tsipple
Apr 21st, 2002, 02:51 PM
Edmunds has compiled new "True Market Value" figures for the 2002 MINI Cooper and Cooper S models sold in the United States. Basically their True Market Value is an assessment of what buyers are actually paying for particular models on a national basis. I believe they determine these data based on new vehicle registrations. (In some states transaction prices are available.)
True Market Value for Cooper S (http://www.edmunds.com/new/2002/mini/cooper/s2drhatchback16l4cylsc6m/fullreport.html)
True Market Value for Cooper (http://www.edmunds.com/new/2002/mini/cooper/2drhatchback16l4cyl5m/fullreport.html)
Edmunds estimates that the base Cooper now averages $2042 over manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP), while the corresponding base Cooper S figure is $2186. That's an additional dealer markup of over 12% for the Cooper and over 11% for the Cooper S.
Options are all listed with the True Market Value equal to the MSRP. Dealer-installed options are not listed at Edmunds, so it is probable that these markups may include some such items.
The Cooper S market is quite thin now, since so few have been delivered. I suspect Edmunds finds it difficult to arrive at a good estimate for that reason.
I don't know if there are any vehicles that Edmunds rates with TMV figures above MSRP. There are a few with TMV equal to MSRP, such as the new Honda Civic Hybrid.
Frankly, I don't get it. If you're willing to be only slightly flexible on colors and options, and you're willing to participate in a national market (and look outside your home state), there seem to be plenty of Coopers available. An airplane ticket and drive home will cost much less than these markups and be infinitely more fun.
True Market Value for Cooper S (http://www.edmunds.com/new/2002/mini/cooper/s2drhatchback16l4cylsc6m/fullreport.html)
True Market Value for Cooper (http://www.edmunds.com/new/2002/mini/cooper/2drhatchback16l4cyl5m/fullreport.html)
Edmunds estimates that the base Cooper now averages $2042 over manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP), while the corresponding base Cooper S figure is $2186. That's an additional dealer markup of over 12% for the Cooper and over 11% for the Cooper S.
Options are all listed with the True Market Value equal to the MSRP. Dealer-installed options are not listed at Edmunds, so it is probable that these markups may include some such items.
The Cooper S market is quite thin now, since so few have been delivered. I suspect Edmunds finds it difficult to arrive at a good estimate for that reason.
I don't know if there are any vehicles that Edmunds rates with TMV figures above MSRP. There are a few with TMV equal to MSRP, such as the new Honda Civic Hybrid.
Frankly, I don't get it. If you're willing to be only slightly flexible on colors and options, and you're willing to participate in a national market (and look outside your home state), there seem to be plenty of Coopers available. An airplane ticket and drive home will cost much less than these markups and be infinitely more fun.