Hi everyone. Really seriously thinking about joining the MINI community. Been lurking around reading relevant posts, but wanted to ask... what has been the experience with NYC area dealerships? There don't seem to be very many of them (Manhattan is the only one within 10 miles, after that it is Hassel, Westchester, Habberstad, Prestige, Fairfield). Any recommendations? Thanks.

 

Prestige MINI is a good choice. I bought my car from them, have had it serviced there and had it repaired there when I was in an accident the past summer. Bought accessories there too.

Its a great place to take a car on a test drive too as they are right on Rt 17. Turn out of their driveway and you are on the highway. The local roads behind the dealership are all beat up. Great way to check the suspension and ride.

 

+1 for Prestige! Plus, about a mile or so down the highway from the dealership, if you take the Suffern/Morristown Exit on Rte 17 (if you're going on a test drive this is...) you'll go on the twisty back mountain Route 202, which is a TON of fun to drive through! Lots of gorgeous houses and scenery, but you won't be paying attention to all that stuff, you'll be too busy enjoying the ride!

 

Morristown MINI is great also...

 

I have heard many good things about Morristown Mini. I live in Upstate New York (no I did not buy mine at Morristown) and word travels this far as we have to travel a minimum of 2 1/2 hours to get to any Mini dealership. Don't know anything about the three Long Island dealerships....Its good to ask though as I am not happy with where I bought mine. Good luck.

 

I'm new to the MINI world as well. I had first experience when my "new" pre-owned R53 was inspected at Hassel MINI. The customers' waiting area was really nice (almost like a Starbucks or Panera Bread) with complimentary coffee, cold beverages, sandwiches and salads. The seating was very comfy and there was a cool-looking '11 Hot Chocolate Cooper S on the floor to sit in, look at or get familiar with. They even washed my MINI before returning it to me. I was impressed. The employees were very friendly and enthusiastic about MINI's. Though I bought it from another dealer, they made me feel like I actually bought it from them!! Very cool!!!

 

Habberstad MINI is phenomenal. Salesman are not as sleezy as most, but most importantly, Jackie and the service department are always friendly and eager to help.

 

Just curious... How is the service department environment for customers?? I've never been there, but I know where it is on Rt25.

 

service department is a little bit small, but they really take care of you. Every time I walk in, even for just a simple question, they greet me with a smile and by name. I've had a couple of repairs done there, and they are always as prompt as possible. Overall, it's always a very good experience there. Also, it doesn't hurt that I live less than 4 minutes from there

 

I noticed on the MINIUSA site, there was a new dealer opening up in south NJ. While it's a little far for me in Westchester, I'm curious to see a "NEW" operation and how well a 7 y/o MINI owner is received.

 

Why not save a bunch of money and buy a used MINI?

 

This is just what I did.......

So far, I have no regrets.....

 

Bumping this thread up...

looking for a good mini dealer in the tri-state area for some service (rust warranty) on my R53. Sounds like prestige mini way to go, but did anyone else have personal experiences with the service center at a local mini dealer?

 

I don't have any service experiences yet (I know that doesn't help), BUT everyone I have spoken to seems to love Habberstad Mini in Huntington, NY. It's on Long Island in Suffolk county. From a sales perspective, they are very fair and patient. I can only imagine that their service department carries over the same customer service model as the sales department.

Besides, the dealer is just going to send your car to a local body shop to repair the rust anyway. I would call the dealers in your area and ask which body shops they use, then research those shops. pick the dealer that uses the best body shop.