is it worth it to pay for a Consumer Reports Bottom Line price report $14?
#1
12-20-2008 | 04:17 PM
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is it worth it to pay for a Consumer Reports Bottom Line price report $14?
This what they give you for $14.
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Consumer Reports Bottom Line — the price where you should start negotiating (including current national rebates, unadvertised dealer incentives, and holdbacks).
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Dealer Invoice Price (provided by the manufacturer to the dealer).
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Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) — what the dealer wants you to pay.
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Invoice and MSRP Prices for all factory-installed options & packages.
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Different Trimlines for your selected models.
•
Consumer Reports' predicted reliability ratings (based on feedback from over 800,000 car owners).
•
Consumer Reports' Recommendations on how to equip your car or truck.
•
Current Safety Ratings based on our analysis.
•
Alternative Vehicle Choices — so you have genuine options to choose from.
•
"Best Deal" Negotiation Advice.
•
Online Buying Advice.
•
Consumer Reports Bottom Line — the price where you should start negotiating (including current national rebates, unadvertised dealer incentives, and holdbacks).
•
Dealer Invoice Price (provided by the manufacturer to the dealer).
•
Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) — what the dealer wants you to pay.
•
Invoice and MSRP Prices for all factory-installed options & packages.
•
Different Trimlines for your selected models.
•
Consumer Reports' predicted reliability ratings (based on feedback from over 800,000 car owners).
•
Consumer Reports' Recommendations on how to equip your car or truck.
•
Current Safety Ratings based on our analysis.
•
Alternative Vehicle Choices — so you have genuine options to choose from.
•
"Best Deal" Negotiation Advice.
•
Online Buying Advice.
#3
12-20-2008 | 05:01 PM
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From: H-town
#4
12-20-2008 | 05:14 PM
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Thanks for the insights
I don't know.....I've been seeing a lot of empty auto dealerships lately and it's hard to believe Mini would be completely immune to the economic times.
Any Sales People out there want to chime in with an honest report of your sales numbers these last few months?
I have seen the dealer cost reported but I thought it would be helpful to know the cost on the extras. Anybody know the dealer cost for auto-transmission?
thanks again
I don't know.....I've been seeing a lot of empty auto dealerships lately and it's hard to believe Mini would be completely immune to the economic times.
Any Sales People out there want to chime in with an honest report of your sales numbers these last few months?
I have seen the dealer cost reported but I thought it would be helpful to know the cost on the extras. Anybody know the dealer cost for auto-transmission?
thanks again
Last edited by bobsax; 12-20-2008 at 11:12 PM.
#5
12-20-2008 | 06:39 PM
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From: Fairfax, VA
BMW/MINI employees are not supposed to, and should not be giving out sales numbers. However, I can say that MINI sales have not encountered a huge drop like many other brands.
We are selling at MSRP and as far as I know that is pretty standard. The only specials I saw advertised at another dealership was $1,000 off all in stock NEW 2008s. We have not had a NEW 2008 in stock for months, so I am thinking they are just trying to get people into the dealership.
Some people on NAM have claimed to have gotten up to $1,000 off, maybe they were at the right place at the right time or maybe they found a new 2008 that someone had backed out of a few months ago. Some people have gotten money off the car because when it got to the dealership it was missing an option or had the wrong options installed.
I know this is not really what you want to hear, but I would try and go for some free floor mats or some free shirts.
However, I think that you will find that most of the people here paid MSRP some people paid 2-3K over MSRP. I also think that most of them would say that it was worth it.
We are selling at MSRP and as far as I know that is pretty standard. The only specials I saw advertised at another dealership was $1,000 off all in stock NEW 2008s. We have not had a NEW 2008 in stock for months, so I am thinking they are just trying to get people into the dealership.
Some people on NAM have claimed to have gotten up to $1,000 off, maybe they were at the right place at the right time or maybe they found a new 2008 that someone had backed out of a few months ago. Some people have gotten money off the car because when it got to the dealership it was missing an option or had the wrong options installed.
I know this is not really what you want to hear, but I would try and go for some free floor mats or some free shirts.
However, I think that you will find that most of the people here paid MSRP some people paid 2-3K over MSRP. I also think that most of them would say that it was worth it.
