1. Where do I go from there? Do I email certain dealers in So Cal? I see that Long Beach and South Bay Torrance don't mark up their costs so those are probably preferable despite the wait.

I ordered from South Bay mid December and will be picking up my car in two weeks. Wait wasn't too bad for me....it's probably longer now though. I would just call the dealership if you have questions...you'll get faster answers than if you email



2. Are there specific people to contact at each of those 2 dealers?


Speak to Jennifer who is the sales mgr, or Freddie, he's the MA I've been working with and is helpful.


3. How does one actually pay for the car, when it arrives or do I need to put a deposit down?


I paid a $1000 refundable deposit when i ordered.

1. Where do I go from there? Do I email certain dealers in So Cal? I see that Long Beach and South Bay Torrance don't mark up their costs so those are probably preferable despite the wait.

First you have to decide how long you want to wait.
No wait = Find something a dealer has on the lot.
Anything else you have to have special ordered. I think this is the best option, because (as you know from the website) there's so many options and you can really customize it to your exact liking. But, if you can find something close on a lot, why not go for it?

If you special order, you're looking at a minimum of 2-3 months and up to as much as a Year depending on the dealer. I bought from Classic Mini of Ohio and waited just over 2 months, no markup but I had to pay to have it shipped to San Diego. Long Beach has no Markup, but from what I hear a 8 month wait for a special order.
I'd recommend you print out a "spec sheet" of your creation from the site and then start calling the dealers around here, get a salesmen's name and fax, and send him what you're looking for. Have them let you know if they have a similar model on the lot, otherwise find out their timeframe for ordering one and what their "market adjustment" is.
I used the email feature the mini site has to send my configuration around, but by the time I heard back from any dealer I had already placed my order with Classic and wait a week into the waiting game. :) So I think calling and faxing is better if you want results.


2. Are there specific people to contact at each of those 2 dealers?


I didn't deal with either of them so I can't answer that. I'm sure someone here can though!


3. How does one actually pay for the car, when it arrives or do I need to put a deposit down?


If you have to order it, they will want a deposit up front. With Classic I made a 500$ deposit, refundable if I had to back out. Brecht in San Diego wanted a 2000$ non-refundable deposit.
I would make sure your deposit is refundable. As it is a deposit, it will apply to the purchase price of the car when it arrives.
You pay for the car when it arrives. I'd recommend making sure your financing is worked out at least a week ahead of time. We got a very good rate from Mini, and simply had to sign a couple pieces of paper when the car arrived.

1. Where do I go from there? Do I email certain dealers in So Cal? I see that Long Beach and South Bay Torrance don't mark up their costs so those are probably preferable despite the wait.

2. Are there specific people to contact at each of those 2 dealers?

3. How does one actually pay for the car, when it arrives or do I need to put a deposit down?

Thank you so much to those who respond, and glad to see so many happy Mini owners. I hope my wife will be one soon, although I know I'll drive it a lot too. :D


Waits vary, depending on where you buy, as do dealer mark-ups. I stopped by Brecht MINI on my way home from a run on Sunday, primarily because I like to go look at shiny new MINIs. Brecht's getting ready to move the dealership locaton--taking over from their BMW location. They told me that in advance of the move, they're removing the "market adjustment" from all cars physically on the lot. :eek:

Granted they were selling Lo Jack or Perma-plate on the cars--but the mark up wasn't on there. :eek: :rolleyes:

I don't know how that's going to affect cars you spec & order, or how long before the mark up returns. My contact at Brecht was Sean, he's sold me two cars. I didn't put a deposit down on my first one in April 03, because I bought it off the lot. The second one, last June, I had to put $1,000 down when the spec was finalized. And I was told it was refundable.

Thats cool that Brecht is changing their tune.
We'll see if it lasts over to the new locale I guess. I was by there this morning, they had quite a few on the lot.

Thats cool that Brecht is changing their tune.
We'll see if it lasts over to the new locale I guess. I was by there this morning, they had quite a few on the lot.

Coming from a "Mis-Spent" youth in the car business, one thing I learned early that has served me well in all business dealings is the fact that a Leopard can not change their spots!!!

What I mean is that any dealer who would develop a business model that exploits market conditions when times are exceptionally good has only as much integrity and customer loyalty as is CONVENIENT for them! The business men that truly have integrity take the good with the better and do not gouge when the going is good, and are able to leverage their previous goodwill when time are not quite so great!

I made myself a promise a long, long time ago and will not EVER do business with anyone who takes advantage of unique market conditions by overcharging when MSRP is a very reasonable profit, and as a matter of fact something that some lesser dealerships would kill for!

Just my .02 :D

Paul,

Re Brecht: I've been treated better by car dealers and worse. Not to be an apologist for Brecht, but I got a decent deal on my Cooper, then a more satisfactory one on my MCS. I understand the frustration re: the mark up. It drove me nuts, too. I'm not a trend follower, but when I saw the MINI I was gobsmacked. I had to have the car. I chose to pay for the add ons that I paid for, rather than wait up to a year. It's a choice that I made--and I know that there are people out there that think I'm stupid for doing so.

