So we are probably going to pull the trigger and order a new MCS this week. Since we're on the west coast, and don't really want to wait 9 months for our car, we'll probably order from somewhere else and have it shipped.

Needless to say I'm a little nervous about this. It seems to me that if the car is damaged in transit, I won't have any recourse but to fight with the shipper, which I'm guessing would be a major PITA. I'm also concerned about possible problems from the factory, since I won't be able to see the car before it's delivered. This is less of a concern since my local dealer should be able to fix that kind of problem.

Can anyone offer advice on how to make the shipping process go smoothly? Based on various recommendations on this board, I'm leaning towards Mini of the Hamptons. I'd also be interested in any personal experiences people have with shipping a car from Hamptons, either good or bad.

Thanks

Mike

 

Mike,
There are many options. If you are on the west coast there are dealers on the east coast, Florida, Lousiana, and others that might have an MCS in stock. We also have a few in Hawaii. Most places arrange shipping for about $900 to $1000. I have heard good things about the delivery times and condition. Beats waiting. Just call around and have in mind exactly what you would like.

If you need help with Hawaii let me know-send me a PM. I can do a quick check anytime. Good luck.

If the MINI has any problems then your local dealer can handle it. You can inquire what responsibility the shipping company has.

 

Mike,

Have you completely ruled out flying to whichever dealership you buy from (except Hawaii, of course) to take delivery and motoring back home? I know quite a few MINIacs that have done just that and all had wonderful times breaking in their engines and seeing some great sights along the way.

Best of luck to you, whichever way you decide to go with it. And welcome to North American Motoring!



Clo/Wanda

 

Thanks for the replies.

minihune - I'm more concerned with problems with the shipping process than where to order the car from. I'm trying to avoid having the car arrive broken/dented/scratched/breathed on wrong/etc and being stuck with the bill.

MINIclo - I'd love to fly out and drive back, but I just don't have the time to make an east coast-west coast run right now. Job, kids and all that you know. I'm thinking a run from Texas might be a possibility, so I'm researching dealers in that area.

Any shipping horror stories out there? I've read alot of old posts but haven't come across any.

 

I've heard some good things not bad ones about shipping companies. They do this all the time and make good on the delivery. When you contact dealers ask them what shipping firm they use and have there been any complaints or problems with delivery condition of the cars. If they are honest they'll tell you. Also you can ask the shipping company for references of past customers in your area.

I think it is pretty safe to ship. Quite a few MINI owners have done it. You can check with the Better Business Bureau.

 

I've heard nothing but good things about Mini of the Hamptons.
They ship cars regularly thruout the states and seem to have it under control using a competent/ professional auto shipper.
I purchased my MCS from the locally....and they were professional,courteous and friendly. They also have a large selcetion to choose from...many styles...colors...options.

Speak to Tor or Joan.

Peace,
D

 

Hi,
I was part of a group purchase of 7 MCS's that were bought at Classic MINI in Mentor Ohio. We shipped our cars on Concours Transport Systems, owned by Fred Koller of Las Vegas. They usually ship show cars to Concours de Elegance or muscle cars to events like Hot August Nights in Reno. All 7 cars arrived in perfect condition, and were delivered in Santa Clara, CA

You will want an enclosed transporter for shipping your MINI. The $1,000 Hamptons quotes for shipping is usually an open transport, but remember it's winter!

Now, since my mother-in-law wants a MINI, I'm buying another through Classic. Our MA was Julie Saxa, 440 266-6700. They have just a few December production slots available this week, which means a $450 savings over a January production car since MINI is raising the price.

I've already found another west coast buyer at Classic who lives nearby in CA with a January delivery. Why not make it 3 on the truck

Concours does a lot of business up in Washington, and you can't beat the deal at Classic, especially the 20% off on parts and accessories, plus no sales tax and shipping costs.

I sent you a PM if you have additional questions

Charlie

 

As one who fretted every leg of my Mini's trip to me, I understand your nervousness. Keep in mind, though, all those new cars you see being hauled to dealerships all across the US. If you were buying, for instance, a Honda is would be shipped to a West coast dealership from Ohio. My undamaged Mini was shipped from New Jersy to Chicago. Best Wishes! You will very likely be meeting a new one in perfect condition soon.

 

early_apex

I would suggest using Passport Transport. They are based in St. Lous and they are the best car-shippers, hands down. They only use new enclosed trailers that (I think) are climate controled. They have an elevator on the back as opposed to ramps, they have partitions that go between the cars so that if the car on top leaks it won't get anything on the bottom car, etc. They are the only way to go!

http://www.passporttransport.com/

 

>>As one who fretted every leg of my Mini's trip to me, I understand your nervousness. Keep in mind, though, all those new cars you see being hauled to dealerships all across the US. If you were buying, for instance, a Honda is would be shipped to a West coast dealership from Ohio. My undamaged Mini was shipped from New Jersy to Chicago. Best Wishes! You will very likely be meeting a new one in perfect condition soon.