#7
12-21-2008 | 02:50 PM
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Thanks everybody
Along with the comments above I also got a PM from a member saying a midwestern dealer is offering $1K off MSRP so It sounds like $1000 off MSRP is doable.
I would think that this would mainly apply to cars that were on the lot?
There is no question that the Mini is the coolest looking little car on the block and if it were comparably priced with other cars of the same size (I know some say it's a sports-car not a compact but that is debatable depending on the model) I'd buy one in a heartbeat.
I'm going to rent one along with a few other compacts and decide if it's worth it to pay the extra $ for "Coolness"
---hey --- you can't deny-----
Coolness is cool
bob in rainy Frisco
Along with the comments above I also got a PM from a member saying a midwestern dealer is offering $1K off MSRP so It sounds like $1000 off MSRP is doable.
I would think that this would mainly apply to cars that were on the lot?
There is no question that the Mini is the coolest looking little car on the block and if it were comparably priced with other cars of the same size (I know some say it's a sports-car not a compact but that is debatable depending on the model) I'd buy one in a heartbeat.
I'm going to rent one along with a few other compacts and decide if it's worth it to pay the extra $ for "Coolness"
---hey --- you can't deny-----
Coolness is cool bob in rainy Frisco
Last edited by bobsax; 12-21-2008 at 04:38 PM. Reason: location location location
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#8
12-21-2008 | 04:00 PM
It depends a great deal on where you're shopping. You may be able to get under MSRP in the Midwest...but if you live on the west coast, it's not likely. In fact, most west coast dealers are still charging ABOVE MSRP.
I did see something about $500 off new 2008s in stock at my dealer in CA, but like the other poster mentioned, they haven't actually *had* 2008s in stock in at least 2 months so I do think it was more of a tactic to get people in and shopping than anything else.
If we know generally where you're located, someone in your area might be able to give you a better idea of what the picture looks like locally.
I did see something about $500 off new 2008s in stock at my dealer in CA, but like the other poster mentioned, they haven't actually *had* 2008s in stock in at least 2 months so I do think it was more of a tactic to get people in and shopping than anything else.
If we know generally where you're located, someone in your area might be able to give you a better idea of what the picture looks like locally.
#9
12-21-2008 | 07:19 PM
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The Mini is such a cool car that if you pay 1000, 500 less than sticker or MSRP and yes even a little over.That once you take delivery of your new car,the price you paid won't seem to make really any difference. Try to shop locally, check out the service dept see how you'll be treated. If all is well just do it
Last edited by mini on; 12-25-2008 at 09:09 AM.
#10
12-21-2008 | 08:53 PM
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From: Fairfax, VA
Just curious as to what else are you going to be looking at. I did not do any comparing, I work for BMW/MINI have wanted a MINI since high school, so when the time came to sell my old car and get a new one, there was not a lot of thinking, just ordering.
#12
12-22-2008 | 08:47 AM
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From: Your Worst Nightmare :)
Perhaps for a dealer-stock 08 on a lot or a untitiled demo, but for an ordered 09 I dont think so. People who tell you they're getting heavy discounts ($1,000+ off msrp) on 09s (except for heavily-optioned JCWs perhaps) are VERY full of it.
#13
12-22-2008 | 08:59 AM
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"Same size"? "Comparably priced"? That's like expecting to pay about the same for a one pound Filet Mignon as you would a pound of ground beef. They'd be about the same size (since they're the same weight). I'd buy the filet in a heartbeat for the same price too!
#14
12-22-2008 | 10:32 AM
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From: SF Bay Area
I just got $1,000 off msrp + mats from a Northern California dealer. Mine is ordered. It's not a jcw. No dealer prep BS, just the price, tax and license. No trade-in, no financing either.
Last edited by kewlby; 12-22-2008 at 10:44 AM.
#15
12-22-2008 | 10:44 AM
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From: Vancouver, WA
Going back to the original question:
I don't think the $14 investment would prove much when considering a MINI. The dealers will charge what they want; if things are good and they can get MSRP from you, they will. If things aren't good, they'll perhaps charge under. I know I got an incredible deal with mine because of the relationship our local MINI club has with the dealership. So if getting the report will make you feel better, get it, but I doubt it will make any difference at all in what you pay.
