Hi everyone...
I am heading out to my local mini dealer to pick up my 2008 MCS next week. Seeing as this is my first car and I want to take care of it for a long long time, is there anything I should look out for on the PD Inspection sheet? I don't know much about cars....

In full disclosure, I did buy a demo MCS (1000 KM on it only...it was apparently driven by the assistant sales manager) which has a in-service date of Sep 29/08. I'm just worried I may end up with a lemon and require expensive maintenance/repair! Also, did most people get the Y-Cable included with their Mini?

thanks in advance!

 

Go easy on her for a bit, I would get the oil changed out after break in, or before and then after once again if you want

Apart from that, go over the car closely, you always have warranty and maintenance from MINI to rely on if anything does go wrong, so look for cosmetic flaws that the warranty might not cover and you're good to go!

Happy Motoring!

 

While I wait till mine comes in, I get to borrow yours, right?

 

Check every bit of the car. Make sure everything looks aligned: Doors, Hatch, bumpers. Check the door hinges, it's a good spot to see if the door was repaired. If it was replaced, the hinges can show some of original color of the door.

Did you ask if this MINI was in a accident before? (Assuming it's a used car)

 

hatch on mine messed paint up a bit, check color of gas lid make sure it matches the rest of the car go in early not just before they close take your time....

 

Take along perfectionist who is dispassionate about the MINI.

Have this person check the vehicle in every detail while you drool and anticipate. My daughter found a scratched plastic wheel-well surround that I was incapable of noticing at that moment. The MA had it replaced immediately, and I was not left to discover it at home, some 5 hours distant.

 

I pick my 08 MCS tomorrow!!
I can't wait

 

I only have a minute so can't do it myself, but if you use the search function, one of the NAM folks put together a GREAT inspection list. I made a simple but effective Excel spreadsheet from the OP's list; if you want a copy, send me a PM with your email address (but I probably won't get to it until tonight at the earliest). On that thread I mentioned, an MA made some good points about the context for that inspection. The thread is well worth the read if you can find it.

 

Make sure that you look at the roof.

On the car forum my hubby frequents, one of the posters on there noticed some deep scratches in the roof of his brand new SUV a week or more after he took delivery and is now having to fight with the dealership over them, even though his car has been garaged and he is certain that he has not driven under anything that could have caused scratches this deep.

And find that checklist that tedswoods mentioned, take it and a MINI hater with you.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=92420

 

all great tips! thanks guys!

I can't wait....but definitely, I want to take my time to look it over before signing any papers and handing over a big check!

One other question, did most people get a Y-cable included for free with the media connect or did you have to pay?

I will post pics soon!

 

Y cable? media connect?

Huh?

 

The y-cable is used for the Ipod and probably other MP3 players. Hmmm, there has been some discussion of that in the clubman area of NAM. What I've been able to remember is the cable isn't given with the MINI in Canada, but in the States it is. I believe you will either have to ask for it or purchase it. Again, we're going off of my memory.

 

I got the Bluetooth / Ipod option and the Y-cable to charge and play the Ipod through the MINI speakers / control via radio was included. From what I've read on here, it should be, but make sure you have it before you leave the dealer with your new MINI.

 

Just two additional recommendations. Pick it up on a nice day, preferably a weekday morning, when the dealership isn't too busy, and the MA will have plenty of time to go over every feature with you. Also remember to thoroughly inspect the car BEFORE you complete the paperwork. If the MA wants to steer you to his desk, politely ask to do the inspection first. The car should already be completely prepped and waiting, and you can verify that by calling before you take the trip to the dealer. Good luck with your new MINI

 

Check for areas that may have been banged by the previous user(s), like door sills, etc.

Are you getting yours at Yaletown or Richmond?

 

Mini Yaletown...is that a good or bad thing? I've only alloted myself an hour for the inspection on Friday morning before work, should I go in early?

 

It's a good thing, great bunch. And the new service centre down on Terminal Drive is awesome: great lounge and gourmet coffee.

PM me if you want to chat.