This would be my response to worries as well. Once off the boat just about every MINI has to be shipped to get to where it's going in the first place. While accidents can always happen, I'm pretty sure that dealerships who routinely send cars around the country have it sorted out.

 

Early-Apex
I was one of the buyers involved with Chief Charlie and CLassic Mini. I would recommend going with Koller Transportation. My car wasn't running when it left the dealership for factory errors, yet the driver took delievery of the car, made sure it was removed from the truck and handled correctly...and that the tow truck for the Local MINI dealership picked up my MCS. Fred Koller has a class act when it comes to moving expensive cars across the country.
Classic MINI has one of the best customer service Motoring Advisors in Julie Saxo. Remember my car wasn't running upon delivery? Well she worked with a the MINI West and East Coast Reps and coordinated the repair of the MCS at a California MINI Dealership.

Chief Charlie is a class act too. He arranged for a CHP officer to be on site to validate DMV paperwork. Infact last week when I went to the DMW to get my car transferred from OHio to CA plates I handed the clerk the packet of
paperwork Charlie had for me on the car. And it was all in order, I did not have to do anything for myself at
the DMY...except pay the sales tax.
I ordered my Car as I wanted it on 8/14...and I was driving her on 11/10/03 I paid MSRP. and I ordered a larger amount of parts which were shipped in my car with no shipping charges in addition to the transporters fee. Have you considered the cost for freight on an Aero KIT? 300.00!
And with Classic MINI selling all parts 20% off...another discount to consider. Minus the usual 125/hr MINI service department installation fees... Joining up with Chief Charlie who has already done that and got the t shirt this will be the easiest sweetest car buying experience of your life time.

I 'd do it again in a heart beat if I could afford another MINI>

 

Hey,

Go with Mini of the Hamptons! I had my MINI shipped to me from them like 2 moths ago. I live in Philly which wasn't a far trip for them though. It cost me $400 to ship the car. Mike Dito is my Motoring Advisor and he set everything up for the shipping. I had my car the next day after the paperwork process was complete. They are very professional at Mini of the Hamptons. I did my whole transaction through the internet and never even spoke with Mike on the phone once! Just make sure that you inspect the car before the shipper leaves. Before the car leaves the lot the Dealer and the Shippers do a walk around and inspect the car for scratches, etc. So if there is a scratch when the car arrives at your house, you can ask them to see the pre-delivery inspection sheet and you can find out if it happened during delivery! I say go for it! I would recommend dealing with Mike Dito!
Hope this helps in your decision!

-Al Anderson

 

i tried to go through hamptons but it didn't work out. i commented on my experience in the dealer rating thing.

i bought my MINI from Classic in OH, and will be shipping on a covered truck from http://www.concourstransport.com. i'll let you guys know how it works out when i get my car in Jan.

 

Hey Apex,

I am sorry to hear about your experience with MINI of the Hamptons. I should have stressed more that you deal with Mike Dito. When I first contacted them, I emailed a Motoring Advisor by the name of Joan. She emailed me back a day later and asked what I was looking for. So I emailed her back with what options I wanted, etc. A few days then passed and I didn't hear anything back from her, so I emailed Mike Dito. That was the best move that I made. Right after I told him what I was looking for, the process was underway! After I already signed the paperwork and everything and my car was purchased, Joan wrote me back and asked if I was still interested in a MINI. I thought this was pretty funny! So I guess I should have stressed requesting Mike Dito. He is a class guy and an excellent saleman! But, hey, at least ya found another good dealer to deal with and you now underway!! Good Luck!
-Al

 

yeah, i think my experience was more of an exception than the rule. there are lots of post from people happy with service from Jerry. i wanted to get my order in asap to avoid a january build and the price hike, so i didn't have time to wait around and find out if he was having a bad day/email problems/whatever.

 

mike, aloha and welcome from one who can feel your pain and JUST went through this whole process...i live in Hawaii and bought a car from Tom Bush Mini in Jacksonville,Fl...thats right!!!!!!!!!...i said Florida...was looking at shipping all the way but flew to Florida and drove to Longbeach,Ca. and then shipped...had a roadtrip of a lifetime and no regrets...now back to your problem...was in talks with Mini of the Hamptons and had no problems with them except they didnt have exactly what i wanted...talk to Jerry cause they use a company out of Jersey and have shipped plenty to westcoast...I also lived in Tacoma,WA for a number of years and i believe youre in Vancoucer...i was going to use shipmyvehicle.com to Cal and they also operate the Horizon LIne ships to Hawaii...you can still use their land operation to Vancouver...go on their VERY user friendly website...your insurance carier will cover you with your normal deductable...then you have to decide on open or closed carrier...closed costs more... i think open is fine and someone told me to pay $100 more and you can choose topberth OR directly behind the drivers cab and be more protected from road chips,etc...i was worried about damage too but if you choose to have the driver p/u
from dealer he has to sign off that the car is perfect and then when you get it you can file a claim if any problems...i really dont think they have very many problems or you would be be hearing about it on this and other websites...you will have winter/snow problems in new york now that you wont have from southern locals...the bottom line is go for it...the transporters have insurance and you need to let your insurance co. know of your new car plans...if you drive it then miniroadside pays up to $750 if you are 100 miles away from home...by the way-Tom Bush Mini was great and they sold one to a guy in cal and he told about his problem-free trip on this site and that helped convice me of the dealer and the drive...please post if you have any more questions...glad to help...aloha,paul

