Wow, all these stories make me feel like I'm really lucky. The BMW/MINI dealership I use (Roadshow BMW/MINI in Memphis, TN) has always treated me very courteously and even went just shy of bending over backward to assist me - knocking off $1k from an ordered 2010 car and keeping the same trade value I had been quoted many weeks earlier. I've dealt with their two main finance officers and have enjoyed what can otherwise be a very stressful experience immensely. Actually, when I recently picked up my 2010 MCS, the power went out right in the middle of completing the financial paperwork. Ah the joys of a completely automated system! The finance officer chatted us up a little while, then took my partner and I out into the showroom to talk to us about some of the BMWs. Chatted with some of the salesguys out there too. All in all, both the MINI and BMW folks at that dealership are extremely approachable and pleasant to interact with. I certainly can't say the same for every dealership I've visited but I've never been disappointed there.

 

While I don't have any idea/opinion about his $5000 discount claim (I'll take on face value until proven otherwise) I don't see how the "0 mile" gives it away. Even if he paid $5000 over MSRP he would have likely said the same "0 mile" since he appeared to be using it as a metaphor for a new car. If he had said with "8.3 miles" would his statement then appear plausible?

 

Maybe this is part of their training. :-)

I had a similar experience at a Porsche dealership.

I was considering a Boxster or Cayman and previously spoke with a salesman (who didn't bother to take any of my contact info, either.) and I went back to find out about the off-lease cars that were scheduled to come-in.

I walk into the showroom and the only salesman there is eating a sandwich in front of his computer while surfing the net. After a few moments, I say "Hi" and he turns to me, "Can I hewlpp yeww?" "Yes, I was in a few weeks ago. Is Keith in today?" "No he's off today, will be in tomorrow." and turns back to his computer.

I didn't buy the Porsche.

 

To provide some contrast...

My sales experience (and subsequent repair experience) with Roadshow Mini has been great.

The salesman did most everything via e-mail at first. Kept in regular touch with me, but was never annoying. I would call him if I had a question, but if he needed to get in touch with me, he would shoot me a quick e-mail and I would call him back when it was convenient (which, honestly, was usually right after I got the e-mail). He was very responsive, but let me control the communication flow. That's usually really tough for a salesman.

 

Wow, so two good posts about Roadshow in particular. A+ for them! Maybe those of you within reasonable driving distance to Memphis (I'm sure not many on this board...) should consider the extra time to get to them. I've bought from them now a few times and have always had good experiences there. I've also had good experiences at my VW dealership but the service people just seem a little more...standoffish? I never get that vibe at Roadshow.

 

I could get $2000 off for a 2009 MCS, but we ordered 2010 MCS (10/10/2009), $250 off and floor mats, MINI key chains....

 

Did you pick yours up right before Christmas? I think I was there when it happened. I picked mine up later that afternoon.

My girlfriend an I went over to Moe's to get some lunch.

Oh! And get to know the shop foreman, Eric. He's absolutely fantastic.

 

Why assume it might be an '09 or '10? It might not be either!

There's more to this story / There's no free lunch.

 

Because it's a JCW.