Hi all

I just found out my MINI finished production and is waiting for a boat. Ben from MINI of Mountain View told me that it should arrive in about 30 days, I originally told him I would be gone the first 2 weeks of October, coinciding with the arrival of my MINI(yet unamed). Since I have no possible way of being here, he said he will hold it.

I really didn't feel comfortable asking him if they would put it out and let people sit in it or touch it . I want to be the first after all...

So I was wondering what they do with holds?

 

I heard they use them for loaners. So if you are getting your car repaired they let you drive it for the day.

OK, I'm sorry, sometimes I can't help myself

 

it will more than likly sit in a showroom or something, no worries

 

I actually wish it wouldn't sit in the showroom. People always go sitting in them and touching them. But I really have no choice, shame this was a business trip, I actually kinda wished it was produced 2 weeks from now so it'll be here when I get back...it originally was to be produced in mid Sept but somehow the schedule got bumped up and in all cases but mines I see it as a positive right?

 

someone needs grounded!

 

When I went to pick up my MINI it had a sign on it saying not to touch it. When the MINIs come in they are have to prepped for pick up, washed real good to get all that strange shipping wax stuff and made all pretty for the first time you see it. My guess is if you tell your MA when you're going to come get they'll just keep it in the holding area until before you come pick it up and then wash it close to the day you're going to get it. Don't worry, they won't let anyone mess with your baby!

 

Yea I told him that I will be back Sunday night so Monday morning I will be waiting for them to get in and open the dealership, the car will be at the dealership for 7-10 days before I can actually pick it up. Then I will take a week long vacation and spend some time with my MINI. I have 15 days of vacation left for this year and I need to use it .

 

Hi koldkoala,

I wouldn't worry too much. I'm assuming you have a deposit on the MINI. The couple of times I've been to MINI of Mountain View, the MA only let me test drive a specific test car with an appointment. They usually won't even let you sit in one on the lot.
If you are local to Los Altos perhaps I'll see you motoring around.

 

Just ask your MA not to place it in the showroom until you come to pick it up.

 

It wouldn't hurt to request that your car be placed in a holding area and not on the showroom. It is an honest request if you have put a deposit down and ordered your car.

 

You can't miss me, I don't see any BRG's around here. I will ask him to leave it in the holding area. Thanks!

 

I ordered my MCS from MINI of Mt. View, too. When I came back several days later to test drive one again, the tester wasn't available; but, after several minutes of searching, my MA (name with-held) actually pulled around from the back with an MCS and said that it was just delivered in the morning. It still had the plastic covers over the seats.

At the time I didn't think to ask if this car was someone's order, but only thought about it in my mind. Now, I didn't know if this particular car was already claimed and paid for, or one that has been bailed on, but I made it a point to treat it with respect and drove it gently (this second test drive wasn't to see how fast or well it could handle, which was accomplished with the first test drive -- instead, it was to "feel" if the instrument panel is ergonomic and within easy reach). But still, the point is that I could have "beat" on it, not knowing whether some proud guy/gal was coming later to pick up their first MINI. I wonder if they let out pre-ordered MINIs for quick test drives, and, if so, how regular of a practice this is. Anyway, chances are that the car was a "bailed" order, but it doesn't hurt (and advisable in your delayed pick-up situation) to make it explicit that no one is to sit in or test drive it.

I'm like you -- I wouldn't want everyone's fingers and a$$ touching my baby. After building up all this anticipation on the forum about receiving the very MINI that you have already personalized as "yours," it is a shame to even think that it will have non-emotional, one-day-stands with a bunch of strangers who'll probably have little vested interest in your car.

 

if you ask them they should put it in a holding area and not let anyone drive it... assuming they have that kind of space.

the dealer near me has a huge parking lot behind their dealership that is fenced off so that no one can get back there without a real desire to do so.

also, when you pick the car up, check the mileage and inspect the car carefully (do this anyway). if mileage looks excessive, then you should complain. it is clear that it's been driven, then you could refuse to take it. it would be no fun waiting for a new car, but i totally understand your not wanting anyone else to drive your mini. especially test drivers who don't have any emotional connection to the car.

it's yours. you ordered it. you went crazy waiting for it.

good luck and good motoring!

 

I would be very surprised if they let people in a car that is sold to someone else. MINI owners are very finicky and especially ones that have spec'd out a car. I would make it clear to them that you do NOT want others in the car, or the car in the showroom, let alone test driven. At the dealership here, when I have asked about cars I was told it was sold and I could look, but not sit in it or open doors, etc.

You are buying a new car not a demo and you expect it to be treated that way.