I started down the Costco route but they sent me down a dealership path I wasn't happy with. I ended up with the right dealer and, IMO, the right deal. I agree that the Costco price may be great, but if you have the luxury of picking from multiple dealers in the area, I'd prioritize on going there over saving a few hundred $$$.