 

I would re schedule the delivery until you had no time limit after arriving. As others have said I would do the inspection first and go through every function you are interested in. This includes taking Your bluetooth phone, and what ever iPod or MP3 loaded memory stick you plan to use in the car. This drill will insure all parts necessary to have your 'stuff' functional. If you carry a gen 4 iPod you will need the Apple adapter for in car charging the iPod but the play function will work.
Get the MA to demonstrate all the custom programable 'Personal profile' functions (like: alarm and turn signal function settings), and also make sure you have both remotes. Only after the demo and customization to your preferences would I Test drive for the final time. Only then would I suggest you intertain the financal drill. If you have not already discussed, and decided on, there will probably be all sorts of Maintenance, Tyre & Wheel warranty, Service Protection, Lojak alarm, Paint protection, Interior protection Plans offered.
If you have not already thought about these things it could be a tuff and expensive day. One Hour is not enough time, with the added pressure of getting to work and all that related pressure. My .02 cent - been there done that. ajm

 

+1 on that. Also remember, enthusiasm is a dangerous thing. I'm convinced that the break-in period is there not only for the machine, but for the driver to acclimate to the machine. Once it passes your inspection and you run the gauntlet of possible dealer-available extras (paint protection, fabric guard, accessories, add-ons, extended warranties and the like), remember you're driving a car that's unfamiliar to you. Take it easy and get to know the car and your reactions to it.

And... above all... despite some "gloom and doom" potential scenarios we can all share - ENJOY the time spent picking up the car! The dealership wants you to have the car and most are pretty good about making you feel good about your purchase - let that happen, but also bring that impartial friend - or your impartial side - to make sure you're all OK before leaving.

Good luck and welcome to the Mini community!

 

Hi all,

tried to reschedule delivery to next week but...they want it put into month's end sales that is why they gave me discount off MSRP.
They gave option of transfering ownership/signing papers now and putting subjects in the contract stating if the car is any less than perfect in any way, the contract is void and then do inspection next week when I have the full day to take my time....
I dunno...can they refuse to give me the car at the stated contract price if I don't pick it up by a certain date?
we never put subjects of pick/up delivery date on the original contract....

 

I have no resolution to your dilemma here. Other than the post sale surveys you have no serious leverage once you've gone through the Finance drill. Perhaps restructure your business day to allow more time & less pressure?

 

How close is the dealer? You should have enough time to both inspect the car AND have your MA walk you through the features, etc. Inspection shouldn't take that long, you can be out of there in an hour, but you'll want to have their time to help with the understanding of the car's many features too. What they're saying doesn't alert my Spidey-senses much, it sounds normal as long as they give you the customer service you deserve...

and you can always come back for the finish-up ot the walk-through or you-ification...

(had to edit to get that point in!)

 

ives, I am by no means an attorney, just a paranoid consumer who knows that we all have to protect ourselves.

I would be wary of two things in the proposed contract changes. First, who decides what's "less than perfect"? Second, if for some reason the car is "less than perfect" by your own (reasonable) specifications, do you really want the contract to be "void"? As in, you could potentially be negotiating a new price?

I agree that you really only have leverage when you hold the money. Not to make you paranoid (like me) but my high school business teacher always said, "If it's not in writing, it doesn't exist." Be careful, but have fun. After all, you're buying a MINI !

 

It took me a total of 35 minutes to inspect, go through features with MA and sign papers when I picked up my Clubman. I actually did it during my lunch break. I would pull the car out into direct sun and make sure there are no imperfections such as swirl marks, dings, paint defects, etc. Sunlight really help spot issues that indoor lighting sometimes hide.

I would not worry so much about the mechanical side since you're covered under warranty and can always make use of the lemon law(albeit a PITA) if need be. You should also call your MA ahead of time and let him know to NOT wash your car via their automated car wash(I informed my MA this and even reiterated but it was still done). During my pick up they were just pulling it out of the wash and I could see the swirl marks. I took delivery anyways since I can do the removal but it was still a pain. Definitely take someone you trust with you(like someone said, a dispassionate or neutral party)