Girls can't buy cars!

[chirpychick]

Hi guys,

I've been looking at the forums about everyday now and I've finally decided to buy an 06 Mini S. Anyways, I've read most of the threads about negotiating with car dealers and I've come to the realization that it's hard to negotiate as a girl. One dealer even told me about a mark up on the 06's and I totally felt like they were trying to rip me off. Can you guys offer me some tips on how to get around this? or any good dealerships that will treat me right?

I really like the 06 Cooper S and I don't know what kind of price I should expect. MSRP? is invoice possible with 07's rolling out? I hope to get it in late august.

SOS Please help!!!

[paul's s]

I live in Los Angeles and I just bought my '06 cooper s from South Bay Mini. As far as I know there are only 2 dealers in Los Angeles which sell at MSRP, Long Beach Mini and South Bay Mini. I ordered my car and had to wait 5 months. Check out the inventory at South Bay Mini (there in Torrance, CA), or Long Beach Mini. Long Beach Mini usually has a pretty good inventory of cooper & cooper s's. Its just hard to find the right color combo that you may want. The rest of the dealers in the LA area are pricing their cars $2,000-$5,000 over sticker. You can also order your from an out of state dealer & have it shipped to you. You will pay msrp and only have to wait a couple of months to get the car. Then you go over to DMV and register the car, not a big deal. Yah, its frustrating to find a new cooper s, and pay msrp in Los Angeles. Even the used cars are priced high at the dealers. Good luck. Check out Classic Mini in Ohio (?) they have good customer feedback.

Paul

[Dawn]

Quote: Originally Posted by chirpychick

Hi guys,

I've been looking at the forums about everyday now and I've finally decided to buy an 06 Mini S. Anyways, I've read most of the threads about negotiating with car dealers and I've come to the realization that it's hard to negotiate as a girl. One dealer even told me about a mark up on the 06's and I totally felt like they were trying to rip me off. Can you guys offer me some tips on how to get around this? or any good dealerships that will treat me right?

I really like the 06 Cooper S and I don't know what kind of price I should expect. MSRP? is invoice possible with 07's rolling out? I hope to get it in late august.

SOS Please help!!!

Hi, cant speak for you over there, but can for me over here!
I did all the negotiating on this car myself, it was pretty scary, but fun in a kinda weird way,. Ive never done this before, but do your homework, stand your ground and DON'T be intimidated at all!.
i got all i wanted and some
Flutter your eyelashes, pout and sulk, it works wonders

Good luck x

[nylo]

Exactly. At the end of the day, THEY are doing YOU a favour, not the other way round. If they sense you weakening, they'll not budge on anything. As Dawn says, if you stand your ground, you'll get what you're after. After all, they are going to want your sale, rather than see you walk out the door, possibly to another dealer.

Go for it, and let us know how you get on

[MarkW19]

Put a short skirt on and a low cut top, and choose a male salesperson.

Job done

There's no or little movement in the price of the car, but there is in the options and any dealer-fitted options/labour charges/accessories etc.

I got quite a good deal, inc. fitting JCW seats/chromeline interior and a few other bits, free JCW sill strips supplied and fitted, approx £200 off the car (price match against another dealer) and an extra £500 on the part-ex price they initially offered. Also got a full tank of Optimax to boot.

[Marysmin1]

It wouldnt matter if you were yellow with green spots and lived on mars, if you have the cash they will sell you a car. Its up to the individual to get the best deal. My advice would be to have a clear idea of what you can afford/want then visit the dealer and dont let them talk you into/ out of what you had in mind, if you know what I mean

I done all the arranging in buying my mini, I could only trust myself to do it. Good luck you will be fine!!

[Gr1zzLy]

Don't know what it's like in the US, but here we have all these other "hidden" taxes and costs that they don't mention until you see the final invoice. So best to deal in drive-away prices (i.e. the final cost of everything included)... this of course doesn't take into account your own insurance. That way you know the final purchase figure and you negotiate on that.

[MINIMAT]

Get to know the salesguy, flirt with him a little. Then got onto the car. I don't think you will get a reduction in price as BMW tend not to do that. You might get some free extras though. Don't be too keen to buy. You have been looking at several hatchbacks and this is just one you are considering. A dealer down the road has offered you a good deal on a Clio erc. If you were to buy it what's your offer? If you've agreed on a price then look for some extras. For instance how about a Mini umbrella or something?

[spf]

I negotiated my MINI myself and had no problems (having read up what I wanted on here first).

Having said that I understand your problem. One car I tried to buy, every question I asked, the dealer directed his answer to my husband - in the end I walked out and told him why. Another time a dealer tried to offer finance talking fast in the hope I did not understand. Again I walked out as he was trying to sell me it for £2K more than another garage.

So just don't be intimidated and stick to what you want. Good Luck!

[Birdog]

When I bought mine 2 months back I got the standard BMW discount

Nothing

Half a tank of petrol and 1 year road tax,
But I had been so happy and smiley on the test drive, the sales lady knew I was going to buy one regardless.

[MINIMAT]

I got a sun shade, a small daysack, some cleaning kit full tank of diesel and I'm sure there was a few other bits.

[AlexBRGCooper]

Quote: Originally Posted by Birdog

When I bought mine 2 months back I got the standard BMW discount

Nothing

Half a tank of petrol and 1 year road tax,
But I had been so happy and smiley on the test drive, the sales lady knew I was going to buy one regardless.

ditto. I'm a salesmans dream!

Best thing to do is go to the dealer late in the month. If they're struggling on their monthly figures then you might get another £500 knocked off

[Pamster]

As already been said, there doesn't tend to be any discount on the BMW list price (as I found out when I bought mine) but I did get discount on my dealer fit spots, TLC (servicing pack) free of charge, full tank of fuel and better part exchange allowance once I got 2 dealerships involved. My advice is to go to as many dealers as you can, let them know you've been to others, and go with whoever gives you the best deal.

[sel]

Hey im a girl and i bought my mini one in 2005 - and love it.

The best thing to do is ask for lots of extras - 'if u give me xyz il consider buyin it' without it forget it!!! thats what i did!!
i got 12mths tax instead of 6
carpet mats
air con
and a full tank of petrol
etc etc
and make sure u say u state that u want it 'as is' -or they change stuff like the carpet mats to rubber etc and only give u 6 months tax unless its brand new!

Just have a budget and stick too it!! mine was £340 per month max!! and i pay £286 over 4 years (low interest % through bmw-was lower than any bank loan i could get) as im not rich enough to pay it out rite.

or u can pay 4 3yrs and trade it back in/pay the outstandin off!

Good Luck-and u GO GIRL!!!

[Robert Stancliff]

There are lots of books and internet sites that will give you the exact cost to the dealer of the MINI and any options. Look this up and have the information available at the dealer.

When they make you an offer, always ask them what the total cost will be, make sure they include any taxes, fees or other charges they intend to hit you with at signing.

As you are always aware of the dealer cost and the dealer offer, you can decide if the difference equals what you believe to be a fair dealer profit. For a MINI, MSRP is probably not a bad deal, anything over MSRP is a bad deal IMO.

I got a $350 discount at Roadshow MINI in Memphis on my MC 3 years ago, just by asking for it.