I just checked my MINI dealer's website today and found out that they have 28 Cooper (non-S) Convertibles in stock. I thought this was pretty shocking, but I guess no one is buying convertibles right now in New England.

Here's my question:

With such an abundance of MCC's on their lot, would they discount?

Basically, I want to save another $1,000 before I buy the car because I want a big downpayment. If I order now, I can save another $1,000 easily during the waiting period.

However, if they are willing to knock $1,000 off the sticker price of one of the lot cars, I'd probably just go that route...Can anyone guess the likelihood of that happening?...I e-mailed my salesman to see what he says. He's on vacation through the 19th, but it will be interesting to see what he says when he gets back.

I'm not that concerned, I personally don't mind the wait, knowing I'll get my car exactly the way I want.

 

Personally - I do not think they will knock off $1000 from MSRP (if that's what you are asking). If they have a markup OVER MSRP on the sticker price - then MAYBE - and that's big maybe...If they have already put aftermarket items on the car, then you may have a slim chance on negotating the price of the aftermarket items - but I doubt it - that's where they make most of their profit......just my 2 cents from past experience.:smile:

Donna
02' CR/W MCS (gone to MINI heaven)
05' Cool Blue MCSC

 

I don't see why any dealer wouldn't want to thin the heard before a the summer rush on convertibles! I should think that there's gotta be room for negotiation!

Here on West Coast, we are quite used to a dearth of MINIs, so negotiation is usually out of the question. In fact, there are several dealers who are doing just fine charging $2,500 over MSRP!--and folks are still queueing up!

Whatever you decide, have fun!

 

When I took delivery of my MCS Cabrio on Feb 28, I commented to the salesman about the large number of convertibles on the lot.

He said as soon as the warm weather gets here, they will all go quickly.

Of course, considering the endless winter we're having here in New England, the dealership will probably be looking out at those convertibles until July.

 

Well, considering that MINI of Peabody is my dealer as well, I guess that answers my question.

BTW...who was your MA (aka salesman)?

 

It's clear that the convertibles aren't selling as briskly as many of us thought they would, winter notwithstanding. So now would be a good time to take advantage of the dealer's high inventory (don't forget he has to pay a flooring charge every month for every unsold car). A $1000 discount shouldn't be out of the question. Unfortunately, most buyers are lousy negotiators and cave in way too early because they fall in love with a particular car.

Why don't you give it a shot!

 

He could give a dime a shot, but if he got a nickle discount I'd count that as a huge victory. Jimbo

 

I could see if the dealer had a bunch of MCc's on the lot in the fall they might be willing to make some deals. But I would find it very doubtful that any great deals are going to be made just before the weather is starting to get nice. I would imagine the dealer just stocked up on as many as they could so they did not find themselves out of convertibles by June and could then only make sells to people who are willing to wait. Not that I would not give it a try. It just seems unlikely to me at this time of year.

Just three more days and I will be driving my MCSc. I can't wait!

 

Something to consider: An extra $1000 down doesn't save you much on your monthly payment - maybe $30. I'd rather than an extra $1000 in the bank (and, in fact, I made that exact decision when buying my MCS last year, so I'm not just talking the talk!).

 

I don't know what your chances are, but I hear it costs a dealer to have a car sitting on the lot. give it a try.

 

Why would it cost a dealer to keep the car on the lot? The lot is paid for, or rented. Whether you have cars on it, or it's empty, the cost of the lot is the same. Are you saying that the manufacturer induces penalties if the dealer doesn't sell cars fast enough?

 

It cost the dealer to keep the cars on the lot because they don't "own" the cars outright. They have to borrow money to pay to get them. If they don't sell, they still have to pay on the loan. When they don't sell quickly, they have to pay the interest on the loan. That is money out of their profits.

 

As I understand it, the manufacturer "loans" the money to the dealer to "buy" the cars that sit on their lot. The dealer has to pay interest on the loan untill the cars are sold. So, as they sit there, the interest being paid eats into the dealer's profit margin.

 

they may own the lot , but very few dealers own the cars , they have interest only loans on them , known as floorplan. the longer a car sits the less profit a dealer makes. just go offer them a "g "off of msrp they can only say yes or no. i paid msrp for a o5 mc convertible last october in florida, where demand is probaly higher. the dealer usually wants to sell just as bad as you want to buy!! be strong grasshopper ask for the discount !! good luck jon

 

Thanks for the info. Never thought about it that way.

 

Motor City MINI has alot of Convertibles on thier lot as well. In fact I have had my car in three times since late sept. and all of the loaner cars I have had have been convertibles. First Cool Blue, Second Black, Third Yellow. I am not sure how they are moving where it is warm, but here in MI we have had a pretty wintery (lol) winter. It certainly wouldnt entice me to go buy a convertible. I think they should move better in the summer months. But in some states Convertibles arent very practical. I wouldnt buy one living in MI but if I lived in FL I wuld certainly consider it...