Main dealer used John Cooper Works Mini Clubman - Haggling

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Mon 18 Aug 2025 17:35
Main dealer used John Cooper Works Mini Clubman - Haggling - Joseph1960

I really don't like haggling. On a 5live interview with a couple of motor trade professionals, it was said that these days car dealers cut margins so tightly that the advertised price IS the price. Are you wasting your time with main dealers when it is a 100% cash purchase. I used to think that anyone walking into a showroom and paying the price on the windscreen was an unbelievable mug. Have things changed. Thoughts and tips would be appreciated.

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Mon 18 Aug 2025 18:15
Main dealer used John Cooper Works Mini Clubman - Haggling - Xileno

The dealer wants you to sign up to some sort of finance deal. Some on this forum have taken out a PCP and then settled in full but I'm not clued-up on the process, others will know the ropes.

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Mon 18 Aug 2025 19:02
Main dealer used John Cooper Works Mini Clubman - Haggling - Andrew-T

The advertised price is the number from which the dealer will subtract the amount he is willing to allow for your trade-in. If you don't have one, there should be room to negotiate. Today's problem is that many owners are in finance arrangements, which muddy the waters.

Personally, I have never got enmeshed in those, so can't offer much useful advice.

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Mon 18 Aug 2025 19:31
Main dealer used John Cooper Works Mini Clubman - Haggling - Falkirk Bairn

Buying a new mini has chnaged a few months back

Dealer is an Agent and responsible fo handling queries, valeting, handover etc etc and gets an allowance/payment for that part of the sale.

The car price is fixed by Mini (no negotiation) and the Trade-in is from Mini Trade-in price (no negotiation)

Early statements from anonymous Mini Dealers was very negative BUT nobody spoke pubicly. According to the early comments the Min showrooms were much quieter!

In Australia a few years back Honda did the same and effectively halved their sale in 12 months.

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Mon 18 Aug 2025 21:43
Main dealer used John Cooper Works Mini Clubman - Haggling - mcb100
You’re least likely to see a discount paying by cash.
The dealer staff make money on finance, so they’re in a better position to offer a bit of money off.
Cash is definitely not king when it comes to buying a car.
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