Hi All.
I am shopping for a new car and MINI is definitely on my short list.

I aprreciate being able to lurk here to help in my decision process.

Steve

 

where at in maryland are you located?

 

Be sure to check out the DC Metro MINIs sub-forum in the regional forums section. Lots of customer of both Tate MINI (Annapolis) and MINI of Towson. Plus lots of friendly, local advice.

Here's the link to that forum: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...splay.php?f=85

Of course, just about everyone on here is friendly!

Also - a tip: if you pay the $26 membership fee to DCMM, you can get 10% off your dealer accessories before you take delivery. Saved me several hundred bucks (I got the aerokit, among other things). You have to make sure you mention it to the motoring advisor/sales person and confirm it with the sales manager early on in the process.



john

 

I just ordered an 06 chili red mcs from mini of towson on oct 24th. it should be here in about 6 weeks. I just moved to Harfod county Md and would be up for a get together after it comes in (weather permitting). I think I met darksilvermini at the parking lot at wabash and northern a good while back. I think it was before he got his pully put on. I had a orange SVT focus at the time. not sure if it's the same guy though Anyway I'll probably join that mini club, I just need to check out thier site first. can't wait to get my S

 

Thanks for the warm welcome and tips on saving money. I live in Ellicott City and work in Frederick.

I would greatly appreciate anyones input on their unbiased good, bad and the ugly stories of buying and owning a MINI, either posted here or email/PM me.

 

BeRight: I'm in the same boat as you. I'm looking at buying a MINI myself. I'm not too far from you, over in A.A. County. Are you considering an MC or MCS?

 

I live in Boyds and bought both my MINI's from Towson. I found them to be a great dealership to work with. The MA's I had (Brad and Barry) were both very helpful and fun.

Which model are you considering? And what other cars are on your short list?

 

My ugle story:

My car is fast and hugs the curves .

Welcome to NAM fellow Marylander

 

I think i remeber talking to you, man i havent been up to northern in a long time. But thats pretty sweet you went and ordered a mini. Youll have to hit me up sometime once you get it and meet up.

 

driver centric: I am favoring the MCS

indimini: short list: MCS, impreza wrx, civic si

Thanks for the recommendation of Towson MINI. They are probably the closest to my home. Do they provide loaners while MINI is in for repair? I am getting the impression that MINI's are in for warrenty repair frequently.

 

Hiya and Welcome aboard! We have purchased 3 MINIs over the past 3 years - 2 from Sterling MINI and the last from Brecht in So Cal because we moved from back there to out here...:smile:

The 02' had it's share of little nit noy issues but nothing that wasn't fixed under warranty - until she decided to commit suicide.. Anyway - if you spend enough time here, just peak through the threads and you'll find lots of info. Some have had major issues with their cars, some have had little to none....quick a mix. For the most part though, most things are small and fixed under warranty.

Donna

 

Hi,I am in Maryland as well near DC.I have a 2006 on order and will be selling my 2002 this Month,so If anybody looking for a used one let me know.
It was build in August 2002,the last ones on 2002 and it only has 18K miles.

 

Hey there! I also live in Ellicott City off of Toll House Road. I purchased my '05 Chili Red & White MC four months ago from Towson. My experience has been awesome all the way around! I love my MC. Best car ever!
My MC is decked out in Star Wars deco. Alliance logos on the bonnet and sides. Imperial kill marks on the pilot side and a white vinyl decal of Artoo on the boot window. I motor around quite a bit so keep your eyes open for me and be sure to wave, honk or flash those lights.

MTFBWY,
--Will

 

Hiya!
As president of DC Metro MINIs, I invite any and all Marylanders to join our club.
I live just north of Annapolis and I own a DKSLVR '02 S. My car was the 25th S imported to MD, and I bought it from Tate, which is less than 10 mins. from my house. I've had it since Aug. '02.
If you would like to get a "feel" for the club, we'll be having a free breakfast at Tate the 3rd Saturday of this month. Come on by and introduce yourselves. I'll be there as I host these breakfasts. Info will be posted on the DCMM forum.
Please joins us!:smile:

Katie Williams
President, DCMM

 

We'll - - I'm leaving this board. I would like to thank everyone who is a part of this board for their wealth of information and openness. I am certainly a well informed consumer.

I have removed that MINI S from my short list of the car to buy.

May all of your MINI adventures be fun.

Cheers,
Steve

 

Any reason why?

Though you probably won't be back to answer.

 

O'K you caught me. I am still lurking. Can't help myself, since there are so many nice people here with interesting stories and it truly hurts me to give up on the MINI.

My reason for not choosing MINI is what appears to be its lack of quality parts, manufacturing and maybe even inherent design problems. Many to many stories, of many to many trips to the dealer for problems, some of which are never resolved and are maybe inherent to the car.

If I was younger maybe but time is a valuable asset to me now and dependable transportation is also mandatory.

I presently have three toyota's in my household that were purchased new and I never had to return to the dealer once I drove them off the lot. Two are near end of life 200K+ miles and need replacing. One is still fun - - 1993 Celica GT convertible but I have just about worn her out. Unfortunately, the new toyota's today lack excitement for me.

It is a shame, because I love the looks and funness factor of the MINI. It can't be beat. I have been on test drives four times now and I truly become 20 years younger during these drives. What a blast to drive.

When I retire, I'll definitely give the MINI a go. Not a problem then to make a MINI dealership my second home. I am a decent backyard mechanic and will enjoy making mods to this great driving/racing car.

O'K someone tell me - - get a MINI - - not to worry - - and why - - please

 

Not buying a MINI because of perceived quality problems isn't taking into account what MINI has learned in the past 5 years. While the early model years undeniably had teething problems, the car's quality has steadily improved. I personally pay little attention to Consumer Report's when it comes to cars, primarily because they view them as an appliance, the fact that they now rate the MINI as a "Recommended Buy" says something about the car's ability to treat you well.

My 02 MC had some minor problems. My 05 MCSC has been back to the dealership once for a maintenance item, and once to have a pulley installed. That's it in one year of ownership.

Remember people tend to post complaints much more readily than they will post that "another month has gone by without incident." Clearly the devotion the community has for the car is an indication that MINI does some many things well.

It seems that you are emotionally pulled to the MINI. Feeling 20 years younger ought to count for something in your decision - you won't feel that way in the Subaru and the Civic is so 20-something (not that there's anything wrong with it). Even if you do spend some time at your dealer, it certainly won't be 20 year's worth .

Get the MINI, have fun and tell that little logical voice in your head to take a holiday.

 

Welcome to NAM.

If you get a MINI you can't BeWrong. Love my MCS.

Earl

 

indimini - - greatly appreciate your input, especially from a Marylander. Which dealer did you buy from and how would you rate them?

Earl - - Good one - - I am still laughing

More inputs on personal experience with quality/reliability with MINI's appreciated, especially 2005/6 MCS's.

 

I bought both MINI's from Towson and highly recommend them. My first MA was Barry. For the convertible, I worked with Brad Bornman - both guys are fantastic! They made the experience a very fun and stress-free event. That's the other great thing about buying a MINI - it isn't some gut wrenching experience where you leave wondering if you've just been had. With everybody paying MSRP for their custom order, you can focus on the fun of the whole experience. (I've been to Honda and Toyota dealerships where you just want to wipe the slime off on your way out the door.)

If you have time, you might want to drop by Tate tomorrow for the DCMM monthly breakfast. You'd get to see a bunch of MINI's old and new to see how they hold up.