When you received your new MINI did anyone get charged 400$ for the dealer to wash, insp and adjust their car before delivery. I've worked at car dealers before and they never charged for this it was a given.

 

They can charge for just about anything they want.

The question is will YOU pay?

I'd not pay it and if they insist, then demand an itmized statement listing what 'service' was performed for the $400.

I'd call it just more profit for the dealership!

 

Heck ya! Make it more a pain in the butt for them to charge you! If you make them itemize everything by service and associated cost, they will be less likely to make you pay for it. Why? Because it has now cost them more than $400 to charge you for it and may delay/cancel the sale.

Now, if this was a hidden charge (meaning you didn't know they were going to charge an additional $400 to the cost of the vehicle), refuse to take delivery until it is removed from the invoice. You agreed to pay a certain price for the car, pay only that price.

 

>>When you received your new MINI did anyone get charged 400$ for the dealer to wash, insp and adjust their car before delivery. I've worked at car dealers before and they never charged for this it was a given.

All the charges you mention are included in the price of the car. They are attempting to rip you off. Don't let it happen. I would refuse the car if necessary before I'd pay $400 for a wash job.
:evil:

R.E.

 

All the services you mention are done at the Vehicle Distribution Center in New Jersey, and are included in the MSRP of the car. About all the dealer has to to is...literally...take the plastic off the driver's seat and the paper off the floorboards. Other than that, the car is ready to go! OK, they may have to wash it again. but for $400? NO WAY.

Your dealer is getting into your pocket. Don't pay it, if it wasn't included in the original agreement; and demand that it be removed.

 

>>When you received your new MINI did anyone get charged 400$ for the dealer to wash, insp and adjust their car before delivery. I've worked at car dealers before and they never charged for this it was a given.

Sbeck,

Aloha from Hawaii and welcome to NAM.

Your thread should be renamed Dealer profit not charges.
No there is no justification to charge you that fee for that work because it is part of normal dealer prep.
That is usually a bad sign that the dealership's management thinks it is OK to charge something to each buyer without adding any value for the product or service. In other words it is a rip off.

I think you can lodge a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Do you pay a prep charge for your house? or for your other big purchases like a motorcycle or computer, etc? Nope. This is not a good sign that this is a dealer that is good for you to work with.

If I were a dealership looking to make more profit I would ask what "additional" services could I render to charge more for but does give value to the buyer? Selling dealer installed options is one like the aerokit or roof racks.

 

If anyone else has dealt with Lauderdale Mini, theyre charging the 400 dollar fee. They say its for floormats, full tank of premium, and other little stupid things. Im probably gonna wind up paying it, but im not happy about it! lol

 

Hi All:

I was just wondering about this myself. I haven't picked up by MCS yet (probably in a week or two), but I was already faxed the buyer's order and noticed this $395.50 charge. I'm currently in the process of inquiring about this charge, but was wondering how many of you have been successful in having this charge removed? In case you were wondering, the dealership is Tom Bush Mini in Jacksonville, FL.

Thanks so much,
-Justyn

_________________
Soon to be 04' Pepper White/Black, Aero Kit & Driving Lights

 

I had read horror stories about MINI dealers gouging the customer with add-on charges, so that was the first thing I asked about when I went shopping for my MINI earlier this year. Cincinatti MINI charged me MSRP, but no additional "dealer prep" charges or other such nonsense. You need to get this all straight before you agree to or sign anything, however. Not sure what you can do once the car is ordered, produced and delivered.

 

!! QUIT YER BITCHIN’ !!

Those of you who think that your dealer is ripping you off have no concept of how a for profit business operates, and an auto dealership is NOT benevolent mutual aid organization devoted to filling your transportation needs.

A business owner (or manager) has a primary goal of maximizing his/her return on investment. This involves analyzing direct and indirect costs, supply and demand, buyer psychology, and many other factors. The dealer has no obligation to give the customer a good deal!

Many years ago when I bought my first new car (1956 Ford Anglia) there was no such thing as MSRP. Buying a new car was much like making a purchase in a third world street market - - a great deal of price negotiation before a deal was closed - - making the car buying experience very distasteful, especially for those with poor bargaining skills. In an attempt to bring some semblance of order to the marketplace the Feds eventually required car makers to put a sticker on the window that included various facts - one of which was the Manufacturers SUGGESTED Retail Price. Emphasis on SUGGESTED. The dealer was still free to sell for whatever price his market/business analysis told him would maximize his profits.

