I have a short story of how I came to own my PW/B Mini.
Early this year, around April I found the perfect Mini for me, it was a beautiful yellow S, with everything I was looking for. Problem, it was in California. I made the calls, was working with the dealer and my credit union to make the deal happen. I wanted to put a deposit down but they won't let me. "Against their policy." So at 8:00pm the sales guy calls me and says, "hey someone bought the yellow Mini." To put it in plain terms I was extremly upset POed might be a better description.
I contacted their sales manager the next day to tell him how upset I was, he said that they had been burned by Oregonians in the past, so it was my tough luck that they had a buyer on site. But he told me that he would order me a new Mini at MSRP and have it here in June.
Basically at that point, I was kind of like "whatever dude, you all suck!"
So I researched, and searched, but the PDX dealer was saying 6 months for a MCS.
Feeling like I had no alternative I placed the order with Niello for a July delivery.
My contact with their sales manager continued to be annoying and I felt like he really hated everytime I called.
THEN... he transfered me over to Tony Reyes. Tony was awesome!!! He redeemed Niello Mini for me. He answered emails quickly (the main way I communicate). He researched questions I had and got back to me fast. He helped me figure out the transfer of the car from California to Oregon (which was kind of a pain).
I was planning on posting (once I picked up my Mini) how much Niello sucked, but because of Tony I feel good about the whole transaction. Plus I have a beautiful pepper white Mini in my drive way, sweet!!
So long story short, if you are looking for a great MA check Tony out. He is a really good guy. His email is: treyes@niello.com

 

We got Angel from Tony. He was helpful beyond belife. Glad he is keeping the MINI community happy. Hope you enjoy your Niello MINI as much as we do.

 

I've heard both good and bad things about Niello, but they always treated me very well. My understanding is that it's a lot harder to get an appointment if you don't buy the car from them though.

 

Interesting. Strictly one side of the story though.

I've had nothing but good experiences from Niello's Sales Manager. The whole staff has been great, especially our sales rep Wade Gardner. Have had all my questions answered by other sales reps like Eva, Paul, and Chrystal when Wade wasn't available.

 

A good friend of mine who lives in Folsom tried to go thru Niello for her MC, but was immediately turned off by their snooty and unfriendly attitudes--and I was turned off by all the mandatory add-on paks where accessories were marked up like 200-400%

Thinking the previous trip was an anolomy, a month later I dropped by Niello one slow sales day and could not get anyone to answer my questions, and when someone finally acknowledged me, it was all attitude. Not exactly a feel good customer service experience. I suggested she try another MINI d'ship that sold at MSRP, even if she had to drive a ways.

So after checking here, she went to East Bay MINI in Pleasanton and from the get go was treated with respect and enthusiasm--and no ripoff accessory paks. A little longer drive--and a little longer wait--but a much better buying (and post-sale) experience Jimbo

 

So strange. We encountered absolutely none of what you describe at Niello, but we did have a difficult time with East Bay Mini in Pleasanton.

There were no mandatory add on anything, and we got the car at MSRP. The friendliest people we've ever encountered at a car dealership.

 

maybe it's because the add-ons were on dealer stock, and not on an ordered car, I dunno, and weird about EB being like my Niello experience.

 

Well if the add on's are already on a car in stock, of course one will have to pay for them. They're not going to remove them.

Our experience with Niello has been unlike any other new car I've ever bought, with the possible exception of the Saturn I once bought. Going so smooth it's almost hard to believe.

 

I can vouch for their service too. I bought both my Minis in reno Used (4 mos apart...1st was a barebones but nice 2003 MS...Got smitten and got a 2004 MCS loaded and low mileage...NIELLO SERVICE TREATS ME LIKE GOLD! (and I bought it somewhere else!)
Jeff

 

I bought my MCS at Neillo and it was a great experience. Crystal and Jon were extremely polite and helpful and I would buy another car from them. The service advisors are great, but I can't say much for the mechanics. The only time I brought my MINI for repair they took 10 hours to replace the windshield wiper motor. They took 10 hours and scratched and badly misaligned the hood. I've never had good luck with mechanics (any mechanics) which is why I almost never take my car to them.

Steve

 

Great story and nice color too btw!

 

So the PDX dealer has shortened the leadtime somehow! When I ordered through them they anticipated 10-12 months. As it was Pepper arrived in just 6 months of what seemed an eternity for me. Congrats on getting your car and maybe if I drive through Newberg we might see eye to eye on Hwy 99.

 

My buying experience is with Crystal Ewing Niello Mini in Sacramento. I bought my new 2006 MCS from her. She knows what she is doing, did not waste any of my time, contacted me regularly using the method I prefered (email), did not force any accessory packages on me, and gave me a close to smoking price on what I wanted. I shopped price among 5 dealers. Crystal beat them all handily and was always pleasant to deal with.

 

I actually got my MINI from Carmax. Had it delivered from Texas. Carmax itself was quick but found them not all they say they are. the so called 17 point inspection is ********. Not only was it not clean or detailed after the deal I found a nail in the rear tire. Some inspection! They wouldn't replace all tires but did cover 2 which I placed up front. Non-Runflat Toyos. Luckly I have had no real problems. But at some point within the first few K miles I notice what sounded like a marble rolling around the roof. I called Neillo and they were quick to set up an app. My dealing with them was breif but they were on it and had me in no time. I dealt with Marious and he seemed busy but never seemed to rush me or treat with disrespect. He got me in and got me out. Turns out a rock or pebble got in the roof. Problem solved. This was only my first experience but because of the treatment there I will go back in the future.
Sorry for the long story but I thought anyone who hasn't been there should give them a chance and make your own conclusions. I for one was pleased.

 

I have been seeing so many Minis since we brought our baby home, but I hardly ever see any pepper whites, I will be keeping my eyes open for you!!
We had three different Minis wave to us today, IT WAS GREAT!!!
Mini drivers really are the best!
M