Hi All... I'm in the market for a Clubman. Right now in the Los Angeles area there are a few dealers having lease offers for about $300+ (bare bones) along with MINIUSA. I just wanted to know if I should take advantage of any of these right now or wait until January for new offers...Does anyone know if there will be offers for the Clubman S in the near future? I'd hate to rush on the wrong deal...
My other option will be to take a MCS for $350+...please advise

 

Even if you signed the paper work today, i doubt it would be sitting in your drive way for X-mass. They have to prep the car for you and with less than 48 hours left. That would be hard job for them. It will probably take 24-48 hours just to get the lease approved.

And then you are driving a bottom of the line car as well. That may suit you but take some time to look at the car and see what it is you really want. then make a decision on the lease part. Do not take a car that you may not like in 30 days.

 

I've leased probably fifteen cars from dealers in Los Angeles over the years (including Bob Smith BMW, who is also a Mini dealer), and have never had to sit more than four hours to negotiate, sign, and pick up a car. Dealers around here have crews available to prep cars during all operating hours, as they want you to drive off the lot that day before you change your mind. As to credit approval, assuming the buyer has Tier 1 credit worthiness, approval should take ten minutes.

A few dealers that I've leased from when very busy have actually bought my wife and I lunch at a nearby casual restaurant, to kill some time after the paperwork was signed, and before the prep was finished.

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As to advice to the OP, if you are happy with the deal, take delivery now. No telling how long the factory subsidized leases will stay in play, and a few weeks from now the inventory might not be as favorable. It's Xmas, indulge yourself!

 

I don't know if you'll be happy with a base model cooper mate especially if you're looking to get the Clubman. I just leased my Clubman S after 6 months of waiting no more than 29 days ago. MSRP was $26,500 with my add ons, lease contract included 15k miles a year for 36 months and a $3200 security deposit with the total payment coming out to $382 a month. Looks like your lease will be 10k miles, 0 down/security deposit and $329 a month for 36 months. It seems as if all they're doing is eliminating the down payment/security deposit. Which is good I guess but at least I get my $3200 security deposit back at the end of the lease assuming I don't use it as a down payment to finance the CLubman by then. I guess you gotta weigh the pros and cons. Try visiting South Bay Mini in Torrance, I know they got a pretty decent inventory of Minis (even CLubmans!) last month when I was there. I recommend talking to Phillippe Khan, great salesman.

Oh and keep us (at least me) posted! I love car shopping even when its not me haha.

 

I'm happy to report that yesterday I went to South Bay Mini, and after working with Amanda for almost 3 hours, I was finally able to take a new baby home...She found me a car from the lot and made me an offer that I couldn't refuse...a fully loaded Chili Red clubbie w/manual tranny...this car has more than I was looking for and quite honestly I couldn't wait 3 months for delivery...Thank you all for your help...Now I have to prepare my dissertation....Amazing

 

Woo hoo! Im glad South Bay was able help you out buddy. Glad you went with the Clubman. Did you end up leasing it? If so, did you do the lease special?

 

No,I went for the offer that they made me ...a Chili Red with Manual Tranny, Convenience, Cold Weather, Premium, Alloy Wheels, Sport Seats, Nav HiFi, Xenons, Alarm, Rear fog lights, and Black/Gray Carbon Leatherette(which are great since I have a 6 year old and didn't want to worry) for $425 inc taxes, with $1000 DOWN...on a car worth 29000...with 10k/36 months...Also they'll give me racing stripes and all weather mats....Please don't tell me that I got swindled since I'm in Mini bliss right now ...I have another car so 10k was good enough for me....I might have rushed into it, but waiting for three months was not an option. I've been waiting for almost 8 months since I sold my 3 series.....I had to...my wife now wants a convertible and my nephew (12 y) even offer to wash it if I take him for a ride to school.... Granted is not the S, but I drove both auto and manual clubmen and the justaclubman w/manual tranny had and has more than enough fun and power for my lifestyle right now...When my daughter goes to college 10+ years I'll get a JCW baby or maybe sooner

 

It sounds about right for a base model w/ your options! No swindling there! You're going to have a blast with all those options! Take some pics mate!