Comments on: MINI USA Configurator Updated for 2008 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/14/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/ MotoringFile | MINI news, reviews and opinion. MINI Cooper, Cooper S, Clubman, Countryman Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:14:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: James http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/14/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-161551 James Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:26:49 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/#comment-161551 <p>It would be fantastic if they (BMW) could build the mini in the US, but that would be at least a few years off if they went at it full tilt immediately. From what I understand BMW is converting capacity in Spartanburg for the new V5? and X6? (Car UK mag).</p> <p>As for pricing? If the price did indeed go up $500 that's about 2% on a $25,000 build, right? Last time I checked inflation over the last ten years in the US was about 25%. Considering corn, wheat, oil and other (pillar) commodities going through the roof, I would think a paltry 2% price increase should be viewed more as a 1% to 2% price decrease in real dollars....</p> <p>And lastly, the resale value is pretty spiffy on minis. I (mistakenly) bought a manual 2007 Scion tc on sticker price alone. The single year resale value drop for both the scion and Cooper S sealed off any price difference between the Scion and the incomparably superior Mini.</p> <p>And don't forget the free three years maintenance. All things said, I think the Mini is still the best made cheap car and wish I had paid the extra $50 in monthly payments for one.</p> <p>Now if mini would just offer the Electric Blue again I'd be a happy camper. Sigh.</p> It would be fantastic if they (BMW) could build the mini in the US, but that would be at least a few years off if they went at it full tilt immediately. From what I understand BMW is converting capacity in Spartanburg for the new V5? and X6? (Car UK mag).

As for pricing? If the price did indeed go up $500 that’s about 2% on a $25,000 build, right? Last time I checked inflation over the last ten years in the US was about 25%. Considering corn, wheat, oil and other (pillar) commodities going through the roof, I would think a paltry 2% price increase should be viewed more as a 1% to 2% price decrease in real dollars….

And lastly, the resale value is pretty spiffy on minis. I (mistakenly) bought a manual 2007 Scion tc on sticker price alone. The single year resale value drop for both the scion and Cooper S sealed off any price difference between the Scion and the incomparably superior Mini.

And don’t forget the free three years maintenance. All things said, I think the Mini is still the best made cheap car and wish I had paid the extra $50 in monthly payments for one.

Now if mini would just offer the Electric Blue again I’d be a happy camper. Sigh.

