Towne Mini Bad (to me)

SPDinNY · Motorer

Towne Mini Bad (to me)

Pamlico · Motorer

Unfortunately the trade estimates provided by Edmunds and KBB don't see to be real-world accurate. They always come in way too optimistic. We recently helpe our daughter get a new car (Honda Civic) and she traded in her old 200 VW Jetta. Ultimately she received a trade that was only about $2200 less than the figures provided by the Internet sites. Since I'd had similar experiences previously, I wasn't thrilled by the low trade but had been expecting the trade offer to be substantially lower. You could also try www.nada.com which may be somewhat more realistic.

Also, aftermarket accessories usually don't add much to the trade value of a car, which seems unfair, but unless they are major items like a sunroof then you likely won't recoup your investment.

-- Edited by Pamlico at 16:47, 2007-08-21

PepperMINI · Motorer

Spd, I understand your frustration, we had to push really hard to get an acceptable amount for a trade in of my 2004 Acura TSX. Ultimately, we got $500 below trade-in value per Edmunds, which wasn't the greatest (especially because they won't dicker on the price of the MINI), but I made them take off my $800 snows and put the all season tires back on at no charge. In general, it's tough to recover amounts spent on aftermarket accessories; they don't really add financial value to a vehicle (it's based on personal taste). Buyers typically aren't willing to pay for the extras. They told me that they were going to sell the Acura at auction, which I'm not sure that I believed so much (I have a suspicion that my sales guy is driving around in it now, because he so much as told me that he was looking into purchasing a black 6 spd TSX with the black interior, which was a perfect match to my car). Best of luck to you, and let us know if you go to another dealership and what they treat you like there (we're considering adding another MINI to the family, but weren't in love with Towne).

SPDinNY · Motorer

if they gave me 500 below Edmunds trade in Value I would be happy. Edmunds had tradein value (I dont count any addons because I know they dont add value) at 27k and some change. I told Towne I needed 26k, they said 23k was the most they could go. Thats why I am ticked at Towne.

SPDinNY · Motorer

oh and thanks for your sympathy =)

PepperMINI · Motorer

I'm surprised because Toyotas are such great cars. I wasn't overwhelmed by their level of customer service, to say the least.

yellowmininy · Obsessed (Taking the long-cut)

This is a complaint I've heard about all dealerships, even the best Mini dealerships. It's tough to get what you are looking for in a trade-in these days. I sold my car rather than trade it in, but it was by no means new, and I'm sure it's even toughter to hear the numbers they give you when you are asking about trading in a nearly new car.

I've had very good service from Towne, from sales (Greg Korduba), to service & body shop work. Just rolled over 70,000 miles today!

SPDinNY · Motorer

Yellow, I could take this "bite in the ass" they are giving me much easier if other non-mini dealers werent offering me amounts near what Edmunds states they should. Towne has a monopoly on new minis. Most likely this will seal my fate with buying a 135i in the spring and being forced to lead Venno runs (how sad).

yellowmininy · Obsessed (Taking the long-cut)

Well, that certainly would make you look elsewhere! I haven't seen much about the 1 series yet, but I'm still not sure it's as much fun as a Mini! (I do know a few people in the UK who tell me it is, though!) :D

Venno · Motorer

SPDinNY wrote:

Yellow, I could take this "bite in the ass" they are giving me much easier if other non-mini dealers werent offering me amounts near what Edmunds states they should. Towne has a monopoly on new minis. Most likely this will seal my fate with buying a 135i in the spring and being forced to lead Venno runs (how sad).

Lead Venno runs??? weirdface

well actually the first run, a heard of deer ran out infront of us in the distance...the second run we had 2 chickens crossing the road ...CASUALLY ... last run i hit a dragon fly and some other large insects....so yeah sure...i think that a 'cushion car' would be great...kill all the bugs and anything else infront before we all go through...i'm sure brew would love having a few less bugs on his MINI....

yellowmininy · Obsessed (Taking the long-cut)

Or you could be the first one on your block to have a Fiat 500, though I don't know about being the first car with one of those, either! Maybe an Audi A1?

Any chance of selling the FJ privately and getting a Mini?

SPDinNY · Motorer

its on craigslist

yellowmininy · Obsessed (Taking the long-cut)

Cool! If I know anyone looking for an FJ, I'll point them to it.

Davenicity · Member

Whoever heard of deer?

I might buy another MINI, but I'll never get rid of Little Em'ly. When I bought her in '04, Towne gave me $700 for my 94 Jeep (only car I ever had in worse shape than the Jeep was my chevette) and I had been hoping for $ 500. I thought Greg looked a little surprised when I said OK so nonchalantly.

docjll · Member

Saw your note. I've been talking to Towne and they have only offered me 1200 below the Kelly trade in value. If they would go 500 below, I'd take it. I have an 03 Acura T.L. 3.2

SPDinNY · Motorer

tell them to give the FJ guy (Mark) 25k for his and he will be up to buy one =P

-- Edited by SPDinNY at 09:19, 2007-08-30