I love my 2011...no issues whatsoever at almost 12k miles. My MA probably doesn't even remember my name! But I do have to say - I bought a 2011 with the warranty and maintenance because of the less than stellar reliability rating of older models. It's interesting though that I could get a new one for cheaper than slightly-used.

Good luck with your Porsche.

 

Thanks for telling me it's none of my bsiness then filling me in

 

If you just want to rant, these letters are fine, but if you actually want results, you do the following:

1. Make your letter short and to the point.
2. Make it cordial and professional. Don't use slang or cuss words. Don't verbally abuse the reader.
3. Explain the simple facts of your situation.
4. Ask specifically for what you need to be done to satisfy you.

Customer service departments do not have unlimited staff or funding. When someone starts ranting, they fire off their "thank you for your comments" boilerplate letter because they know they've already lost you as a customer and there is nothing they can do that will every satisfy you - you just want to rant. Instead, they spend their limited resources on customers who are worth saving - those who are not so wrapped around the axle that they write five-page letters, when a couple paragraphs will do.

- Mark

 

Exactly - if you can't keep it professional and keep it to a page or two, the reader goes from thinking "Here's a problem I can possibly help resolve" to "Great - some raving nutter has just sent me his manifesto."

 

About the rant: Apple has this nonsensical rule that if your customer complains enough, they'll essentially give you ANY part for free. Literally, ANY part. I had my screen break something like three years ago, and I went in saying that the hardware on my Macbook Pro was garbage. They countered with "you should have bought Applecare." In response, I busted out my Applecare and told them I did, and that the list of parts that failed on my MBP included my hard drive, logicboard, keyboard, battery, and the screen. Eventually (and with enough complaining after an hour of being calm and speaking to everyone at the Genius Bar), they gave in and replaced my screen. They gave me that nonsense about it being a one time customer courtesy, but my friend who works at Apple says "they'll do it every time, especially since you paid $3,900 for your custom built rig."

I've sent letters (edit to clarify: short and sweet letters) to Mini regarding my R53 and they did nothing. I was calm and collected, and I know they have my email in their system. After I got into my accident, I picked up my R56. On top of the death rattle which has progressively been getting worse, my RPM is starting to fluctuate somewhat ridiculously anytime I come to a stop at a light. It sounds like my car is sputtering, just like my R53 used to. So I went at it again and decided to change up my tactics. I figured being nice did absolutely nothing, so I'll go a bit further and try it out that way. So I did. And it worked. I got a call from Mini today and they told me to take my car to the dealer. Since I live literally 500 feet from the Mini repair shop owned by Century West, I stayed on the phone with the rep as I drove there and parked. I handed the mechanic my phone, they spoke, and they handed me back my phone. I talked to the rep, and now all my work is being handled FOR FREE. I bought the car used out of warranty and now it's being taken care of. They're replacing the timing belt tensioner and taking a look at what could be the cause of the idle sputter. Not really worried anymore at this point.

More harm than good? I care to disagree. I could care less at this point, it was a simple matter of delegation. I wasn't overtly rude, nor did I cross any boundaries with unnecessary name calling or cursing. I was polite the first fifteen times I emailed them in 2009, and this time I switched the notch to frustrated rather than collected, and that handled the situation. Thanks for the advice, I'll keep that in mind the next time I need to contact them, but taking matters into my own hands seemed to work itself out nicely. My car will be ready on Friday, and they've given me a loaner in the meantime. I'm not even trippin'.

And for the record on how I'm going to turn a profit, my car used was MSRP'd at $17,950, the price I tell people I got it for. Since I picked the car up at auction, I managed to only pay $13,500 for it including taxes and reg. If I sell it for a dollar more than $13,500, I made a profit. Make sense? Like I said, let me worry about it.

I'm sorry if I came across as an *******, but I've had a long week. I shouldn't have taken it out on a web forum, especially one as helpful as this, but two Mini's deep into debt and dealing with maintenance left and right has been nothing but a headache for me. I love my car, but the money pit it's created for me is nothing that I enjoy being around.

 

Wow, I was so happy with my Brand new JCW until reading this forum. Makes me scared to invest any money for mods. Should I expect problems with my new Mini? The only problem I've had so far is my JCW emblem falling off and getting lost somewhere on the road. ( after 1k miles) A replacement costs over a $100.00 !!!! Still waiting for word of warranty from my Salesman ( 2 1/2 weeks so far)

 

Scared to mod? See my signature. And that is not everything just the highlights that fit. 2 years and 8 months without any significant trouble. Nothing with the engine transmission, clutch or brakes.

The runflat tires are horrible and were replaced with standard tires and a slime kit early on. The JCW suspension is a bit stiff to drive around in NYC but other than that the car has been very solid for me.

I also had the front JCW logo "fall off." The dealership replaced it... no questions asked.

 

Good to know theres people that have'nt had problems with their Mini. Don't get me wrong, I just got this JCW last month, and love the car,with intentions to mod it a little. But after reading all of the problems, I got a little hesitant to spend more money on a $35 +k car. Was bummed out when emblem fell off, but just got word today that Mini will replace it free under warranty. Okay , first was a Alta filter kit. Now its going to be a Craven shifter. Was it hard to install? ( By the way onefish2.. NICE CAR)

 

Car is back and running fantastically. No complaints. Mini said they wouldn't offer me anymore free maintenance though, that this was a one time deal. Whatever, I'm content. Hopefully, this should last me another four years. I'm happy to see Mini pulling their weight when need be.

And don't be afraid. Granted all cars have issues, Mini's tend to serve you well if you take care of them. Just don't abuse the **** out of it, and she'll be good to you. If you have any technical know-how, dump on your Mini as often as you'd like. If you're any good at fixing cars, it shouldn't be a problem.