Hello everyone,
I am planning on ordering a mini very soon (as in the next 10 days or so), but I'd like to have some feedback from anyone who has had experience with any of the dealerships in the Carolinas (I'll be living in Myrtle Beach and I don't mind a drive into NC). Right now I am looking at Mini of Charleston, but it wouldn't be much to go as far as Charlotte if Hendrick Mini has a better reputation and track record record of good customer service. Thanks a lot for any feedback.

 

I'd give Hendrick, Greenville or Charleston the
They are all fantastic dealerships!
Let us know when you get your MINI!

 

Appreciate the validation on Mini of Charleston, especially given that you are the coordinator for the Tar Heel Motoring Club, which I am hoping to join as soon as I get my planned MCS, since I went to UNC-Chapel Hill and am definitely a Tar Heel born and Tar Heel bred (well, not exactly born, but definitely bred). Thanks again.

Ramon

 

No prob Ramon. Let me know if I can help in any way. I deal with Flow MINI mainly.

 

I was totally snubbed and underwhelmed with Flow in Greensboro. When I went for a test drive I got the typical drive around a couple blocks and when we got back to the dealership and they found out I wasn't buying today, they got all pissed off and showed me the door. Four months later when I was ready to buy, I decided to give them one more chance and asked them for their best quote. It was msrp plus $379 doc fee and ridiculous charges for install on my accessories. They wouldn't even throw in the car mats.

Hendrick was an absolute pleasure to shop at. I stopped by there and told them up front that I was still in the "looking phase" and the salesman still spent 3 hours with me (very pleasurable) and I took like a 12 mile test drive. They are also willing to work with you a little on price.

 

I have to respectively disagree with DavisFlyer. I bought mine from Flow. BTW, they are in Winston-Salem, not Greensboro. I got an extensive test drive, although I indicated that I was not going to buy that day. I made several more trips and emails before I ordered my car. I could not have been more pleased with my MA, Ed Simmons. I was even give a car to drive for the weekend, before I even indicated that I was going to buy. I got no pressure, and when I bought, I received my choice of floor mats, and some extras. Maybe it was the MA, maybe something else. But I have referred two people that have bought cars and both were very pleased.

Flow is very in-tuned with the MINI owners and supportive of the local club.

 

We stopped in at Hendrick in Charlotte whilst on our 2500 mile road trip last year. All were keenly interested in my road dirty MCS and how it was doing and how we were doing with how it was doing. Showed us around the joint and gave us nice gift as well.

Super swell folks.

....Les

 

What did you finally end up with?

...Les

 

I just purchased from Century MINI in Greenville and am very satisfied with the service, my MA and the way I was treated. As For a test drive, they tossed me the keys to a new MC and a MCS and said go drive & compare. No hassles, no pressure and I'm happy with them.

 

Thanks for the responses.

Since there haven't been any issues that anyone has voiced with Mini of Charleston, and since they are the closest place to me from Myrtle Beach, I think that I am going to go with them. I've already spoken with them and I should be ordering in the next few days (although my formal test drive is going to happen in Ecuador, where I currently am, and can imagine that the altitude and the lower levels of oxygen in the air are sure to affect the supercharger if I test drive an MCS).

At any rate, I was wondering if they are still not giving many discounts, despite that the 2007 model year is due soon. I asked what they could do for me, but they pretty much told me that it wasn't possible. I was wondering if this was still the norm. I assume that I'll be able to talk them into throwing in some floor mats and maybe a hat, but anything as far as the price is concerned?

Thanks again.

 

Ask -ask - ask, thats all you can do. Kill them with kindness and mention other dealerships are close and you could be dealing with them instead.

 

Hey, I'm glad to hear that you had a better experience than I did! I do know 2 other Mini owners in the Triangle area that had the same ill feeling that I did as well. Maybe you just got a better salesman!

 

Alright, this is about to be a fairly foolish pair of questions:
Without having the on-board computer or the chr package, is there any gauge that has fuel level remaining? I have driven several Mini's and sat in a few others, but I just realized that I can't quite recall seeing that.

Secondly, the Anthracite Headliner option: Does this affect the interior or the exterior?

I strongly feel I should know both of these, but I need to double check with the collective wisdom of NAM before I order my MCS (which will be happening this week, if everything goes right).

Thanks a lot and sorry again for the questions.

 

Hey!
Here's a pic of the gray headliner:


Here's a pic of anthracite:



The pillars are also antracite when you select this $200 option.

There is a standard fuel level needle in the center speedo. The on-board computer shows you miles until empty.

 

Wow, I didn't know that I got the anthracite pillars as well, cool!! Only 5 more weeks!!!!

 

I placed my order for a new 2006 MCS JCW at Flow Mini on Feb 28th. I also had Ed Simmons for my MA. He was great and even past the wife test. I would recommend him to any buyer or looker. He also owns a Mini which all MAs do not. I really hope my car gets here in time for the Dragon!!!