I have been to 3 dealers now and everyone is asking over MSRP. Push comes to shove, they will go down to MSRP if you are really persistent.

However, I was told that all dealers in Cali/Nev/AZ have made a pact to never sell below MSRP.

Am I mistaken, or is this called collusion???

 

I got mine for $500 under MSRP in when I ordered mine in Sept. 2007 at Assael MINI

 

I've never heard about a pact. I went to Southbay MINI, because they never charge over MSRP.

Do you go to USC?

 

MSRP is standard. I just wouldn't take my business to those who sell over. I don't think it is collusion to sell at the advertised price. You'll find there's wiggle room, even in AZ.

 

Yep... it's a version of price fixing... which is illegal... of course, if it's a verbal pact with no paper trail, then it would be impossible to prove.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price... Each dealer can sell the cars for as little or as much as the want... although underhanded practices could get them out-of-favor as far as allocations are concerned.

Selling at MSRP is a matter of supply and demand... if cars starting piling up on dealer lots, you can be assured they'll starting moving on the prices.

 

I also went to Assael MINI. The MA was ready to get me a deal and some extras on a ordered car. Didn't like the pressure from the manager who was trying to push one on their lot for $500 less and MSRP on order.

Will visit them again when I am sure I will not have to deal with the manager.

 

I dealt with Nick Armstrong, don't know if he is still there. Very nice guy to deal with. I got free floormats and cargo net. He is very knowledgeable on MINI's and he owns one too. Gave me good advice and suggestions during my ordering process.

 

I called Assael based on the recommendations listed here. Nick does not work there any more, but I spoke with a pleasant gentleman called Hamlet. Unfortunately they don't have any decent inventory.

There are 2 cars in the entire country that ALMOST meet my criteria. Both of them are equally optioned, but the colors are not my first choice. I kinda feel like if I'm gonna pay full retail I should get exactly what I want.

Of course, that would require ordering a car and I really don't want to wait 7 weeks for a car.

 

My MA at Assael was a gentleman named Kayvon. It was a pleasure to deal with him, and he even spent some time with me in the dealer lot teaching me how to drive manual and see if I am comfortable with it

If I did not have to deal with the manager, I would have placed my order that night.

 

I waited 8 weeks for mine, but it was worth it, I got exactly what I wanted. It is too bad that Nick Armstrong doesn't work there anymore, It was a real pleasure dealing with him.

 

The wait or the options you want-- that's the conundrum many of us face...

 

Try Alexander Mini.

 

I tried, the MA was not ready to negotiate below MSRP

 

Spoke to Josh there. They have nothing on the floor, but they do have an in-transit scheduled for arrival in port on May 5. Perfect options, but it's my #4 color choice. He's the one who told me about the price fixing and said no way on under MSRP.

If anyone has ever dealt with Nick Alexander Imports and has information to contradict this "Never Under MSRP" stance, please chime in.

 

You might want to talk to Debi, the sales manager at MINI North Scottsdale and see what she can do. She was helpful after I placed my order with some issues that came up. Might ask what she can do to entice you to order from AZ. Tell her Caulyne Barron suggested you talk to her as she was so helpful.

Most MAs are not going to tell you that they can go below MSRP. But it never hurts to ask someone with the authority to make that decision to get the sale.

 

Caulyne...i imagine your name is pronounced "colleen"?

 

Yup. Bonus points for getting that right!

Let me dig out her card. Okay.. Debi Gaintens, dgaintens@penskeautomotive.com or 480 538 6430

We had a little sit down after I took delivery about some things that I was a little unhappy about, but she bent over backwards to make sure things were right at that point. I would have no hesitation having someone work with her or any MA other than mine. heheh

 

What is the MSRP of your ideal spec? The more options you order, the more room there is on the price, even a special order. For a low option, sub $25K car, you're looking at $100 off or free mats unless the car has been sitting for a long time/has significantly more than delivery miles.

 

I got my leftover 07 this January for 1K below MSRP. it is my second car from them. I wouldn't even count on someone selling below MSRP now with gas prices over $4. Wait until winter or get at MSRP.

 

I just ordered my MCS Monday. I pride myself on getting the best prices when I buy a car, and went to Dealers from San Diego to L.A., and only spoke to the Fleet managers for price, and still could only get $500 off sticker on the car I ordered from Long Beach Mini (Hank Castillo) The worst dealer for pricing is Crevier Mini in Santa Ana, on average marking the cars up as much as $3995. What idiot would even entertain that kind of price gouging is beyond me. Irvine Mini will take about $300 off sticker and that's about it. I have been getting prices for over a month and finally settled because it was clear that they were not going to go lower. Good Luck!!!

 

Hi, first post here. I've got the bug real bad. I have to have a MINI!

Glad to hear some recent experience with dealers in the LA/SoCal area. I live only 2 miles away from Bob Smith MINI. The three times I've been there it's been total attitude from the salespeople. Finally got to test drive on second visit only after expressing extreme interest in a Clubman. Was told the 3K "price adjustment" was non-negotiable. People are more than willing to pay the premium he says. The last visit I test drove a Cooper,non-S. When I brought up the "price adjustment" the young girl went into the same routine. People are more than willing to pay it because of the limited supply of cars. I then told her that other dealers such as South Bay advertises MSRP - she replies "then why are you here?" Good question I guess.

 

I have had the worst experience at Bob Smith Did you get the attitude from this old guy named Robert? (kind of dressed weird with a hat and I was surprised when he approached us cuz I didn't think he was actually a dealer). He basically wanted me to say that i was REALLY interested in purchasing a car before he even let me test drive. After we decided we were going to leave to check other dealerships, he started yelling at us saying we were 'making a mistake' and that we 'don't have our facts straight'... i could not believe how much of a jerk this guy was... definitely go to South Bay..they will sell at MSRP... whatever you do DON'T GO TO BOB SMITH!! unless you're filthy rich and don't mind giving away $3,000... oh...and Bob Smith is a a convenient 10 minute drive from my house but I would rather drive an hour + to get to my dealer...just shows you what i think of Bob smith

 

I had a great experience at Bob Smith. Called them up and asked to speak to the internet sales manager. I asked if they would sell me a car for MSRP and he agreed immediately. I went in and ordered the car and didn't even have to pay a deposit. Took delivery 7 weeks later. Very nice to deal with, quick and easy.

 

He's one of their sales guys?

My response to that would have been exactly that, "Okay, Bye", I never spend my money somewhere that it's not wanted.

When I was first looking to buy, I went to Bob Smith and spoke to a youngish sales guy, whose name I forget, he was a nice enough guy but very typically car salesman - nothing like the above descriptions though. He even let me take a test drive even though I said I wouldn't be buying in the next month and was already favouring a used 06 S over a new late 07 S because of the turbo. He was in there again last week when I went for some service.

 

I ordered my Cooper from him and Asseal back on '03 it was a real plesent experiance. I guess I'll have to really shop around if I ever decide to replace my R50.