Hello all... I am about to make the jump and order my mini, and I was wondering if any of you could point me in the direction of a MA and dealer that was great to work with.... I went to Mini of Sterling and I wasn't that impressed.... Thanks for the help... oh and I would be willing to travel a little north or south depending...

 

I've heard nothing but bad about Mini in Annapolis(I assume that is Tate Mini) but have never been there myself, so take it for what its worth

 

There are 3 dealers, Tate in Annapolis MD, Mini of Sterling Mini and Mini of Towson MD. I purchased my first Mini from Sterling and my second from Tate. So far my experience with Tate has been much better than with Sterling both in the sales experience and service. But the more reponses you receive, you will find everyone has had good and bad experiences at each dealer.

 

My purchase was from Sterling. I was pleased with my MA. Service, it all depends on who comes to help you.

Overall, it was just your typical dealership.

 

I've had good experiences (sales and service) with MINI of Towson.
Of course, the sales experience was in 2/2003.

 

Although I didn't end up ordering from either, I spoke to Sean Peria over at Tate MINI and Evan Nastalski at MINI of Towson. Both very helpful.

Only issue with Towson is they wouldn't give be any incentives other than floor mats, which is why I ended up walking. Yes I know, some aren't able to get even that, but I was offered much better deals from other dealers in the area.

Tate was willing to offer me signficant discounts on a couple dealer installed accessories I was looking at. Issue with them, however, is their dealer allotment seemed to be quite booked. I contacted them on July 24th and the earliest build date they could offer me would have been the first week in September. Again, I know some people are forced to wait even longer than than, but other dealers had immediate openings.

Best of luck with your decision!

 

we bought both at MINI of Sterling, but had issues (a lot) with number 2. Still, I can't recommend Fred Sweets enough....super nice guy and always willing to lend a hand. The issues at MoS are with the owner and the GM

 

I've bought two (an 06 R53 and a R56) from Crown Mini down in Richmond. Both were extremely positive experiences.

Might be a bit too far of a drive for you, though.

 

I just bought from Mini of Sterling. When I went in to test drive they were great, but as soon as I said I wanted to order my MA turned into slick *****, and I didn't like the level of personal service (basically, too low. I like more butt-kissing when I'm plunking down $22,000!) However, their financial person was very nice and well-informed. I don't have any experience with their service people yet since mine is brand-new.

I didn't try to get any discounts or deals, he just offered free floor mats. Perhaps if you play the dealerships off each other you can get more (e.g., "Tate offered me half off installation of [whatever]; can you match that?")

Right now, I'm saying I'll go back to Sterling for my next mini, but that may change depending on how their service department treats me. Wait and see....

 

I made a similar thread on DC METRO MINI section here recently.

Sterling (closest for me) is saying max wait right now is a little over two months. I don't know if I'll visit the others. At this point, they are "order takers". I guess the challenge is to find a smart one who will listen.

 

Right on guys... thanks...lots of good input.... it makes me feel a little better..... so do the dealers have different build dates available?

 

fixed

 

When I was shopping around they certainly did. All depends on dealer allotment. So even if just by a couple days, the dates each can offer you is usually different.

 

I look at this way...I really don't look for much as long as I get what I was set to pay for. I'm not looking for any dealer to pamper me, its a car and buying cars are no longer high pressure since we have the internet to do what we have to before we get to the dealership. You don't spend that much time with car dealerships anyway. I've been there 3 times and thats for upgrades and some adjustment on my wing but thats it. And as for me, i've never ever been to the same dealership twice when purchasing another vehicle but thats because I like variety in cars...you only live once, i'm not loyal to a brand. Its almost like buying a refrigerator. Chances are you will never buy another frig from the same people ever again.

Like I said, most dealers are about the same, give or take. Personality here a personality there.

 

2 Month wait until production is that?

 

I don't mean to confuse the issue. I asked the sales guy, "Worst case, if I order a Mini Cooper S, how long until I pick it up?" He didn't really worst-case it, he said up to two months. I don't know if it's based on dealer allocations (my assumption) or some other supply-demand issue.

I'd encourage anyone to wait for the ride they want. I'm not a mini owner but I've played the waiting game before to get exactly what I wanted from a dealer. It always made sense to me.

 

I was told the same, well actually, expect delivery early March at the latest.

 

I'm surprised theres not a few MAs on this thread by now.

I gotta add, it's a drive, but Checkered Flag in Virginia Beach is one outstanding dealership when it comes to choice, selection, service, and all that matters to the finicky customer like myself. All I can say is they've treated me right every time, and offer some decent perks when picking up that New MINI.

As for wait times. If this is all that and a bag a chips for you, it'll be worth a reasonable wait. 2 months isn't that bad when ordering a car from across the pond just the way you want it.

Just my .02 cents.

 

Agreed

 

I ordered my 2007 MCS through Checkered Flag and was thoroughly pleased with how I was treated as well. From the time I ordered (Feb 28 2007) to the date I took delivery (April 7, 2007) was roughly 5 weeks from start to finish. That time isn't anything that the dealer can control and I knew that but my MA who no longer works there was simply amazing to work with and one of the other MA's there even let me get a "Mini-fix" while mine was crossing the pond on a Sunday.

 

I ended up ordering from Mini of Sterling, and they had lots of build dates available... I chose feb. 8th, and a delivery in late march or early april... and I already have my production # ..... I guess you could say that I had a good experience .... no problems... I asked for free floor mats, and my MA said that they don't really do that but she would get them for me..... plus she was HOT !!!!!! so ya.... it was good times

 

Who was? Lauren?

 

Sounds to me like you either had Simon or Mike as a MA. Yeah, niether is there now, but Simon may return one day. Not too sure about Mike. But both are great guys to deal with.

Gonna make the GWR500 run on June 8th 08 by chance?

Funny how your build and delivery dates almost match mine. That was 05 though.

 

Mike was my MA and Simon was the one who let me get a Mini-fix. I was at last year's GWR (#221) and I will be at this year's as well.

 

Yes she is...and very nice and helpful. She likes her job.