MotoringFile MINI Not Too Worried About The Fiat 500

Discussion in 'MINIs in Other Media' started by Nathan, Jan 17, 2011.

  1. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
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    Compared to other "fun, stylish econo hatch" offerings on the market from the likes of Kia, Nissan, Toyota, Chevy etc the MINI is marketed as a premium brand.
     
  2. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
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    I think "Premium" to them means price - if you compare what a MINI costs to a Honda Fit for example, the MINI commands a significant premium over it's competition.

    Whether or not it's worth it remains to be seen, but so far it's been able to do it. That's what I've been saying, it's continued to move itself upmarket in price, but for how long?

    "A rising tide lifts all boats" as the saying goes, and I think other mfrs have seen what BMW can sell MINIs for and think they can do a similar strategy.
    I think it's going to all come crashing down eventually...but then, they sell $50k BMW 1 series cars, don't they?

    At some point, there will be price resistance, won't there? Can they just keep increasing the price by introducing exclusive models like the Coupester and Roadster and Paceman and charging like crazy for them?

    Like I said before, if a MINI is in the $25-$30K range, than leaves a lot of room for Fiat to grow their brand. Intro the base car at $17K like Smart did, then bring along variations like the Abarth and charge like crazy for them. After all, it worked for MINI....

    After a while, it all begins to not make sense anymore - at least to me....
     
  3. YesIFit

    YesIFit New Member

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    #23 YesIFit, Jan 18, 2011
    Last edited: Jan 19, 2011
    FWIW, my decently-equipped FWD Countryman S (Sport Package, Convenience Package, Auto A/C, 18" wheels, etc.) had a MSRP of $29,700 before the MTTS discount, leaving me at just over $28k.

    IJS...
     
  4. Tata Steva

    Tata Steva MINI of the Month - September 2010

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    Back to Fiat. My main issue with North American made Fiat 500 is: Chrysler!

    The same quality control that did PT Cruiser will handle the 500 now...
    The "Big tree" have a bad record of making a great EU/world brand in to lemon (Opel, Volvo, Escort,...). I am afraid Chrysler will screw this up one way or the other. They already started with "restyling" the 500... Dealers and service? Don't get me started on that!
     
  5. minimark

    minimark Well-Known Member

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    Actually doesn't a base just a Cooper still start at about $17,000 also?
     
  6. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
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    Current base MSRP on a Justa coupe is $20,100.

    I think most of the initial 500's will retail for about $17K, with options...

    And my 2009 Clubman S was $29K with nothing but Zenons, auto trans, armrest and roof rails! 2 years ago...
     
  7. mimini1

    mimini1 New Member

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    Has anyone driven a 500? I remember driving one years ago. 16 horsepower 500cc it would almost do 60mph on the speedo. Oh wait they have changed some , haven't they. The same guy that owned the 500 also had a Biachina which had 25 horsepower if I remember correctly. I never drove that one I guess it was too powerful for me:lol:
     

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