]]> By: Bob http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/14/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-161465 Bob Tue, 18 Sep 2007 16:23:33 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/#comment-161465 <p>Hey guys, You're right about those pricing issues. The mini has always been that niche car. Not right for everyone, but perfect for the few. I got my first Mini S after two years of researching and test driving the car in 2007. I was shocked at some of the prices, but was able to do it because of the good trade-in deal they gave me. I also bought "off the lot" because of a special they were running at a new dealership. I found out while buying mine that the Clubman will be out in USA in FEB 2008. I immediately asked the dealer if I could get most of the value of my S against the trade on a new clubman in 2008 as they were selling 3-4 yr old minis on the lot for only 2-3 thousand less than my new one. This lead me to believe that I could get a good trade for a clubman in Feb. One customer who was trading in his 2006 w/20 thousand miles on it, at the same time I was buying my 2007 told me they actually gave him a little more than he paid for it in trade. The salesman confirmed it. All of these things led me to get excited about the possibility of buying a Clubman in Feb. 2008. That being said if BMW thinks that because of an American dollar that slipped momentarily and because of good sales in 2006 they can just throw any sticker price on it and get it, they might be surprised. From what I've learned, most Mini buyers are a discerning group and BMW should remember they can put any price on the window to counteract dollar weakness, but mini buyers can't just go into work and tell their bosses they need bumps in wages to make up for that same weak dollar. Americans are getting hit more and more with gas and heating oil prices soaring and every other bill in our lives tacking on surcharges to counteract that. Probably the biggest factor making Mini a success in USA is or at least was it's price. As you approach 26-33 Thousand you reach , what I call, the markets cross roads point. Americans who can afford 26-30 thousand for new cars, will start exploring what "slighlty more money" will get them. We're big value shoppers. Also lots of people tell me they like my car and they ask me about the price and I tell them it listed for $26,650, which it did. I tell them they can get a base model for around 21,000 but most still think it's too expensive. People look at this car to save money. If they're pouring that savings into the purchase price it does not work out. I only have mine becasue of the high trade-in I received.<br /> I'm kind of sad about it because I allowed myself to believe there was a small car that was economical and safe that was fun to drive and there would be one for the next five years (the mini) as there was in the last ten years. I still hope that Mini and BMW keep that market alive.</p> Hey guys, You’re right about those pricing issues. The mini has always been that niche car. Not right for everyone, but perfect for the few. I got my first Mini S after two years of researching and test driving the car in 2007. I was shocked at some of the prices, but was able to do it because of the good trade-in deal they gave me. I also bought “off the lot” because of a special they were running at a new dealership. I found out while buying mine that the Clubman will be out in USA in FEB 2008. I immediately asked the dealer if I could get most of the value of my S against the trade on a new clubman in 2008 as they were selling 3-4 yr old minis on the lot for only 2-3 thousand less than my new one. This lead me to believe that I could get a good trade for a clubman in Feb. One customer who was trading in his 2006 w/20 thousand miles on it, at the same time I was buying my 2007 told me they actually gave him a little more than he paid for it in trade. The salesman confirmed it. All of these things led me to get excited about the possibility of buying a Clubman in Feb. 2008. That being said if BMW thinks that because of an American dollar that slipped momentarily and because of good sales in 2006 they can just throw any sticker price on it and get it, they might be surprised. From what I’ve learned, most Mini buyers are a discerning group and BMW should remember they can put any price on the window to counteract dollar weakness, but mini buyers can’t just go into work and tell their bosses they need bumps in wages to make up for that same weak dollar. Americans are getting hit more and more with gas and heating oil prices soaring and every other bill in our lives tacking on surcharges to counteract that. Probably the biggest factor making Mini a success in USA is or at least was it’s price. As you approach 26-33 Thousand you reach , what I call, the markets cross roads point. Americans who can afford 26-30 thousand for new cars, will start exploring what “slighlty more money” will get them. We’re big value shoppers. Also lots of people tell me they like my car and they ask me about the price and I tell them it listed for $26,650, which it did. I tell them they can get a base model for around 21,000 but most still think it’s too expensive. People look at this car to save money. If they’re pouring that savings into the purchase price it does not work out. I only have mine becasue of the high trade-in I received.
I’m kind of sad about it because I allowed myself to believe there was a small car that was economical and safe that was fun to drive and there would be one for the next five years (the mini) as there was in the last ten years. I still hope that Mini and BMW keep that market alive.

]]> By: Mark (Texas) http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/14/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-160312 Mark (Texas) Fri, 14 Sep 2007 20:19:21 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/#comment-160312 <p>Doh! Spartanburg, SC. Thanks Dan. I think that what Matt is getting at is the original Mini was designed and built to be a fun car that was a very economical purchase for the average Joe. The MINI reincarnation's buy-in for a lot of us was on those same coat-tails. If, for whatever reason, the price climbs into the true "premium" range, it loses that, and for me, anyway it no longer competes for my $$$. Mine is a daily-driver not a second "toy" car that sits next to a Mercedes or BMW in the garage, and that I just tool round on weekends in - and I think you will find this is true of the majority of current MINI owners. If what I once based out around $16-17K and nicely loaded cost me $23K, now starts approaching $25 - $30K to replace, I'll be replacing it with something else that is a little less "premium".</p> Doh! Spartanburg, SC. Thanks Dan. I think that what Matt is getting at is the original Mini was designed and built to be a fun car that was a very economical purchase for the average Joe. The MINI reincarnation’s buy-in for a lot of us was on those same coat-tails. If, for whatever reason, the price climbs into the true “premium” range, it loses that, and for me, anyway it no longer competes for my $$$. Mine is a daily-driver not a second “toy” car that sits next to a Mercedes or BMW in the garage, and that I just tool round on weekends in – and I think you will find this is true of the majority of current MINI owners. If what I once based out around $16-17K and nicely loaded cost me $23K, now starts approaching $25 – $30K to replace, I’ll be replacing it with something else that is a little less “premium”.

