Delivery Stories

Interesting email this morning: Your 1 year free trial with SiriusXM has been started for your new Mini and you are all set... but... do you want to replace your old vehicle? (2011 Fiesta that I sold back in July) - yes please! clicked the button, logged in, and switch done in two steps...

I still get the one year for free and then after that it gets billed just like it did before... first time I can utter the words: thanks Sirius! I had totally forgotten about the old car and cancelling service.
 
Sirius/XM seems to be more customer-oriented these days. It might be a response to a class-action lawsuit regarding the transferring of lifetime subscriptions. I have a lifetime subscription, but it can be transferred only twice, so I've never transferred it to one of my cars. The lawsuit seeks to eliminate the transfer limit. Perhaps they hope to avoid future such lawsuits by being friendlier to all subscribers regarding subscription transfers.
 
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TittaPDX said:
Hi, all. Due to a personal issue on his end, I received the purchase proposal about an hour ago (after initial call Monday). I'm confused and wanted to check in here with you recent buyers to see if this makes sense before I follow up with him.

Selling price is $38,250 (iconic trim + $500 Lounge Leather seats + $850 destination/handling). Lines below that include:
  • $699 - Perma Plate 7 year warranty optional - not sure what this is
  • $995 - Dealer Prep Star Guard - don't know what this is
Total Purchase = $39,944.
Lines below that:
  • Processing Fee: $115
  • Tax (estimated): $191.25
  • Reg Fees: $677
  • New Warranty 7yr/75k: $4,600 (extended warranty (on top of the other warranty?) ) - anyone doing this?
  • Gap: $795
  • Clearmask: $1295
Total = $47,617.25

Obviously, processing/tax (I think they charge a 0.5% sales tax although Oregon doesn't have sales tax)/registration fees are necessary. Is Clearmask at $1295 worth it? Does anyone know what Dealer Prep Star Guard is? The rest seem unnecessary?
Click to expand...

Ok, I finally connected again with my dealer and got a little more information. Let me also first say that I learned that all of those charges given to me by the dealer were the available options and not necessarily what I would be expected to pay. Except for maybe the Star Gard? Read more below.

  • $699 Perma Plate warranty - will help you out with repair or replacement of interior/exterior damage. Not something I'm going to purchase. More info attached in file.
  • $995 - Dealer Prep Star Guard - (https://stargardgps.com/) This is still confusing to me, even after I asked that it be explained to me like I'm stupid as to if it is or is not optional. I was told that it's wired into the car (maybe upon check-in, I don't think it was manufacture) and it's "built into the overall cost"...if that's the case, why is it an extra $1k to me? It's a security device and one use is to track vehicles if stolen. Then was told that "xx" number of cars were recovered during the Portland riots due to this system. So I'm thinking he was talking about BMWs and I didn't hear of cars being stolen on a widespread basis. Looking at a bmw forum, another use is to be able to repossess cars in case of non-payment. Looking at this site (https://alllinesdealerservices.com/products/vehicle-security-inventory-management/), it states it's the "first customer-financed auto-inventory system" and "helps dealers locate and protect their inventory while on the lost. The most efficient way to track your inventory." For car owners, it helps "monitor how and where their cars are being driven. A connected car experience improves family safety." When I asked if this is required, it was made to sound as though it is.
  • $1295 Clearmask - covers the areas most exposed to rock chips. 1/3 of the hood, bumper, mirror caps, door edges and cups. I can get more coverage at a better price on my own.
Has anyone been required to pay for Star Gard? @Toi - as your Seattle guy seems reasonable, could you ask him about Star Gard and if it's required/optional?

I'm ready to cross out everything besides processing fees, tax and registration fees.
 

Attachments

TittaPDX said:
Has anyone been required to pay for Star Gard?
Click to expand...

My dealership didn't mention/offer this to me, so I didn't pay for it. The description makes it sound like LoJack, which is completely redundant with the MINI Connected app and your car's built-in connected services. That seems like pure profit for the dealership while you pay extra for a capability your car already has.

TittaPDX said:
I'm ready to cross out everything besides processing fees, tax and registration fees.
Click to expand...

I believe that is the correct answer!
 
TittaPDX said:
For car owners, it helps "monitor how and where their cars are being driven. A connected car experience improves family safety."
Click to expand...

The SE has built-in GPS tracking (you have to enable it through the menu system), and then the MINI Connected app on your phone can see the precise location of your vehicle.

I was never even offered the option of something like "Star Guard" from my dealer in Minneapolis.

If the dealer wants it to track in case of repossession they should pay for it.
 
TittaPDX said:
Ok, I finally connected again with my dealer and got a little more information. Let me also first say that I learned that all of those charges given to me by the dealer were the available options and not necessarily what I would be expected to pay. Except for maybe the Star Gard? Read more below.

  • $699 Perma Plate warranty - will help you out with repair or replacement of interior/exterior damage. Not something I'm going to purchase. More info attached in file.
  • $995 - Dealer Prep Star Guard - (https://stargardgps.com/) This is still confusing to me, even after I asked that it be explained to me like I'm stupid as to if it is or is not optional. I was told that it's wired into the car (maybe upon check-in, I don't think it was manufacture) and it's "built into the overall cost"...if that's the case, why is it an extra $1k to me? It's a security device and one use is to track vehicles if stolen. Then was told that "xx" number of cars were recovered during the Portland riots due to this system. So I'm thinking he was talking about BMWs and I didn't hear of cars being stolen on a widespread basis. Looking at a bmw forum, another use is to be able to repossess cars in case of non-payment. Looking at this site (https://alllinesdealerservices.com/products/vehicle-security-inventory-management/), it states it's the "first customer-financed auto-inventory system" and "helps dealers locate and protect their inventory while on the lost. The most efficient way to track your inventory." For car owners, it helps "monitor how and where their cars are being driven. A connected car experience improves family safety." When I asked if this is required, it was made to sound as though it is.
  • $1295 Clearmask - covers the areas most exposed to rock chips. 1/3 of the hood, bumper, mirror caps, door edges and cups. I can get more coverage at a better price on my own.
Has anyone been required to pay for Star Gard? @Toi - as your Seattle guy seems reasonable, could you ask him about Star Gard and if it's required/optional?

