Take it to Hendrick in Charlotte. I'm in Greenville and I do just that - the drive is less painful than any experience you'll have at Century.

 

Charleston gets my vote!

 

For sure Hendrick in Charleston is just as good as CLT, it is just that CLT is 2 hours closer for me.

 

Century...In '04 the sales & finance experience was so bad we went to Charleston to buy, this year it went better so we stuck with 'em for my MINI. I don't know what to say since Charleston is still way more trustworthy & knowledgeable, but I don't want to rag on 'em because it was a big improvement over last time! Both in terms of basic politeness and lessened rip-off attempts, lol.

 

I've only dealt with Century to order the car so I may have a skewed viewpoint. I walked in sat down with a salesman and handed over the sheet with what I wanted. I got the typical, you need this and that as he tried to upsale some of the dealer items. I had issues with the manager mostly though, he would never return my calls and because my sales guy was out sick I didn't really have anyone else to talk to.

Over all the experience was less than I had hoped but in the end I got he car and there weren't any issues so I was/am happy. We'll see what happens when it comes time to service.

 

Guess I should add my latest experience.

Dropped off the car Tues morning. Got a call about 4-ish asking to keep the car overnight. I asked why. Because we couldn't fit it in. We got backed up. The appoint. was set the Thurs before.

Hmmm, uh, no. You may not. Come get me and you can have it again tomorrow.

The next day, dropped it off and everything was taken care of. Just had to wait for about 15 min until it was brought back around front.

I sure hope the new SM David gets everything settled in. He seems to be actually caring - not that Matt was not - but he can only do so much on the front end. I was told that they are going to be adding a third service tech. MAYBE, just maybe this will help with their slowness.

 

Reading all of this makes me thankful I left Century and ordered my Clubbie from Hendrick in Charlotte. I am sorry you've had so many problems.

Century tried to add on a $900 "protection package" to my order, saying it was "MANDATORY" and every Mini they sell must have this. It consisted of:

paint sealant, fabric sealant, "stain barrier", (called ResistAll), floor mats, CD visor, rear bumper strip, and some bogus "Quality Certification" that included a full tank of gas *eyes rolling*, "road test", comfort access setting, complete detail (hello? the freakin car is NEW!), and removal of shipping protectant.

I said, let me get this straight, you are not throwing in floor mats for free? And no, I am not interested in dumping $900 for this unnecessary stuff, so take that off the purchase order. John said his Mgr. would not remove it, that it was mandatory. So I immediately called Hendrick, where I will be getting several freebies, and no bogus $900 charge.

In addition, Cassie and Dustin are as nice as can be. Looks like I'll make the 3 hour drive to get my Clubbie serviced in Charlotte. Would be sweet if we got a dealership here in Asheville!

 

I got the same spiel, basically I told them that if they didn't remove this I wasn't buying the car. The bad part was it didn't come up until AFTER the car was on order. I still got the visor and it's still sitting in the boot with the front license plate bracket and extra quart of oil.

 

I'd be embarassed to work at Century MINI.

 

They must've kicked it down a notch before I ordered mine. The protection-related stuff wasn't mandatory but they tried to sell it to me anyway. No thanks. They tried to charge $300-$400 for the 'mandatory shipping sealant removal and detailing' but then we showed 'em our quote from Charleston w/ no bogus charges and free floor mats, so they matched it rather than lose our business (again.) Got the CD visor too, it came in handy, it holds my garage door opener which wouldn't fit onto the thick plastic visor.

Oh yeah and at least it was brought up before ordering.

 

Well this was last week, 4/15 for me. When did you order yours? I was stunned that they gave up a $33k sale, but I guess the Clubbies are so popular, they figure they will find some sucker to pay it?

 

LadyGodiva, you should really drive by Century at some point just so they can see what they lost.

 

Those High Pitch and High Pressure sales tactics work for awhile until the dealership gets a bad reputation and then they seem to fire everyone and start new again. I took business in college and I just don't understand it, but just think of the profit even if they only sell 15- 20 a month. I am at a lost with this one. I can highly recommend Hendrick in Charlotte and Flow in Winston Salem. I have heard nothing but good about Charleston SC which is Hendrick owned but I have never been there but we are planning a trip down soon to meet the guys and gals.

 

They lost a $37,000 deal with me and I've always toyed with the idea of just driving it over there to show them. Kinda fun but kinda mean too.