I don't think the $14 investment would prove much when considering a MINI. The dealers will charge what they want; if things are good and they can get MSRP from you, they will. If things aren't good, they'll perhaps charge under. I know I got an incredible deal with mine because of the relationship our local MINI club has with the dealership. So if getting the report will make you feel better, get it, but I doubt it will make any difference at all in what you pay.
#16
12-22-2008 | 11:13 AM
Before I purchased my MINI i spent quite a bit of time trying to determine what invoice was. I was not able to come up with any invoice pricing on 2008 or 2009 models.
I got an awesome deal on my 09 JCW hardtop at the end of November. Right place, right time. The car was ordered by someone else and the deal fell through. The car had been sitting around since July. $40k+ for $38k and change. They have other deals too on cars that are proving hard to move.
I do not think you are going to get a deal on a new car that is on the lot. And certainly not for one that has to be ordered.
Good luck and let us know how you make out.
I got an awesome deal on my 09 JCW hardtop at the end of November. Right place, right time. The car was ordered by someone else and the deal fell through. The car had been sitting around since July. $40k+ for $38k and change. They have other deals too on cars that are proving hard to move.
I do not think you are going to get a deal on a new car that is on the lot. And certainly not for one that has to be ordered.
Good luck and let us know how you make out.
#18
12-22-2008 | 04:02 PM
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From: SF Bay Area
Jacque (sounds like Jackie) is my MA at SF MINI. She's responsive and easy to work with. Happy Motoring.
Jacque Vavroch
MINI Motoring Advisor
jvavroch@minisf.com
(415) 293-7024 direct
#19
12-22-2008 | 06:29 PM
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It would be the practical choice.For around the same price the Pontiac Solstice ($24,275 - $29,485 )is very styling as is the Saturn sky ($27,320 - $33,110 ) .
from Consumer Reports_ MSRP and Invoice. It doesn't look like a huge mark-up?
Base 2-door hatchback $18,550 $16,695
Clubman 3-door wagon $20,200 $18,180
S 2-door hatchback $21,950 $19,755
Clubman S 3-door wagon $23,700 $21,330
John Cooper Works Hardtop 2-door hatchback $28,550 $25,695
John Cooper Works Clubman 3-door wagon $30,800 $27,720
more from CR;
MINI
The supercharged 168-hp,1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivered spirited performance and returned 25 mpg overall. However, it requires premium fuel.
Saturn Sky
The Sky's turbocharged, 260-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is considerably more responsive than the standard engine and fuel economy is better, too, at 24 mpg overall. It uses regular fuel
Pontiac Solstice
It takes a lot of coaxing to get the 173-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine to perform. A 260-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine is also available. The five-speed transmission has large gaps between gears that stifles performance. This was fixed for 2008, according to Pontiac. The Solstice returned 23 mpg overall on regular fuel
#20
12-22-2008 | 08:18 PM
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From: Fairfax, VA
Well good luck choosing. It looks like they are all going to be about the same price unless you go with the Fit.
But if you decided to not go with the piratical choice, and you are considering spending around $30-33K on a Saturn Sky then I would defiantly look at a JCW. I have driven a JCW a few times a love it. I am hoping that I can afford one as my next MINI in a few years.
But if you decided to not go with the piratical choice, and you are considering spending around $30-33K on a Saturn Sky then I would defiantly look at a JCW. I have driven a JCW a few times a love it. I am hoping that I can afford one as my next MINI in a few years.
#21
12-23-2008 | 05:36 AM
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From: Your Worst Nightmare :)
from Consumer Reports_ MSRP and Invoice. It doesn't look like a huge mark-up?
Base 2-door hatchback $18,550 $16,695
Clubman 3-door wagon $20,200 $18,180
S 2-door hatchback $21,950 $19,755
Clubman S 3-door wagon $23,700 $21,330
John Cooper Works Hardtop 2-door hatchback $28,550 $25,695
John Cooper Works Clubman 3-door wagon $30,800 $27,720
Base 2-door hatchback $18,550 $16,695
Clubman 3-door wagon $20,200 $18,180
S 2-door hatchback $21,950 $19,755
Clubman S 3-door wagon $23,700 $21,330
John Cooper Works Hardtop 2-door hatchback $28,550 $25,695
John Cooper Works Clubman 3-door wagon $30,800 $27,720
Last edited by sequence; 12-23-2008 at 07:31 AM.
