I live/work in the Arlington - Alexandria Area and noticed I have 3 "close" choices for ordering an O8 MCS.

I've read through many of the threads about dealerships, but most are focused on the service department rather than the order-taking department.

Unless you guys say different, I'll head out to Sterling.

I know the deal with MSRP and waiting.

Thanks in advance.

 

At least 4 of the Motoring Advisors (Sales People) at Sterling now were there 2.5 years ago when I bought my car. So they know their stuff. Don't know the new sales manager yet.

I'd ask most questions here on NAM too though. The depth of knowledge on NAM is great and is larger than any one MA's.

There are things you can learn on NAM and save major $ on. I.E. if getting a aero kit buy it aftermarket and install yourself, and I'd avoid their optional overpriced wheels and go after market for wheels and tires if you want anything beyond what the car comes with.

The finance guy made the standard pitch for silly way expensive add ons at delivery but wasn't pushy. I had walked into delivery with a check from my credit union so delivery was pretty simple.

Good Luck! You're about to delve into a fun world!

 

Congratulations in advance. I have bought two MINIs - one from Sterling and one from Towson. At the time I bought from Sterling, MINIs were brand new to the scene and my sales experience was average. Two years later, the sales team at Towson were very good to work with. I think the important thing is to work with someone who has been selling MINIs for as long as possible. In Arilngton, Sterling is going to be your closest option. The sales team at Tate is pretty good too, but their service department is not highly rated. But, you do not need to bring your MINI back to the same place you bought it for service! I don't. Mine go to Towson.

 

FYI Robin, Fred, Lauren, and Ahmed are the 4 I know have been there (MOS) since early '05 when I bought mine...

 

With the "improvements" in the service area according to the people who go to Sterling, I'd recommend MoS based on your location. I bought from MoT and personally love the service staff there in terms of flexibility of getting me in the day I call and their communication while my car is being serviced. But there are times that the drive from NoVA to Towson is more then a little inconvenient because of that thing we do called work.

Also I bought a MCSC and could get it 2 months quicker from MoT then the other local dealerships when I ordered. But I'd probably go to MoS if I bought today based purely on location.

 

Scott at TATE..
He sales MINIs at the same location since 2002 or 2003. Great guy.

I bought 4 MINIs (plus the Clubman on order now) from TATE and they even helped me to buy my GP from a dealer in SC.

 

Thanks for the input. It seems the common things to watch out for are the same as what I went through buying a new H-D several years ago, and more recently when buying a WRX in the first US model year.

I'll be happy if I can get a MCS with a few common options and leave the "modding" for later, way later if at all.... I've modded everything I've owned since at least 1998, and honestly one of the reasons I'm looking at the MCS is the "factory custom" aspect (without going crazy on options). I've found that as fun as modding is, I don't have the time or energy to go down that road again. I just want a small, quick, flickable car that looks good (to me).

I got the car bug after getting the better half a Yaris hatch. I drive a heavily modified Jeep but since moving back to the DC metro area I don't (and won't) have the time to really enjoy it. It's a pain to drive to work every day lifted, locked and rolling on mud tires with 4.56 gears. I have to drive like grandma in the Jeep, but in her Yaris, I remember the daily fun of the bike and the WRX.

I was looking into getting a second Yaris, but the wife said, "Just get a Mini. You know you've wanted one a long time." She's right. As fun as the Toy is, it would never fit the bill for me.

It will be a while before I order for sure. I'll continue to read up on things. I'll get around to visiting the dealers too I suppose, since I'm not in a rush.

Black on BRG is looking really good to me . It seems that isn't a common combo from what I've seen around the beltway.

Thanks!