Arizona MINI Car Dealers

Got ballpark numbers on a Clubman from dealer in Scottsdale, AZ MSRP of $25K 36 Month 15K/year $400-450 a month they said give or take!!! Whoa ! Then I asked what numbers they were using: 54% Residual .00275 was the MF ??? Ehhhh, that's terrible and they didn't seem eager to want to come down from that.

The sales staff at my local dealer (unidentified for now) have told me that 2010 factory orders will be taken AT MSRP. Using the Edmunds TMV calculation page that is approx. 10% over invoice cost. In my configuration that is close to $3,000 profit to place the order (because the dealership does not incur any of the costs associated with a car designated for lot sale). Has anyone out there ordered a 2010 for less than MSRP? I live in CA and really have no problem dealing with any of the dealers in the state (or NV & AZ for that matter). I probably would have paid the MSRP cost justifying it by saying that the dealer is entitled to a profit (even if a bit steep) until the sales person said that all their 2010 orders are done with Lojack and Perma plate. I said no to both then their "out the door" quote was still $600 OVER MSRP + tax/license/title. Making for a $3,600 profit!!

Given the distance and trouble, I wouldn't spend a whole lot of time trying to negotiate a deal or match the "best deal" you've heard about on the net. On this particular car, MSRP seems to be what everyone is paying (except on the west coast where MSRP+ seems to be common). If you have a specific lead on a dealer who is discounting, you might give that one a try, and you're certainly welcome to offer anything you like, but if I were in you situation, and on this particular car, I'd just find one that is as close to LA as you can find that will do a straight MSRP deal and call it a day. Beware of various "doc fees" and the like that may get tacked on to the deal. While the costs of registration and taxes are above and beyond MSRP (and fixed by the state taxation situation), most dealers will have a $100-$800 document fee they'll attempt to tack on. This is non-standard and is basically extra profit to the dealer. I would try and negotiate this away, or at least make sure it is nominal (less than $100). I'd ask that they fax you something back which shows the full purchase price of the car when you take delivery so you're not surprised. States taxes and registrations are local to the state and sometimes even to the county where the dealer is located. Sometimes they'll vary depending on what address you give as your home. Some will charge sales tax and/or registration for an out-of-state buyer; others won't. And for sales tax, when you register the car in your home state, you'll typically get credit for sales tax paid in a different state, but not always. If you're buying out of state, you might consider buying from a Texas dealer. They don't charge sales tax for out of state buyers. I bought mine at Moritz Mini in Arlington and it was very straightforward. And this might be the closest MSRP dealer - I've heard that the few dealers in AZ, NM, and NV typically surcharge above MSRP. A little off topic, but I'd advise you to postpone this whole car buying thing until you are settled. It sounds like you need to move to LA (from Barcelona), find an apartment, presumably will be starting a new job, etc. etc. etc. Do you really want the hassles of buying a car at a distant dealer and having it shipped and delivered during that 1st month? And what if your job situation or apartment situation ends up having the car parked in a location that is subject to vandals or theft? The extra cost of driving a rental for an extra month or two is nominal - it might even be cheaper than your car payment and insurance. You might decide on a different car once you learn your full situation. I'd keep your eye on the ball and keep your options open until you get settled. Good luck, - Mark

I had my MiniConvert.S transported from Scottsdale,Az to Chicago this past spring by rail, with door to door service. Unfortunately the rail service is no longer available. My experience was delightful with no problems. At the time I shipped the car the cost was $659.00. Now to transport the car back to Az. by truck carrier the cost will be upwards of $850.00. Any suggestions?

I thought I'd call a few other dealerships out west. I called Assael Mini in Monrovia, Ca. and the kind salesman told me that now they are charging $6,000 over msrp but would "negotiate" with me at $3,000 over! I did call Mini of Scottsdale, AZ. and found a dealer who charges msrp but with a 7 month wait. For $2,500+ I'll wait.