Thrash the loaner. Use it to learn just how far you can push a MINI in the turns!

 

I'm sorry to hear about your troubles. That's good they gave you a free arm rest. They should be doing all they can to make it right, nobody should have to deal with this on a brand new car. But crap happens I guess...

 

It would have been cheaper for them to just put a new BPV on the car! And instead of waiting, they'd have your car back to you, and still have an armrest for sale!

Matt

 

Something must be going on over there. It seems that lots of the cars coming out of Oxford lately (including my own) are coming out lemons. Labor dispute maybe?

They had to submit stuff to PUMA (?) to get a response back on what they can do. Seems like they have to do that when it's an expensive part...like a transmission or a supercharger.

I never got any free stuff tho. All I got was "You've been so excellent about all this."

 

still nothing... they do not know what is wrong with the car... they changed many parts but it still stalls with NO power when hitting the gas.

they are going to try new software but I already told them I want to order a whole new car.... this is crazy,..... I hope to get hooked up with the new car.

 

sorry to hear of your troubles. once you get behind the wheel of your properly running MINI you will forget all about this little bump in the road.

 

I told the dealer I dont want the car. I want to order a whole new car... its still there and now I do not want it back. Bad omen IMO.

 

i think this sounds reasonable given that they can't even tell you what is wrong with it or fix it. and i think everyone has the right to expect that a brand new car will work properly. i would feel the same way about it being a bad omen.

i'm really sorry to hear about this. i hope you can get it worked out to your advantage. are there any cars in their inventory that are similar or are you sour to the whole MINI experience?

keep us up-to-date

 

I will thank you. I am just going to have to order it because they do not have the exact one I like HOPEFULLY they allow me to order a new one....

 

Welcome to MINI ownership. Most fun for the buck when they work, but in the shop much of the time. This is the first car I have had that has inspired me to buy an extended warranty.

 

I think your decision to bale on this one makes sense. Sounds like someone had been hitting the sauce over in Oxford when yours came down the line. Maybe they can find one at another dealer and do a dealer trade.

 

Here's one unavoidable problem with killing the deal: You are very possibly NOT going to be able replace it with another 2006. You can't get one from the facotry anymore, and it's doubtful you can find one at another dealer with the options you want, maybe even without the options you want. If you want a 2006 (07's may cost more), think hard about letting them fix this one up.

 

If I were him I'd look/call around - I just poked around a bit on some dealer sites looking at new car inventory and there are 06 MCSs (auto and man) out there, and there are probably some more on the way in too, so there is still a chance to find one...

 

Ironically our Minis have been more trouble free then the bimmers we've had...

 

I hear you I guess then it will be an 07, bottom line is I made a car and insurance payment on a car I do not have now for a week with no answers.
I have a bad vibe I'd rather order a totally new car and Wait a few months then have to be stuck with a lemon

 

I'm sorry to hear about your trouble! It can really put a damper on the MINI enthusiasm. But I'd like to suggest you do look around at pre-specc'd MINIs. You can find something great! I was all set to order my MINI when I got a good deal on one already in the showroom, and I love it!

Good luck!

 

2007 is a pretty different car. If that's cool, then by all means, go for it.

 

oh is it? in what way? good or bad? ugh! thank you for all your help guys

 

turbo vs SC, Al vs Iron block, tons of stuff!

But before you get all your hopes up on getting a new car, make sure you educate yourself about your states laws on sales grace periods, lemon definitions and consumer rights. You may want a new car, but depending on a lot of things, you may not be entitled to one.

Find out the law, and your position relative to it. That will give you leverage if it's in your advantage, and will also help you negotiate if you find you're in a grey area.

Anyway, I sympathize with your ordeal. This happened to me once, I'd just bought my Mustang, and was driving down the street, and it just TOOK OFF in second gear, gad pedal had fallen flat on the floor! I held on for dear life, and turned the motor off and pulled to the side wondering what piece of crap I'd just bought..... I was luckier than you. Mine was just the carb return spring had fallen off the linkage, and bend here and stretch there and I was good to go!

Good luck with your ordeal.

Matt

 

What he said.

There are quite a few differences in the 07: Turbo instead of Supercharger, body shape differences, handling differences (according to reviewers), and more. Check out the 2007 Mini forums to get an idea. For me, they're changes for the worse, which is why I jumped on getting an 06. Read the specs and remarks though, and decide for yourself.

 

update...

OK so I got the call and I was told that they DO NOT feel comfortable giving me back the car and they are trying to locate a similar one. What are my rights? I would think that I have the right to get the same car down to the color and sound system right? I do not have to take what they want to give me do I? ugh this is so depressing....

 

No you do not have to take what they give you at all. If I were in your shoes I would not leave it up to them to find another car, I'd call around all over the place to see what was out there and available on the boats coming in. I'd also call the insurance and finance companies and tell them the status, ask for a suspension or termination and credit for any payments made since your car has been out of your hands (the exception being that you need insurance covering you if you are driving a loaner or rental).

 

i'm surprised they would say this, but since they did... no, don't accept anything less than what you want. i agree with eVal... call around and see what you can find out.

also, can you tell us the specifics of your original order and where you are located?

the dealer here in Memphis has 41 cars on it's lot and they're site is very good at listing each car's features. doubtful that one will match your previous order exactly, but you never know.

 

This sounds awful.:impatient

What state are you in? There are many mini's in NJ (Prestige)and NY (hamptons, manhattan), and all over Cali... also, when did the '06 orders stop, I just ordered mine about 2 weeks ago?

 

your rights vary by state and particulars of your situation, and the place to find out about it is your state government website, or sites that cover consumer affairs for your state.

But if they are extending you a courtesy, I don't see that you have the leverage to "demand" much. If they are under an obligation, then you will have more leverage to demand a satisfacory replacement, or a bit of compensation if the exact match can't be found.

Like many have said, the time to order a custom 06 is about to or already has passed. What do you expect if no exact match exists? Then, the "right to demand" wouldn't mean much, as your are faced with an impossible situation. Most likely, they just have to put an honest effort into getting the match for you, and this is where doing some legwork yourself may help out....

So yes, check inventories on the dealer web sites, but spend some time at your state gov site as well. Who knows, they may have to give you a nav system to get you close to your match!

Matt