This is my first post- I finally test drove a MINI this weekend! I had to wait until I was serious- I knew I wouldn't want to wait once I drove one, nor do I care to drive anything else.

D&R in Indy told me that on top of the model year price increase, there would be a calendar year price increase, in the range of $500. Is this correct, or are they trying to get me to buy sooner? I'm probably going to order, as most cars in stock have too many options for me. I'd rather wait a few more months just to save a little more, but another $500 is strong incentive to move faster.

Here's what I'm planning to order:
MCS convertible
Chili red with black bonnet stripes
cold weather pkg
xenon headlights

Anyone else hear about the double price increase? Has this happened in previous years?

 

Never heard of a calendar year increase...I think they're trying to get you to buy it now. And seeing as how I already ordered mine, I would be pretty upset if it was an extra $500 when I went to go pick it up next year.

 

Don't know about the $500.00 increase, but I would'nt wait to long to order. The MINI plant will shut down around the first of the year for expansion and upgrade for the 07. If you don't get in now it will most likely be spring or early summer befor you can get one...

motoringfile.com has a wright up on it

 

Nothing new. They did it last year for '05 models. I have an '06 on order and got a call from my MA a few days ago advising of the price increase. I believe he said it shoud be about $300.

 

Get the order in now and do the paperwork to avoid the price increase.

MIB is coming to D&R. My MA was Richard. Who is yours? Have you visited MINICCI MINI Car Club of Indiana www.MINICCI.ORG? Only $25 per year to join, but well worth it.

What part of Indy are you from? I live in Avon. Sounds like a fun convertable!

 

This does bring up an interesting question. I am in Cali, so our wait is a little longer. Since I already ordered the car, will I get the '05 calendar pricing for my '06 car, or is that entirely dependant on when the car is manufactured? I don't have my production number yet.

 

Thanks for the advice. I hadn't planned to move this quickly, but if there are shortages next year, I have a hard time believing actual prices won't be affected even more. The motoringfile.com website write up was helpful (as well as the MCSc article that further convinced me that the convertible is the way to go for me, even with the sacrifices it brings). Now the hard part- convincing my wife the sensible thing to do is buy now. . .

Rhonda at D&R just emailed me that they have 2 allocations left for week 49 production, after that it's $300 more for the MC, $500 for the MCS.

Dr. Diff, I live in Noblesville, work in Anderson. I haven't been to the MINI Club website yet, trying not to get too excited until I'm an actual owner. I think I did see an event in Noblesville a few months back- I was out on a bike ride, and starting seeing MINI's pass- lost count at about 40. When I got home, my wife wasn't sure if it was the bike ride or the MINI's that caused the heavy breathing. . .

 

A $300 increase on the MC is still less than inflation, so that's hardly offensive. If the corresponding increase is $500 for the MCS (which doesn't cost 2/3 more than the MC ), though, then that sounds a bit like gouging. Hey, the cars are popular, production is limited, and people are obviously going to pay it, so what can you do? At least flat out dealer markups are a thing of the past in most places now, except for the normal BS prep charges.

 

EDIT: This motoringfile story on 2006 price increase clarifies that point.

 

I have heard from others. Had a car on order and came in before Jan 1 BUT took delivery after Jan 1, D&R charged them the increase. That is why I am going to do everything possible to get MIB out of their hands before Jan 1.

That is why I say get yours ordered ASAP if not yesterday. Do you have a MA yet? I DO Reccomend Richard and Jim B.

 

Been there done that. You will pay the current price at the time of vehicle pick up....not manufacture.

 

--INDYDAVE--

Here's some more ammunition to convince your wifey into the dealership now vs. later - click on this link to read the newest MotoringFile report :

"Plant shutdown at start of year to disrupt production for weeks"

There is also a reliable report on MotoringFile about the $500 increases...
.

 

Here is the info on the 2006 price increases;
http://motoringfile.com/2005/11/09/m...ases-for-2006/

 

Ok, called my MA who i trust to get some details...

1) the wholesale deal as he explained it is that once your dealer is billed for it, it has been wholesaled. have that happen before march 1 or get hit with the price hike.

2) the plant will be shutting down somewhere between dec - jan for retooling.

hope that helps!


------

two BIG questions that I do not feel that the Motoring file articles answer directly:

1) the price incease is for any vehicle DELIVERED TO THE CUSTOMER after March 1 2006. Yes?

2) Will the factory be shutting down around Jan 1 for retooling? Or will they end the 06 year slightly early to retool for 07? The later makes more sense to me, but what do I know.

thanks!

-jac

 

How is that legal? Did the person sign a purchase agreement?

If the dealer can change the price mid-purchase then why can't the buyer cancel the purchase without loosing the earnest money paid up-front? A contract is a contract and ALL parties are bound by it.

I would call a lawyer the instant someone tried to pull that on me!

 

Likely, any purchase agreement on an ordered car would read "MSRP" plus aplicable fees, unless the current price was set in stone. It's a standard (and completely legal) practice that you must go by current prices when delivered, not prices when ordered, UNLESS specifically stated otherwise in your contract.

 

I agree, I think the the dealer has to honor the contract they sign with you. I know that I was sure to obtain a new contract every time we modified the order to be sure all prices and total cost were correct (and that no additional fees would be added) and that is what we paid for the car. If for some reason you make a change and it alters the prod date and the new contract has price changes based on what Mini North America has entered into the system that would be another matter; however I would expect them to notify you at the time of the proposed changes when the price increase comes up in the system.

 

My contract does contain specific prices.

 

Heard from a VERY reliable source that there is going to be a rather hefty price increase beginning with January 06 builds. This could be due to exchange rates or perhaps they are positioning themselves for the release of the new 07's later in the year. Hope everyone got their orders in early.

 

talked with Classic about this issue....
they claim that they change will come with all cars DELIVERED after 1 March...

 

Mine is supposed to be week 47 but on Mini it still shows "on order". Is it possible my Mini could end up with a price increase if it arrives here after january 1st?..uhhhh that would be not kool...:impatient

 

Graci future Queen! I type slooooooooooooooow

 

http://motoringfile.com/2005/11/09/m...eases-for-2006

 

• MINI Cooper: + $500 ($17,450)
• MINI Cooper Convertible: + $500 ($21,950)
• MINI Cooper S Convertible: + $500 ($25,400)
• MINI Cooper S: + $300 ($20,900)

That is not too bad. I was thinking a grand or two.

 

1) That's the way I interpret it...probably since mine is on order on won't be ready until February.

2) Sounds like it to me.