I got mine from Nick Alexander Mini in downtown LA. I found it in their online inventory, called them up to confirm it had everything I wanted, and then asked them if they'd sell it for $1,000 over invoice. They didn't go for that and told me $1,000 off MSRP is the best deal they could do. I said fine, wired them a check, and they delivered my car the next day. I knew there wasn't much room for negotiation when I called, but I figured you never know unless you ask!

 

It's really fascinating to go back and read parts of this thread from the beginning in '07 until now. When I bought my first MINI in '07 I paid MSRP and full price for mats, no negotiation necessary. I did get a full tank of gas though

When I bought my current MINI in December of 2009, which I ordered some weeks earlier, I got $1,000 off MSRP and bought the mats "at cost" (right). I didn't get a free tank of gas this time but it was over half full. I'm thinking that might've been an oversight on their part and I didn't gripe about it. I was skimped a second triangular boot mat and that kinda pisses me off - but that's MINI price cutting not the dealership.

Overall I've had great experiences each time, either negotiating or not. I can tell you the experience was hands down better than most dealership experiences I've had, and I've had several... (too many!).

 

With the option credit MINI has running this month you can select auto transmission, sport package or premium package at no charge. I had ordered my car in december and it just arrived so I got the premium package at no charge (a $1750 credit), plus floor mats.