I just bought a MCS in Tampa straight off the lot... and they had 60 of them. Apparently a dealership in Texas was not able to open, so Tampa got them all. Anybody know anything about this? I'd feel bad if my car was meant for someone else.

I can't complain, though, of course, because now I have a MINI. I was going to order a Cooper in june for september delivery, but due to financial difficulties, had to hold off. Luckily for me, though, I happened to talk to the Tampa dealer on the right day, and still managed to take september delivery! Not only that, but I upgraded to a MCS, so I suppose all's well that ends well, right?

 

Hi multipurpose.. I assume when you say Tampa you mean the dealership in Palm Harbor? I have had a Electric Blue MCS, with sport and premium package on order since mid May. It arrived at the VPC in Charleston on Aug. 13th, and was just released to the carrier on Thursday 09/20. It is finally here, but just found out it had been damaged (and repaired). It may have been minor stuff, but it made my heart sink when I heard the news. Fortunately they have another available.. that someone else cancelled on.. that I am picking up on Monday. My question to you is.. did you pay more than retail for your MCS? They basically would not hear of me paying retail.. yep, I get some auto bahnd treatment for $900 but, I am now seeing on this site other dealerships that are not doing this.. This car is a 2002 model. Seems kinda nuts to me that I would pay over retail.

 

Floridagal,
I'm sorry to say that paying over MSRP is not uncommon. :???: I have ordered my MINI from MINI of Towson, MD, and I am paying MSRP and not a penny more. I have heard that other dealers have been jacking up the price by as much a $4000.00.

Remember you have the choice not to buy it, but it is so hard to say no to a MINI.

Lolo

 

Thanks Lolo. You are right.. I have a choice. They have even offered to return my deposit if I should decide not to purchase. After waiting 5 months, it is tough to walk away. I am hoping to hear from other Palm Harbor buyers, as I am not sure if it is just my lack of negotiating skills, or we are all in the same boat.

 

>>Hi multipurpose.. I assume when you say Tampa you mean the dealership in Palm Harbor? I have had a Electric Blue MCS, with sport and premium package on order since mid May. It arrived at the VPC in Charleston on Aug. 13th, and was just released to the carrier on Thursday 09/20. It is finally here, but just found out it had been damaged (and repaired). It may have been minor stuff, but it made my heart sink when I heard the news. Fortunately they have another available.. that someone else cancelled on.. that I am picking up on Monday. My question to you is.. did you pay more than retail for your MCS? They basically would not hear of me paying retail.. yep, I get some auto bahnd treatment for $900 but, I am now seeing on this site other dealerships that are not doing this.. This car is a 2002 model. Seems kinda nuts to me that I would pay over retail. :smile:. If you drive fast, or lots of highway miles, the stuff is essential and made by 3M so I assume it will last as described in the brochure. If you aggressively argue you could probably get one without it but if it is on the one you want it beats a bra.


Florida Mini Owners



Size matters!!!!

 

2Minis.. after reading another posting, I guess I should feel fortunate for only being required to purchase the autobahnd and floor mats if I want a Mini. Looks like others have posted having to pay $2500 in accessories. I appreciate your feedback on the autobahnd, I don't doubt that it is a good product, $900 just seems a little excessive. But they have me.. I really want the car. Are you sure you don't work for the dealership?? I just read a posting from you that said that buyers should not feel ripped for paying more than MSRP since the cars are underpriced.. Get real. I am sure those dealerships that are charging MSRP are doing just fine. They are also investing in building a satisfied customer base.

 

>>2Minis.. after reading another posting, I guess I should feel fortunate for only being required to purchase the autobahnd and floor mats if I want a Mini. Looks like others have posted having to pay $2500 in accessories. I appreciate your feedback on the autobahnd, I don't doubt that it is a good product, $900 just seems a little excessive. But they have me.. I really want the car. Are you sure you don't work for the dealership?? I just read a posting from you that said that buyers should not feel ripped for paying more than MSRP since the cars are underpriced.. Get real. I am sure those dealerships that are charging MSRP are doing just fine. They are also investing in building a satisfied customer base. :smile:

 

Well, as someone who LIVES in Texas (I'm NOT NOT NOT from here), I can tell you that we will not have any Mini Dealers in the state until late 2002 or early 2003. I had to go to St. Louis to get Tabby, although there are some closer dealerships now, there weren't when I put in my order (March). I am happy, though, that there will be one within 20 miles of my house, so the oil changes won't require a cross country trip! I doubt that you got anone else's Mini, as they are relatively undiscovered in Texas, but we are changing that rather quickly!

And you might think on the old adage, "You get what you pay for".
Hmmmmmm

 

FLgal... sorry it took a couple of days to respond, I've been out and about.... Yes, they did charge for the autobahnd, but thats not so bad. I did not insist on floor mats, however, did they stick you with that? I almost wish that they mentioned mats to me while I was there, I have the blue carpet, and desperately need mats, because I know it will get stained (I take my shoes off for now, whenever I drive).

 

The first Cooper(#8) in March I bought I had a $2500 add on for 'accessories' which I really didn't mind paying since I had been on the Cooper website list for over a year and I got $2500 worth of items I would have gotten anyway so it worked out. The Cooper S I bought had the autobahnd installed and had it not been I would have gotten it done anyway. My suggestion is to buy the car with what you want and where you want to buy it. To me, I wouldn't drive to Orlando if you paid me $900.


Florida Mini Owners

 

2minis and multipurpose,

I picked up my Mini Monday night. I am in love with her.. she is just beautiful. The $795 I paid for autobahnd (I quoted this incorrectly in my last correspondence) and $95 for floor mats, is long forgotten. So, if you see an electric blue mini Cooper S with white top and premium/sport package on I4 or I75, give me a wave. "Lola" and I will be just out having fun.