[Sasa]

Niello's markup on the Cooper S is 1500. plus 995. for their added package, which is a total of $2495. over MSRP. "For the most part" (done my reserch) this is comprable to any other dealer in Nor Cal.

[brave1]

Sinkinpat, honestly not sure what Concords mark up on the S is because I didn't ask 'em..I knew I wanted the Cooper. However, if you call and talk to Marian, I'm sure she'll tell you what the addl chaarge is for the S...good luck!

[brave1]

Also, I was just wondering if all Mini dealerships are like Concord in that they work on salary and not commission? I thought that was a good idea, but was suprised they do it that way..every other car dealership I have purchased from had their sales people on commission..

[Sejanus]

Quote:

Originally posted by Sasa
Niello's markup on the Cooper S is 1500. plus 995. for their added package, which is a total of $2495. over MSRP. "For the most part" (done my reserch) this is comprable to any other dealer in Nor Cal.

Last time I checked East Bay MINI was still selling MINIs at MSRP.

[lotatoys]

Yeah, and there are other places outside of the "northern California" region that charge MSRP. All you have to do is hit the dealer locator on MINI USA and make some calls. A little trip outside your local area can save you BIG bucks and provide an excellent driving introduction to your new Mini. Besides, buying from another dealer, even one that charges more than MSRP is okay if you're willing to part with the extra cash, as long as you avoid Niello. They need to get the message from consumers that their lousy business practices can have negative repercussions. At least the other Northern California dealers have not had the bad press on MINI2 that Niello has. You have to ask the question...what did Niello do to win the coveted "MINI2 Worst Dealer Award"?

[Damagex]

I just recently ordered my Mini Cooper S from Niello. I did plenty of research on the local dealers. Timing, convenience all went into the decision (no time to take a trip and have to have another car soon). I decided I would go down to the dealership and see how the experience went.

Well I met Paul Johnson and he was very nice and helpful. He's not a career salesman. Sasa is correct about the markup. The $995 contains some dealer extras (disguising the markup) and then the $1500 straight markup. I didn't go in planning to argue and cop an attitude about that since I knew it was coming. So I left after ordering an Electric Blue Cooper S (sept-Oct delivery) and so far I'm very satisfied with Paul and my order. So far it was the most pleasant car purchasing (at least the ordering part) I've had. I already have the finances figured out so I won't need Niello for that either.

Maybe Niello is changing, I don't know, I don't really care as long as my experience is good. I'll post some more details the closer it comes to delivery and the more I deal with Niello.

[edlfrey]

Quote:

Originally posted by Damagex
I just recently ordered my Mini Cooper S from Niello.

So, it appears that my friend and I were not confused and Niello has in fact changed their policy and are now allowing cars to be ordered.

My distaste for Niello has always been based on the fact that they dishonored their waiting list which I was "on" for about 6 months. Secondly, they would not take my order for a car and had the attitude that "you buy what I have and like it". Thirdly, not only was I to buy what they had but I was to pay MSRP+ for it. Because of those reasons I won't do business with them and have told many people that I won't and why.

That said, I'm happy for those buyers now that are able to order their MINI and are willing to pay the MSRP+ to do it localy.

[mixdman]

Oh, so now Niello is COOL because you can order your MINI. But they still want you to bend over and take it their way. Where's the deal there? A $1200 dollar mark-up plus the fab dealer add-ons for $985 dollars...AND you get your car right away.
God, some people just love to be raped......

[SharkReef]

I live in the Seattle area and went to the Tacoma dealership and after being told I would have to wait 16-18 months to get a MCS I looked at other alternatives. Portland was 8-10 months, Salt Lake was 5-6 months, Denver was 5-6 Months and Niello in Sacramento was 3 months.
I am glad I didn't read this thread before I called them because thus far I have no major complaints.

