Thanks guys. Local media sounds really good as well.
I'll post updates as they happen.

You guys are pure gold
Drinks on me if you're ever in LA.

 

Judd Mcllvain trouble shooter chanel 2 LA got a developer to pay me $15,000 he owed me just by calling him and telling him he was going to do a story about why he had'nt paid me for the work I had done.Big companies hate bad press.
CREVIER ...(just incase someone forgot who the dealer is.)
They told me they never look at the forums when I was in there.

 

Yes, they do hate bad press which is why I'm surprised they've kept up with this for so long. Yes, it has been just here on NAM but still a lot of people read the forum here. But, if they were to get a call from a tv station about it, I'm sure they'd change their mind in a hurry.

I'm glad Judd Mcllvain from channel 2 in LA was able to help you out in with you previous problem korby and I'm sure angelos appreciates being pointed to someone in particular instead of going to the stations at random.

The CREVIER service department should go through some customer service classes 'cause obviously they don't understand the concept of it.

 

KEEP THE OLD PARTS!!!

Don't let them throw it away. Save the pictures that you have taken to a disc and put that away also. I'd make certain that the BAR gets to see the pics/parts ASAP.

 

He's something I don't understand doesn't MINI USA pay for the warranty repairs? Don't dealers make money on these repairs? Maybe I'm missing something.

 

This usually means they read the forums all the time and see mostly negative stuff about themselves. If they read good stuff, you know they would pop in with some post about how they appreciate NAMers.

 

I'd decline the lesson, and ask them to let you bring in a mechanic to go back in the shop and show them how to correctly check, service and install the clutch components. Tell them it's just to help them. See how well that goes over. I think you'd make your point.

This 'class' sure sounds like them building documentation to fight you with later.

When you call MINI USA, and get a answer you don't like, keep asking for the next level supervisor. If not avail, ask when they will be and how to reach them.

A letter from a lawyer works wonders too. Just a nice 'in the matter of vehicle x with probelm y' type thing, asking who their attorney is so that matters can be discussed.

 

I agree, do not withdraw your BAR complaint.

Kudos to you for sticking with your MINI, honestly I think I would be so mad at MINI the company and dealer network I'd ask to have it towed to a Subaru dealer for trade in instead of trying to get it towed home.

 

++++++++++ And then call the local news and tell them about it. They may be on hand to film what happens.

 

Curious to hear what happened when you picked up...

 

OMG...after the day I'm having so far, your comment quoted above was EXACTLY what I needed right now!

 

Can I just say, I don't trust a single person at Crevier Mini or Mini of North America.
I feel like I'm in "spin alley" talking with politicians.

I called Scott Kupta at Mini of North America.
He was very appologetic and said he was unaware of Crevier Mini not willing to release my car before taking a test drive with them. Who knows?
I kept the tenacity up and let my dissatisfaction be crystal clear.
He said when these things happen, its usually to break the clutch in.
I said, why dont you have one of your technicians break it in so I don't have to waste 3 hours going and getting it?
Then he threw the "driving tips" thing at me, and I told him just how insulting I thought that was and that I know there are ulterior motives.
I demanded that the car be released to me. I had not agreed to "driving school" nor was told anything about it till repairs were done.

He's currently talking to Kyle at Crevier (so I think) and will get back to me.

I wouldn't be surprised if Scott(mini of NA) lags another hour and gets off work, leaving me high and dry for the weekend. (EST, new jersey).

 

I have no time till saturday to drive down :(
Hopefully I won't have to in the first place.

 

after every phone call, write a note, fax or e-mail to the person reviewing what was discussed as you understood it. Best case it catches problems before the grow, worst case, it leaves a paper trail for later that captures the content of the converations so that you can fight through the worst case.

FWIW, I learned this technique from someone whos had to deal with a lot of issue resolution and the like. I've found it very, very usefull. Just think of all those arguements that could have been resolved with "But look right here! On July 10th we had a conversation and here's the e-mail review where you agreed completely with X, Y and Z. So what's different now?"

Matt

 

I agree that I wouldn't take the "driving lessons" and they are probably doing it for their own reasons as defense in the BAr case. DO get the parts back and when you schedule pick up or delivery reiterate that you want the old broken parts in the car when you pick it up/receive it back.

 

Talked with Mini of NA. Said the "driving lesson" was to teach me how to break in a new clutch. Also, I need to sign some things in person. I'll obviously give the documents a good scouring.
I wasn't given a "lesson" when I first bought my car, don't see why I need one now.

 

I remembere something on engine break in, but nothing on the clutches. IF they keep pesetering you on this one just say "No, I'm not interested, and how many other owners have you provided this class to as a condition of service?"

This is totally rediculous.

Good luck, I fear you will still need a bunch!

Matt

 

About the only thing that I could see them making you sign was a document that states how you do not hold Mini USA responsible for anything that has happened. I'd bring a lawyer with you down there to be certain if that is all possible. Try calling the BAR and seeing what their suggestion on signing a document is.

 

Aye, I'm sorry to say...I'd go prepared with a pocket attorney. I would no more take delivery of your (repaired) MINI right now than I can grow wings and fly.

 

Hmm...when I bought my MINI, it only had 16 miles on it. I was NEVER given a special "instruction session" to teach me how to break in the clutch!

Have them fax you ALL the documents they want you to sign so that you can read the paperwork at YOUR convenience and NOT in a rushed atmosphere. If they say "Oh, but we cannot accept a faxed signature"....tell them you're only REVIEWING/READING the document to save your time & theirs so they don't have to wait while you read it AT the dealership.

Good luck!

 

excellent idea!

 

Which Crevier is the car at ?

I often deal with the one in Santa Ana.

Maybe we could organize a Mini Club meeting there and get the techs to give us all lessons on clutch control ?

Could be quite entertaining - epecially as mine is out-of warrenty and smokey-starts with the DCS off are a currrent Hobby/Habit

100+ Mini owners all demanding this expert tuition

 

One has to wonder if there might be a civil attorney on NAM who lives in the LA area.

 

so i talked with my BAR representative and he's furious about this whole issue.
not only that, but he's been recieving lots of complaints lately about Crevier Mini.

After talking with them,
I called Crevier Mini.
Kyle is out, again.
I asked for anyone,
i spent about 30 minutes on hold getting transfered from this person to that person.

I told them what they are doing is illegal, and that they'd be hearing from my lawyer if they did not release my car.
FINALLY, he said that i don't have to drive with the foreman if I don't want to!
I'm currently having them fax over the estimate and another document for me to review before heading down tomorrow to sign it.
I also requested that he type up a document saying that I am not obligated to ride with the foreman in order to leave with my car and fax it with the other papers.
I'm pretty sure they were willing to leave me stranded down there until I drove with him.

So there's progress.
My BAR rep left me with the impression that he's going to have a field day when he heads down there next week. It was extremely reassuring talking with him.

The tips you all gave were very useful! Thank you so much.

 

and more power to ya! It's guys like you that fight through the BS that make improvements for the rest of us!

Matt