In every market the sellers manipulate prices to increase profits. Grocery stores frequently offer selected items at below cost to bring customers into theirs stores - knowing that once inside most customers will buy a substantial quantity of profit generating products. Fast food restaurants (McDonalds, Burger King, etc.) pay about $0.30 for the coffee packet that makes three cups of coffee which they then sell for $0.99 each, and a similar markup for soft drinks - knowing that most people want something to drink with their hamburger and fries, and won’t settle for water.

Auto dealers are like any other business people - some make good choices and others make poor choices - but since selling cars is a long term proposition very few dealers want you to walk away unhappy because you feel that you have been ripped off.

If you aren’t happy with the prices at a certain dealer, or are unhappy with the service provided, then take your business elsewhere. Get over the testosterone laden attitude that says, “I’m not gonna let this dealer screw me!” Accept the fact that the selling price is the selling price, and it makes no difference how the individual charges are documented. Again, if you can get a lower delivered price elsewhere, then elsewhere is where you should make your purchase!

!! QUIT YER BITCHIN’ !!

 

>>!! QUIT YER BITCHIN’ !!

Yikes! Who didn't have their three cups of $0.99 coffee this morning?

 

Bradman - - -

Many MINI owners spend their time bitching about unethical dealers, poor build quality, incompetent service techs, cracked windshields, snotty sales reps, too many BRG cars on the road, lack of warranty coverage on modified cars, pricing higher than MSRP, premature failures, squeaks and rattles, unfriendly service advisors, etc.

I spend my time bitching about the bitchers and whiners - and occasionally driving my wonderful little car.

BTW, I don’t drink coffee - - I start my day with a water glass of Kahlúa and a doobie.

 

Hey Nick,
Ease up. How would you feel if you get to the checkout line at the grocery store and after the clerk was finished ringing up your items, he added a $5.00 "shefl stocking fee" You gonna pay it without saying a word, if there's no sign in the store that tells you about the fee BEFORE you shop there?

I think all we're saying in this thread is to "call a spade a spade." Dealers who couch profit as a fee for some phony service are not repuitable; and if you know going in that that fee is there, you CAN decide if you want to buy from that dealer or some other. Although I disagree with the added markup on MINIs in CA, hey at least they're up front about it, and term it "Added Dealer Markup" .Buyers can then decide where they buy knowing what the cost is. Frankly that why dealers such as Classic MINI in Ohio have sold over 40 cars to west coast buyers in the past six months. Most buyers don't realize they pay sales tax on dealer's profit and yearly vehicle license fees on it as well---for as long as they own the car.

Dealers who want to add fees should just say so up front when the deal is made, not when the buyer shows up to take delivery.
Charlie

 

Actually a $3.00 latte costs just about .28 a cup with the milk being the most costly ingredient!

I checked my bill of sale and didn't see even a dealer prep fee, but was charged a 'Conveyance Fee' which I suppose was the cost to truck the car from New Jersey to Hartfod, CT.

Every time I go to the dealer for any work, normal maintenance or otherwise they always offer to wash the car free of charge.................but I don't let them, nobody does that but me

 

Well, here is the e-mail I received today from my "Motoring Advisor" explaing this $389.50 charge:

"The $389.50 is a Dealer Fee that every dealership charges for "cost and profit to the seller/dealer for items such as inspecting, cleaning and adjusting new and used vehicles and preparing documents related to the sale" very cheap!! down south, orlando $600, most dealerships charge $600-900..."


Anyone care to comment on whether this is a fair charge (I'm assuming no going by the details in this thread). Should I dispute this charge?

I am trading a vehicle in as well, could this also be a part of that?

Thanks again!
-Justyn

_________________
Soon to be 04' Pepper White/Black, Aero Kit & Driving Lights

 

MINI Peabody charges a $145 dealer prep free.

I think it's reasonable. Someone needs to pay the labor time for the techs to inspect the car, check fluids, wash, etc.

 

No, I would NOT pay for it without saying a word. I would say, “No, thank you” and walk out of the store leaving the groceries on the checkout counter.

Mgear - - ’Conveyance Fee' is the charge for the paperwork involved in transferring (conveying) the title to you or the finance company.