#22
12-23-2008 | 09:17 AM
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From: Atlanta GA
The Honda Fit is pretty cool with a lot more room then the Mini and at about half the price. It would be the practical choice.
For around the same price the Pontiac Solstice ($24,275 - $29,485 )is very styling as is the Saturn sky ($27,320 - $33,110 ) .
from Consumer Reports_ MSRP and Invoice. It doesn't look like a huge mark-up?
Base 2-door hatchback $18,550 $16,695
Clubman 3-door wagon $20,200 $18,180
S 2-door hatchback $21,950 $19,755
Clubman S 3-door wagon $23,700 $21,330
John Cooper Works Hardtop 2-door hatchback $28,550 $25,695
John Cooper Works Clubman 3-door wagon $30,800 $27,720
more from CR;
MINI
The supercharged 168-hp,1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivered spirited performance and returned 25 mpg overall. However, it requires premium fuel.
Saturn Sky
The Sky's turbocharged, 260-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is considerably more responsive than the standard engine and fuel economy is better, too, at 24 mpg overall. It uses regular fuel
Pontiac Solstice
It takes a lot of coaxing to get the 173-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine to perform. A 260-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine is also available. The five-speed transmission has large gaps between gears that stifles performance. This was fixed for 2008, according to Pontiac. The Solstice returned 23 mpg overall on regular fuel
It would be the practical choice.For around the same price the Pontiac Solstice ($24,275 - $29,485 )is very styling as is the Saturn sky ($27,320 - $33,110 ) .
from Consumer Reports_ MSRP and Invoice. It doesn't look like a huge mark-up?
Base 2-door hatchback $18,550 $16,695
Clubman 3-door wagon $20,200 $18,180
S 2-door hatchback $21,950 $19,755
Clubman S 3-door wagon $23,700 $21,330
John Cooper Works Hardtop 2-door hatchback $28,550 $25,695
John Cooper Works Clubman 3-door wagon $30,800 $27,720
more from CR;
MINI
The supercharged 168-hp,1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivered spirited performance and returned 25 mpg overall. However, it requires premium fuel.
Saturn Sky
The Sky's turbocharged, 260-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is considerably more responsive than the standard engine and fuel economy is better, too, at 24 mpg overall. It uses regular fuel
Pontiac Solstice
It takes a lot of coaxing to get the 173-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine to perform. A 260-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine is also available. The five-speed transmission has large gaps between gears that stifles performance. This was fixed for 2008, according to Pontiac. The Solstice returned 23 mpg overall on regular fuel
#23
12-23-2008 | 09:38 AM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,280
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From: Vancouver, WA
That whole "requires premium fuel" thing kills me every time I see it. So what?!?! Even when gas prices were crazy high a few months back, haven't you noticed that premium is usually only about 20 cents more per gallon? With a 13.4 gallon tank, assuming you drive it to empty, it'll cost a whopping $2.68 extra. Holy crap!!
#24
12-23-2008 | 11:53 AM
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From: Arlington, VA
Just curious, 'cause it sounds like the MSRP/invoice data is for the 09 models but the performance data is from the gen1 cars.
Last edited by cameroon; 12-23-2008 at 12:43 PM.
#25
12-23-2008 | 12:09 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15,966
Likes: 1
I always found that CR "service" somewhat strange, especially since CR is always telling its readers not to pay for what is readily available free. For most cars, you can find out what you really need to pay by getting an internet price on-line from a dealer and then showing another dealer the price. If you do this a few times, you'll end up with a very good price without having to leave your house. Dealer invoice is not what the dealer pays for the car. It's more like their version of the retail price. It's the max the dealer would have to pay.... IF they didn't also get factory incentives, volume rebates, locality adjustments, etc. As far as Mini's go, there may be some deals here and ther, but, MSRP is the norm. And, bobsax, you will be paying for a lot more than cool.