I remember while owning my Chevrolet SSR for five years, the numerous and endless times I took it in for repairs they would usually give me some POS loaner like a stock gutless, nonremarkable Chevy Cobalt. Today I went to the mini dealer to have a minor issue fixed with the drop down on the driver's side window. To my amazement and surprise, they gave me a JCW laser blue mini that is practically brand new!!!! OMGOD!!!! I am really going to get into trouble with this thing! That is just incredible service for anyone to offer. My clubmanS is no slouch, but man, to get a John Cooper Werks as a loaner? Thank you ssssoooooooooooooooo much!!!

 

That is great!

 

awesome! ... they gave me a brand new BMW Z4 the first time I took the Clubman in.

most dealers try to make your time out of your car "enjoyable"

 

that sweet... bet u love it..

 

Plus, enticing you to "upgrade" isn't a bad idea either.

 

When the time comes down the road, I am definately getting the JCW package! Perhaps I can get my wife to trade in her 03 mini for one?

 

You got an R56 with JCW tuning kit as a loaner? You really lucked out, most dealers don't even have a car on the floor with a tuning kit installed.

 

Believe me, I am eternally greatfull, to say the least. I've just been out driving around all day enjoying it! You don't get opportunities like this very often!

 

Enjoy it you lucky thing, can't wait for my JCW Coupe to arrive next month

 

that's exactly why they do it ... they try to keep you in the family come the next car purchase.

but really, the free maintenance and these fantastic loaners, make purchasing anything BMW related a no brainer.

 

I hope you tested it out FULLY!

 

Art Ed, welcome to the BMW world.
When I brought my BMW in for service, I received a 5 or 7 series, often.
They're looking for you to upgrade.
Besides, they'll sell the loaners off the lot.
Mini is a BMW brand.

 

I'd call them up and have them check out 8-10 'rattles' you haven't been able to replicate consistently. What are those JCW's - like 225hp? For me that would be a crime spree waiting to happen

 

Oh, really?

 

I have the MC in for a few issues at the dealer and they gave me an R56 Cooper S as a loaner.
Great car, but I gotta say, that while the power is more effortless than my MC, I think its too "speed happy". On the highway it feels like it always wants to GO
Now this is not necesarily a bad thing to most, but I will say it again ... I rather work the car up to speed than have it up already up at 80 in 4th.

People always ask which one should they get, but I think quick test drives don't do either car justice as they behave so radically different.

 

Yeah, for me it would be like "Who gave the gun to the baby?"

 

Almost makes you look forward to service!

 

At least you folks have a dealer that gives a decent loaner. Vista BMW in West Palm has an enterprise location on site and they have these wonderfull KIA's for us to drive

I had to pay an extra $2.00 a day just to get the mini SUV Sportage over the POS 4 door car they were trying to give me.

 

mine has an enterprise/avis on premises also ... but you can get a MINI or Beemer depending on how early you drop of your car for service. once the in-house cars run out, they send you to the "rental" counter.

key is to make an appointment super early on a Monday.

 

Get this, our MINI and BMW places are right next door to each other, as usual right? Anyway, the MINI gives you a loaner, the BMW place no longer does that unless your appointment is longer than 1.5 hours. I don't care if my appointment only lasts 20 minutes, I want a loaner so I can go to work all day and come back after work and pick it up. They informed me that I couldn't have a loaner and that this has been the policy "for some time." A real sad example of customer service when you can't get a loaner in your 645Ci Convertible that cost too much to say, and you CAN get a loaner in your $30K Clubman.

See ya BMW. You just lost a good customer!

Lovin' the MINI!!!

 

Pics

 

I always end up going from my MCS to an MCCa. The difference is drastic. It feels like I am pulling a trailer! I have to remember that I am slower than normal!

 

ART ED - I see your from VaBeach. Was this at Checkered Flag Mini? I'm contemplating ordering a Mini from either Checkered Flag or the dealer in Richmond (about the same distance from me).

Richmond is offering to throw in a couple goodies (floormats + $50 certificate), but I was impressed with CF's people and I had heard they have great service. The salesman told me they *guarantee* a Mini loaner for all scheduled service.

I'm tempted by the goodies, but CF seems to have the better reputation. An annual test of a JCW might be quite a perk too! What do you think?

 

Yes, CF offers the loaner program.

No, CF doesn't "guarantee" a MINI loaner for all scheduled service.

If the MINI loaner fleet is depleted by the time you get there, you will be put into another type of vehicle, often a Toyota Prius from the CF Toyota dealership a few doors down.

Ask me how I know!

 

PS: The rubber floormats and the $50 GC are standard "freebies" from both CF and Crown (Richmond).

If you choose the pkg that includes bonnet stripes (but you DON'T want the stripes), I strongly recommend asking for OEM aftermarket merchandise with the same $100 value as the stripes.

The OEM stripes are "blah" and definitely NOT worth $100!