I have had the absolute worst experience at Ferman Mini of Tampabay FL. I bought my Cooper S ( Arctice Blue / Wht) and I love it !!! Wish I could say the same for the people at Ferman Mini. After giving them a large deposit on my Cooper S I was not even allowed to have the keys to open the door of my new car, it was Saturday and I had to wait 'til Monday to go to the bank! In addition they tacked on a $2500 accessory fee "that we put on all Mini coopers", but was not given the voucher for the accessories. They also recrded the VIN number incorrectly and made me drive 40mi. back out to sign again. I went back to Mini to pick up a cover for my Mini and use some of my accessory money that I paid up front; they lost all record of me paying that money. I had to wait over an hour while they found the right paperwork. Once they found the paper work they refused to give me a copy as this was not standard procedure at Ferman to give copies !

I asked them to call me when the back ordered parts for the roof rack came in so I could book an appointment to have them installed. They called me two days later and asked me to come in as the parts had arrived. I dropped the car off and then picked it up with the accessories only partially installed. The parts didn't arrive and I would have to come in again.

Oh by the way... They do not give you a loaner car, nor is it their policy to give you a lift to work while they work on your new Mini. If you get angry they might bend a little but not after scowlling looks from every staff member in the building !!!

I will be happy to drive any prospective Mini buyer to Orlando in my new Cooper S so that they don't have to put up with the worst car buying experience ever. E-Mail me I'll tell you more about the experience.

Love my Cooper S. Bad Dealership. Oh, Dave in the svc. department told me the techs have a special parking lot in the back where "those guys really get on the cars and work 'em out" if I catch you getting rad in my Cooper S when I bring it in, I won't be a gentleman !!!

Kesh420@yahoo.com

 

The dealership in Orlando is great. The guys are knowledgable and helpful. I bought my Dark Silver "S" from them and it was a very good experience. MB :smile:

 

You should report your qualms on the new dealer rating system.

 

I live in Maryland and the one in Towson is just great. I had never met such nice people at a car dealership before I had a Honda and the guy I bought it from was a total sleazebag). They have been really super helpful the entire way. If the people in Tampa were rude they should be reported.

 

I've had a similar experience with Ferman so far, and I haven't even gotten my car yet. I was waiting until mine arrives before I posted on the dealer rating system because I didn't want to jinx it worse. Until I read this post I thought I was the only one who was having problems with Ferman MINI. My car is 'en route' so I'm not sure exactly when it's due in town. When she's safe and sound at my house, I will definitely toss in my two-cents worth about this dealer. I've been working on a letter to the General Manager for several weeks. Believe me, I've got a lot to say.

caribayb

 

I hope you get your Mini soon. Thank God I am moving to Atlanta and won't have to deal with those cowboys at Ferman very much longer.
NOTE**** Be sure to get them to give you your accessory voucher when you pick up the vehicle, they seem to forget to include it. I had to wait for almost an hour before they could find the record so I get my fog lamps then they refused to give me a copy until I became vexed. This should never happen !!!

PS: The fog light aftermarket switch requires drilling into your dashboard, the switch doesn't fit into the toggle panel according to Ferman. Also Ferman didn't even align the lights, they were pointing in 2 different directions, duh !

Kesh420@yahoo.com

 

>>I hope you get your Mini soon. Thank God I am moving to Atlanta and won't have to deal with those cowboys at Ferman very much longer.
>>NOTE**** Be sure to get them to give you your accessory voucher when you pick up the vehicle, they seem to forget to include it. I had to wait for almost an hour before they could find the record so I get my fog lamps then they refused to give me a copy until I became vexed. This should never happen !!!
>>
>>PS: The fog light aftermarket switch requires drilling into your dashboard, the switch doesn't fit into the toggle panel according to Ferman. Also Ferman didn't even align the lights, they were pointing in 2 different directions, duh !
>>
>>Kesh420@yahoo.com

I didn't have to get the 2500 accessory markup, thank god... just the requisite 995.00 3M coating and the floormats. tried to talk them out of that, but they refused to budge. My car is now at the distribution center. i'm not sure how much longer it will be.
>>
>>
>>

 

thanks for the INformation... When and If I go buy my MINI Tampa is the closes dealer to me... I quess that I Might Have to go to Naples or Orlando..
thanks for the Info..

 

Both Kesh420 and caribayb have me feeling that I should purchase from a different dealer, too.
Ferman Mini is definitely the closest to Tampa but it's not worth the extra $2500, not to mention all
the aggravation experienced by Kesh420 and caribayb. When I called ahead for a test drive a few weeks
ago, I spoke with Doug, and was able to test drive a Cooper with CVS. He was nice but I know that that
markup is nonsense. :evil: I definitely want a Mini (I have one spec'ed (sp?) on MiniUSA.com ) but I'm willing to wait
a little longer to see if Ferman's reputation gets better or order from Orlando or Lauderdale.

