I was down in Charlotte recently and decided to stop at Hendrick Mini. I was just intending to look around the lot and get a close up look and feel in the show room. I ended up spending about 2 hours there including test driving an MCS. The salesman was extremely nice.

My question is, I know that I am going to have to pay MSRP, but does anyone have a preference as to their satisfaction at either place. Has anyone been charged ADM or ridiculous processing charges?

I live in Raliegh, so obviously Flow would be more convenient, but I kinda got the cold shoulder there.

 

I had pricing from both Flow and Hendrick--Both sell firmly at MSRP. Flow's documentation fee was $349, Hendrick's was $399. Neither ask for additional dealer costs. You might get one or the other to give you a small concession on dealer installed options.

Flow is half the driving distance for me (I'm also in the Raleigh area), so that's where I'm buying. I had/have no information on the relative merits of the service departments, or that would have factored into my decision.

 

Hey...I live near Chapel Hill, and debated the same thing that you are debating.

I ultimately purchased from Hendrick, I had the same vibe from Flow that you received. As well as, Hendrick gave me a very appealing offer on the extras that I was adding on to the Mini. So cost was a no-brainer, Hendrick.

But, I have been extremely happy with the service from Hendrick...once I was having problems with the Nav system, and they sent an individual up to my home to drop off a loaner and drive my car down to Charlotte to fix it. Just my 2 cents. They both will offer you a loaner if you take it to them for service, but only if you buy it from them.

My suggestion is to email your preferences to both dealerships and find out who will give you more "extras" for free or a reduced cost.

Dave

 

I also had some issues with FLow when I bought mine in 03. I emailed them and just did not get anything close to the responses others got. I ended up going to Checkered Flag in VA Beach. THey were very hlepful, but my MA has since left so I do not know anyone over there.


I would probably go to Hendrick now based on my service experience.

Also, Hendrick might open a dealer here in Chapel Hill near the current Performance BMW (seems like a good place and I have heard rumors to this end), there is no chance Flow will ever come here so by my logic, buying your MINI and having it serviced at Hendrick might help them with the decision to come here quicker.

 

I bought my MINI at Flow - this was before Hendrick opened. I thought Flow did a perfectly fine job with the sale. I had no complaints.

But since I live in Charlotte, I have all my maintenance done at Hendrick, and I couldn't be more pleased. I think that Hendrick is a more... um... personable dealership. They seem to go out of their way for you more. (Just my experience).

I have never had a bad experience with Hendrick. We recently bought a used Miata at Hendrick Porsche, and they were really excellent to work with too.

Also, just something to keep in mind... Ed at Hendrick really does a lot to support the club - he's one of our biggest boosters!

 

I bought my MINI from Flow. True I only live 25 miles away, and I didn't even consider driving all the way to Charlotte. I generally do not like car salesman, but I had a great experience with Ed Simmons at Flow. I could not have asked for better service.

I have no qualms about referring Ed Simmons, he will treat you right. (Additionally, he just took possession of his new MCS.)

 

I ordered my MINI from Flow on 17 Sep and received it on 28 Oct. Car was delivered in perfect condition. All programming done exactly as I ordered. I worked with Robin Burnett and was very impressed with her knowledge of the car and professionalism. She kept me posted on the progress of my MINI and went to extra lengths to get it delivered on Friday so I would have it for the weekend. There were no typical Toyota dealer games, gimics or add-ons (I've never had a good experience at any Toyota dealer). The only negative is the $349 document processing fee. This is also known as the extra profit fee. It seems typical for car dealers in that area. I bought a Ford truck in Galax, Virginia and paid $0 document fees, and got the truck for $1700 below invoice. I guess you can tell that I'm not too pleased with the dealers taking advantage of people with the document fees. But you have no recourse but to walk away if you want a MINI. In summary, very pleased with the buying experience with Flow MINI and would buy a MINI again from them. I've not had any service experience. 14,000 miles and still running perfect.