Hi -- I live in Westchester NY and am looking to purchase a 2012 Countryman on order. I am currently dealing with Westchester Mini but am being told that they don't offer anything less than MSRP because the Countryman is such a sought after car. Anyone had any luck getting anything less than MSRP either there or at any of the other NY/NJ/CT dealerships that are within reasonable driving distance? As optioned out the MSRP is coming in at $35,500 or so. Not sure what I can expect in the way of wiggle room.

This is my first car in 10 years (I lived in Manhattan and didn't "need"/couldn't afford one during that time) and I while I am very excited to get my hands on my own Countryman, I don't want to get taken for a ride just because I am enthusiastic.

Thanks!!

 

I had a great experience (lower than MSRP pricing) at MINI of Manhattan (John Genese is my MA). We placed a custom order over the phone and am expecting delivery in the next few weeks.

 

I hadn't even thought of Manhattan (and I work there!). Do you mind if I ask about how much off MSRP? I am kind of starting to feel a bit put off now that my guy said that MSRP was the lowest he could do...

 

Go to Truecar.com and spec out the vehicle as you want it. Contact the local dealers that they list. Cross shop in person. You can easily get $1,250 off MSRP on a custom order plus the $750 Test Drive Takedown. With some hard bargaining, you could do a little better.

 

Unfortunately I think I missed the boat on the Take Down Event savings.

I've done some research on invoice as optioned on Autobytel and TrueCar. What is a reasonable range to aim for when basing off of invoice? I want to start reaching out to other area dealerships for additional quotes but was hoping to get a sense of where people had been successful recently. My issue is I can't do in-person as I am currently without a car so I'm likely going to be stuck with email/phone.

 

Hi I bought mine in prestige mini in North jersey they gave me 2000 off the MSRP, I am actually closer to Morristown mini but they told me the same thing. "That the countryman is so sought after that they dont give discounts". I called them first and made sure that they would give me a discount and they did.....

 

I bought my BMW last year through Truecar.com. I only went into the 2 closest dealers. Once I had prices, I called back the locals to see if the could give me a similar price. I bought from Orange County BMW. Except for going in to do the paperwork, I never met my sales advisor in person. I was very happy with how it all worked out.

 

There are dealers on LI that will sell under MSRP. You will have more leverage on a car that is ordered than sold from inventory. I have never paid anything close to MSRP on the three I have purchased.

 

Mare, I responded to your PM a few minutes ago. We were able to negotiate more than $2000 off list (although we did agree to pay their $249 dealer doc fee, which is basically all profit for them) for a well loaded CMSA4 from Mini of Monmouth, and we were able to do everything via the phone, email, and fax...never went to the dealer at all as they are about an hour away. Our car is being unloaded off the boat as we speak, and we expect to pick it up next week. Every other dealer we contacted gave us an initial quote of $750 or more off list, with one exception.

 

Hi Guys -- thanks for all of your responses. You've really been quite helpful! I do have one additional (probably naive) question. If I am getting offers that are not exactly what I want, is it considered poor negotiating etiquette to just say what it is that I want (say if I have something in mind that, based on what I am seeing on the boards is not unreasonable)? Unfortunately I tend to be a people pleaser and am always concerned about offending people, though I know I should probably get over that in order to get what I want here.

 

I negotiate rather complex real estate deals for a living, and there's a old saying "You Won't Get it if you Don't ask for It"

 

do you r research, bring it with you. Write down what you are negotiating.
MINI does not have Dealer holdbacks. They do get manufacturer incentive(advertising, etc)
MINI dealers markup is 9%.
This is on the MSRP of the model BEFORE you add the options. Each option has a different cost/retail so you can negotiate these separately. Keep in mind the dealer wil make money even if sold at invoice, but the salesman wont & they typically NEVER SELL AT INVOICE. If you can get 4-6%off MSRP & split the margins on the Options/accessories you've got a fare deal.

The dealer still makes $ on the lease/finance & the 'Doc Fee' ($750?) is pure profit to basically have 10mins of paperwork processed. Dig deep, negotiate this as well.
If they play hardball, have your list of $3-500 worth of dealer accessories ready so you can negotiate these into the deal.(graphics, mud flaps, mats, cables, etc).

Yes, NY dealers will negotiate. Be prepared, & prepared to travel to another dealer with prices in hand.

 

Thanks everyone for all of your insight, tips, etc. I was finally able to push for something I feel good about with my MA and my order went in on Friday

 

Congratulations! Now all you need is patience...

 

I will look for you on the road in about 7 weeks! Congrats!