I am planning to buy from MINI of the Hamptons and having the car shipped to me in CA. Are there any hidden fees (DMV, sales tax, etc) I have to look out for?
I can't find an MCS in LA wiithout markup and can get it for MSRP from New York (+$850 for shipping). Any feedback is much appreciated.

 

No "hidden fees" You'll have to pay use tax when you register the car in CA, at the same rate as, but in lieu of, sales tax; registration fees are the same, which includes the higher Vehicle License Fee (VLF) at 2% of purchase value the first year. You'll also have to have the Vehicle verified by either DMV or a peace officer; and obtain a smog certificate (added cost over CA purchase) You'll also pay a documentation fee to the out of state dealer for them processing paperwork, you'll probably pay the same or more to a CA dealer.

The horrible part about the $2,500 dealer mark-up in CA for a MCS is that you pay $200 in sales tax on what is pure profit to the dealer. By law you can't pay that separately, so it gets included in the price of the car. To make it worse, you then pay $50 VLF for the markup the 1st year; $45 the second, etc.

Buy any accessories separately from the out of state dealer; and be sure the cost to transport the vehicle is not included in the invoice...otherwise you'll pay for that too every year.

Look at threads like "Dealer Markup" by SFJeff in MINI Talk for more information.

Charlie