I was sooo close to signing the papers last night on a Cooper Convertible...then the finance guy comes to talk. Financing itself isn't a problem, but he starts talking about how I really need to buy a $600 windshield protection plan because my insurance through Farmer's won't cover fixing or replacing the 'special' windshield. Then he talks about the all aluminum wheels and how easily they bend/break and that I really need to spend $1650-$1750 for the dealer road hazard coverage for wheels and tires. All this, plus about $3000 if I want the extended warranty. So my $29,700 mini (Non-S) is now in the neighborhood of $35,050.... Way different deal!!! I really think I'm being upsold and those prices are way over inflated. Really don't believe him on the windshield thing after reading posts here either.
Advice?

 

Just say no.

 

At those prices, you are already paying for your own windshield/tires. Best just to wait until something breaks and pay for it then. I mistakenly bought the wheel package after the dealer gave me the "special price" of $700 instead of $1000. I will not buy one again though. Your comprehensive coverage should cover any major wheel damage anyway. Pure profit for the dealer, that's why they push them so hard.

 

they tried to do this stuff to us on our 2012. He went on and on about how the wheels will break with all the potholes...

I looked at my partner, we look at him and said we have put almost 500k miles on cars in the DC metro area and we have NEVER broken a wheel. So we will pass!

He went on about the glass, and I said our insurance has it covered..

We did pick up the Ext Warn for the car to 100k, but that was just because we know when a MINI gives, it gives with lots of $$$$ !

 

Your comprehensive insurance should cover the wheels and glass. I had to have 2 wheels and tires replaced on my BMW when my wife ran over an open manhole. Just had to pay my deductible.

 

I actually wonder how long it will be before someone sues Mini when a wheel fails. Its apparent that the dealers are aware that the wheels are very fragile.

 

As a current Farmers Insurance customer and employee, I can tell you that's total BS. You can have an OEM parts endorsement added to your policy for a few extra $$. This will extend to your windshield coverage. I've had my windshield replaced twice now for $100 each time and got OEM glass as requested.

This proved even more valuable in my most recent accident. Having that endorsement means you will not get aftermarket or refurbished parts, but new OEM parts.

I love it when finance company suddenly becomes an insurance underwriter. : /