Overall I've had decent service from Brecht Sales & Service, and it's getting better as time goes by. OTOH, I had a great experience with the body shop there & then a horrible experience (both with my Cooper). Which seems fairly typical for all MINI body shops. (From what I've heard from other MINI owners who've needed to have body work done.) When I got hit in the MCS, I made other arrangements with a body shop that does work for local Porsche & Jaguar dealers. Problem solved--and the body shop is 10 minutes from my house, not nearly 40 miles away.

Do I wish I hadn't had the problems? Yep. Am I glad I've got the car? Yep. I look at the "extras" I paid as deposits on the 40-odd weekend MINI runs I've been on in the last 2 years.

Jim,

It is not for me to make any judgments about anyone who pays Over/Under or at MSRP!

I was only stating a personal preference and philosophy on car dealers in general that I am willing to do business with. Just because a dealer ASKS for a premium over MSRP, doesn't always mean that they won't get reasonable, I just know in my case that I did my best to do business with Brecht and was just told point blank by them that I would be better off leaving than trying to negotiate......so I did just that. Believe it or not I even went back there on December 31st after 3PM, just to get there at the single best time of the whole year to make a deal, and again no movement!

Now here I sit a short 6 weeks later driving one of the very first MCSa's in Southern CA, and I got it for MSRP, built exactly to my spec. I have a personal issue with paying over MSRP, but if it was the ONLY way to get one of these awesome cars I have to admit, I would pay it.....I would just be mad at the dealer for the rest of my life, but I'd buy it!

I encourage everyone to do what they feel is best for them, and try to make no comment on this, I just couldn't live with myself if I paid over MSRP, but that's my issue!

In any case the "Steptronic" is awesome! It is without a doubt the smoothest best shifting gearbox I have ever driven, including the one in my 500CLK!!!

Life is good in a Mini! :cool:

Paul, you & I are on the same page. We both got what we wanted, at a price we were willing to pay. :D No judgments being made in either direction.

Though you should hear my other half on the subject of mark-ups: talk about preaching to the choir. :p ;)

Hi all
I'm not a Mini Owner yet but would like to buy one for my wife after seeing so many good reviews on this site and others. I've visited the MiniUSA site and built my own. I have a few questions, and this will seem very basic to all here.

1. Where do I go from there? Do I email certain dealers in So Cal? I see that Long Beach and South Bay Torrance don't mark up their costs so those are probably preferable despite the wait.

2. Are there specific people to contact at each of those 2 dealers?

3. How does one actually pay for the car, when it arrives or do I need to put a deposit down?
,

Thank you so much to those who respond, and glad to see so many happy Mini owners. I hope my wife will be one soon, although I know I'll drive it a lot too. :D

1. Do your self a favor and Call (Email) Mo Jacobs at Roadshow Mini in Memphis, They are fair HONEST and sell for MSRP. Dont BS with the local dealers
2, See Above Item 1
3. Put a grand down for a deposit, work out the rest with Roadshow

Merlin

Thats cool that Brecht is changing their tune.
We'll see if it lasts over to the new locale I guess. I was by there this morning, they had quite a few on the lot.

Brecht tried to get me for $2500.00 mark up and two options at $700 each! I went back and forth over numerous days with Brecht trying to get them to match IRVINE MINI's killer deal. Brecht lost the sale. Greedy MAs!

Go with Irvine.

They are fair HONEST and sell for MSRP. Dont BS with the local dealers



I think you're giving all the local dealers a bad rep that's not always deserved. I have had nothing but a pleasant experience at South Bay MINI. For anyone looking, I was there today they are innundated with convertibles--basically all the convertibles have been shipped to warm cities with the thought that they'll sell faster--so there's currently more than normal. So much so that there's a $199/month lease special right now.

I still have to wait two weeks for mine though. :)

... For anyone looking, I was there today they are innundated with convertibles--basically all the convertibles have been shipped to warm cities with the thought that they'll sell faster--so there's currently more than normal. So much so that there's a $199/month lease special right now.

I still have to wait two weeks for mine though. :)


I think that's what's going on with Brecht, too. They've got lots of convertibles.

Congrats (in advance) on your new car. MC or MCS? Remember to post picutures! :D

MCS Convertible. And even with all the surplus at the dealer, not a single one matched the spec of what I ordered.

for your responses. I heard the South Bay's ad on radio this morning on their $199 lease special also. I will take all advises given and hope to end up driving my wife's Mini S (or possibly convertible) real soon. ;)

Does anyone think the JCW package is worth the extra $4000+?

I do. If I'd had the available $, I'd have done it. It's more expensive than others, but you've got full factory warranty behind it. :D

Does anyone think the JCW package is worth the extra $4000+?
Including the labor to install the JCW Kit, you're looking an extra $6000 ;)

Buzzzz and I are back, after deling with Roadshow over the past couple of months I would still recomend them, these are truly great people.

