What's with dealers?
 

Don't any of them want to sell cars? Nobody I've sent questions to returns emails. Called Lexus and the guy couldn't answer questions about his own car, said let me walk outside and look, never called back. Was ready to buy a new Mini and called the MA I've talked with a few times and nothing. Finally asked the receptionist and she said that the MA has been very busy. Are car dealerships selling so many cars that they don't care about one more?

I'm sure they pay far less attention to someone who calls or sends email than someone who actually shows up at the dealership. Someone who has taken the time to go to the dealership is probably a serious buyer while those sending emails or calling are generally just fishing.

If you want a response try saturn. I am looking at getting an Outlook and was looking online. I put in my info so I could see what the wait time was for a build and to see if they had anything on the lot that met my wants. I have gotten Emailed from 3 different sales people, some more than one email. And a phone call from one. Even after I told the guy on the phone I was not looking to buy right away, he was still nice and courteous.

Unfortunately, when the dealership is 200 miles away it is hard to just drop in. The whole lets make the financing work so I can buy doesn't work either. Guess if Mini doesn't want to sell me a new car then I won't have a new mini :no:

Don't rely on Email for anything. Don't rely on anybody return a call. I've found that most "customer service" or whatever don't bother or don't care or whatever. If you want to talk to someone, I have found you have to be persistent and just keep annoying whoever answers the phone until they give you the salesman actual extension and then just keep redialing them until they answer.

I would also never depend upon a car salesman to know more about a car than you. Unfortunate but true in my experience (if you have done your research).

It's also true, they want you physically there and driving home with the car that day, whether or not you have a loan yet. If the car is in your hands, the more likely they think you will keep it. I would never go to a car dealer until it was actually time to buy and I knew exactly what I wanted.

I called like a dozen times yesterday with no joy. :(

At this point in time I simply do not do business with dealers who do not have the time or service inclinations to respond to inquiries and have ended up buying cars from SoCal after contacting dealers all over the place. (Fwiw this does not imply being treated poorly by East Bay Mini as I didn't even try them at the time when I knew South Bay in Torrance could order our car much sooner.)

Keeping an open mind geographically will really broaden your options and give you the opportunity to find someone who wants your business and will take time working with you via phone/fax/email. We have done well finding good dealers/cars within a one day drive but if not I'd be willing to make a longer road trip out of it (not into cars being delivered by truck as I like to inspect before paying)- perhaps you can map out the options and figure what dealers fall within a driving range you are comfortable with and pursue those instead of being at the mercy of these current dealers not willing to take the time to earn your sale.

Try a different dealer. Not all dealers are like the one you're describing, especially the ones in cities that have a few all withing striking distance.

Living in northern CA, and having four dealers to choose from, got us great service and attention from the MA's before we settled on Niello in Sacramento.

Called another dealership and they actually called me back - the good news. The bad news is that they said I couldn't order an '07 and would have to wait till december to order an '08. :(

I bought a MINI in spite of the dealership. I wish I could have done the work myself (although I did, and just gave them a list), and saved the commision...

Good luck, it seems like nearly all manufacturers dealerships are like this these days. I showed up at Lexus dealership and the sales guy said "get someone else to help him" to the receptionist with me standing there. So I bought an Infiniti.

hummm... if you want another MINI how about MINI of the Hamptons or Classic MINI (sponsors here). :confused:

they can ship the car to your door. :) kinda nice.

Tate has five Sparkling Silvers on the lot for substantial savings.. at least 1200 off on some models.