Mine is at the dealer right now, (MO Annapolis)... I hope to be able to pick it up today, but we have some issues we need to work out first... The first MC Clubman I bought had so many electrical issues (fiber Optics) they put me back in my trade in (Dodge Ram)... and we ordered a new Clubman with the exact specs... been waiting... got the call Tuesday, that they did not think they would honor my previous trade in value, said something like "Its been 10 weeks now and the trade in value has greatly been reduced) My stance is.. I signed the title over to you, you have the title (held as deposit) you stated you would honor this new order as if it was my original order, with no changes... Rick stated " Well Chuck is off, and will not be back until Thursday, and I don't have the authority to do this, lets wait until Chuck gets here".... Today is Thursday, I hope Chuck will live up to our original agreement, and things go smoothly with me motering home tonight... We will see, and I will up date NAM on how or what is done. I have a good feeling that Chuck will live up to his word, but I am also prepared for the worst as well...Matter of fact I bought a few shares of Group 1 Auto (GPI) so now I am part owner of the dealership LOL.

Donnie

 

Talked to my MA yesterday - they don't know where my car is. It was scheduled to be trucked out on Monday. Here is to hoping that they can get this organized fairly soon. Looks like I won't be picking it up until next week at the earliest....need to have at least 3 business days to get the title in house.

Shucks.

 

Did you get your MINI yet?

 

Ok folks, here is the update on my Mini…and my experience with Mini of Annapolis.

I talked to Rick yesterday, after he spoke with Chuck in regards to my trade in (Dodge Ram 1500) loosing in value in the 10 weeks prior to my cars arrival, which was a understandable concern on their end.

To bring everyone back up to speed, here is a quick overview of the past few months dealing with MOA…..

May 17, 2008 bought a new Clubman from MOA, (“off the lot”) a Saturday, Monday I called in reporting numerous problems with the electrical system and navigation system. Service told me I would not be able to get the car in for repair for a couple of weeks, do to a back long of work… that did not sit right with me, with my car just being a couple of days old and nothing working right…. Problem…all sales reps away to NYC for a Mini Meeting, or maybe I should re-phrase that, a meeting for the mini …

Chuck, the General Manager got involved and told me to bring the car in, and I would be put in a loner. Went there a few hours later and all the Mini loners were gone for the day, Chuck put me in a New BMW, I explained to him I had plans to spend time with my son that weekend and was going to Williamsburg VA… expecting a mileage restriction, all he said was “Have a good time” . Two weeks later I am still in the BMW, Chuck calls me and explains the Mini is in bad shape, and he did not want me to be stuck in a vehicle that may have potential problems down the line. We agreed to cancel the sale and I was put back in my Ram, and placed an order for another Mini, this time not off the lotJ. As time goes by I call and pester my MA (Brian H. who I strongly recommend to anyone thinking of buying a MC) every few weeks checking on my baby, tracking it on line until it was delivered…I have to admit getting impatient waiting… The car arrives I schedule a time to pick it up, then Rick the sales manager called explaining to the value of my Ram had greatly dropped do to the recent gas prices and other factors…I asked him to honor MOA word that everything would be kept the same as the old deal when the new MC arrived. He stated that he did not have the authority to over ride that, but he just did not want me to make a wasted trip, and that he would talk to Chuck the when he came in on Thursday (ughhh I thought 2 more days the torture). Well I got the call yesterday and after some magic that only car sales people know how to do; my dodge grew some more value (MOA took a hit) this moved to this line, that moved over here, add this minus that percent this divide by 0, yes MCA’s can do that.. And WALA… Here is your new mini cooper, at a deal that is extremely close to my original.

I have to say thanks to all involved:

First to my MA… Brian, for seeing me through this process both times, was putting up with me calling, and questions…. If you want a new MC, and need a pro, who is willing to work with you, allows you take all the time you need, with out the feel of being pressured in to making a decision, and who is there after the sale to assist, then Brian is the salesperson for you. I highly recommend him.

Rick, you commitment to me as a customer was unfathomable, you made promises, kept promises and did what it took to make the customer (me) happy. It’s quite evident you did not start this job yesterday, and it’s very clear that you’ve been a reputable salesperson your entire career, for it shows in how you handle your showroom, and that is rubbing off on your sales force. Thanks for all your help.

Chuck, you are an asset to Group 1 Automotive, and as I stated about Rick the same holds true for you with your dealership. In all my years dealing with car salesmen, I’ve never been treated with more respect and a feeling as if I the customer counts attitude from you and your entire sales force, you impressed me so much, that you have the customer relations as job 1 that I now own Group 1… I dropped a few dollars in GPI stock….

Folks, I have to say I am very pleased with Mini of Annapolis as you can tell from my post above, and I highly recommend them when and if you plan on buying a new Mini.

Donnie Poole

 

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dpoole6131 - Great to hear that Mini stood behind their word! In this day and age its not often that people hold to their commitments, much less a car dealership.

I applaud MoA for being one of "the good guys". Thanks for the post and enjoy your Mini!

 

still waiting in Central Ohio.................

 

My Patriot passenger Clubman S arrived in Buffalo yesterday... won't be ready for pick-up until next week, but we are heading over to the dealership to see it this afternoon!

 

Nice!! The OL site says that my Mini is at the dealer now! Now the final phase of waiting commences. You can be assured that I'll be running for the phone every time it rings for the next few days!

 

aarrrg...still waiting....still shows at VDC....

 

YAAAY! I finally got my mini on Tuesday at 5 pm - just in time for a motoring vacation up to Vermont for some easy break-in miles. More to come when I get back home...

 

Got a email from MA yesterday and told me Charleston VDC is backed up with accessory installs and it could be another two weeks before I get my Clubman I hope to see you guys on the road someday.....