I am about to purchase my first MINI...Countryman S. We have one MINI dealership in Austin and they won't seem to budge on the MSRP. They have told me that MINI does not negotiate on pricing, however, with the kick-backs and incentives the dealer receives, I have to believe there is some middle ground on the pricing.
I plan to build my MINI. I just signed up for the $750 Test Drive Take Down incentive, so I'll have that going for me, but I expect to get some $ off the MSRP before including this $750. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
I know MINIs sell themselves....I mean, I have been looking (drooling...) at the Countryman since it came out!
I am tempted to try to buy in Houston or Dallas where there are several dealers nearby...maybe that would give me a better chance at getting a good deal??? I do like the salesman I have been working with in Austin....he's a nice guy, but like I said, he won't seem to budge off MSRP.
I would appreciate any advice! It's my birthday month and I would love to put my MINI obsession to rest and get MY MINI on order!!!

 

Remember two very important things:
1.) The MSRP is a direct reflection of your good taste and needs.
2.) Don't be pushy, be polite.

They (dealers) are there to make money, that is how they keep the lights on, but also help you. While most dealers won't move on the MSRP of a new vehicle(especially an ordered car) they will usually give you a discount on "extras".

*Extras: Clearbra, warranties, protection, accesories... etc.

:-)

 

If they have 15 of the exact same make/model/options you can probably negotiate more than if this is one of 3 on the lot and it doesn't look like they sold a car in a week.

Also what are your goals for getting the price down? If you need to get $2000 knocked off the price to make your budget, or is it a matter of 'getting a good deal'?

Like Slim said you can deal on accessories much easier where there is considerable markup with prices and labor costs. Pick out the car, agree on price, then deal on those sweat 18" rims and tires :-)

I always feel that if the dealership makes some money, they are going to be more flexible when I nag them the next two months about fixing/adjusting the little things I notice about the car.

If you do want to try and play hardball, plan it out. Get some numbers from a local credit union, line up financing some where else. Don't try to get a good deal on the Friday before a big weekend when there is a chance they will sell the car regardless. Go in on the Monday/Tuesday at the end of the month and be flexible about color and options.

Just some thoughts from a guy who paid wayyyyy too much for his new coupe but doesn't care.

 

Expect a better deal if you're buying off the lot vs. a special order (the dealer wants to move his inventory). Also, be wary of dealer closing costs or documentation fees (often as much as $500 pure profit). I would not expect to pay more than $!000 below MSRP on a lot car, $500 below on a special order. Your feet are your friends; if the local dealer doesn't really want your business, look elsewhere. If you have access to a car buying service (Sam's, Costco, USAA), check them out. Good luck.

 

back in 2007 when I was living in Austin and shopped for a built-to-order R56 - had a great experience with Momentum MINI in Houston (Internet sales department, Lee was the sales guy I think) - they knocked a 1000$ off the price, threw in floormats and some other minor stuff - and again - this was not for an off-the-lot car, custom ordered. Was definitely worth the (nice btw) drive from Houston back to Austin (I flew in coming back from a business trip).

 

Went to test drive a MINI Countryman. I was looking for a base in manual. They did not have one on the lot, but the salesperson told me we could special order one and immediately offered to take $500 off MSRP. That was a first!

 

Try emailing all the dealers within a certain distance. Tell them what you are looking for (can you be flexible on some things like color or options) and ask for their best price. You might get people calling you up and offering discounts (it happened to me). You can leverage that at your local dealer and try to get same/better deal. Might work better if you can buy off the lot versus ordering.

 

msrp and dealer invoice is normally about 10% difference. i would start from this point.

 

I wish I could find "the one" on the lot, but there are not many True Blues stocked around here!
Thanks for the help! Keep it coming!!
I love this forum!

 

My Countryman S is on order!!! True Blue/White top! Thanks to all of your advise, I was able to get $1500 off MSRP...so I'm happy with that!
Only thing left is financing and choosing dealer options at delivery....and the stress, excitement, second guessing and anticipation for 6-8 weeks! I have already been second guessing my color choice! Ugh!!!
Any advise is greatly appreciated on whether or not to purchase extra dealer services or warranties.

What is your opinion on IBEX paint protection? I actually got my MA to remove it from my order. (It is a required addition at this dealer...) I wanted to do some research and decide at delivery if I want them to do it or take it elsewhere. Can anyone give me pros and cons on a clear bra? (OK....no jokes here!!)

So excited to finally get a MINI! I have been pining since the Countryman came out!

 

I got 500-600 over cost. my trick is to get the wholesale price and figure out the monthly payment on the car with the profit margin you want them to have. once that is done, walk into the dealer with a credit card/cash in hand for deposit, and very nicely tell them the monthly payment you are looking for and that you are willing to sign right there if they meet it. if they say no, very kindly thank you for their time and tell them you are going over to vw to buy a gti/tiguan. kill em with kindness and know what you want is key. good luck!