Having purchased cars from 2 of Ferman's other dealerships in Tampa (Acura & Mazda), where both sales were pleasant experiences,
I'm sorry to hear these stories from people who have purchased their MINI from them.

Thanks for sharing the info.!


>>>>I hope you get your Mini soon. Thank God I am moving to Atlanta and won't have to deal with those cowboys at Ferman very much longer.
>>>>NOTE**** Be sure to get them to give you your accessory voucher when you pick up the vehicle, they seem to forget to include it. I had to wait for almost an hour before they could find the record so I get my fog lamps then they refused to give me a copy until I became vexed. This should never happen !!!
>>>>
>>>>PS: The fog light aftermarket switch requires drilling into your dashboard, the switch doesn't fit into the toggle panel according to Ferman. Also Ferman didn't even align the lights, they were pointing in 2 different directions, duh !
>>>>
>>>>Kesh420@yahoo.com
>>
>>I didn't have to get the 2500 accessory markup, thank god... just the requisite 995.00 3M coating and the floormats. tried to talk them out of that, but they refused to budge. My car is now at the distribution center. i'm not sure how much longer it will be.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>

 

The people at Mini of Downtown Orlando are great, and best of all very straight-forward. They will tell you everything you need to know about the car and will tell you if they can help with financing based on your personal situation. I have called around to the different stores in Florida and have not gotten any better service than the Orlando store. I spoke to the Team leader at the Jacksonville store and he seemed pretty fair too. Good luck!

 

I am very sorry to hear that you had a terrible experience with your Mini dealer. We at Classic Mini in Ohio pride ourselves in helping the customer. Its hard to imagine a dealer giving the customer such a difficult time, especially considering you are the one spending your hard earned money. If there is anything we can do for yu or any other customers as far as service or parts, as well as accesories for the Minis please email us. We are currently giving huge discounts on the MINI accessories we have in stock. CD changers to rear spoilers to wheels!!!! You won't buy it cheaper anywhere. Good to talk with you all. Again I do feel really bad about your poor experience with the Tampa dealership. Please don't judge us all by their actions.

bmwparts@Classicautocampus.com

Brian Flick
BMW/MINI parts counterman

 

>>I am very sorry to hear that you had a terrible experience with your Mini dealer. We at Classic Mini in Ohio pride ourselves in helping the customer. Its hard to imagine a dealer giving the customer such a difficult time, especially considering you are the one spending your hard earned money. If there is anything we can do for yu or any other customers as far as service or parts, as well as accesories for the Minis please email us. We are currently giving huge discounts on the MINI accessories we have in stock. CD changers to rear spoilers to wheels!!!! You won't buy it cheaper anywhere. Good to talk with you all. Again I do feel really bad about your poor experience with the Tampa dealership. Please don't judge us all by their actions.
>>
>>bmwparts@Classicautocampus.com
>>
>>Brian Flick
>>BMW/MINI parts counterman

This is so nice to hear! :smile:

Are you by any chance related to
Kevin and Ann Flick? I used to play
tennis with Ann when she lived in Tampa.
Don't know where they are now.

Lee Ann

 

To the best of my knowledge I would say not directly related, but my family has many cousins and such. My side of the FLICK family is from Pennsylvania.

 

Does any dealership have a 'loaner' program? I don't think so. I bought a Cooper and a Cooper S from Ferman...no problemo. Marked up? It is underpriced anyway. I hear they are selling PT Cruisers without markup for those interested. I'm bringing the S in for an oil change and to mount new tires and wheels. Appointment given in 3 days. I tried to get the oil changed on the Cooper in Boston and they told me I'd have to wait TWO weeks. So I bought a filter and took it to a BMW dealer who was able to change it....for $71USD with my filter. :smile: The only problem with Ferman is they are getting too many cars(40 this week) and didn't have the staff to meet the demand but are working hard at improving service. I am ALWAYS asked if I am happy...and

 

>>Does any dealership have a 'loaner' program? I don't think so. I bought a Cooper and a Cooper S from Ferman...no problemo. Marked up? It is underpriced anyway. I hear they are selling PT Cruisers without markup for those interested. I'm bringing the S in for an oil change and to mount new tires and wheels. Appointment given in 3 days. I tried to get the oil changed on the Cooper in Boston and they told me I'd have to wait TWO weeks. So I bought a filter and took it to a BMW dealer who was able to change it....for $71USD with my filter. :smile: The only problem with Ferman is they are getting too many cars(40 this week) and didn't have the staff to meet the demand but are working hard at improving service. I am ALWAYS asked if I am happy...and

I'm really glad to hear that Ferman is getting a better rep. than
they had a few months ago. They have had some positive postings
on the Dealer Rating System which is a change from the summer.

