Referring to the maintenance plan, not the service/warranty plan. I ended up paying 955 for my Maintenance Upgrade+ plan (3 years one to cover brakes/clutch). Looks like I got a 50% mark up. How about all of you?

 

20% off of MINIUSA protection and extended maintenance plans is considered doing well -- but it depends on the entire deal. Some get deeper discounts on the add-ons but don't do as well on the selling price of the car or the finance rate. So one really needs to look at the entire deal.

Some do much better than 20% off on third party plans. But then, with third party, you pays your money and you takes your chances....

Overall, it's difficult to get great value on these things -- people buy the insurance because they perceive some value at whatever price point makes sense on a case-by-case basis.

Bottom line, in most instances these plans are a better value for the dealer than for the customer. But not always....

 

You can get up to 20% off the online pricing? Wow! Looks like I really should have done more research before I signed the paper. Just picked up my car last week after waiting for 4 months. I wonder if I can re-negotiate it. It's been less than a week and I haven't even made my first payment yet.

 

we don't. it just adds to dealer profit and is unneeded

 

Since MINI dropped brakes from their 3/36 Boot to Bonnet for 2017, does the extended maintenance coverage still cover??
If not, then its a waste.

I had new brake pads and rotors front and rear free at 30K, on my 2013 MCS.
The reason they dropped it?
Traction control wears out the brakes faster!!!

 

The dealer cost on these plans is closely held. Anyone from MINI who puts out numbers onto a forum like this could get in serious trouble -- these things are one of the last 'protected' areas where dealers can try to extract max dollars. Short of declining all add-ons, it has been suggested that, when they are offered, if one wants an add-on, to say something like, "Well, if the price were much better, I'd consider it. What's the lowest you can go?" Or calculate it as discussed in the Art of the Deal thread, and do your offer.

As has been explored on the Art of the Deal thread, the Finance Office is set up to work customers for more money in the guise of 'taking care of the final paperwork.'

You made what felt like the right deal so what is your basis for re-negotiation? Were you misled? Did you ask if that was the best price and the F&I person said it was and now you know, because you took the time to shop and have a hard quote for less? That will take some work and skillful talking on your part. And, in the end, how much will you save? A couple hundred bucks? And, don't forget, these plans aren't set up for you to get service when you want it -- they only provide service when the car says it needs it.

There are several approaches. You can call other dealers, describe the plan you're "looking to purchase," and ask them for their best price. If you hear a number you like better than what you paid, you can always call the Sales Manager or General Manager where you bought your car and say you're not satisfied and need a price adjustment. Might work.

Or read your contract carefully to see if there is a refund clause.

Do you want the protection taken out of the deal because you have decided you don't need it because, after reading the contract you have discovered that you misunderstood what you were buying or that, in some specific way, the F&I salesperson led you to believe you were purchasing protection/coverage that isn't really in the contract? Even that might be hard as there is no cooling off period on a car contract, unless you can show deception/fraud/misrepresentation/material difference between implied promises and the actual contract.

Final thought. If you can in fact manage to get a solid quote for a lower price than you paid, you can take that quote back to your dealer and say you were looking forward to giving all 10's on the survey and if they will do this for you, then you'll be delighted to give those 10's. Not a threat, but an incentive for the dealer to go the extra mile.

I'm sure you've already done the math and found value at the price you paid. So, just enjoy your new car -- you'll soon let this go because the cars are that much fun!!

 

Well, I ended up talking it out (called them today) and I guess I'm ok with everything. Wasn't really that bad but saving money never hurts! Next time I should definitely do a bit more research before just signing!

 

Cool!! Now back to enjoying your new car.

 

It's an awesome car. The JCW is a huge difference compared to the S and base's I've driven.

 

Huge difference ? In what ways ?

 

Better speed pickup (gearing/power), better handling. I haven't tracked the JCW yet (obviously) but based on general feeling (part throttle acceleration, suspension feeling on certain roads), I know it'll handle the track better. Maybe I'm just sensitive to small changes in performance or just eating up the hype right now.