]]> By: Dan http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/14/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-160295 Dan Fri, 14 Sep 2007 19:09:45 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/#comment-160295 <p>The configurator is still up and as far as I know, it never went down. It still shows the updated prices, too. A correction to statement above, the BMW USA plant resides in <em>Spartanburg (county), SC</em>. :) I would love them to build it here though, since it's only about 20 minutes down the road! I won't hold my breath though!</p> <p>As far as the pricing, I really don't know what the big deal is. It sucks, of course, since I haven't purchased mine yet, but pricing almost always changes from one year to the next, right? And due to the BMW engineering, I'm ok with paying a premium price for a premium vehicle.</p> The configurator is still up and as far as I know, it never went down. It still shows the updated prices, too. A correction to statement above, the BMW USA plant resides in Spartanburg (county), SC. :) I would love them to build it here though, since it’s only about 20 minutes down the road! I won’t hold my breath though!

As far as the pricing, I really don’t know what the big deal is. It sucks, of course, since I haven’t purchased mine yet, but pricing almost always changes from one year to the next, right? And due to the BMW engineering, I’m ok with paying a premium price for a premium vehicle.

]]> By: mike http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/14/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-160294 mike Fri, 14 Sep 2007 18:56:32 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/#comment-160294 <p>maybe there's been a mistake on the colors too. a guy can dream, right?</p> maybe there’s been a mistake on the colors too. a guy can dream, right?

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/14/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-160245 Gabe Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:13:11 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/#comment-160245 <p><b>Hey guys - major post update above. Probably a good idea to read it before commenting further.</b></p> Hey guys – major post update above. Probably a good idea to read it before commenting further.

]]> By: Mark (Texas) http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/14/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-160244 Mark (Texas) Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:11:32 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/#comment-160244 <p>Hey Matt, I think, as others have posted, that the major reason is the weakness of the dollar against other currencies. BMW needs to start building them at their plant in Spartenburg, NC, to try and counter-act this. But I agree with you, I know the rising MINI prices, coupled with the extremely dismal trade-in values offered potential repeat buyers on their used MINIs at MINI dealerships, is going to have a negative impact on any new MINI in my future.</p> Hey Matt, I think, as others have posted, that the major reason is the weakness of the dollar against other currencies. BMW needs to start building them at their plant in Spartenburg, NC, to try and counter-act this. But I agree with you, I know the rising MINI prices, coupled with the extremely dismal trade-in values offered potential repeat buyers on their used MINIs at MINI dealerships, is going to have a negative impact on any new MINI in my future.

]]> By: Matt http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/14/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-160229 Matt Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:34:02 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/#comment-160229 <p>Maybe people are not going to like what I have to say, but I find these price increases (especially the $200 random price increases on the options) to be hurtful to the brand and the potential future owner. My 2006 Cooper S (with tons of options) is the same price as a moderately equipped Cooper. Since when did a Mini cost on average $25,000? What happened to it being affordable, but premium and cool.</p> Maybe people are not going to like what I have to say, but I find these price increases (especially the $200 random price increases on the options) to be hurtful to the brand and the potential future owner. My 2006 Cooper S (with tons of options) is the same price as a moderately equipped Cooper. Since when did a Mini cost on average $25,000? What happened to it being affordable, but premium and cool.

]]> By: Chris Hauck http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/14/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-160194 Chris Hauck Fri, 14 Sep 2007 13:06:43 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/#comment-160194 <p>I think the Mini prices are pegged against the Euro and not Pound Sterling, but in either event the exchange rates for the Euro are getting higher as well.</p> <p>We can't win no matter how you look at it.</p> I think the Mini prices are pegged against the Euro and not Pound Sterling, but in either event the exchange rates for the Euro are getting higher as well.

We can’t win no matter how you look at it.

]]> By: dickdavid http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/14/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-160171 dickdavid Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:46:09 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/#comment-160171 <blockquote>Remember the Canadian dollar is almost at par with the American dollar now.</blockquote> <p>Wow! When did that happen? When I worked up there I was taking a huge hit on the conversion because I was still living in the States.</p> <p>You're right. Americans do get a great price on our cars.</p> <p>Also, even though inflation does suck, the MINI has come a long way since the $16,999 base price. It's still well worth the price, IMO.</p> Remember the Canadian dollar is almost at par with the American dollar now.

