Chicago MINI Motoring Club The Chicago MINI Motoring Club Forum. Visit our club site at www.chicagominiclub.com

So... which Chicagoland MINI dealer is the best?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 23, 2008 | 12:23 PM
  #26  
kenchan's Avatar
kenchan
6th Gear
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 31,439
Likes: 4
Originally Posted by HornBlowR
Can you be a little more specific? Warning about what?
i dont know that's why i asked.

there are 3-4 guys sitting in the lawn with this banner right infront
of their dealership for the last month or so. i think they're protesting
but that gray giant rat wasn't there so not sure.
 
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2008 | 12:35 PM
  #27  
crd's Avatar
crd
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Huntley, IL
Probably a union protesting non union workers being used in the construction.

Just my guess.
 
Reply
Old Aug 27, 2008 | 04:30 AM
  #28  
DMAC57's Avatar
DMAC57
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 529
Likes: 0
From: Round Lake IL
Knauz is still honoring Costco Discounts. The standard is $765. My MA made a math error and it worked out to my favor for about a grand off of MSRP.
 
Reply
Old Aug 27, 2008 | 09:44 AM
  #29  
kenchan's Avatar
kenchan
6th Gear
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 31,439
Likes: 4
Originally Posted by crd
Probably a union protesting non union workers being used in the construction.

Just my guess.
looks like the guys got tired of sitting around and went back to work.
havent seen them for the last several days.
 
Reply
Old Aug 27, 2008 | 10:15 AM
  #30  
HornBlowR's Avatar
HornBlowR
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Removed post
 

Last edited by HornBlowR; Sep 4, 2008 at 07:18 AM. Reason: Not applicable
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2008 | 06:12 AM
  #31  
smcfamily's Avatar
smcfamily
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
I just moved to Chicago, and needed some work on my MINI. Called Patrick, because it was close to my work. I called at 8am, and they gave me a noon appointment on that same day! They took care of my problem - under warranty - in about an hour. The service guys were great - I started talking to them about aftermarket mods, and where were shops in town that work on MINI's. They said right here - we do it all! They said just bring in the parts, and they'll install them!

Dealers in NY and MN (my two previous locations) wouldn't touch mods - so I gotta love Patrick, and their attitude. I have found my new dealer for service!
 
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2008 | 08:49 AM
  #32  
HornBlowR's Avatar
HornBlowR
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
I have to say, after my initial negative impression of Patrick MINI, that I was treated well at the time of sale. No pressure on extended warranties and they handled my flat tire situation to my satisfaction. I posted about that issue in another thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=153659

Our MA, Christina, told us that she talked to management about our bad experience. They had a staff meeting and the sales people were told to get off their butts and be more receptive to customers.

Now I just have to wait for my new tire so I can finally get some fun out my new MINI.
 
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2008 | 03:23 PM
  #33  
wgrzanic's Avatar
wgrzanic
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
I've only had my car for a few days now, but Knauz was awesome throughout the buying process, from start to finish!

-Will
 
Reply
Old Sep 10, 2008 | 12:58 PM
  #34  
powershot's Avatar
powershot
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
I was a big Knauz fan - until I called today to make a reservation for service. Got home from a few days at work and found my driver's side window will not go up. It's in the door. Knauz could not get me in for two weeks - they suggested I drive my other car (don't have one, sorry). Milwaukee though, because they realize it is not a good idea to go two weeks without a driver's side window, has me in at my next possible time in Milwaukee, which is in two days. So, I guess I have a new place for service..... Five months ago, I was able to get in at Knauz whenever I needed to so I don't know what is going on there.
 
Reply
Old Sep 11, 2008 | 09:21 AM
  #35  
wgrzanic's Avatar
wgrzanic
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
That sucks, powershot - I hope they get everything fixed up quickly!

-Will
 
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2008 | 10:42 AM
  #36  
andstillgoin's Avatar
andstillgoin
1st Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
+1 for Patrick Mini service. Had some pretty major work done (new tranny) and while it was in there... a JCW stage 1 install. Put ~150mi on it since picking it up and everything's put back together perfectly... except it's faster for some reason.
 
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2008 | 01:32 PM
  #37  
kenchan's Avatar
kenchan
6th Gear
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 31,439
Likes: 4
whoops, wrong thread.
 

Last edited by kenchan; Oct 3, 2008 at 01:33 PM. Reason: oops
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2008 | 01:29 PM
  #38  
THEMightyMini's Avatar
THEMightyMini
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Rich at Patrick hands down. Best mechanic EVAH!
 
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2008 | 05:13 PM
  #39  
SRICHS's Avatar
SRICHS
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 398
Likes: 4
From: Dupage County, IL
Originally Posted by THEMightyMini
Rich at Patrick hands down. Best mechanic EVAH!
That's so nice of you to say!!!

Now, if they would let me go to AMVIV this year........

I might have to trailer it.... I don't think Texas has 100 octane!!!

edit: I don't think the GF can handle that SLIGHTLY bumpy ride....

