Good Afternoon wiser more venerable DC Metro Mini's members. I appeal to your greater realm of knowledge in a moment of frustration.

I am currently having some issues with Mini of Sterling and their service backlog. I am not going to harp about how its been, I just want to know if there is any other alternative than driving out to Mini of Towson.

I currently live in Arlington, VA and I just need something so that in the future I have an alternative.

I am a new mini driver and a new DC Metro Mini Member so my knowledge level remains low.

PS: If there is some secret password for Mini of Sterling and anyone knows it, just le me know kthxybe.

 

The best advice I can offer on scheduling MoS service is to schedule the service from their website. You'll get a far faster response to set up the appointment. Of course, there is still a large backlog... but at least the appointment will be set up, rather than trying to play voicemail phone tag.

 

So far so good with my dealings with Crown MINI of Richmond. BMW loaners and the coffee/pastries are a nice touch.

 

Other than Crown MINI of Richmond as mentioned above, and MINI of Towson, really the only other option is Tate MINI of Annapolis, which is just off of Rt. 50.

Be warned though, while I personally haven't had any problems with their service department, a bunch of other DCMM members have.


-Paul!

 

If you want non-warranty service (e.g. additional oil changes, some mod's done) you should consider Lucky Dog Garage. They're a lot closer than the other MINI dealers and offer great service.

 

I'd recommend Mini of Towson for their great service manager, but it seems he just moved to Mini of Sterling. Hopefully he can bring his top notch service skills to them.

 

I called MoT this morning, and got an appointment for my windshield replacement for tomorrow. I will report back on the service later.

 

I think Lucky Dog Garage is still located in Maryland? Unless I have the wrong one. Still a hike from Arlington, I was hoping there was something more Northern VA centric.

I had no problem making the appointment at MoS (other than the 3 week wait time, which I initially had no problem with) Its that once I got the appointment there was no one to get in touch with.

I pray to god I don't have to drive to Towson or Richmond (No offense to any of those other fine cities.)

So there are no Arlington or Northern VA (Non Mini even) locations that you can take it that are reliable? For non warranty issues.

 

Currys A/S multiple locations in nova --- I used to work for them before I move to Richmond, one of the owners used to have an 02 MCS I know when I was there we used to do pulley installs, suspension, maintenance, basically for non-warranty stuff they are an option. www.currysauto.com

 

Can you share what the specific issues are you're trying to resolve - it might influence which shop gets recommended.

I just had a great experience with the Craven/Goodyear shop on Columbia Pike (near Rt 7). They did a repair for me on my runflat tire for $20. But it was their customer service that floored me - they were great. They handle many types of service, not just tires.

John
(also in Arlington...)

 

I agree (for once) with Edge. I found that making an appointment on-line was much quicker than calling in.

 

I use Craven on Rt. 7 closer to Tysons for tire repairs and inspections. They rock!

 

Tate has a 3-4week backlog right now as well. I made an appt 2 weeks ago for Sept 22nd.

It's sad that if the problem is minor that you really need to fix it yourself. That is what I have come to terms with. But somethings that cost alot of $$ or take alot of time are going to the dealer to be worked on.

 

Bought our MINIs at Tate MINI of Annapolis. Had Scott as our MA and I think he's a good guy to work with and knowledgeable. We have had one visit to service and we went to MINI of Towson. Also had a good experience there...timely, friendly service (even though we bought the car at another dealership), but I will never allow them to wash one of our twins again (I'm obsessive compulsive).

 

Good looking twins there!

 

Thank you, mdsbrain !

We love them both equally and show no favortism toward either (don't want them growing up with any psychological or emotional issues).

 

Awww... now was that SO difficult? Perhaps you can learn to like it! Let the positivity flow!

 

I couldn't disagree more. Their rep is less than stellar in the Subaru community and I personally got taken for a ride on another marque, to the tune of $1500.