Wow! When did that happen? When I worked up there I was taking a huge hit on the conversion because I was still living in the States.

You’re right. Americans do get a great price on our cars.

Also, even though inflation does suck, the MINI has come a long way since the $16,999 base price. It’s still well worth the price, IMO.

]]> By: Dan http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/14/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-160155 Dan Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:57:39 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/#comment-160155 <p>No, delivery didn't change. Other options did though (Chrome Line Interior went up $50, for instance).</p> No, delivery didn’t change. Other options did though (Chrome Line Interior went up $50, for instance).

]]> By: eto http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/14/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-160071 eto Fri, 14 Sep 2007 03:53:25 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/#comment-160071 <p>Did delivery go up $50? My build went from 25,400 to 25,950.</p> Did delivery go up $50? My build went from 25,400 to 25,950.

]]> By: Victor http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/14/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-160062 Victor Fri, 14 Sep 2007 02:36:40 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/#comment-160062 <p>Candian MINI's face 6% government import tax and 5% echange, also we have most standard options. Like Xenon lights, DSC, Autodimming Mirors, ect. It really only about 1k CND cheaper in the states now.</p> Candian MINI’s face 6% government import tax and 5% echange, also we have most standard options. Like Xenon lights, DSC, Autodimming Mirors, ect. It really only about 1k CND cheaper in the states now.

]]> By: Richard http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/14/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-160058 Richard Fri, 14 Sep 2007 02:10:30 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/#comment-160058 <p>No complaining about price hikes please. Go check out the prices at mini.ca prior to complaining. Remember the Canadian dollar is almost at par with the American dollar now.</p> No complaining about price hikes please. Go check out the prices at mini.ca prior to complaining. Remember the Canadian dollar is almost at par with the American dollar now.

]]> By: Ian C. http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/14/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-160055 Ian C. Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:54:28 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/#comment-160055 <p>I'm sure the dollar exchange rate is behind this price increase ... when MINI launched in USA it was around 1.4, now it's around 2.0! There's a 40% "loss" due to currency, with pricing up maybe 15%?</p> I’m sure the dollar exchange rate is behind this price increase … when MINI launched in USA it was around 1.4, now it’s around 2.0! There’s a 40% “loss” due to currency, with pricing up maybe 15%?

]]> By: Jon E http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/14/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-160041 Jon E Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:39:45 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/#comment-160041 <p>This is disappointing, especially since I am intending to order a 2008 MCS soon (however not able to until December according to the local dealer). Also this is disappointing since it appears that the 2008 cars for other markets that are being provided with the fuel saving technology changes not coming to the US market received no price increase from 2007 to 2008. Possibly this is due to the decline in the value of the dollar and the unfavorable exchange rate against the British pound?</p> This is disappointing, especially since I am intending to order a 2008 MCS soon (however not able to until December according to the local dealer). Also this is disappointing since it appears that the 2008 cars for other markets that are being provided with the fuel saving technology changes not coming to the US market received no price increase from 2007 to 2008. Possibly this is due to the decline in the value of the dollar and the unfavorable exchange rate against the British pound?

]]> By: Max http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/14/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-160034 Max Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:21:39 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/#comment-160034 <p>Hey, I noticed that the power fold mirrors are part of the cold weather package.</p> Hey, I noticed that the power fold mirrors are part of the cold weather package.

]]> By: Bor http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/14/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-160031 Bor Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:18:11 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/#comment-160031 <p>Gabe,</p> <p>Does that mean that all the cars ordered starting today will be 2008 models ?</p> <p>Thanks</p> Gabe,

Does that mean that all the cars ordered starting today will be 2008 models ?

Thanks

]]> By: bee1000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/14/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/comment-page-1/#comment-160005 bee1000 Thu, 13 Sep 2007 22:30:14 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mini-usa-configurator-updated-with-2008-pricing/#comment-160005 <p>Any idea when the Clubman will be added to the configurator?</p> Any idea when the Clubman will be added to the configurator?

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