New MINI arrives any day (2011 Eclipse Gray MCS). I told the dealer no license plate and minimal prep. He said they can skip the buffers, leave the interior plastic and cardboard in place, and skip the clean. So they will do as little or as much as I want. I have two other MINIS from the same dealer and I was happy with the way they were delivered 3 years ago. I always hand wash the MINIs and they have never been through an automatic car wash - with the exception of maybe the dealer. So my question is do I have the dealer deliver the car as-is, or "hands off" to use their words? Or do I let them wash and/or buff it? I have the basic wash stuff (two buckets, grit guard, lambs wool mitt, hydro), no buffer.

 

I made this mistake back in December. When my first Mini was delivered back in 06 they did a great job. I did think twice but decided i would let them do it....Welllllll i now have a good day worth of paint correction and scratch removal that could have all been avoided had i gone with that little voice in the back of my head that said to tell them not to get within 10 feet of a wash bucket.

I always always always tell a dealer to NOT touch my car but for some reason i though they could do it decently because they did a good job with my first Mini.
Ive set a couple days next week aside to fix my car up, these past months since December have me not even looking at my car in the direct sun, I cant bring my self to know what they did

 

You could always go into the dealership and ask to watch them prep another vehicle to get an idea if you want them to do yours. Or you could ask them to watch them prep yours.

 

I would tend to ask for no prep but what happens if you find a flaw the dealer could have found with the prep. Will the dealer trust you that it was there or will they disavow any responsibility if they don't prep the care and find the flaw.
You should probably know this before making your decision.
While paint correction is a pain it may be less than trying to get a flaw fixed.

 

2MINI, That's an interesting concept. I agree that with loving care the outcome should be better than what the dealer might do.

I have one concern however. If after the meticulous job that you would do, what happens if you find a flaw in your new MINI's finish? Will the dealer accept responsibility and make it right? With your past experience with this dealer they may give you the "preferred customer treatment" and you would have no problems.

Good luck with your new baby.

 

NO!


Go see the carwash or wash bucket they use then the decision will be easy!

 

The response here has been great. But bigprfed22, you made me laugh, thankyou. The decision has pretty much been made. I told the dealer to deliver the car "hands off" - but that they could do what they need to inspect the car for any issues. MA says the car is on its way from the VDC and should be here today or tomorrow. Thanks everyone.

 

lol i meant to add



OVER AND OVER AGAIN WITH OUT CLEANING IT OUT


I paniced and got scared...


Im sorry ... i ... i... i'm embarassed

 

New Week 14 MINI has arrived, sans dealer prep. Arrived at the dealer via covered truck at 9 this morning. In the driveway tonight.

When I saw it this afternoon, the interior was still wrapped in plastic and cardboard. My MA sent it out for gas and I heard him tell them to leave it alone except for gas. When we saw it next, the plastic and cardboard was gone - oops. No big deal.

They did leave the paint alone and it really looks good except for cosmoline here and there. No wash, no detail was the right choice.

Thanks again everyone. Pictures soon.

 

pictures in my gallery