[thedudeabides]

This is my first post, and I want to share my Mini shopping experience. I will apologize in advance for the length of the post, however I have to vent about my less than stellar experience with Assael.

I live in Monrovia, and have been to Assael Mini three times. The first time was last year when the Mini’s hit our shores. I was one of two customers in the showroom and I left after 20 minutes, as not one salesperson so much as greeted me. I also noticed Assael listed a dealer premium of $8,000 for the S and $4,000 for the base model, which translates into a 30% premium!!!!

I went in a second time a few months later and met with the same warm and friendly welcome even though I was the only person in the showroom. I should mention that I shower on a daily basis, dress nice in a casual way, and am in my mid-30’s. So, what’s the problem?

The third time, I thought, would be a charm. I stopped by last Friday, and after 5 minutes of milling about, I was approached rather half-heartedly by a salesman who looked like he took a shot to the head with a frying pan earlier that morning. He had quite a lump going on the side of his forehead and was rather aloof – no handshake or anything. This being the first time I was ever approached by a salesman at said dealership I took the opportunity to ask a few questions. I asked if I could see the engine, and he told me “the hood release is on the right”, and after I finally found it I was left to open the hood on my own. Now there's a helpful salesman!

After a few minutes of looking under the hood of the fully-loaded S, he mumbled something about some model and a premium. I asked him which model carried a premium, and he said “all models”, the S has a $6,000 premium and the base Cooper has a $4,000 premium. I was going to ask him if the premium at least came with the common courtesy of a reach-around, but decided against it, as I was certain I had misunderstood him. I then asked “So, how much is this S selling for?” He said it carried a $6,000 premium. I said, “Yes, so how much?” (I just wanted to hear him say it). “$30,495”, he replied. I then told him he just made my decision for me, and I was going to go next door to the Nissan dealership and buy a 350Z. Man did he ever look like a deer caught in the headlights! He starting telling me that people from JPL come in all the time, how they are selling everything they can (they had 4 Mini's on the lot that day), and how many customers know the complete history of the Mini. Well, apparently that and an extra $6,000 will get you an S.

After this unpleasant experience I went to Performance Nissan where they had a 350Z roadster on the lot. A salesman greeted me right away, answered all of my questions, and offered to let me test drive the car (I didn’t because I was pressed for time). Now here’s the kicker… They are selling their inventory of Z’s at $100 under sticker.

I would still like to buy a Mini, however after my experience with those price-gouging idiots at Assael I may purchase a Nissan for pure spite.

Thank you for letting me vent.

[Eric B]

I know it would be a long drive to pick it up but you think about ordering via phone/mail from somewhere that does not charge a premium. Rasmussen Mini in Portland OR has a 8 or 9 month wait but only charges $189 over MSRP which includes floor mats and a few other dealer supplied options.

[NEMINI]

If a MINI is what you want there are dozens and dozens of dealers that do not price gouge and that do the right thing. If a Nissan is what you want don't get it because you are trying to spite some idiot dealership that won't even notice, get it because thats what YOU want. If you decide you do want a MINI and need assistance locating the best dealer in your area or having one transported in there are 100's of people willing to help you in whatever way we can, just make your decision based on whats right for you first, then let us know.

Peace,
G-03

[dav]

Here's the scoop. Purchase out of state!! For MSRP!!! The local MINI (BMW) dealer will be happy to do your warranty work. I have an order placed right now for a 2004 S at MSRP from an East Coast MINI dealer. Order was placed July 29th, October delivery. Shipping will be under $850. You will have to have the car smogged once it arrives before registering it here. Don't worry, it's a 50 state legal auto. Try Mini of the Hamptons or Habberstad Mini in NY for starters.

Bottom line, shop around and test drive the Cooper first. The car is a barrel of monkeys to drive, and seats 4 unlike the Nissan 350Z, and is cheaper to boot! Good luck!!!!!!!!! You won't find a better handling car at any price.

