Peter - I'm pretty sure he didn't mean there was a $3000 minimum in options that you have to get. $3000 in upgrades are silly things such as floor mats, CD changers, paint protection, scotch guard, etc...NOT things you actually might want!:smile:

 

A dealership is in business to make a profit. They can price their products whatever way they want and reap the benefits and/or consequences. That's how the free market works. It's unfortunate that it makes your life inconvenient, but if that's the biggest problem in your life then you're damn lucky![/QUOTE]


I for one don't count it as a real inconvenience as I've traveled out of state many a time for the right deal. It's actually much more rewarding many times. I've bought a 540i BMW in Cleveland, a 535i BMW in NC, a couple of Jags in and around Chicago and they all have a story behind them.

I suggest that if you want a MINI at MSRP and your local dealer isn't offering it, heck, hit the road and enjoy the adventure. There's plenty of discovery just waiting for you and sometimes it's not in your own backyard!

 

The reason so many people are upset about this particular dealership is becuase:

1. It's a MAJOR change in policy for them, they never required you to buy add on's or charged a premium for their cars.. That is unless you bought it off their lot, in which case we're talking clear bra lojack and who knows what else has been stuffed into the car.

2. They are only doing this on the Convertible, and not for any other model.

3. The attitude that this dealer is displaying to both new and old customers is horrible. It's also a major change from how things used to be at this dealer. This was a very enthusiastic and welcoming dealer just a year ago, now they could care less.

You are 100% right, despite what this dealer likes to parrot to customers and potential customers, they are not the only MINI dealer around. And hopefully savy MINI shoppers will look around if this attitude continues...

 

Thats not right. Most dealer will sell you the car at MSRP. Shop around....

 

mbabischkin, at that dealer could someone order the convertible in advance just the way they wanted and get it that way, or would the dealer still add on stuff the customer did not want or order? In other words, is it just the cars already on the lot that the dealer is adding the accessories?

 

Buy a Convertible and they require you to include 3k in dealer installed add-ons. I don't think you'll be able to buy one off the lot for quite a few months.

Order a Cooper or Cooper S from the same dealer, straight MSRP no add-ons. Buy it off the lot, and there will be stuff on the car already.

I believe any car that heads to their lot gets clear bra and lojack at a minimum. It's also common for some combination of graphics (roof, bonnet, or side) driving lights, XM, tires, wheels etc to get slapped on the car as well before it goes on the lot. I don't object to this, if it's a car that they specced for inventory, they can throw whatever stuff want to on the car.

However, forcing somebody who's trying to spec their own car to throw 3k worth of dealer stuff on the car is wrong. I don't expect to be in the market for a convertible ever, but we are considering a Cooper S this winter. I used to be a BIG fan this dealer, especially their sales department. However, if we decide to get an S, I'm going someplace else....

 

I had called around to ask about convertibles, and I asked specifically if it was possible to spec your own. They told me theirs were all pre-spec. If you buy a convertible from them, you get to choose only from their pre-spec list of models, and only with $3000 worth of clear bra, lojack, etc added on.

Yeah, that's the thing that gets me as well. I've changed my mind about buying a convertible, since I'd rather spend the same $4500 on the JCW upgrade and get a lighter, stiffer, faster car (although I'll get the premium package and a sunroof, so I'll still have some open top on there). But the mere fact they'd have those sorts of "requirements" is distasteful enough to me that I'll likely go elsewhere. I don't like the idea of rewarding somebody who'll attempt to take advantage of the market like that.

 

[QUOTE=fedward]I had called around to ask about convertibles, and I asked specifically if it was possible to spec your own. They told me theirs were all pre-spec. If you buy a convertible from them, you get to choose only from their pre-spec list of models, and only with $3000 worth of clear bra, lojack, etc added on.

QUOTE]

It sounds like they are trying to pre-sell their initial allotment. They ordered XX number of "loaded" cars, and they want to flip them. With the allotment sold, and the revenue generated, they can place another order for the lot.

 

Thanks for the info mbabischkin. Hmmm, makes you think doesn't it. I'm not interested in the convertible either, but I'm also debating the pros and cons of getting an S (auto) - not til 06 or later. As long as you can order a car specced the way you want, I'm not too worried about the convertible situation and them speccing cars already on their lot. Their service appears to be very good though, with one of the top MINI mechanics in the country, plus they are expanding their storage facilities to be able to store many parts. So far they have treated me good and they are the closest dealer around for me. Of course if they treated me bad I'd go to another since there are others, although farther away. But they haven't -- I'll monitor this and see how it goes. :smile:

 

I just got back from Tate MINI in Annapolis. They are charging MSRP for Convertibles, you can spec them out however you want, no dealer add ons required. Put a deposit down today and they can give you a production number and a October/November delivery. However if you want a test drive you're out of luck, they don't have any convertibles yet...

There are convertibles ready for delivery on US shores... They're sitting in the VPCs and won't be released until September for the "official" launch of the car...

 

Someone told me there were "hundreds of them" collecting there...

 

Yeah - right next to the stacks of war surplus Harleys packed in Tubs of Grease!

Peter in Denver
Who believes there are a lot waiting since all the dealers have at least a few coming straight away

 

Just call Julie at Classic. They have good deals there. Only did that option thing when they first opened, but quickly got rid of it. Now they have some of the best prices around. 440.266.6700