KUDOS TO TATE MINI in ANNAPOLIS, MD

Not sure where to post this, but I had such a good experience this morning that I want to share it

Yesterday the 6spd transmission on my 2007 MC started to fail, and then it got seriously worse. A call to Tate got me an appointment for this morning. When I got there, the folks were helpful, concerned and made me feel like I was in good hands. The service department adjusted the linkage, thought they had the problem fixed, and took me on a test drive with the shop foreman. He drove, and it shifted perfectly. I signed off and left the lot.

Well, you can guess what's coming next. The first time I shifted up into 3rd, it didn't. Same with 5th. I drove it around for another few miles to be sure I wasn't doing something wrong, and it got worse. Went back to the dealership, and got the foreman to ride with me. Sure enough, the tranny finally misbehaved, then just about hand grenaded. Thank goodness it did that with him there

So now, Dr. P is in their shop waiting for new parts, I'm in a nice loaner, and I know I'll be well taken care of. We read and hear so much about bad and negative experiences, I wanted to start a new thread for positive dealer experiences.

Thanks to all the folks at Tate MINI for doing their best to save Dr. P

 

It also shows how a positive attitude from the customer side can help too!

Some people would have been screaming and moaning when they left and the trans acted up again - maybe even when they came in the very first time.

 

I'm glad to hear that they are taking good care of you.

And yes MotorMouth, what you said is VERY true. People in general will treat you MUCH nicer and better, even if you are pissed, if you keep things calm...

Donna

 

Thanks for posting the positive feedback.

Before I bought my mini from Tate, I scoured these forums (as well as the DC Forum) for reviews on each of the three dealerships around the area. For the most part, I was only finding really negative comments about Tate. Granted they were a bit dated, but still, some were down right nasty.

Well, I have now had BludyL at both Sterling and Tate and have been pleased by both service centers. I guess I just have to try Towson and see.

 

I worked on the other side of the counter for several decades, and know firsthand the difference it makes when a customer treated the staff well. And we especially appreciated tasty treats

Seriously, though, you've all brought up good points about customer attitude. I'm amazed at the negative energy some folks choose to take with them when they need help. Goes for anything from computers, to cars to Doctor's offices. And then these folks are surprised when they don't get their way. Gee, Sparky, maybe it's you! (apologies if there's anyone out there named Sparky. No connection intended )

Anyway, I wanted to share my experience with the group in the hopes that it might help others, and generate some good will towards a dealer that is going to bat for me. I'll follow up here, as well as the other thread with the progress. Cheers

 

Okay I have a confession....I actually look forward to taking my MINI in for service, first probably becuase of my warranty, but second because I get to catch up on all-things-MINI w/ the SAs and MAs. I know them all. Since I live right by the dealership, I sometimes run into them after hours at the gas station or something. Nice folks...and very helpful and knowledgable.

 

its nice to hear a good dealer story.

 

I actually just had a good expirence w/ Tate as well. Had 2 rattles and a sunroof issue. Dropped it off Monday morning with an early appt. Got a loaner (06 mcsa), and recieved a call ~4pm saying it was done, picked it up later and have had no rattles since!

Hypnohealer-Where in Edgewater do you live? I live there too, off 214 west of 2.

 

Glad to hear that you are happy so far with the dealer. The real test, however, will be when you get the car back and see if they truly fixed the problem. It's always a plus when the dealer has a loaner to give you while the car is in for repairs.

 

I agree about the positive attitude, when customers are aggressive with me at work I don't strive to help them to the best of my ability, but when they are friendly and accepting that things go wrong from time to time I do everything I can to get things going their way.

Thanks for the good story.