I talked to Wade who was more than willing to take as much time as I needed to asked questions about purchasing a MCS through them. He asked me to fax him a copy of the build I wanted and he would get it in that day. So after putting down $0.00 deposit, that's right $0, and going through a quick credit check my Mini was ordered. The very next day I had a production # and was able to track it online. Yesterday I called and told him I wanted to change the seats to Lapis Blue leather and he called me today and said it was done. I don't doubt that it will be on the Mini Owner's lounge within a few days.

As far as the mark up goes. I don't mind paying $1500 so I can get one in 3 months instead of 16-18. Also...ever other dealership I called had at least a $500 mark up above the MSRP. The other $995 was explained to me very well. It goes towards the 3 year warranty Touch of Class paint sealant and the interior protection. Also you get Mini Floor Mats in Black or Grey. This extra $995 is not just a mark up it is a service. Overall I will only be paying $1000 more in a mark up and now I will get it in Oct 04 instead of Nov 05.

All in all I have been very satisfied with the Niello dealership and hope this will give other new buyers a different perspective.

[Damagex]

mixdman, I don't what your problem with Niello is, but don't assume that everyone who buys a MINI from them is getting raped. I don't remember bending in anyway and taking anything from them. They have a markup, yes, most dealerships do. They are up front and honest about it.

As SharkReef stated, I'm also OK with paying the markup to ensure I'll get my MINI in a timely manner. I placed my order in mid June and it is Due end of Sept beginning of Oct. I also made additional changes after placing the order with no problems. Maybe they shaked things up because they wanted a better reputation. Nothing wrong with that,

Bottom line, to me the extra $$ is worth it, that consensual!

[mixdman]

Quote:

Originally posted by Damagex
mixdman, I don't what your problem with Niello is, but don't assume that everyone who buys a MINI from them is getting raped. I don't remember bending in anyway and taking anything from them. They have a markup, yes, most dealerships do. They are up front and honest about it.

As SharkReef stated, I'm also OK with paying the markup to ensure I'll get my MINI in a timely manner. I placed my order in mid June and it is Due end of Sept beginning of Oct. I also made additional changes after placing the order with no problems. Maybe they shaked things up because they wanted a better reputation. Nothing wrong with that,

Bottom line, to me the extra $$ is worth it, that consensual!

If you'd take the time to read all the posts in this forum, you would see what my "problem " is. Submitting to those prices is just denial. Foolish!

[lotatoys]

I'll have to agree with Mixdman overall. Niello as a dealership is just terrible. Although they do have "satisfied" customers like any other dealer, the difference is in the "potential customers" lost due to Niello's business practices. Sharkreef and Damagex should read through this entire posting to see what the real problems are with Niello.
Although I didn't buy from Niello, they have done a little warranty work on my car and I had problems getting that taken care of in a timely manner. Six months to wait for a part that kept disappearing off their computer system, only to be re-ordered and received quickly AFTER MINI USA got involved speaks volumes of their operation.
After my service, I did not get the follow up phone call to determine my satisfaction. Guess they know I'm not afraid to speak my mind and they're better off ignoring me to keep their customer satisfaction ratings up there.
So feel free to spend a lot more than you have to for floor mats and a can of scotch guard. I'll use the money I saved to take more trips in my Mini, purchased from one of the MANY dealers out there that charges MSRP (Mini of Murray.

[Sasa]

Lotatoys, you continue to choose us (Niello MINI) to provide service for you, yet you continue to say nothing but horrible things about us. I have and will continue (your appt tomorrow) to provide the best serivice possible dispite your horrific comments. I guess I'm just hoping for some clairification-

Sasa

[lotatoys]

Sasa, I just read your comment this morning and it seems that YOU just don't want to admit any fault in the problems clearly spelled out by myself and several others in this forum.
If you take the time to read everything, you'll see that I have admitted to getting some good service at Niello and I'll continue to do so when it's deserved. However, Niello's cut-throat dealer practices and mark-ups are STILL there and despite what you claim, they aren't the "norm" for Northern California. Niello is just sucking blood until the victim is dead.
My service appointment went well yesterday and Mike was a peasure to deal with. Unlike you, he was friendly, eager to help and very personable. You were there but didn't say a word to me. Hmmm, is that "providing the best service possible"?
I also noted in my previous posting that I hadn't received the usual phone call to rate my satisfaction for the recent service appointment. No comments on that, huh?
So give Mike my thanks, HE did a great job and the service was performed timely and to my satisfaction.