I'm ready to cross out everything besides processing fees, tax and registration fees.
Click to expand...

Never even heard of Dealer Prep Star Guard. Cross it out, don't pay it, you didn't agree to it in the first place. If it is already there, their bad, they can either leave it there or they can pay to have it removed with no damage or permanent effects.
 
I have yet to take possession of my Mini SE but this was not an option 4 years ago when I bought my 4 dr hardtop. If I didn't ask for it, I would refuse to pay it. Redundant with the Mini connected as stated above too.
 
Norbu72 said:
Counting down the days now.
Click to expand...

Your selection of Signature Plus, green, black/grey seats, and Cosmos black is my current front runner for what I would want in my Mini (seems to change by the week with me). So I look forward to seeing photos!
 
GvilleGuy said:
Your selection of Signature Plus, green, black/grey seats, and Cosmos black is my current front runner for what I would want in my Mini (seems to change by the week with me). So I look forward to seeing photos!
Click to expand...
If I had chosen BRG instead of Moonwalk Grey, I'd make a deal with @Matt Shumaker for his Energetic Yellow parts because I like that Lotus color combo. @KeninFL suggested that MINI didn't want to step on Lotus's signature color combo and that's the reason the Energetic Yellow parts aren't available with BRG.
 
Hello all, I took delivery of my Cooper SE today. UK level 2 trim, silver white, black roof and mirror covers with Comos alloys. Ordered 13th August, arrived at dealer 18th September. I delayed delivery until today to coincide with my current lease expiring. Haven't had much of an opportunity to explore the SE's capabilities due to poor weather today but I'm mightily impressed so far! 20201019_115623.webp 20201019_122817.webp 20201019_115623.webp 20201019_122817.webp
 
TittaPDX said:
Ok, I finally connected again with my dealer and got a little more information. Let me also first say that I learned that all of those charges given to me by the dealer were the available options and not necessarily what I would be expected to pay. Except for maybe the Star Gard? Read more below.

  • $699 Perma Plate warranty - will help you out with repair or replacement of interior/exterior damage. Not something I'm going to purchase. More info attached in file.
  • $995 - Dealer Prep Star Guard - (https://stargardgps.com/) This is still confusing to me, even after I asked that it be explained to me like I'm stupid as to if it is or is not optional. I was told that it's wired into the car (maybe upon check-in, I don't think it was manufacture) and it's "built into the overall cost"...if that's the case, why is it an extra $1k to me? It's a security device and one use is to track vehicles if stolen. Then was told that "xx" number of cars were recovered during the Portland riots due to this system. So I'm thinking he was talking about BMWs and I didn't hear of cars being stolen on a widespread basis. Looking at a bmw forum, another use is to be able to repossess cars in case of non-payment. Looking at this site (https://alllinesdealerservices.com/products/vehicle-security-inventory-management/), it states it's the "first customer-financed auto-inventory system" and "helps dealers locate and protect their inventory while on the lost. The most efficient way to track your inventory." For car owners, it helps "monitor how and where their cars are being driven. A connected car experience improves family safety." When I asked if this is required, it was made to sound as though it is.
  • $1295 Clearmask - covers the areas most exposed to rock chips. 1/3 of the hood, bumper, mirror caps, door edges and cups. I can get more coverage at a better price on my own.
Has anyone been required to pay for Star Gard? @Toi - as your Seattle guy seems reasonable, could you ask him about Star Gard and if it's required/optional?

I'm ready to cross out everything besides processing fees, tax and registration fees.
Click to expand...
Hi Titta,
I'm stunned by the abusive approach of your dealer advisor.
I also ordered my Iconic Mini from Mini of Portland, still waiting for it but so far did not experience so aggressive selling practices. Fully agree with your own conclusion: just keep on mandatory tax and fees.
I do not have a final order details, but here is so far what I discussed:
  1. Iconic selling price: $ 37,750 ($36,900 + $850 destination/handling fee)
  2. Processing fee: $115
  3. Tax estimated $188.75 (in September 2020, at the time of the order)
  4. Non Tax fees $1,085.50 (registration and miscellaneous administrative fees --> still to be clarified)
  5. All weather floor mats - Free
  6. Short Antenna - Free
Total Purchase = $39,139.25
 
Big Al said:
Hello all, I took delivery of my Cooper SE today. UK level 2 trim, silver white, black roof and mirror covers with Comos alloys. Ordered 13th August, arrived at dealer 18th September. I delayed delivery until today to coincide with my current lease expiring. Haven't had much of an opportunity to explore the SE's capabilities due to poor weather today but I'm mightily impressed so far! View attachment 9610 View attachment 9611 View attachment 9610 View attachment 9611
Click to expand...
Congrats on the new arrival!
 
Big Al said:
Hello all, I took delivery of my Cooper SE today. UK level 2 trim, silver white, black roof and mirror covers with Comos alloys. Ordered 13th August, arrived at dealer 18th September.
Click to expand...

Looks nice congratulations. I’m envious of the ordered to delivered time even with your self-imposed delay. [emoji6]



Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs
 
Looks great @Big Al Congratulations! That's a great colour combination.

I have to say, I'm very jealous over the ridiculously short delivery times for UK customers. At this point, I'm looking at 7-8 month wait here in Australia. :(
 
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