[OctaneGuy]

I agree go out of state. The only dealers that I might consider in Los Angeles are Nick Alexander MINI which charges a $3,000 premium but can be gotten down to $1,500 if you try and Long Beach MINI. NA service includes a flat bed pickup at your location and a loaner car. If you buy out of state and want to have it shipped, it'll cost you $1,000- $1,500 to have that done, so it might be a worthwhile trade off.

Long Beach MINI (Signal Hill) charges MSRP, but they have long wait times. I originally ordered in May through LB MINI for an October/Nov delivery of a 2004 MINI, but I found out about Roadshow MINI in Memphis, TN. On June 24, I called them up, and got the order placed the same day. A $500 deposit and I got my Production Number that week. 2 months and a few weeks and my MC is supposed to be at the dealer any day now. I'm flying to Memphis next Wed to pick her up, and will be driving back to Los Angeles, but taking the "scenic route" back---converting the normal 1,500 mile journey to a 5,000+ mile tour of the northern states! Check out the July Production group if you want to see what the rest of us have been going through these past 2 months!

[dav]

Excellent!!! NO vehicle is worth paying more than MSRP for, even a MINI.I can see you salivating from here! The waiting is the toughest part for me. The second toughest decision was the paint color. Dark Silver/white roof? Chile Red/Black roof? Pure silver/Black roof? I have changed color choice 3X with sales rep! I will be flying to northern FL in October to pick-up and then drive back to the LA area. Dealer claims they make many sales to us West coasters like us who refuse to pay over MSRP for a MINI. Enjoy your new MINI and the adventure!

[OctaneGuy]

The waiting only gets tougher as the days seems to slow to a crawl!!! But the one thing that helps is to buy lots of MINI stuff in anticipation. I got my Alpine CD Changer and Blitzsafe adapter, Mossmini Rally lights, Custom Whalen Shift Machine knob, Gotmini.com elbow rest. Latest additions are Zaino brothers polishing kit, and a Valentine V1 laser/radar detector for the trip!

Just order each one a few weeks apart, and the time seems to come much quicker! That is until the wife puts her foot down and says NO MORE!

I originally thought I was going to get a Pure Silver with body colored roof, but that quickly changed when I realized that practically all the BMW's here in Los Angeles are silver. Opened my eyes to see that Silver is way too common. Eventually the wife agreed that Indi Blue was the best color, so that's what I got.

That's one way to help the choice, but also check out the galleries. The stripes was a tough issue for me for many weeks too. Viper stripes or regular stripes? Viper stripes that go from the edge of the bonnet to the bumper, or that go from the windshield (under the pollen screens), and on and on and on. I still haven't resolved that one. Fortunately you got lots of time to make up your mind.

Florida to LA (is that Louisiana or Los Angeles) cause Los Angeles is a long drive, but lots of people are doing it!

[D Dubya]

There are definitely dealers not charging a markup on the cars. I placed an order last week from Moritz Mini in Arlington (Dallas), TX and I paid MSRP. They tell me the car should arrive around the 2nd or 3rd week of October. So far I have been very impressed with them. Good Luck!

[plugot]

You're facing the same dilemma as every other Californian. Over the last two months I've spoken with every MINI dealer in the US. Finally ordered an '04 MCS from an Ohio dealer. I'm sharing the cost with some other (Nor)Cal and SoCal buyers for a closed transport. The added expense does in fact mean that you're paying over MSRP, That's life. If you want a MINI S, they have you by the short h*irs. Pigs. As for Nick Alexander, they wouldn't drop below $2K over. Forget it. They're selling for $2500 over in Vegas because they know CAL buyers will pay it. I've never paid even MSRP for a car before -- and that includes a 99 Vette that LA dealers were sticking an extra $5 thou on over list. But I want a MINI and I live in LA, so...
OUT OF STATE!! Screw these local theives. They'll be happy to take yours or BMW's service dollars. Just befriend a local service writer, and they won't care where you bought the car.
Motor On!

[OctaneGuy]

re: Nick Alexander
Not that I'm very fond of this dealer, especially when they told me that they would give me the best price of any dealer, their bottom line price still included a $1,500 premium. I agree, they are all pigs, Assael has got to be the worst.