 

call mini of the hamptons and talk with them, they would know the most about there shipping of cars and what has happend (if anything) to other customers cars. i am sure they tell you want to hear. but the fly out drive back trip is the best. you just have to make time. it really is worth the trip. ship the kids to grandma's and take the wife for you owen road rally if you know what i mean...oh wait that is another forum...lol well good luck anywyas

 

Kanaka,

Tried your suggested shipper, http://www.shipmyvehicle.com and received a quote of $1,695 for an enclosed transport, door to door, Mentor OH (Classic MINI) to Santa Clara, CA. That's $295 more than the single-car quote I have from Concours Transport Systems http://www.concourstransport.com.

Thanks, but no thanks. I'll stay with Fred Koller and Concours Transport Systems. They got 7 of our MCS safely to CA last time for $900 per car in an enclosed Transport.. And right now there are 3 MCS headed west in our truck.

Any other out-of-state buyers need a safe ride West? "The more the cheaper!"

Charlie

 

Had mine shipped from Moritz MINI...it made the journey alright, until they unloaded it off the truck and the driver instantly drove my MCS up onto the curb trying to make a (uneccesary) u-turn...really curbed the rim, but no other detectable damage. After a couple months of phone calls and being stonewalled or lied to quite a few times, I finally got a check to replace the rim. Apparently lot of shipping companies actually just sub-contract the real work to smaller hauling/shipping companies. So if you can, you might want to make sure your dealer actually has worked with their shipping company before and maybe check the shipping company out with their local BBB...just in case. It's been awhile and I can't say that I'm 100% sure of the name of the shipping company anymore (I think it was B&M Transport, and I think the name of the actual shipping "company" that brought my car out was E&J Transport).

I'm too lazy to go search for the paperwork

 

A question for those who've made the cross-country drive. I've almost talked myself into an MCS. Being in Sacramento, I'll need to buy out of state. I'd rather not wait 10 months at East Bay Mini or pay a $2500 markup at Niello.

It looks like I'll have some time off in March. Any ideas what the weather and road conditions are likely to be like at that time of year? The most likely suspects, given reports here, will be Classic Mini, Roadshow, or possibly one of the FL dealers.

Another possibility would be Rasmussen in Portland. Are they selling to CA'ers yet?

 

>>Another possibility would be Rasmussen in Portland. Are they selling to CA'ers yet?
>>

Rasmussen has a long wait as far as I know. I just test drove an S 2 weeks ago with Amy Rasmussen and the quoted wait time was 8-9 months.

 

>>
>>>>Another possibility would be Rasmussen in Portland. Are they selling to CA'ers yet?
>>>>
>>
>>Rasmussen has a long wait as far as I know. I just test drove an S 2 weeks ago with Amy Rasmussen and the quoted wait time was 8-9 months.

Figured as much. Since they're on the west coast...:smile:

 

Mike,

I bought my MCS from a fellow BMWCCA member (Los Angeles, CA chapter) who brokered cars. He got the car from Roadshow MINI in Tenn. He has ordered many BMWs from them also. My car arrived in Orange County, CA in excellent condition with no problems.

I moved from Southern California to Hawaii in July so my car actually got shipped across the ocean like "kanaka's" for its second trip. We used Matson for this and again the shipping was without any problems.

I originally was in talks with Hamptons also but my guy ended with a quicker response. My first choice was to buy from my BMW dealer (Crevier BMW in Santa Ana, CA) but I could not get one at the time in Southern California (without at least a $5K markup). I was surprised and somewhat dissappointed to find that there were MANY MINIs available at the MINI of Hawaii. As "minihune" stated, you should PM him as there may still be a good supply. Shipping from Hawaii to Long Beach is really no big deal.

Good luck,
Dirk

 

>>Another possibility would be Rasmussen in Portland. Are they selling to CA'ers yet?

yeah, Rasmussen is my local dealer, and the wait is a good 8 months. with the increased shipping time to west coast dealers, you'd probably get your car just as fast buying in the east in shipping to CA. i'd recommend Julie at Classic Mini based on my experience with them to this point.

 

plus if you pull the trigger soon on a car they have in stock or one that is enroute, you could probably get on the truck with Charlie's car and everybody saves some money on shipping.