I test drove an '03 MCS at DeSimone BMW in Marlton, NJ, yesterday. As I was talking to the salesman, I asked why that didn't sell MINIs there. He said there was no room for the extra showroom space, etc. He did say, however, that the dealership is moving a couple miles north up Route 73 and will be selling MINIs in about 18 months time. And that's about the same time I'll be able to order my own brand-new one.

 

That's great news especially the timing of getting your MINI. Having a dealership near by is always a good thing. Even if you only want to stop by and bug the MA's. Alabama doesn't have a MINI dealership yet so all the ones here have had to go out of state for purchase and service. Birmingham sort of has a MINI dealer but from what I have heard, they ship the car off to Georgia for service.

I can understand the room problem with some dealers. Back in 2003 when I ordered mine out of state, I went to the local BMW/Buick/Volvo dealer to ask about them getting MINI. They said they would love too but for some untold reason, they couldn't. Since then they have opened a Jaguar, Range Rover and soon a Porsche dealer. Even if they were offered a MINI dealership now, they too would have to move because of room.

Then again, they could loose the Buick part and no one would ever miss it.

 

Having another Mini dealership in Southern NJ is a good thing. I understand that there have been some consistent complaints about the current South Jersey Dealers. I bought mine from Don Rosen Mini (now Main Line Mini) in Philadelphia. I would recommend Otto's Mini in WestChester, PA if I was to buy another Mini.


Thanks for the heads up and Cheer Cheer to variety!

 

When I was looking at MINI's I stopped in Otto's and was totally ignored. No eye contact, nothing. That attitude pisses me off, so I went over to Main Line, where the only MA on duty locked up the place and took me out for a whirl in several MINI's. Give me that kind of customer service anyday.

YMMV. Try 'em both out and decide for yourself.