Well, while I wait for my MCS to arrive ( being built this week ),...

I budgeted, rebudgeted , then went over that budget when I finally got my order placed ( NAM got ahold of me... as I added Xenons and LSD ) .

I'm wondering what kind of arm twisting to expect during the closing session when my car gets here..

What are the typical things that Mini dealer tries to sell during that final, sit down-- when I'll get to write the check and drive away - cause I really don't have ( or haven't planned for ) extra expenses.

Any valid items that I should consider?

Thanks!
Mark

 

I'm guessing you are buying from Rasmussen. For me, they took me to an accounting guy's office to sign some paperwork. The MA warned me that he will "offer" some additional features. Sure enough, I got a sheet of paper that listed about 5 various plans and options. After a description of each one, I told the guy no and he moved on to the next one. That's it! They can't force you into any of them, so don't worry about turning them down. Most people do, so you would be no different.

The only thing they might get you on is the "Dealer Prep Fee". They put it on automatically (at least for me they did), but it is optional.

 

What IS "dealer prep"? Like I've heard the range of what they try to charge for it, but what is actually for and if it's just a service (taking off the plastic, etc), I can refuse it?

 

You hear a lot of document fees, which is pure BS and profit only for the dealer. For Rasmussen, the "dealer prep" fee is where they clean and fully detail the car and throw in a set of floor mats. To what extent they detail the car above what MINIUSA requires, I can't say.

Here's a good thread where a lot of "fees" are discussed:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=54725

 

Yep, it's Rasmussen.

I'm not quibbling with the $175 Dealer Prep fee, or the $50 Title and Reg. Acquisition fees, or the $168 State License Fees - as I figured they're just part of the landscape and can't be 'negotiated' ( whether they're padded or not ) . I've already agreed to them anyway...

My nephew told me how he turned down Run-Flat Insurance when buying his Mini is SoCal, so I wondered what other closing options I'd have to navigate.

I.E. the runflats. Seems like most people jettison the RunFlats once they've gotten their mileage outta them.. or just buy 'em from someone else who's getting rid of them.

Didn't know if people value extended warranty options, or if they are overpriced, etc.

 

I did not get the run-flat insurance, mostly just because I am frugal (cheap). But, almost 10,000 miles later, I have had no tire issues, and this in an area where there is a lot of construction going on (hurricane repairs). There are a number of Nammers who like run-flats, but they are definitely not the majority, or the loudest. Personally, I think I like them, because I don't like changing tires ( it tends to happen at the most inopportune times). The car seems to handle great with them to me.

 

"no, no, no...and no"....it's like that.

I've heard extra warranty offers are tempting. But the more research I do, I believe the auto insurance can offer better Mechanical Breakdown Coverage at a better price.

I'm picking up my new MCSa tomorrow, and I'm sticking to my price, nothing added...thank you.

Watch out for GAP coverage if your financing or leasing your car...it's usually better to get that from a 3rd party.

My own rule of thumb is...unless I'm leasing the car through the dealer, it's always better to find extra insurance, and accessories, etc. outside the dealer.

 

lots of dealers try to sell me crap (not JCW) at the very last minute...
like clear bra (which is great, but over priced), scotch guard, paint
sealant, undercarriage coating, even window etching at some
dealers.. lol., etc. etc.

i just say nope, nope, nope. just the car and im out of here.

 

Mark,
Give your MA a call and he can give you a heads up on the options. We sell things such as clearmask, extended warranties, tire care, and a few others that escape me now. Our finance dept is NOT pushy at all. If you want you take if you dont you pass. Hope this helps!

 

The BIGGEST thing I would stay away from is the "dealer sealant" option. They say things like "It will last a year...protect from rock chips" ect. ect. ect. all of which is BS. I hate to say it, but no wax or sealant will protect your paint for a whole year. This was not offered to me when my MINI was purchased, but my mom did fall for it when she purchased a new vehicle a few months ago. It was like $700 too!



Anyways...enjoy the new MINI!