Merlin

Buzzzz and I are back, after deling with Roadshow over the past couple of months I would still recomend them, these are truly great people.

Merlin

How was the trip home? Did you chronicle your adventure in any other threads?

How was the trip home? Did you chronicle your adventure in any other threads?


Where is the best place to load the "Adventure",
Yep great trip

Paul/Merlyn -

I just purchased a mini from Roadshow and wanted to know what i need to do from here. You said that they would handle all the paper work (tax and registration for Ca) but did that cost you extra money? Any help you can give regarding your experince after purchasing the car would be greatly appreciated (from shipping to delivery)

Thanks,

Paul/Merlyn -

I just purchased a mini from Roadshow and wanted to know what i need to do from here. You said that they would handle all the paper work (tax and registration for Ca) but did that cost you extra money? Any help you can give regarding your experince after purchasing the car would be greatly appreciated (from shipping to delivery)

Thanks,
I elected to handle the paperwork myself as their agent here in CA charged around $175 - 250, can't remember exactly. All I had to do was:
1. Get a smog Certificate - $42 (Which you have to do either way)
2. VIN Verification, which I did at AAA, but the DMV can do this for you as well
3. Take all paperwork to the DMV and pay the fees. They will give you your CA plates right on the spot.
The whole process is relatively painless other than waiting in the line at the DMV, but I went first thing in the morning and the whole process took about 15 minutes.

Hope this helps,
Paul65K :cool:

Paul/Merlyn -

I just purchased a mini from Roadshow and wanted to know what i need to do from here. You said that they would handle all the paper work (tax and registration for Ca) but did that cost you extra money? Any help you can give regarding your experince after purchasing the car would be greatly appreciated (from shipping to delivery)

Thanks,
I chose to have Roadshow do it, dont rember what the fees are but as Paul said not much. it was worth the price of admission not having to deal with our local DMV Office. It is quite easy tho.
Who is you MA??? Mo or Zac.
My experience was great, Mo did a good job of keeping me up to date as to delivery schedules etc etc. When I got there to pick up the car, it litterally could have been as easy as buying a loaf of bread. EVERY thing was ready including a full tank of gas. I just cant say enough good about their professionalism
Hope this helps
4600 miles motoring
Merlin

Merlin -

If Roadshow were to take care of all the paper work, I don't have to deal with the DMV at all?

Merlin -

If Roadshow were to take care of all the paper work, I don't have to deal with the DMV at all?
that is correct, an agent out in Tarzana does all the DMV stuff and if you happen to be in that neighborhood she can do the VIN Verification or just go to AAA, piece of cake. Get you smog done and send those two docs to the agent.
I dropped the stuff off on a monday and picked up plates on friday. Could have done all bymail but thats what we have mini's for right???

Merlin

Does the smog verification and VIN identifiction cost money to do? I spoke to Mo and she said that the mini's are 50 state certified. Does Ca still require a smog cert?

Does the smog verification and VIN identifiction cost money to do? I spoke to Mo and she said that the mini's are 50 state certified. Does Ca still require a smog cert?
Yes for some silly reason a smog cert must be included even tho its a carb car (california air resources board).. No different than the biannual smog cert to register, shop around, I've seen them for 29.95 (test only+ the certificate). As to the Vin, I went to AAA, no charge. If you know a police officer, free deal My kid did our 29 Ford. If Cars (the agent in Tarzana) is doing you paperwork she might also do it for free or a minimal price.
When are you "expecting"

i'm expecting my mini to be delivered in late May. How long have you had yours and how is she running?

Bought my MCS from Classic Mini.

Drove it to Ojai, CA.

Got it smogged at my local smog station.

Made an appointment at the DMV.

Went there and immediately went to the "Verification" station with my MCS. The agent filled-out the necessary form that he had and checked the sticker under the bonnet on the driver's side that indicates the Mini is OK for CA.

Had my bill of sale, certificate of origin, odometer statement, smog is already in the DMV system from the smog station, had my temporary registration from Ohio, had my lien holder info, my new vehicle "verification", a blank check to cover the costs of all and sales tax, my insurance card and the application for title and registration already filled-out ( you can go to the CA DMV website and print it out )....

Signed in at the "Start Here" desk, waited for my appointment, they looked at all, told me how much I had to pay, I wrote the check, they took the Cert. of Origin, the temp. registration and my check. They gave me plates, stickers, my registration and a receipt.

At the DMV, all this took 45 minutes and it was easy! And I did it this morning!

i'm expecting my mini to be delivered in late May. How long have you had yours and how is she running?
picked up Buzzzzzz on the 13th of feb, drove home now have 4800 miles, couldnt be happier.

Merlin

ANDROMCS
Your back, how was the trip??? I expect we ought to swap travel stories
PM if'n you want

Merlin