California - Buying a New Mini Cooper S Convertible

[Fuzzydice]

As a firmly established Mazda Miata MX-5 owner and enthusiast, I must say I've had a sudden conversion. The last two days I rented a 2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible; it is absolutely a killer car. As a result I'm looking to buy one.

I live in Southern California. I am looking for Mini2 member advice on buying a 2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible in my area.

Now, I know many dealers sell Mini Cooper S Convertibles at a high mark up. And, I know some dealers sell at MSRP. What I don't know, is if there are deals out their to be made on new 2005 Minis.

I am willing to wait a few months to get a Mini. And, I have already put the specs together on the options, etc I want for my Mini. The retails works out to be about $29,600.00.

Please give suggestions on dealerships and dealership sales managers, etc in my area who I should contact to make a great deal.

I can use any advice you are willing to share based on your experience.

Thanks.

Fuzzydice1
Soon to be sold 1999 Twilight Blue Mica Mica. To be replaced with a Metallic Silver 2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible with black hood stripes.

[belikeanthony]

You can find LOTS of information about southern cali dealers over at http://northamericanmotoring.com

I purchased mine at Assael in Monrovia for $1500 over sticker but got it in only 2 months! South Bay Mini sells them for MSRP from what i've heard but it takes much longer to get your Mini since the wait is so long. I also visited Bob Smith Mini in Calibasis and was set to purchase my Mini there but their markup is 5K!! The people there are great so that's where I get my Mini serviced.

Again, take a look at NAM, there's alot of info on dealers there. Mini2 is great for a general info though! Good luck!

[AprilWhine]

Moved to the SoCal regional forum where you can get some excellant first hand advice.

[MadHatter]

for MSRP. Brought back to California and paid state taxes with the cost savings. Highly recommend you talk with Debbie Linge of Mini of Murray.

You can always PM me for specific details but there are lots of posts of how to 'import' the car from outside California.

Best of Luck in whatever works for you,

[agibbsdesign]

Best of luck to you! All I can say is that Crevier MINI has an insane markup, but good service. Long Beach Mini has no markup, but horrible service. Irvine MINI seemed ok, but didnt have much of a selection. I ended up buying my Cooper Convertible from Long Beach, and have it serviced at Crevier

[StitchMINI]

I just got mine from Crevier, paid almost 3k in markup but they are extremely nice there. It's a first time buy for me and the MA was extremely helpful. Only took almost exactly 2 months to get. Ordered 6/16 and picked it up 8/13.

Good Luck!!!

[Joe Z]

Quote: Originally Posted by StitchMINI

I just got mine from Crevier, paid almost 3k in markup but they are extremely nice there. It's a first time buy for me and the MA was extremely helpful. Only took almost exactly 2 months to get. Ordered 6/16 and picked it up 8/13.

Good Luck!!!

You could have went to South Bay Mini or even Long Beach and kept the 3K in your pocket.....Since they do NOT have mark ups.. Never had them...
You could have used the 3k for things like Tint, Aero Shield Paint Protection, etc , etc,,,

Our MA is extremely helpful and nice too..
We ordered 6/24 and went to pick up on 8/20... But it didn't come home with us.. But we have an 06' on the way.. We should have it by October!!


Joe Z

[am0eba]

I had a very good experience purchasing from South Bay MINI in Torrance. No markup on cars ins tock or ordered. I ordered mine in late February '05, and took delivery of it in late April '05 - a few days earlier then promised, even though the shipping vessel had an incident at sea and was delayed by about 5 days.

My MA (Jamie DeFrance) is no longer there, as she decided to continue her education and went back to college to become a teacher. Jennifer the sales manager has been great to me - both before and after Jamie left. I also understand Freddie is a good guy and will take good care of you.

I haven't had any servicing yet, but I understand that others have had good things to report about their experiences at South Bay.

They are located about 5 minutes south of the 405 on Hawthorne (Northbound side) in Torrance. I chose them over Long Beach MINI mainly because the salespeople seemed more knowledgable and laid-back, and because Long Beach had a longer waiting period for made-to-order MINIs.

(Sorry this response is so late... I've been in and out of touch with things due to work-related travel to places where internet access has not been an option.)

Check out SCMM (Southern California MINI Maniacs), the largest MINI club in the US. Great folks; lots of knowledge about MINIs, and many fun events. Hope to see you around!

_Dave_