As far as not minding the mark-up, to each his own. I'm sure that
many people would agree that the car may be underpriced. However,
when you have dealers selling at MSRP AND you aren't interested in
the "add-ons" you could get for the $2500... My dad managed new car
dealerships for over 25 years, so I have an idea how this works. Waiting for Mrs. Peel. Vroom! Vroom!

 

WELL Hello everyone this is my first post on this Great! Site I Finialy Received my Liquid yellow"S"/Black top & Mirrors,17"w/run flats about 2 weeks ago from FERMAN MINI OF TAMPA BAY (My wife can't get me out of the COOPER long enough to make a post.WOW I LOVE THIS CAR !!!!

I work for a Cadillac Dealer in Tampa Bay and have been around the Service end for 19 years, My dealings with Ferman Mini at first was Great when I ordered
my MCS, then after a FEW unreturned phone calls it took a trip back to the sales
office to get a reply, At that time I could clearly see that this place was under
staffed(THERE WAS 9 FUTURE MINI OWNERS WITH TWO !!!! SALESMAN) I think MR FERMAN NEEDS to get some HELP!!!! From what I can see PETER and DOUG are up to there eyes in MINIS and NO HELP !!!




P.S. I will be taking a MINI Road trip across the U.S.A from St Petersburg FL to L.A (IRVIN)& BACK in 2 weeks LIFE IS GREAT IN A MINI , LOOKING FOR SOME AFTER MKT ITEMS TO TEST AND REPLY LMK!! Will have POSTS with PICS !!!!

 

>>
>> >>
S'COOLBUS wrote:
>>
>> P.S. I will be taking a MINI Road trip across the U.S.A from St Petersburg FL to L.A (IRVIN)& BACK in 2 weeks LIFE IS GREAT IN A MINI , LOOKING FOR SOME AFTER MKT ITEMS TO TEST AND REPLY LMK!! Will have POSTS with PICS !!!! <<

Hey, S'COOLBUS! Welcome to MCO, home of many MINIacs!

Cheers!
Clover

 

>>>>Does any dealership have a 'loaner' program? I don't think so. I bought a Cooper and a Cooper S from Ferman...no problemo. Marked up? It is underpriced anyway. I hear they are selling PT Cruisers without markup for those interested. I'm bringing the S in for an oil change and to mount new tires and wheels. Appointment given in 3 days. I tried to get the oil changed on the Cooper in Boston and they told me I'd have to wait TWO weeks. So I bought a filter and took it to a BMW dealer who was able to change it....for $71USD with my filter. :smile: The only problem with Ferman is they are getting too many cars(40 this week) and didn't have the staff to meet the demand but are working hard at improving service. I am ALWAYS asked if I am happy...and
>>
>>I'm really glad to hear that Ferman is getting a better rep. than
>>they had a few months ago. They have had some positive postings
>>on the Dealer Rating System which is a change from the summer.
>>
>>As far as not minding the mark-up, to each his own. I'm sure that
>>many people would agree that the car may be underpriced. However,
>>when you have dealers selling at MSRP AND you aren't interested in
>>the "add-ons" you could get for the $2500... My dad managed new car
>>dealerships for over 25 years, so I have an idea how this works. Waiting for Mrs. Peel. Vroom! Vroom!
Actually the service dept(Jack) went out of his way to help me. I installed 17" on my S and got an oil change. I could only fit 2 of the 16" in the Mini and Jack kept my other 2 wheels and tires for about a week and I picked them up today. They were having a special event for United Way. The only thing that made me sad was to see my Cooper in the used car lot. I had it 4 months, around 6000 mi. so if anyone is looking for a used Cooper I stand by that car. It was treated with kid gloves and I loved it but a test drive on the S and I was like

 

Hi everyone, this is my first post, drove my MCS home a couple of days ago. Love everything about it, of course, but I wanted to say in defense of Ferman MINI that they did a fantastic job, as far as my purchase went. They took a little longer getting everything signed than I expected, but the salesman Doug Opie was great.

However, the circumstances of my visit were most likely different than others- Ferman had gotten 60 MINIs in, from the Texas dealer that didn't open on time, so during the last week, they had people walk in off the street to buy... great for me, beacuse I was going to order one in june for sept delivery from Lauderdale, but due to problems with selling my old car, had to cancel the order. Fortunately for me, it all worked out in the end.

Anywho, anyone in the FL area, get to Ferman MINI to see if they have any left.