UK Discount

[silverous]

Hi,

Apologies if this is dealt with elsewhere, I tried to search for UK discount but the word uk gets "discounted" (dropped) from the search so I get tens of pages of US discussions about discounts.
I'd expected there to be a lot of discussion about deals achieved although some time ago I was aware of long lead times for i3s, I understand the lead time has reduced and more cars are available used now - so are people seeing deals to be done, on new orders or dealer stocks of new cars?

Thanks

Silverous

 

[psquare]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

I took delivery of mine from new on March 1st this year, ordered 1st week of Nov 2014. Vehicle arrived mid Feb 2015, but I waited 2 weeks until the new reg started.

No discount on my purchase as company car, but I got a good deal for my part-ex.

 

[janner]

I bought my i3 cash. I discussed part exchange but the i-salesman said that the other part of their business would make an offer on my car as a purchase but it wouldn't be done as a trade-in; I sold it privately.

 

[MikeS]

No sure any discounts are available on new i3s in the UK own to the way that they are sold. In UK you actually buy direct from BMW not from the dealer…...

 

[silverous]

Maybe that's why my local dealer, Lancaster Milton Keynes hasn't been falling over themselves to get in touch to sell me one... I've made 4 attempts at contact including leaving my contact details, 5 if you include brochure request.

 

[S3RDP]

Maybe that's why my local dealer, Lancaster Milton Keynes hasn't been falling over themselves to get in touch to sell me one... I've made 4 attempts at contact including leaving my contact details, 5 if you include brochure request.

No sure any discounts are available on new i3s in the UK own to the way that they are sold. In UK you actually buy direct from BMW not from the dealer…...

My experience, and from what I can gather has been that of other i3 owners, is that the BMWi dealers are very much a mixed bag. Some appear disinterested, possibly because they get little commission selling at a fixed price for handling the sale on behalf of BMW, but others see the bigger picture and seem hugely enthused by the i brand. I ordered from the third dealer I visited as the first two did not come back to me after my visits nor return my subsequent phone calls. I'm afraid you have to persevere but it will be worth it. I sold my MINI to another dealer before placing my order in the expectation I would not get a very generous trade in. I understand the BMW PCP finance rates are quite attractive but I'm afraid you cannot expect any discount. If you push you might get some mats.

 

[silverous]

Thanks, that's really helpful and coincidentally I am also looking to replace a Mini Cooper s ! How have you found the i3 vs MCS?

 

[S3RDP]

Thanks, that's really helpful and coincidentally I am also looking to replace a Mini Cooper s ! How have you found the i3 vs MCS?

I was on the verge of ordering my third MINI Cooper S when I was offered a test drive in an i3 whilst waiting for a hose on my last MINI to be replaced. I had never really considered the i3 but as a "petrolhead" was curious to experience driving an EV. I was completely blown away. The performance really surpassed my expectations and I liked the steering, regenerative braking and the fantastic technology. It just seemed light years ahead of the MINI.

Truth be told I don't really like the rather bulbous styling of the Mk3 MINI and found it a bigger (albeit more refined) car to drive. I had settled on another S as it suited my needs and even after adding all the personalised options still represents fair value for money. There is no doubt that the new MINI is a proper BMW built car and a better drive than the Mk2 MINI. With low depreciation and the TLC packs MINIs are very cheap to run. Unfortunately it didn't excite me like the Mk1 and Mk2 - but perhaps I was ready for a change.

Having taken the plunge I have no regrets whatsoever. I just love my i3 and it complements my Porsche better as it has more space than the MINI and in reality is a more suitable everyday car. The i3 will not suit everyone but the REx version is less compromised than the BEV if it is your only car.

I do miss the Go Kart handling of the MINI which was more fun to drive than the i3. You do however quickly appreciate the qualities of the i3 and adapt a more relaxed driving style which is equally enjoyable. In due course I could be tempted by a MINI Superleggera (as an alternative to a Boxster) to replace my 911.

Good luck.

 

[silverous]

Thanks so much for the comprehensive response, very helpful. I think I need to try one!

 

[janner]

Silverous

When you try one ask for a two-day test drive: you don't really get to appreciate the car in 30 minutes. There wasn't a problem with a two-day test when I was looking earlier this year. (I bought from Dick Lovett in Bristol and they were fantastic)

For the test drive ask for the car to be fully charged when you pick it up and ask for a charging card so you can try this out as well. You can charge overnight on a 13-amp socket.

 

[silverous]

Thanks, think I might need to find an alternative dealer, seems like some just aren't interested.