 

Justyn,

I've purchased 3 MINIs from Classic in Ohio. The "documentation fee" each time was no more than $125.50. This covered the cost of the Ohio DMV paperwork ($25.50) and the dealer's time to process the paperwork, go to DMV to get the export plates. A very reasonable charge, which I knew about going into each purchase BEFORE Classic FedExed me the paperwork to sign. There were NO OTHER FEES. No Dealer Prep, Extrerior Seal, Underseal, etc.

The $395 fee being quoted is simply additional dealer profit, pure and simple. NOT all dealers charge it (Classic as an example) and it may well be cheaper than the other dealers in Florida, but so what. As I said earlier, all the services needed to prepare a car for delivery are done at the Vehicle Distribution Centers, and is included in the cost of the vehicle to the Dealers. When the cars show up, the dealer simple has to remove the plastic on the driver's seat, pull the cardboard transport floormats, and screw in the antenna. (and, of course screw in the front license plate bracket for those owners who want it) That's it.

You have to decide if you want to pay that amount. Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. Unfortunately, it's all part of "the game" at some dealerships.
Should'a bought at Classic.

 

>>Justyn,
>>
>>I've purchased 3 MINIs from Classic in Ohio. The "documentation fee" each time was no more than $125.50. This covered the cost of the Ohio DMV paperwork ($25.50) and the dealer's time to process the paperwork, go to DMV to get the export plates. A very reasonable charge, which I knew about going into each purchase BEFORE Classic FedExed me the paperwork to sign. There were NO OTHER FEES. No Dealer Prep, Extrerior Seal, Underseal, etc.
>>
>>The $395 fee being quoted is simply additional dealer profit, pure and simple. NOT all dealers charge it (Classic as an example) and it may well be cheaper than the other dealers in Florida, but so what. As I said earlier, all the services needed to prepare a car for delivery are done at the Vehicle Distribution Centers, and is included in the cost of the vehicle to the Dealers. When the cars show up, the dealer simple has to remove the plastic on the driver's seat, pull the cardboard transport floormats, and screw in the antenna. (and, of course screw in the front license plate bracket for those owners who want it) That's it.
>>
>>You have to decide if you want to pay that amount. Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. Unfortunately, it's all part of "the game" at some dealerships.
>>Should'a bought at Classic.

Oh, if that were only the case. When a car arrives at the dealership it takes about 1.5hours of shop time to get that car ready for the road. The only thing done at the VPC is a quick safety and function test on the car.

When it arrives, the suspension is blocked, the battery is not hooked up, the computer is in "transport" mode, and all fluids have to be checked, washer fluids and such have to be added, and misc. parts need to be installed.

Then the car needs to be detailed, gassed up and floor mats need to be purchased and installed...if the dealer includes these with the car when you buy it.

 

MINIGUY99,

You're right. I stand corrected. I called Classic, and they take between 1 to 2 hrs per vehicle doing "dealer prep "getting it ready for the customer. However, inasmuch as they have their technicians/service personnel there anyway, they do not pass this cost onto the customer.
Charlie

 

Yeah, sure, the dealerships are in it for a profit. I don't think anyone would argue that. HOWEVER... you have the responsibility (to yourself only, should you choose to accept it) to be a good consumer.

Dealers want a profit and consumers want a deal. Neither side is "righter" than the other.

And as a brief aside, there are MANY people on this forum who have every right in the world to ***** about paying $20K + for a vehicle that's chronically non-functional, or phenominally substandard in terms of quality. If you got a MINI that works great all the time then shut up and enjoy it--don't whine at the people who spend more time in the shop than they do on the road.

 

>>MINIGUY99,
>>
>>You're right. I stand corrected. I called Classic, and they take between 1 to 2 hrs per vehicle doing "dealer prep "getting it ready for the customer. However, inasmuch as they have their technicians/service personnel there anyway, they do not pass this cost onto the customer.
>>Charlie
>>
>>

Some of these dealers, (not Classic), seem to be saying that preparing a car for sale is not part of the purchase price but some kind of additional thing they only do if you pay them more than the agreed upon "price" of the car. In the case of MINI this price is most commonly MSRP. This price is most certainly intended to include making the car ready to present to the customer. But hey, if the dealer can make you think it's extra they make more money.....and, of course more money is the name of the game.

As soon as I found out their was a $249 "documentation fee and a $57 dollar Memphis tax added to MSRP I asked for and received a discount on the car to offset these charges. They refused to say they were dropping the charges and considered it a discount off MSRP. Either way, it worked for me.

MINI is one of the few cars that sells, (usually), for MSRP. Dealers can make plenty of money without trying to slip charges in after the deal and making up stories to increase their profit.

