Pennsylvania MINI Car Dealers

Regarding earlier question of how I got the dealer to lower the price, it's no secret strategy. I first collected data on incentives, then searched inventory, then contacted the dealers for their prices. The price I paid was a good discount for me for a car equipped just like I wanted, plus allowed them a nice profit. It was also the last few days of the month and fiscal year, so maybe they were willing to be more flexible, and there are more dealers to choose from in eastern PA. tomc1227: It does not appear that the $1k is still available, but you are right that there is an option credit. I've seen that the "free" option allowed depends on the model, so I'm sure the dealers would have more specific info. For me, I drove both an automatic and a manual before purchasing - this car needs the manual for maximum fun factor!

I got the buy rate money factor of .00225. Also was able to waive the $925 acquisition fee by bumping the money factor another .00035. This bump turns out to be less than $925 over the life of the lease plus saved me from having to pay PA sales tax on the acquisition fee. The money factor is fairly high but typical for a new model that is in demand.

You know... I just did the math, and you are correct... the waiver bump is more advantageous at $925. I guess I'm used to working with the higher numbers on BMWs... Of course, now the dealer will want to make up that extra $200, somewhere... lol.. I don't have a source that you can quote... The waivers are pretty common knowledge, and I'm certain I heard it from a BMW sales professional... Almost all states tax the acquisition fee... and, tax on leases is 3% higher than the regular sales tax in PA.. Of course, if you use the waiver, your payment will be higher and that will be taxed... so, they've got you either way, there... regards, kyfdx

Dealer also states that in PA there is sales tax (9%) on the Acquisition Fee. Anyone else charged sales tax on the acquisition fee?

Hi Ron, Sorry I don't have more specifics for you. I looked at ~30 dealer websites from DC to Boston when doing my research and didn't take detailed notes on the 2010 conv since I wasn't interested. I suggest you do a widespread search of the dealer websites in your area to see what's available and what the discounts are. For me, I agreed to a price and picked up my White Silver metallic 2011 Hardtop today from Ottos Mini in West Chester, PA. In addition to the paint "option", other options are heated seats, fog lights, the Bluetooth/USB package, and the 16" 6-star spoke alloy wheels. The MSRP was $22600 and the true invoice (after including the $1000 You-ification money) was $19592. I paid $20500, so it was a $2100 discount off MSRP and $908 of profit to the dealer. I had wanted to be a few hundred lower, but this car was pretty much the exact color/configuration I was looking for so I'm satisfied. I actually had a very hard time finding minimally equipped Hardtops (no Premium package, etc) with just the 16" Alloy wheels, fog lights, and the Bluetooth/USB package in a color I wanted. Didn't really want heated seats, but since I park outside and live in the Northeast I'm sure I'll get some use out of them. The guys at Ottos Mini were great to work with. Had 2 rounds of phone negotiations completed by 1pm, took my credit application info over the phone (0.9% financing!), and had EVERYTHING ready and the car prepped when I arrived at 3:30pm, and it was very busy in the showroom today. A great experience. (Ron - noticed they had a nice red 2011 Conv in their showroom with an attractive sale price - MSRP was ~30400 and on sale for ~26900. Bigger discount since a lot more margin.)