I just wanted to get people's opinions on their purchasing experience from Mini of the Hamptons. As you've probably read from an earlier post, I've decided to upgrade my cooper to an MCS.... and have taken people's advice in getting my MCS from Mini of the Hamptons. Just some questions to those people that have gotten their minis from Mini of the Hamptons..... buying experience? shipping - what's the process? who was your carrier? closed or open carrier? wait time? also, just one thing that really sticks to me is that, how do you feel in purchasing your vehicle "site unseen"? did you have pics taken and emailed to you beforehand? thanks for any and all comments.....

 

When I purchased my car from the Hamptons it was an over good feeling. I had a few mis-givings about not seeing the car. I did not request pictures to be taken because my motoring advosor was also the finance manager, and he was never able to really do the personal stuff. I have heard other motoring advisors have taken pics and put extras in the cars for shipping but the best thing that happened to me was Jerry got me a rate I didn't expect. He was able to drop the interest rate 2% points from where it started so I figured that was the best thing that could happen. It seemed to take a long time to go from the port of entry to the dealership but once I found out it was there and ready I notified the shipper and they went over and picked it up.

I used Autolog through their internet site for shipping. They quoted an incorrect price but still honored it. I paid $800 for a closed rail car. I checked with them 3 times while it was shipping because I kept reading about damage being done to cars in transit so I was kind of freaked out. On Monday prior to delivery they told me it would probably be Friday before I saw my car. Then Tuesday afternoon I got a call from the place in Fontana to come pick it up. They had washed it and it had not been driven much at all. My car had 9 miles on the odometer when I picked it up. All total it took no more than 10 days to ship (I think) I'd have to get my papers out to be sure.

Overall it was a good experience. I would do it again tomorrow if I could. (I have heard a lot of good things about Julie at Classic in Ohio and have considered using her also. The group buys she puts together seem to really be the best option - $500 off msrp and group rate shipping.) But if you have chosen Hamptons (and your experience is like mine) it should be great.

 

thanks for the post.... I've been hearing a lot about Julie from Classic Mini.... where is this dealer at? contact info? I'd like to give it a shot as well since Mike D. only had 2 MCS's in stock for me to choose from....

 

Classic is in Mentor Ohio, and they're a sponsor here on NAM

 

Hi...I bought my '04 MCS from Jerry at mini of the Hamptons and it was a great experience...I also had the JCW kit installed...I got exactly what i wanted--all 3 pkgs, Blk/Blk--at MSRP...I never saw the car, but it was just as described. I used my own shipper (closed) and all was perfect...I recommend Jerry highly, the place was great to deal with. PM me if you ahve any questions.
MJ

 

how about some contact info for those shippers? prices? should I go open or closed?

 

Open or closed??? Definitely closed. Do not go open especially this time of year. The shipper will go through states that are currently in tornado alley. Rail car is fastest and best IMO. I used autolog. They're at www.autolog.net. Check their website. Good luck on the decision. Jerry is really super.

 

I would only use closed transport...I paid about $1100 to get the car in a week, tiing was tight for me, so I paid a bit extra...Jerry told me that they could handle shipping via rail for me.
Good luck,
MJ

 

I am 80 miles away, and they pick up the car for any reason (sometimes flatbed, sometimes driven). Loaner cars available.


Where else?

Regards,
Red

 

Yep, purchased from Jerry. I want to be Jerry taking phone orders for MINI's all day....holy commisions!

The deal: ordered a MC from a West coast dealer, 9 months and many excuses later no show. Killed the order which had an additional $200 "dealer" fee over MSRP. Called Jerry he had the exact spec car ON THE LOT! They pre-order cars with popular options and stock 'em. I pointed out the only difference from my original order was the cold weather package that I didn't think I needed. He replied, okay, I'll throw it in at no charge also include a full set of rubber floor mats. He Fedexed the paper work overnight and I got it on the train leaving the same week via Autolog.

The total cost for shipping if you subtract the original dealer fee and the cold weather credit was about $500 to the West coast. Was it worth the cost to have the car - yes. A trick MINI of the Hamptons license frame still lives on the boot lid. Just do it.

 

Hey,

I got my Mini from Mike Dito at Mini of the Hamptons. I paid $400 for delivery to Philly. I came on an open flatbed and I had no problems. I chose open flatbed because it was cheaper and Philly is pretty close to New York. I did my whole transaction with Mike Dito through email. I never even spoke with him on the phone. He was very informative and answered all of my questions through email. Once I got my auto loan, he FedExed the paperwork to me, I signed it, sent it back with my auto draft, He processed it the following day, and I had my Mini in 3 days! I was a little skeptical about buying a car that I haven't seen in person, but I was willing to take the chance, and everything worked out great!! I would highly recommend Mike Dito and Mini of the Hamptons! Hope this helps!

-Al

 

I just have to get a cashier's check on Monday to Fed Ex to Jerry and then my Mini will be on its way to me here in San Diego.

Jerry's been great to work with, very responsive to questions via email and phone (although I did stump him with the new iPod connection deal - he didn't know about yet). Although I don't have my car yet, I would recommend MOTH without reservation.