[heartbeat]

long story short - the MINI is ready at the dealer, i asked my dealer to fax me the grand total for the bank and insurance etc. - he faxes me the final vehicle order and there is something on there called an ACCESS fee and it's for $998.00!!!!!!!!!!!! what the heck is that? everyone at work thought it was shipping and handling, but that was already added to the bill after the MSRP and before the options was added.


can anyone give me some insight into this?

[Tonyt3]

If its not for delivery, then I have no idea! Ask the dealer is my best advise. Either way, it should have been quoted for on your original invoice.... if it isn't, then don't pay it.

Good luck, hope they aren't trying to stiff you...

[sjbartnik]

Sounds like another word for "dealer markup."

As in "you have to pay us this fee before we let you access your car."

[KenL]

Don't pay it unless you agreed it on your original order.

The dealers in the States are robbers - even worse than the ones we have here !!!

[Dark Silver S]

Was there a delivery charge as well?

[cooper4us]

That's Bull Sh*t!!! Don't pay anything that you did not agreed to. My dealer only charges MSRP + $299 fee for paperwork, detailing and mats. Not a centavo more!!!

[heartbeat]

heartbeat does not like being ripped off!!!!!


is a "delivery fee" different than the "destination charge"?

heres a rundown of extra SH*T thats on my final ticket:

FMU: 599.00
FPF: 399.00
ACCESS: 998.00

(all this stuff is already on top of the MSRP and the standard $550 for "destination and handling")

HELP guys what is this extra stuff? some of you have to be dealers...since we have pretty much agreed that the ACCESS fee is bull...what are these other ones?


i mean its like an extra 2 grand added to my price!!!!

[Dark Silver S]

Boing!

Did you order any extra packages? Like Cold Weather Package. Or Premium. Optional wheels? Exotic tires? Clear bra? Satellite radio?

Is perhaps the sunroof in an ACCESS Package?

I know that FAMU is Florida Ag and Mining University (or something like that).

[sjbartnik]

Those look suspiciously like bogus additional charges. I'd love to know what FMU and FPF stand for

I think you are getting hosed on all three of those and I would walk before paying any of them. I would certainly be asking the dealer for a complete rundown on what each of these charges are and why they were not explained to you when you signed the papers to place your order (I'm assuming you're bringing this up now because they are springing these on you at the last minute and they are not included on the itemized order form you signed).

The destination charge is built into the MSRP displayed on the sticker. Any fees tacked on beyond that are simply dealer scam fees. Most dealers charge a couple hundred dollar "processing" fee which is equally bogus but most people are willing to accept. However it appears your dealer is going above and beyond.

I would suggest to the dealer that these fees were not part of the original deal. Be prepared to show your original paperwork to back up the price you were quoted. Then you can tell them they have the option to either sell you the car at the price quoted or refund your deposit.

If they refuse to refund your deposit (which you no doubt paid by credit card) then you may dispute the charge with your credit card company.

When I ordered my car the salesperson filled out an itemized order form which detailed all the options and prices, including the "processing" fee which we reviewed and I signed. That was the price I agreed to pay and that was the price I paid. I would assume you did something similar. If so, they can't just throw a bunch of extra stuff in at the last minute.

Really I think all you are looking at is dealer markup, plain and simple.

[heartbeat]

ok, for anybody that cares - some clarity - my MINI dealer decided to put an extra year of warranty and undercoating (is this just a waste of money?) onto my bill, without asking me!


so we are trying to get that straightened, needless to say - no word yet on the $1000 ACCESS fee - they are "looking into it".



no offense to the honest, hard-working MINI dealers around the country - but a particular one in North Carolina is making me quite mad. its one thing to ask a customer if they want extra things that they may not need, its an entirley different story to be underhanded and sneak it onto a bill - and i know other car delaers (non MINI) do it too...but it just really burns me. these guys were so nice and seemed genuine - i guess i was naive. thanks god for watchful friends and for MINI2 posters!!!

[Bullett]

regardless of wether the undercoating is a good idea or not if they put it on with you A) asking for it and b) agreeing to pay for it then it's really their problem don't pay for it.

[thegrommit]

Sounds like it's time to post the dealerships name on the Mini2 dealership feedback forum

[Dave]

http://www.carbuyingtips.com/car3.htm

If they claim they don't know what a specific fee is for, they are lying and you should leave immediately. They just don't have the guts to look you in the eye and tell you it's a B.S. fee. If the sales manager gives some obscure story that it's to help offset the cost of giving you discounts, do yourself a favor and leave to offset your cost of lining their wallet.

[stryder]

What are the specs of your car? If its mainsteam, you may be able to get one off the lot somewhere else. Even if you're not keen on that, call around to the dealers that have good reviews in the forums and check out what they are, if you know you can walk and get the same thing elsewhere, its a great bargining tool, and as unique as we like to think our cars are, often times people think alike when choosing options, and MINI can pre-spec cars based on that.

[moorlockx]

Well since there's only 1 dealer in NC shown on MiniUSA that kind of narrows down the selection of culprits. Did you check with Va.Beach Checkered Flag Mini to see what kind of deal they'd give you?
Non-authorized additions are the dealers problem. You've got a contract with them to deliver the car you ordered for the price they quoted. Anything extra, like in this case the extended warranty and undercoating is not your responsibility to pay for. Of course, they can easily enough rescind the extended warranty, but they're sure going to have fun scrapping off that undercoating!

[Jomnhta]

Undercoat?

For some reason, my dealer told me that undercoat is not needed on all BMW or MINI....

Is that true?

[Humourl3ss]

Walk away. Any dealership that tries to pull this nonsense does not deserve your patronage.

-CW

[dco43054]

Additional dealer profit is what it is. Were these on your original sales order? If not, I would not pay one penny more than the sales order price. If they were, well, as much as I think it is a RIPOFF, they did tell you they were going to screw you up front.

If you don't have a deposit, RUN away and find a dealer (hate to say it again, but MINI of the Hamptons usually has cars at MSRP with no BS charges) who will not try to take advantage of you.

God, this burns me. I didn't deal with the local dealer on sales just because they were pulling that same crap when I was ready to buy my MCS in the Fall. They have since changed their tune...

Dave

[Dark Silver S]

Doesn't Virgina have a bait and switch law?

If a dealer put undercoating on a car I had ordered, I'd refuse the car. Not only is undercoating a (small) profit for the dealer, but it doesn't do what it's supposed to. And it probably adds quite a bit of weight.

Looking at my crystal ball, I see a road trip in your future. I also see a letter to MINIUSA. BMW dealers don't have to resort to that.

[sjbartnik]

The MINI is undercoated from the factory. If you look under the car it appears body color, but if you poke at it it's actually a rubbery kind of undercoating. Kinda neat.

Anyway, yeah, if they put that stuff on the bill without you asking for it, then you are not obligated to pay for it. I don't see how it's your problem. You can thank them for the free undercoating and tell them to forget about the extended warranty.

That access fee is still total BS. If they don't completely waive all 3 fees I would walk. Also make 'em throw in a set of free floor mats for trying to slip stuff into the bill without you noticing.

I would certainly ask them for the paperwork you signed where you authorized the addition of undercoating and the purchase of the extended warranty. If they cannot produce such paperwork (which they obviously can't since you never signed it) then you can tell 'em it's their problem.

Your position should be waive all 3 fees or walk. There should be no negotiation involved. The dealer tried to screw you, they got caught, and now they must pay.