I taught my daughter to drive on a stick, and it was a fairly easy process. What you need is a very large empty parking lot, and some patience. It helps if it's not your brand new MINI's clutch that's being abused. My daughter learned on a Dodge Neon, which had many mechanical issues, but a very forgiving clutch.

 

At Mini Universal in L.A. their Minis fly of the lot. They tacked on an extra $3000.00 for dealer profit. Plus their service sucks.

 

They tack it on because people will pay it. If everyone who wanted to buy a new MINI refused to buy from dealers who markup the cars, then they wouldn't do it.

When I called HC of Boston the other day, the salesman arrogantly said "Is that the only thing that would keep you away from ordering from us?". I told him yes. All MINI dealers sell the same cars at the same MSRP... the doc/prep fee and free accessories are their only bargaining tools (unless you have a trade to contend with)

 

I recommend Rasmussen MINI - my MA was Jarid and he's a great guy - patient, knowledgeable and friendly. When I was asking around at NWMINI, I was quoted a 650$ fee and they did call it a "dealership markup". My next MINI purchase if there's one is going to Rasmussen as well unless NWMINI magically become(s) awesome.

 

So did he agree to remove it or are they steadfastly sticking by it?

I've been given some reassurance at work today...as much as is possible, I guess.
So in spite of "things here" I think I'm still going to go to Peabody to see what ridiculous figure they give me as a trade in. I wish Inskip wasn't so far. It's hard enough to take a day to drive to Peabody.
I bought FOR SALE signs for my car today. It'd be nice if I could sell it myself for what it retails for!

 

Just as a point of interest... I paid the dealer fee to NW MINI because they returned my calls, understood that I lived in practically Idaho and were very excited to sell me a car. That enthusiasm and responsiveness and willingness to answer my questions before I had even put down a deposit was worth paying them extra money after I had been snubbed by a couple of other dealerships when trying to look at a MINI.

Everyone's experiences are different and while I do feel that the 600$ dealer prep fee is a rip off, it was worth it to pay a little more to be treated well. Some people, me included, will pay a whole heck of a lot of money just because an MA is nice.

Food for thought.

 

Oh no. In fact, he said "I think that's the standard amount that all dealerships charge in Massachusetts."

 

Thanks for the props!

 

For $650, the dealer should at least take you to dinner, give you roses and swear eternal love!

My total dealer fees were $210.
That included prep paperwork, inventory tax(say what), b.s. paperwork.