In short, it may be the dealers job to make maximum bucks but it's your job not to let yourself get shafted. There are plenty of MINI's available....get the best deal.


R.E.

 

>>>>MINIGUY99,
>>>>
>>>>You're right. I stand corrected. I called Classic, and they take between 1 to 2 hrs per vehicle doing "dealer prep "getting it ready for the customer. However, inasmuch as they have their technicians/service personnel there anyway, they do not pass this cost onto the customer.
>>>>Charlie
>>>>
>>>>
>>
>>Some of these dealers, (not Classic), seem to be saying that preparing a car for sale is not part of the purchase price but some kind of additional thing they only do if you pay them more than the agreed upon "price" of the car. In the case of MINI this price is most commonly MSRP. This price is most certainly intended to include making the car ready to present to the customer. But hey, if the dealer can make you think it's extra they make more money.....and, of course more money is the name of the game.
>>
>>As soon as I found out their was a $249 "documentation fee and a $57 dollar Memphis tax added to MSRP I asked for and received a discount on the car to offset these charges. They refused to say they were dropping the charges and considered it a discount off MSRP. Either way, it worked for me.
>>
>>MINI is one of the few cars that sells, (usually), for MSRP. Dealers can make plenty of money without trying to slip charges in after the deal and making up stories to increase their profit.
>>
>>In short, it may be the dealers job to make maximum bucks but it's your job not to let yourself get shafted. There are plenty of MINI's available....get the best deal.
>>
>>
>>R.E.
>>
>>

I suppose it depends upon what is included in the prep and what is not. Meaning things like floormats and such. Some dealers offer more or less for more of less. I do know that when a car arrives off the truck it isn't ready to drive, and shop time is used and payed for by the dealer to get the car ready. Every dealer likely has a different set of specs on what they do during the prep phase. Also, dealers in larger markets likely have more overhead than those in smaller markets. It's all relative probably.

 

>>>>Justyn,
>>>>
>>>>I've purchased 3 MINIs from Classic in Ohio. The "documentation fee" each time was no more than $125.50. This covered the cost of the Ohio DMV paperwork ($25.50) and the dealer's time to process the paperwork, go to DMV to get the export plates. A very reasonable charge, which I knew about going into each purchase BEFORE Classic FedExed me the paperwork to sign. There were NO OTHER FEES. No Dealer Prep, Extrerior Seal, Underseal, etc.
>>>>
>>>>The $395 fee being quoted is simply additional dealer profit, pure and simple. NOT all dealers charge it (Classic as an example) and it may well be cheaper than the other dealers in Florida, but so what. As I said earlier, all the services needed to prepare a car for delivery are done at the Vehicle Distribution Centers, and is included in the cost of the vehicle to the Dealers. When the cars show up, the dealer simple has to remove the plastic on the driver's seat, pull the cardboard transport floormats, and screw in the antenna. (and, of course screw in the front license plate bracket for those owners who want it) That's it.
>>>>
>>>>You have to decide if you want to pay that amount. Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. Unfortunately, it's all part of "the game" at some dealerships.
>>>>Should'a bought at Classic.
>>
>>Oh, if that were only the case. When a car arrives at the dealership it takes about 1.5hours of shop time to get that car ready for the road. The only thing done at the VPC is a quick safety and function test on the car.
>>
>>When it arrives, the suspension is blocked, the battery is not hooked up, the computer is in "transport" mode, and all fluids have to be checked, washer fluids and such have to be added, and misc. parts need to be installed.
>>
>>Then the car needs to be detailed, gassed up and floor mats need to be purchased and installed...if the dealer includes these with the car when you buy it.
>>


Well, I was in at the dealer's on Friday and made the comment about "refusing to pay these charges." As I expected, I was told that these are standard for every car sold at the dealership and were "non-negotiable." Since I'm picking up my car next weekend from them, I suppose there is litte I can do.... :::sigh:: :???:

Cheers,
-Justyn

_________________
Soon to be 04' Pepper White/Black, Aero Kit & Driving Lights

 

>>Well, I was in at the dealer's on Friday and made the comment about "refusing to pay these charges." As I expected, I was told that these are standard for every car sold at the dealership and were "non-negotiable." Since I'm picking up my car next weekend from them, I suppose there is litte I can do.... :::sigh:: :???:

You could not buy the car unless they reduce those charges or throw in some accessories to make up for it. A PITA for sure, but you do have options.