Mini Cooper / Mini Cooper S

[Lyne]

This is an email received on the Ottawa MiNi Club:

Greetings,

I'm thinking about purchasing a mini cooper or mini cooper s.  I've had a test drive and wondered if a current mini owner would be kind enough to answer a few questions for me......

I've chatted with the salesman from the Ottawa dealership and listened to his sales pitch but I came away from that conversation feeling like the price he quoted is the price no discussion required.  He continued to impress upon me that he was unable to offer any  "goodies" or decrease the quote because they could not keep up with the demand.  As well, once you've made your selection, you could be waiting for up to two months for delivery of the car.  I'd like to know if all of this is true or is there room for negotiation and if so where?

Also, the engine in a mini cooper s is more powerful but is it also a better buy and should be considered if purchasing an automatic?  If you can offer any additional info, it would be appreciated.


Thanks in advance for your help,

 

April

[Lyne]

Hello April,

Shopping for a Mini and inluding accessories and options, negotiation is difficult. These cars, when they arrive at the dealership, are sold quickly, and there is no competitor to a Mini. One thing I can suggest to you is: write an email to other dealers, put all the requirements you want, and request a quote. There are 3 dealers in Montreal (Laval, Mont-Royal and Brossard), don't hesitate to send an email. Compare and decide after.

Yes, it is true: when you order a Mini, expect 2 months before you get your car.

Your last question, I'm not sure if I understand correctly: do you want to buy an automatic but you've been told you should go with a S ? If this is the case, I have an automatic, it's a Cooper 2008. I am very happy with it, and have no regrets. My boyfriend has a Cooper S, 2007, it's standard... he was quite surprised of the "pep" my car had when he drove it for the first time. But he prefers his car... it all comes down to what you are looking for in a car.

I hope that helps.

Cheers,

Lyne