[Sasa]

I have no faults to admit to and after reading this post anyone could understand why I wouldn't want to go out of my way to provoke you in person, anyway, Bygones!
Have a great day-
Sasa

[lotatoys]

Sasa seems to have a lot of jibes but fails to answer my questions.
And by the way, I admit to having faults, several of them actually. Hearing Sasa boast of having no faults speaks volumes...

[dietcokeplease]

Lotatoys,

I saw your thread in Site Feedback and thought I'd have a nosey at what was going on.

I've now read all 15 pages and 200ish posts with an open mind.

In the UK, we don't have the problem of dealer mark ups, except for in-demand vehicles from non-franchised sites. Maybe I'm not understanding the concept of mark-ups in the States, but $1,500 - $3,500 mark-up is a sharp unethical practice.

It's amazing that MINI Division is so lax with Niello. You would have thought that the number and level of complaints would result in some sort of action. MINI are obviously fence sitting - sure Niello are getting complaints, but hey they're shifting stock. It can't be that hard to cancel a franchise - surely the concept of mark-up is bringing MINI into disrepute and therefore there are probably clauses which allow for termination.

I've had problems with my local dealer, but I believe that this is due to one or more individuals who badly let the side down. But it seems that Niello is different, the rot is at the top.

How can a dealership be so disreputable in an age when reputation is key? Niello must be so thick skinned; obviously Rick Niello is too busy counting the $$$ to reply to your emails

Customers are the lifeblood of any dealership. The problem is dealerships who sell premium products that sell themselves. Any abuse of this process by dealers is accepted in their community.

I've occassionally posted how many sales that my local dealer has lost. By September/October it will be 16 lost sales. That's the only way these people will listen.

[lotatoys]

Thanks for your comments, dietcokeplease. You hit the nail on the head regarding the "rot at the top".
Here in the states, most dealerships are seperate entities from the automobile manufacturer and once they become a franchise it's hard to govern their business practices (at least in California). Mini USA could pull the plug on Niello but the fact is that there are a lot of customers who don't mind getting raped by Niello so they do make money for Mini USA.
The worst part is that Niello went out and tarnished the core values Mini was striving for. Thanks to the freedom of speech and the powers of the internet, Niello will remain in the spotlight at MINI2 until they change their ways.
On a side note, I still haven't received a follow-up customer satisfaction phone call for my recent service visit at Niello. I suppose they want to keep their satisfaction rating as high as possible and will do what's necessary to ensure that.

[mixdman]

Quote:

Originally posted by Sasa
Niello's markup on the Cooper S is 1500. plus 995. for their added package, which is a total of $2495. over MSRP. "For the most part" (done my reserch) this is comprable to any other dealer in Nor Cal.

Yeah, right. AND you don't work for Niello MINI. You should really do your research...East Bay MINI sells at MSRP with no Niello gouge. I guess that's not Northern California?
Antoher typical Niello employee. I'll add you to the list with Tracy Clark and Demi LeMarquand. Say hi to old Rick for me!

[mixdman]

Quote:

Originally posted by Sasa
Lotatoys, you continue to choose us (Niello MINI) to provide service for you, yet you continue to say nothing but horrible things about us. I have and will continue (your appt tomorrow) to provide the best serivice possible dispite your horrific comments. I guess I'm just hoping for some clairification-

Sasa

Niello= has bad business practices, does not represent the MINI culture, does not care about customers, will continue to gouge customers at all of their dealerships.
Is that clear enough?