[TrojanMan]

Hi folks. Still pretty new around here, but have been very impressed with the number of people around the world that are using this site.

I am getting close to either buying an '05 MCS, or trying to put my name on a list for an '07 MCS.

I was hoping to get people's feedback on dealerships in the Los Angeles area. So far I have been to Bob Smith and Calabasas and South Bay Mini in Torrance. Both seemed OK, but Bob Smith was still trying to charge 2K over sticker, and South Bay was only charging sticker.

Thanks for your help.

[loveamini]

Hi,

Some one on this forum said the same thing; if you want it really bad, like now, and like me. I got a MCSCa from a dealer's lot, exactly what I wanted, I didn't mind paying that extra $1500 instead of a 6 months wait... Besides, my trade-in would have dropped that much by then anyways.

So if you can find exactly what you want on a dealer's lot, preferably from SouthBay or Long Beach, who don't charge over MSRP, go for it. If it is something a tough sell for them, they will negotiate a little bit. I bought mine with the same offer that they refused a week ago to another buyer.

Good luck!

[ryanelp80]

I'm in the Inland Empire, and from what I've heard, I think South Bay is one of the only local dealerships that doesn't tack on a extra grand or two onto the MSRP...

[am0eba]

I ordered my Cooper S convertible from South Bay on Feb 21. Construction was completed March 16. It's on the NYK vessel Capricornus Leader, scheduled to arrive at Port Nueneme, CA on April 13. The dealer estimates 3 days to a week at the Vehicle Distribution Center at Port Hueneme. Add a few days to a week to get to Torrance, and for South Bay to do the dealer add-ons. That's still before the end of April.

Not exaclty six months, and no markup over MSRP.

_Dave_

[tavis1]

Quote: Originally Posted by ryanelp80

I'm in the Inland Empire, and from what I've heard, I think South Bay is one of the only local dealerships that doesn't tack on a extra grand or two onto the MSRP...

Long Beach is at MSRP.
Tavis1

[am0eba]

I thought I'd post again, now that I've taken delivery of "Murray".

I was able to pick up my MINI at South Bay in Torrance on April 20. That's almost exactly two months from the day I ordered it, well ahead of the estimated delivery date provided by the dealer when I put down my deposit. I understand they're a little more backed-up now (I believe they're estimating August deliveries now), but that's still pretty good for Southern California, at MSRP.

Jamie DeFrance is a great MA, and Jennifer Osborne (sales amager) is a good backup. I'm very happy with South Bay MINI!

_Dave_

[Groucho]

I've just started my long-term recon / homework on things MINI, but I must say I was shocked to see $2000 dealer buggery tacked on to a MCS JCW (configured pretty much how I would do it) at MINI of Universal City. Does Assael MINI also markup?

Pretty weak-- the reason I didn't buy a the VW R32 I lusted over last time 'round was due to similar stupid stealership games...but in that case there were only 4000 units imported! There's a hell of a lot more MINIs around!

[Riuski]

Quote: Originally Posted by Groucho

I've just started my long-term recon / homework on things MINI, but I must say I was shocked to see $2000 dealer buggery tacked on to a MCS JCW (configured pretty much how I would do it) at MINI of Universal City. Does Assael MINI also markup?

Well, my girlfriend and I went to Assael Mini today to test drive and also to check out pricing for just a regular hardtop. The salesperson listed everything at MSRP price, then told us there would be additional markup ($1500-$2000, depending on model). That pretty much turned us off immediately, and so now we're looking at possibly buying one online to forego the whole haggling back and forth experience...

[tavis1]

Every dealer in So Cal has a mark up, but Long Beach MINI and Bob Smith MINI. Or you could go out of state. Mark ups are nothing more than legal extorsion.
Tavis1

[Groucho]

OK, thank you.

I'm all for capitalism and such, but those stealerships who choose to engage in such practices deserve to lose business and sales to those who do not. At least the dealer in Universal City had their markup right on the sticker-- it sucks that Assael (hey, half their name is right) dropped it in as an "Oh, by the way." In fact, I'll go out of my way to throw a deal back in these people's faces, I think.

Negotiation is enough work without having to start from a crappy position. I don't mind paying MSRP on a hot commodity...but an additional dealer mark-up is just stupid greed.

[Suzannne]

Also, if you don't find an 05' that you're looking for leftover on the Long Beach or South Bay MINI dealer lots, I would strongly consider custom ordering from one of those two dealerships. I've spoken to them both within the past week and the wait to place the order is not that great, any custom order placed now would be received as part of the first production of 2006. There is a difference though between the fact that LB MINI does not require a cash deposit to place your order, while South Bay requests a deposit of $1,000 (fully-refundable at any time though).

[Joe Z]

Ordered 05' Pepper White Mini Cooper from South Bay Mini in So Cal.. back on 6/24/05
w/ Premium & Sport Packages, HK Sound System - Also, got Solid roof, mirrors and its an Auto.

MSRP is what they have been charging everyone since day 1.. Which we were very happy to hear..
We went to Assel or whatever, and all cars were tagged with $3,000 mark up... But for US they would do a very, very special deal and only charge us $1,500 for the Cooper and $2,000 for the Copper S... Sorry but that was just UN-acceptable!!! I might as well be robbed at gun point!! Even Universal (over the phone) gave me the 3,000 mark up, but they threw in the 4yr/50 miles service & maintenance and a Lojack!

I bought a Lexus IS300 back in July of 2000 and didn't pay Mark Up... why would I pay a markup for a Mini??

This is why we went to South Bay instead!

Ordered from South Bay Mini - on 6/24/05
Received production number - on 6/29/05
Received VIN Number - on 7/5/05
Mini Cooper Born date - 7/12/05
Arrive to South Hampton port - 7/13/05
En-Route via Ship to CA - 7/18/05


We were told to expect arrival in 6 to 8 weeks from order date.. So we were looking at end of August..
They just recently got the long waiting list down to the normal wait time for "Build" orders.
They have quite a few on the lot, but none with the options/color combo we were looking for.
If anyone goes there see "Freddie Lewis" - real nice person to deal with!

Our Mini already has been built and competed and in En-Route. It should arrive @ Port Huemene by August 9th - We should have the car by the 17th... Which puts us right at 6 weeks for a Custom Order..

Motor On!

Joe Z

[waterway4]

Not all So Cal dealers have mark-ups. Tell them you will only pay sticker - most will do it.

I ordered my MCSCa from Crevier in Santa Ana in early February. Got it in late May. MSRP. They were easy and helpful.