New guy here. I'm thinking about a new car, and a MINI is high on the list right now. I have never been in one before, so I went to Rasmussen during lunch to sit in one and see what it's like. I currently have a '97 Miata so I'm used to little cars. I wanted to see how much room the rear seats have.

The people at Rasmussen were pretty low-key. One saleslady helped me recline the front seats to get access to the rear, and opened the trunk for me. No sales pressure at all, which was kinda nice. I didn't have time for a test drive but am now much more comfortable with the idea of owning a MINI. I went to the Lotus dealer to sit in an Elise, man those cars are uncomfortable.

A couple of questions:

1) So, MSRP still right? Any chance at a price lower than MSRP?
2) Can the rear seats fit a baby chair? The convertible looked a little smaller in the rear.
3) Your opinions on Rasmussen as a dealer? The next closest dealer is in Seattle, right?

thanks!

 

Hi and welcome to the most fun, obsessive madness ever! If you do a search for your questions, there are LOTS of posts about baby seats (they seem to work fine, especially from the boot!) Rasmussen (lots of great feedback about that place) etc.

 

Rasmussen - So far they have been great. Jarid is really nice. Amy Rasmussen took my order! Hopefully my girlie will be here in the next two weeks or so (nice to have earlier!!!!)

As far as MSRP - there was no discussion. You want a MINI, you pay MSRP plus a small dealer fee - but they throw in mats. I am good with it.

Rasmussen has a pretty good rep in these here parts.

 

+1 for Jarid P! Although I bought my MINI used, Rasmussen has been great when procuring parts and even offeres a small discount for PDX MINI members!

DO IT

 

Well, as far as I know, there is a waiting list for all MINI's at Rasmussen, so getting below MSRP is not possible. I got mine in Fife (Sea-Tac area), my wife got her's at Rasmussen and her buying experience was very good.

+2 for Jarid P. There is a reason he has thoes awards on his desk, he really is very good at what he does and an aboslue pleasure to work with. From personal expierience, he has done everything he could do to help with service for our 2 MINI's and he's in SALES!

As far as service, there is also a very good reason Ann Fry has won nearly if not all the SA awards every year since 2002. They use a very liberal wartenty interpirtation, and things that would not be done under warrenty at other shops they said were warrented and did it with a smile.

If I buy another MINI when mine dies, I will buy from them.

And for the baby seat issue. I worked with a lady that had a MINI and a baby seat fit without any problems.

 

+3 Jarid P. Actually, + whatever for all the MINI folks--I haven't met an unkind one yet. You are, of course, invited to join us PDX MINIers any time. There is a sticky that shows all of the events coming soon. Ask us, we'll tell ya' when and where to be.

I advise that you get a test drive in. Call ahead and make an appointment. You'll like it.

dan

 

+4 to Jarid P.
He helped me get my first MINI and the experience was very positive!
No pressure sales just laid back and smooth sailing!

I agree with minibeel, setup a test drive with them.
Ask for Jarid and tell him we sent you

 

[quote=Thought of a good one;1722107]

As far as service, there is also a very good reason Ann Fry has won nearly if not all the SA awards every year since 2002. They use a very liberal wartenty interpirtation, and things that would not be done under warrenty at other shops they said were warrented and did it with a smile.

If I buy another MINI when mine dies, I will buy from them.

quote]That's comforting to know! I just purchased my first mini from Larry Larson at Rasmussen. The 3 month long wait was hard but well worth it.

 

Larry is a good guy; I bought my car from him. I would heartily recommend him, as well.

 

WOW!! Thanks guys for all the kind words! Ive been with MINI even before there were any MINIs being built at the factory and I must say that the entire journey has been a blast. I have met MANY friends along the way and am glad you all think so highly of me. THANK YOU ALL!!
JP

 

I have an 07 cabrio and I have a carseat in the back which fits in fine. I cant say how many you can fit comfortably max, but I know my daughter, grandaughter and myself have plenty of room. There isnt really any room behind me except maybe for an infant in a car seat, because i'm tall and I have to put the seat almost all the way back. I love my mini convertible. Every trip is like an amusement park ride.

 

Exactly

dan

 

well, looks like most people seem to be happy with Rasmussen, from both a sales and service perspective. That's nice to know. Looks like I'll be heading over there sometime soon for a test drive...

 

Call Jared first! He should be able to schedule something. We did a *walk-in* and were unable to test drive anything. Never owned a car that you had to make an appt. to drive

 

+1 as well.... You can send the check to my office.

Just kidding. Unless you actually feel like giving me money.