Mini Enthusiasts, I need your help!
My family is getting nervous about the whole waitinglist/deposit thing. Specifically, my grandfather thinks that if my dealership goes bankrupt or something before I get the car, then I won't get my money back. I was wondering if some of you fine mini owners, could please post your personal testemonials of the whole waiting process, or any infromation at all that would help convince my family. My dealership is Peabody, and I know they have been given many good reviews(I'm going to send him that link as well). Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks a bunch!
-Katie

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I get the feeling a second British Invasion is on it's way!

 

While he's technically right (in that I think you're actually paying the dealer and not MINI), remind him that BMW chose the best dealerships in each market. I know that customer service weighed in this rating, and I would assume financial stability as well.

But that's all a sidebar. Virtually everyone on this list went through it, or is going through it, and I've not heard of a bad story yet.

I actually happened upon a MINI that someone had cancelled on, and skipped the waiting bit. :smile:

Tell your grandfather that it's a practical car. Good gas mileage. Good safety rating. Strength of BMW behind it. A decades-old enthusiast legacy.

Or...take him for a test-ride! How could you resist after all!

Jeff

 

Tell him, "Ok then, would you rather me buy a Ford??"
Seriously, depending on what city you are in have someone on this board stop by and take 'em for a ride. So he will see what you get for your $$ which I think will be convincing!
Good Luck.

 

What kind of a deposit does your dealer require and how long of a wait are they projecting? Maybe you could explain the situation to your dealer and see if they will let you wait to pay your deposit until right before they place the order for the car. Or maybe they would even be willing to lower the deposit amount, or forego it completely.

 

I agree with friedduck. Many BMW dealers vied for the opportunity to open MINI dealerships, and BMW chose only 70 (of which, I believe, 67 are open).

If you check the Dealer Rating System (which is listed to the left on this page), Peabody seems to be one of the best dealerships in the Northeast! Peabody is very highly recommended on the other MINI MBs, as well. It is HIGHLY unlikely that Peabody, with a waiting list, will be declaring bankruptcy! Also, why not check with the Better Business Bureau to reassure your family?

MINI has really been a hugely successful new marque for The BMW Group. They wouldn't have planned all these dealerships, not only in the US, but around the world, without having big plans for the MINI marque. Plus, the crash test results have been excellent....and MINI ranked highest in its class in the JD Powers customer-satisfaction poll, which polls new owners 90 days after purchase.

Tell your grandfather that his deposit is in good hands! Best of luck to you...please let us know how it goes.

Cheers!
Clover :smile:

 

It is highly unlikely that the dealership would go under. BMW has been selective about their dealerships. When I was in Wa State on vacation I went to NorthWest MINI which had only been open for 3 months. I talked with the sales person about the dealership, the demand, the waiting list, etc. He stated that business is good nationally and the demand is high as there are only 25,000 Minis planned to be sold in the USA yearly. (this amount may have gone up for FY 2003??)

I would recommend that you show your family any and everything you can find on the web about the Mini. Show the reviews, forums like this and others. I am sure that this will alleviate their fears.

I hope you get your Mini. I am eagerly awaiting mine.....90 days and counting.....

 

Here are some of my details:
We put down the $1000 deposit, for a cooper, at MINI of Peabody, in early September(labor day weekend I believe).
We told our sales rep that we didn't need the car till May, and he asked if it came in sooner, if we'd want to pick it up.
I'm assuming his question meant that it would be likely to come in before May(I think he said March or April).
So far we have not given him all my specs. yet, but I have a testdrive sheduelled for the friday after thanksgiving, and we have planned to give him the rest of the information then.

Question: When your order is placed, and production begins, you have to give the dealer more money right? I think it was like 10% of the total cost but I can't remember for sure, this is the part that my grandpa is worried about.

Also as far as the car itself goes, everyone in my family(except my sister but she doesn't count) loves it and thinks it's the perfect car for me. It's just the waiting process that gives them concern.

_________________
I get the feeling a second British Invasion is on it's way!

 

>Question: When your order is placed, and production begins, you have to give the >dealer more money right? I think it was like 10% of the total cost but I can't >remember for sure, this is the part that my grandpa is worried about.

Every dealership must be different on this... mine (Crevier in Santa Ana, CA) didn't require anything more than $1000. They'll get the balance when I pick up the car.

I guess I would recommend that you keep in touch with your dealer, get updates as often as possible, so as to prove to your family that the dealership is on the ball and still solvent. And you know, once you have that test-drive it will be a lovefest for everyone... your family might want a fleet of MINI's!

Cheers,

Leslie

 

>Question: When your order is placed, and production begins, you have to give the >dealer more money right? I think it was like 10% of the total cost but I can't >remember for sure, this is the part that my grandpa is worried about.

Every dealership must be different on this... mine (Crevier in Santa Ana, CA) didn't require anything more than $1000. They'll get the balance when I pick up the car.

I guess I would recommend that you keep in touch with your dealer, get updates as often as possible, so as to prove to your family that the dealership is on the ball and still solvent. And you know, once you have that test-drive it will be a lovefest for everyone... your family might want a fleet of MINI's!

Cheers,

Leslie

 

oops.. sorry for the double post!