It should be totally clear that MAG (Midwestern Auto Group) MINI is not selling cars over sticker price. While they are out of inventory in many cases for months, they are not selling the cars at a price more than MSRP. This information is incorrect and any prices quoted at more than MSRP are cars that have dealer installed options that make the total price of the car more than the origional sticker price. Fantastic cars and outstanding customer service are what MAG dealerships live by.

 

I ordered my MCS from MINI of Universal City on July 13 and paid a markup of approximately $1100, which consisted of a dealer-installed alarm for $795 and nitrogen in your tires (LOL people actually pay for this) for $295. So the markup was kind of like a mandatory dealer-installed alarm and nitrogen.

 

hey fellow AT'er! good to see you here. when i ordered my MCS at the end of July, East Bay Mini wanted $2500 markup. In fact, all 5 local dealers around here wanted markup. However, I was able to take them out of the markup and ordered at MSRP. A few other guys also got East Bay to waive the markup.

 

Seems to me that if you buy one off the lot, you may have to pay for the dealer installed junk (nitrogen in the tires, chrome comb in the glove box, etc.), but if you order the car from the factory YOU should be able to specify what is on the car.

The dealer in Richmond, VA, at least is up front about it. It is a combined BMW and MINI dealer. Both BMW and MINI showrooms have signs on the entrance doors declaring that they add a $400 admin fee to the price of the car. They never suggested charging over MSRP (except for that fee, of course, but I knew about that before I ever walked in). There are no unwanted options put on the car either.

 

Ordered mine from East Bay as well and got them to waive the markup as well.

 

If you're buying off the lot, the price also depends on the local market and the inventory. Some areas are "hotter" than others and dealers will try to take advantage of you. Basic laws of supply and demand apply. If you want MSRP in these markets, the you need to order your Mini or be prepared to wheel-and-deal until closing.

Also, the dealer may give you a discount off MSRP, but lowball you on your trade-in. Next thing you know, you're posting "I got it below MSRP!" in this thread.

 

You are absolutely right about that!