Just got back from MINI of the Main Line for my first stop on MINI TOUR 2008.

The experienced was mixed. I was hoping for some of that MINI enthusiasm and experience that I keep hearing about, which I didn't feel I got. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't that amazing. Kinda 'blah.'


This doesn't rule out the dealership, but it does mean that I'm off to Princeton MINI next week to see if the experience is better.

 

We visited MainLine Mini recently, they seemed really busy, and we were not left with the impression that they care about new customers. Said they only have four sales people and they sell 25 a week (total), so didn't seem enthused about the prospect of a purchaser. Thought we would visit West Chester next. Love the idea of a South Jersey dealer.

 

i've heard mixed reviews of every dealer in this area. i purchased from princeton, and had an okay experience....i did feel like they were trying. i am going to mainline for my first oil change/service later this week (closer to where i work). lately, i've heard less than complimentary comments about otto's. in short, there doesn't seem to be anyone that stands out here.

 

Earlier this summer, after my trip to MINI of the Main Line, I went to Princeton MINI. Got a really weak quote on my trade in (as compared to Main Line) and just not a lot of respect. Not disrespect, just kind of non-respect.

Both Princeton and Main Line didn't "wow" me with enthusiasm and salesmanship. I've found my Acura dealer to be more excited about selling their upscale Hondas!

With that said, I probably would have gone back to Main Line, but the sensible side of my brain kicked in and put the brakes on the entire purchase. I'm just not used to buying a car when the dealership is almost an hour away. I know tons of MINI owners have a much, much greater travel burden than mine would have been, but at the end of the day I couldn't wrap my head around going what I consider to be an extended distance for service and maintenance.

Now, if the BMW dealership in Doylestown, PA also got a MINI dealership, I'd probably be first in line. For now, I'll have to hope that I get over that dealer distance phobia I have.

 

my main line service experience was great. in and out in a half hour. parts guy gave me a valve stem cap and some good tips. they seemed interested in my mods and showed no hint of "void your warranty" attitude. in fact, gave me a 10% off any mod install at the dealer.....(i'll still do my own though, thanks).

 

I'm with you on the Doylestown suggestion. I'm not too keen on my hour and a half drive back to Morristown, NJ for my servicing, but so far, (fingers crossed) my Mini has performed perfectly. The car is absolutely amazing and the people at the dealership may be the nicest car dealers I've ever worked with, but it is ridiculously distant. I think BMW dealerships should be set-up to do some of the MINI maintenance stuff like oil changes and tires

 

At the same time that many auto manufacturers are shrinking their U.S. based dealerships, Mini Cooper has announced that they are expanding -- by 20%. Jim McDowell, Mini USA Vice President, made the announcement today saying that his group would add 17 additional dealerships over the next year and a half. Here is a list of the cities:

Birmingham, Alabama; Pensacola, Florida; Alexandria, Virginia; Austin, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Fort Myers, Florida; El Paso, Texas; Ontario, California; Louisville, Kentucky; Raleigh, North Carolina; Knoxville, Tennessee; Loveland, Colorado; Madison, Wisconsin; Mount Laurel, New Jersey; Allentown, Pennsylvania; San Diego, California, and Tempe, Arizona.

Note: Alabama will be first to get the new dealership. The announcement also included a nice little fun fact: 54,077 Minis were sold in the US last year. (save that one for Trivial Pursuit.)

[Edmunds Inside Line]
[Press Release]

 

Just to give an update...DeSimone is working on opening up a Mini part of their already large BMW shop. I was told in about 6 months they should be up and running...lets see if thats true

 

Just got my MCS from Morristown MINI. Its definitely worth the extra 30 minutes into NJ. John, Chris, Jerry and Brian were AWESOME. They made me a great deal on my 08 Chili Pepper Red MCS. They are really knowledgeable and passionate about MINIs, and definitely willing to go the extra mile.