[EBMCS03]

Dont goto Assael! they are one of the worst if not THE worst dealer in CA for mark up and sales service! goto long beach... get on the list for order out of state! check this thread out... Long Beach might not be as long as everyone thinks... http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38494

[thedudeabides]

I'll check out Long Beach this weekend. Thanks for the advice.

[dav]

Yes, that's LA as in Los Angeles. I only chose the Jacksonville dealer for two reasons; selling to me for MSRP, and near my brothers house. He will park (I hope!) Mini in the garage after it arrives and after I handle the paperwork with the dealer.

[phubear]

Asael turned me off instantaneously (same great treatment as others with the addition of some very poor attitudes), Universal City had few models and low enthusiasm, and less extras for the mark-up, Nick Alexander wanted to charge over sticker with no options & a waiting list, Long Beach was very nice but the wait seemed longer than at other dealerships, so I ended up at Crevier. They did charge over sticker, but were helpful with inquiries and offered up the specs for in-route MINIs that came close to my configuration. It looks like they have the most MINIs on the floor and the most well-equipped service center too. (Appointments usually within a day or two) Santa Ana is pretty far though if your based in LA.

[plugot]

Since I'm a member of the LA BMW club and Crevier is one of the sponsors,I spoke to them about getting my MINI. Yes, they were actually courteous and helpful, but as mentioned also greedy. However, their installed price for the JCW package is the best in the area. I believe it was $5700. If I later decide to get one, they'd be the local choice. Incidentally, Bob Smith Mini is supposed to be open by December. I called them to see if they would take advance orders with a delivery in December, but their rep never returned my call. We probably have more MINI dealers in the greater LA area than just about anywhere else and they are all - to a greater or lesser degree -lousy.

[EBMCS03]

Bob smith MINI?? wheres that? I didnt know they were really openning up more MINI dealers...

[plugot]

Bob Smith is in Canoga Park. According to the MINIUSA site they're scheduled to open in December. As I live in the SF Valley, I'm hoping that their service department will be better than Universal MINI whiich seems to have a pretty poor customer rating.

[plk]

I hate Assael...I hate Assael...

I feel better now.

I live in Altadena, and I really wanted to buy at Assael. I like to support my local area whenever I can. They lied to my face, and treated me like an idiot.

Call every dealer in LA and negotiate. I got mine through Crevier and I only paid 500 over MSRP to order an MCS. That was in May of 02 when you could hardly find one.

If you call around you can pay less than it would cost you to fly out of state and drive one back. I doubt you can find one in LA for MSRP though, other than Long Beach. But Long Beach will make you wait.

I was very happy with Crevier. No pressure, no BS, very helpful. The exact opposite of Assael.

Good luck, and go with the Mini!

[OctaneGuy]

Quote: Originally Posted by plk

I
If you call around you can pay less than it would cost you to fly out of state and drive one back.

A flight on www.Airtran.com to the Mid West from Los Angeles is only $258 for 2 persons, 1 way (including taxes), $212 before taxes.

It's about 1,500 miles so if you can get 300 miles to the tank, you'll only fill it 5 times. At 30MPG, you'll need 50 gallons for the drive. At $2/gallon that's only $100 worth of gas.

So $358 or so plus food and place to stay is what you would need to figure if you were to make the trip. I hear it can be done in about 3 days. And remember that $258 is for 2 PERSONS.

Compare that to $1,000- $1,500 for shipping the car from out of state.

Compare that to $2,000 - $6,000 premiums over MSRP!!!

[dav]

PLK; Great negotiating skills at Crevier in Santa Ana! I tried back in May with them. Best I could do was $1500 over for the MCS model. I wanted to keep my money local but they forced me to go out of state to purchase at MSRP. I am awaiting my 2004 MCS to arrive in October. My costs will be the following;

-$142 air fare one-way to Orlando

-$180 for 4 nights at Motel 6

-$175 for gasoline (2400 miles divided by 28 mpg = 86 gallons x $1.99 per gallon of premium is roughly $175)

-$120 for food ($30 per day for 3 meals + snacks/drinks/coffee)
_____

$617 TOTAL

Driving back across this geat country and spending time with my 72 year widowed father who has Parkinson's = PRICELESS!