I've been calling various dealerships in the southeast to get a handle on pricing and availability. I seem to have stumbled upon a trend: if the dealer can get you a BTO Cooper in less than 6 months, they force you to pay for extras.

Examples:

Downtown MINI in Orlando, FL
BTO MCS delivery: December 2002
Cost: $1500 in mandatory dealer addons

Crown MINI in Richmond, VA
BTO MCS delivery: January 2003
Cost: $600 for floor mats and 2 "free" car detailing trips

versus:

Flow MINI in Winston-Salem, NC
BTO MCS delivery: May 2003
Cost: $99 for floor mats

what pricing schemes have you encountered while shopping for a MINI?

 

Have you tried contacting Lauderdale MINI in Ft. Lauderdale, FL?

They are the only MINI dealer in the South Florida region that sells new MINI's strictly at MSRP (Whether they are factory ordered or existing floor models) with no mandatory packages, no dealer add ons and no other dealer profit/junk affixed to the final price. they only charge a $299 new car/documentation prep fee which is non-negotiable but is the lowest among the other 2 Miami based MINI dealers.

I suggest for you to contact Crystal Neagle (Lauderdale MINI) at (954)335-MINI.

http://www.lauderdalemini.com

We are very happy and satisfied customers of hers!

 

As I recall Mini of Towson did not make me add-on anything....I just got floor mats because I wanted them.
All that was required was the $1000 deposit which I think is standard at at least most dealerships....
Placed order in the end of April/beginning of May (why I can't remember which is beyond me....)
Took delivery on August 3rd.

Cheers!
L.Mini

 

Checkered Flag MINI in Va Beach pretty much told us we had to get the $1795 package, the Motoring kit they called it, but at least it was stuff I wanted anyway, like the CD changer, etc.....it was confusing when we ordered cos I kept telling them, no I am not interested, and there would be a big silence, then after a couple of minutes of this going back and forth, they said, well this is something you have to get, you have to pick 4 of these options..........

We ordered first week of August, production date is 9/27, so they are fast....at a price I guess..

 

I've got a deposit with Lauderdale Mini - and I too am working with Crystal. So far everything seems great. I've been told clearly they're seling cars at sticker. Crystal has kept me informed of potential cars arriving early. Everything is clear and easy.

I'll have an update once the right MCS arrives, or I get a delivery date.

 

Note: moving to MINI Talk

Mark