I'm soon to be taking delivery on a MCSC from Keeler in Albany, NY. Something came up that makes me worry about the honesty and reliability of their service department.
Has anybody had dealings with the Mini service department at Keeler? I once owned a Volvo from one of their dealerships and was royally screwed by them. This time they have quoted me a price for an accessory that is twice the going rate ($550 vs. $1100) and 75% higher than the book rate. As they are the only dealer w/in 100 miles I'm stuck, but if anybody has any advice I'd appreciate it.
Thanks

 

Over on MINI2 there are regular members who deal with or bought from Keeler; I don't know much about them, except that MEMini was very upset by something they did ...

 

Thanks. I'll post over there.

 

I have had several dealings with Keeler since purchasing my MCS back in 2002. Basically it comes down to they are really tight with a buck. A piece of molding came off the right front fender and they told me someone must have stolen it. It was only a few $$$ so I bought new. My car wouldn't start a few weeks ago. They clamed it was because of my mods and made me pay the diagnostic charge $95.
I wouldn't say either of these incidents are major but, it is indicative of the way Keeler is

 

read below

 

I've been in the Patroon chapter BMW CCA for about three years. Lets just say that the Parts department screwed up a time sensitve order and the service department got me going enough to write a letter to BMWNA because I could not get an answer out of anyone.

I'm not saying all there are bad. I know one person in service and one in sales. From what I've heard they hired on the top scoring Mini tech on the east coast.

All I know is that when it came to BMWs I decided to go the extra 1/2 hour drive to Cap Cities...

now I'm scared...where do you go? Boston...even for service?

Great...

 

I just recently placed my order thru Keeler. The clincher was when I arrived on a Saturday when the service dept was closed there was a couple who had driven their week old Mini back from CT because their wipers wouldn't work. Keeler actually called in a tech from home to take a look, gave them movie tickets to the cinema down the road so they didn't have to wait in the showroom, and generally took great care of them.

That, plus when my dog was thirsty they gave her bottled water instead of the stuff from the drinking fountain, and never said a word when I told them she was coming on the test drive with me. They just placed a towel over the seat and let her jump in. Anybody who treats my dog well is okay with me.

 

Keeler of Latham are certifiable liers. I traded in a 03 full size pick up for a 05 MCS based solely on the fact of being able to tow a 700# ATV. EVERYONE there assured me it is no problem and went so far to show me the web site to order the parts and the parts manager made an apointment to have the wireing and tow hitch installed. By sheer luck I called Ask MINI to find out the towing rating. MINI USA stated it is rated for 0 pounds and if I set it up for towing and have a problem with the clutch or transmission, the warrenty WILL NOT BE HONERED! My jaw hit the floor. Everyone from the salesman, salesmanager, parts manager lied to my face. After meeting with the general manager, I gave him three options: 1) Give me back my money and take back the MINI. 2) I will keep the MINI and write me a check for $1000.00. 3) I will keep the MINI and give me a $1000.00 credit for accessories. They chose option 3. I wouldn't trust these jerks as far as I can spit. Everyone I have spoke to about this matter and did business with them said they are the cheapest people they have ever delt with.