 

nevermind then...they are obviously still at it!

roadie's rubbed their noses in the fact that they lost his 2004 sale to Charleston several times during our visits, heheh. only reason I can figure why they didn't try to charge me $900 as well.

 

Come on down, but don't leave me out.... Don't let all the Sales and Service advisors people be Glory hounds, what about the techs, LOL. Maybe do lunch or stay for a club meet if the timing is right.

 

Chad=coolest MINI tech in the world+ he has the coolest Cooper around

 

Thanks Homie.....It's in the air right now getting a respray on the front bumper cover from the rock chips. Damn rocks.

Chad

 

Wouldnt have happened to run across any MCS front bumpers lately, hmm.

 

I had a few leaks that had to be fixed so I brought my car to Hendricks instead of Century.Hated the drive but loved the service. They were great. Thanks guys for the tip.

 

Na, not since the installation of the Aero kits on our Generation cars stopped...I could kick myself though, we used to do them all the time.

 

Dern, I feel like the odd man out! Went looking for my '07 cabrio; first in Charleston: didn't like the way that acted; not very friendly; didn't sell me a MINI. Went up to Century; met with Danny; great experience; lots to choose from (since they're right there at BMW where all MINI's coming to the US go first..so I'm told); got Miss TILLEY on the spot; they've sent cookies; small gifts; calls; surveys; all good. After our 6700 miles juant out west and attending the Vegas Rally, I was way over my first check up; took her in; they called in about 5 hours and I picked her up. The only fault I could find was that they didn't vacuum her out; everything else was good. Maybe we've just been lucky so far; I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Now since getting TILLEY, we have been introduce to Hendricks in Charlotte, and we really like them. I do think they have the best and friendlyest shop. I'll check them both when this lease runs out.

FYI: On our trip, we visited all the major MINI dealerships on our route (total of five); each one was super; all check the car out good; cleaned it up and put us back on the road (no charge from anyone). Great feeling. Then the 572 MINIs at Vegas was unbelievable. To take off on a days run with another 250 cars was a site to see and experience!! Give it a try next year if you can!!

 

If anyone is having any issues with their dealership check out another one. see what they have to offer. dealerships know if your leaving your home court. If you travel to another dealer I can't imagine why they wouldn't bend over backwards to make you happy knowing that they got the biz from another dealership.

When I got my car there was no MINI dealership in Charlotte in 02 i got mine from Hendrick of Charleston. It helps that the dealership manager and his son race a MINI. I've seen them at the track doing warranty work on cars that have had issues on track. That is some awesome service.

Next time your at your dealership of any marque. find out what the tech's drive. You know someone is going to take care of your car if it's the same thing they drive and are a fan of.

p.s. Chad of chst (MINI owner) rebuilt my engine when i blew it up agian. the dealership manager (who races MINI's) does a great job of making sure you get the service you need.

I had issues with my car the first month I had it and the Manager made it all right. After I blew up my motor for the second time (I track my car alot) he called me and said let us rebuild it for you and we'll put throw a warranty on it. Great service in Charleston.

oh, check out my newest mod

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...06#post2196506

 

Well, with all the bad news floating around about Century, I bring good news about the repair shop there!

I stopped by there on Monday to talk to Brent (their senior tech) about a front end vibration (Lower control arm bushings), and he informed me that Lee will be returning there to work in the shop.

Now for all you "newbies" who weren't around when MINIs first arrived on the scene, Lee and Brent were the original MINI mechanics at Century. About 2004, Lee left Century to work for MINIUSA to train other mechanics in the MINI way.

I only trust the two of them to work on Oz, and always bypass the "front office" and head straight back to the shop to talk to them about any issues with the car. Sometimes I just go there to visit and chat.

I used to visit the showroom, but since Henk and "Handsome" Rob left , it just isn't the same anymore.

 

I justed wanted to echo what Trainman said about Brent and Lee at Century.
They are both great MINI techs. Both worked on my MINI over the 90,000 miles I drove it during and after the warranty period. Lee installed my JCW kit and I have even had Brent work on my 2007 328i. I have been without a MINI for over a year and I still stop by and talk to Brent.

I am sorry to hear that others have had issues at the dealership, but you can trust your MINI will be in good hands if Brent and Lee work on it.