 
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2008 | 08:34 PM
  #40  
THEMightyMini's Avatar
THEMightyMini
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
You can always drive one of ours

"Slightly bumpy" now that's comedy...
 
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2008 | 08:52 PM
  #41  
Schwinn's Avatar
Schwinn
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Chicago-Bucktown
Originally Posted by SRICHS
.
Appreciate you and the guys at Patrick getting that pulley done Monday. Made a pretty big difference. Springs next...
 
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2008 | 04:37 AM
  #42  
bonmot's Avatar
bonmot
2nd Gear
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland
Another +1 for Patrick's service dept. My initial 2 service appointments were with Bill Jacobs, and I was not impressed with their attitude. I don't plan to ever go back there, even though it is closer to my home.

The Patrick guys were much more friendly, and did some aftermarket mods (pulley and CAI) for me at a reasonable (in the realm of Dealers, that is) price. I bought my MINI second-hand, so I can't speak about the sales experience.
 
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2008 | 04:39 AM
  #43  
getting grey's Avatar
getting grey
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Rock Island, Illinois
Yesterday I had another happy visit to Patrick. They made it very clear to me how important even minor issues are to them and why it's worth the three hour drive I take to get to them.
 
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2008 | 09:37 AM
  #44  
zagadka's Avatar
zagadka
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 488
Likes: 0
From: Haus of Gaga
When I was considering trading in my car for a new MCS, Maria at Patrick was awesome. Completely no pressure. She asked me what I wanted to test drive, stick or auto, tossed me the keys and told me to go have fun and come back whenever I wanted.

I ended up not buying a new car, but when the time comes I will definitely go to Patrick instead of Knauz. Ugh. Knauz. Boooo.
 
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2008 | 09:41 PM
  #45  
jaxsngrl's Avatar
jaxsngrl
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
I just wanted to take back my post earlier in this thread about the Bill Jacobs service. I've brought my car in a couple of times since for a few small things and they have been great. Not sure what the heck happened initially but I admit I wasn't impressed. They have since made a better impression.

 
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2009 | 08:08 AM
  #46  
MiaMia's Avatar
MiaMia
Neutral
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Its funny how people complain about sales people who hound them like dogs when they walk in and then complain when they are left to look over the vehicles at their leisure. Make up your minds...and complain about important things not if you were jumped on when you walked in the door.
Personally, I would prefer to be left alone until I want to be helped if at all. That IS the MINI way and the way MINI wants the experience to be...layed back and no pressure.
Get over yourselves, the MA's at Patrick are not lazy, they are MINI. The best sales staff in the midwest are at Patrick.
 
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2009 | 06:19 PM
  #47  
goofyman's Avatar
goofyman
1st Gear
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Have to give another thumbs up to Maria at Patrick. She was extremely responsive and helpful. She found us a car with the options we were looking for so we didn't have to wait too long for delivery.
 
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2009 | 08:33 PM
  #48  
BMBULBE's Avatar
BMBULBE
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 651
Likes: 9
From: Chicago
Matt and Blake in the Patrick service department are A+++++++++++++++++
 
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2009 | 01:45 PM
  #49  
miniguy5's Avatar
miniguy5
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 388
Likes: 0
From: The dark side of the moon
I placed an order for a Clubman non S on 1-6-9 (See my signature) and I was very impressed with Patrick Mini. First off I will compare my experience with Castle Honda in Morton Grove Il. In 2000 I went to by a 2001 Accord and when I attempted to deal on the price of a car in the lot he told me the sticker was the finale price period. Needless to say I walked out with no intention of returning but forgot my Consumer Reports book in the car I test drove. When I returned for the book the dealer did the typical "what can I do to get you in this car" routine. I was younger and I think he thought he could screw me on the price. I ended up getting a good price but I upset and dissatisfied with my experience.

When I went to Patrick Mini I was approached right away but was not pressured in the least. I returned around seven times in four months to test drive all the different models and never felt hassled. Every question I asked was answered patiently and with detail

I was very impressed with the professionalism of their MA's and decided to place an order. While placing the order I was told up front that there was no mark down from MSRP on special orders but cars on the lot could be negotiated. The upgrades (hifi stereo etc) that I wanted were shown to me on vehicles in the lot so I could test and see them prior to purchase. This took a long time but I felt comfortable and pressure free during this. Although the MSRP was fixed I understood that prior to my purchase. the accessories I wanted such as rubber floor mats and license plate holders I received at no cost. I was also offered without my asking free mud flaps with free installation.

My MA also explained what options he thought were necessary and unnecessary in his opinion with no pressure. After I placed the order he asked if I had a trade which I liked because there wouldn't be any "funny math" while adding the trade in value.

This is as far as I can go in my experience because I haven't received my vehicle yet. Hope this helps!!
 
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2009 | 09:15 PM
  #50  
BMBULBE's Avatar
BMBULBE
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 651
Likes: 9
From: Chicago
Patrick's service is really great.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:16 PM.