Well, I'm 99% sure I'm going with the MINI S (if you read my previous post). The question now is do I look for used, buy new from the East Coast, or go back to NW MINI and see if they can make good on their mistake? I'm frustrated with this situation and not sure what to do .

Essentially back in April of last year I put my name on the list to be called when it was my turn to order a S. Then on June 6th I FINALLY had my opportunity drive the S (I had to schedule a test drive). I talked to the sales person that day and he recommended that I sign up again (?!?!?!?!) so I did. I was told to expect a minimum of a 12 month wait prior to them calling me. I waited a few months and called (anxious you know) and was again to expect to wait at least 12 months. Finally a few months back I called them just to see how things were progressing and they said they had tried to contact me but I did not respond. I know this isn't true as I carry my cell phone with me 24x7x365 (I'm required to for work) and my home number hasn't change either (I gave them both numbers).

I posted my frustration on a different board at the time and was told by other buyers that the dealer either a.) had a computer "glitch" and lost the list or b.) gave up on the call backs because it wasn't worth the hassle. I don't know what the truth is but I do know they never called .

I know I could order the car from the East Coast and ship or drive it back but I hate to pay the extra $1000+ to ship it and driving is out of the question as I two young kids at home (2 1/2 and 8 weeks).

Any advice? Anyone else use NW MINI have a similar experience?

Thanks,
Todd

 

Check with the Hawaii dealer and ship it mainland.When we were there they had several cars on the lot.They could probably help with shipping as they do it between islands.

 

My feeling at that point would be to tell NW to stick it and go elsewhere. You don't have to go to the East coast though. Salt Lake City and Phoenix both have dealers that seem to get good reviews on here and are MUCH closer to WA than the East coast would be. And the drive home could be done in a day (or at worst, a weekend) from either.

 

It's too bad you had such a bad time at NWMINI - there were a couple of people there at the beginning last year who are not there now ... maybe you talked to one of them? My dealings with NWMINI have been painless (except when they have someone from the BMW dealership filling in ... ) - so I would tell you to give them another chance; I don't know the policies about transfering cars from one dealer to another but they may be able to find a car elsewhere and help with shipping costs ...
There is also the dealer in Portland and although that is normally three hours from NWMINI, my MINI can do it in two ...

 

I had a positive experience with NW MINI and I have to believe that the mistake was unintentional, and that they'd make good given the opportunity. Work with Tim or Colleen at NW MINI.

 

Had a good experience with Jeremy at NW Mini and was on the list for an S. However, we couldn't deal with the long wait and recently took our name off the list. Nice people but I guess we didn't stick with them long enough to go through the whole process. Our estimated wait time (worse case scenario) for an S was 16 months. I believe that's a 2005 model?????

 

Yes, if you call around, you can do better. I got mine in Milwaukee with almost no wait at all. I called the day after Christmas, and picked up my spec'ed MSRP two months later. Rather than truck it home for about $800, I drove it for two and a half days.

Much more gratifying than the course of action outlined in my early conversation with NW MINI (16 months).

Of course, you might be able to make a good deal on a used car, but not around here...

 

I wouldn't wait 12 months for.... any.... car.
I wanted a MCS in June of 2002...I called every MINI dealer on the east coast.
There were NONE to be found.
NONE!!!!!!
I said that was impossible!!!!!
I was gonna find one
I left my name with everyone and anyone who would take it.
I was on the phone for a good 2 weeks striaght
Mini of the Hampton's called me back in about a week and we talked everyday for another week.
Someone was not able to finance their MCS... so I had a shot at getting one
I had to choose from what they had on the lot....
I had to compromise...so be it :smile:

There are.... many...many...many... MCS's available thruout the US.... that you can buy for MSRP....
Look at our sponsors here... as a start point.
Go find one that makes you happy and buy it...
Simple as that....:smile:
Don't be frustrated..just go do it :smile:

Peace,
D

 

I agree totally with d-mini-ero. You can find one on the west coast with persistent phone calls. Check out Rasmussen MINI in Portland, OR. Another place that seems to always have some S models is Niello MINI in Sacramento, CA. They have a great web site with a large inventory. Click here /Niello MINI Hope this helps you out.

 

If you need the extra time to sell a car or secure financing then I would stick with NW MINI - that's where I put down my first deposit. I changed the deposit to MINI of Murray in Utah for a wait that was half as long. I pick it up June 1st and get to drive it back from Utah which will be half the break-in mileage. They have great service and sell at straight MSRP.

If you're insterested try Karen Johnson at MINI of Murray. She has been my MA and has been great.



MINI of Murray

 

I live in a city with a wonderful dealer,Cincinnati Mini;I ordered from them,but sold my old car before the new one came in.I phoned dealers and found MCSs in stock at 3 different dealers within a 4 hour drive.Two dealers had cars at list,one wanted an extra $2000.I ordered my car on the phone,picked it up 2 days later;and my local dealer has treated me like one of their own.
Work the net,and the phone buy one at list.You'll love the car so much,you won't be concerned over minor compromises in color or equipment.I would buy now,the US dollar has fallen 20% in the last year.We will soon be paying a great deal more for imported cars.

 

I purchased from NW MINI. I ordered back in July 2002. I dealt with the same person you dealt with but she is no longer there. Talk to Mike the Sales Manager, Tim, Jeremy, Lee(Parts) and Jeff in Service are all great. Sit down and talk to them. I know the wait is long but it is worth it. I waited 8 months for my MC. But I got what I wanted and did not settle for a lot car. If you can wait talk to NW MINI, they can make it right. Give them a shot.