In the heart of the Nation's Capital we have a huge need and demand for the wonder MINI and must drive lots of miles to a dealership (as do many other MCO members, of course). MINI of Sterling is way out by Dulles Airport; Tate MINI in Annapolis, MD is 45 miles away; Towson, MD, up near Baltimore.

All that said, has anyone heard about a new dealership in the D.C. area. Any word on whether the MINI of Arlington idea has a chance to be revived? (Must admit I don't like the BMW of Arlington -- real attitude; and if they get the MINI dealership let's hope they gather kind, experienced service folks.) What have you heard?? Thanks.

 

Don't hold your breath on BMW or Arlington getting a MINI dealership. From what I hear it's not going to happen any time in the near future if at all.

 

Not that I was rooting for a MINI of Arlington -- as some people know, the related Porsche dealership 200 feet north of BMW of Arlington faked WAY TO MANY people out by propping 2 or 3 new 2002 MINIs in front of the dealership and calling itself MINI of Arlington, taking deposit money, using the allotment of a dealership in Richmond and giving really long lead times (of course, since they had no allotment of their own) and messing with people's minds & emotions.

We Northern Virginians are hearty souls and not that stupid, however we have had to go 45+ miles to find a dealer. All of this in one of the best markets for the wonder car. I will go back to TATE MINI of Annapolis, Maryland (47 miles from home) for service without hesitation, but wanted to know about a closer, back-up service center/dealership. Any other thoughts anyone? Thanks.

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Prettiest SG/W Cooper w/all things sparkling: chrome inserts & chrome mirror covers, alloy wheels, NAV, CVT, Prem + Cold Pkg, Sport Seats, PDC, Left Southampton 1/31 aboard FALSTAFF - Named BVLGARI, after that company's classy silk green tea perfume.

 

>>We Northern Virginians are hearty souls and not that stupid, however we have had to go 45+ miles to find a dealer. All of this in one of the best markets for the wonder car. I will go back to TATE MINI of Annapolis, Maryland (47 miles from home) for service without hesitation, but wanted to know about a closer, back-up service center/dealership. Any other thoughts anyone? Thanks.

We have had a wonderful experience with the team at Mini of Sterling. Mind you it isn't far from where we live and I work; but the staff is wonderful. And heck, they'd have to be since they sold the 3rd most Minis in the US last year, so I'm thinking they are doing something right. In fact, the word from our friends there is they are getting a second MINI tech. I'm thinking if you are in DC or near to Arlington, Sterling would actually be closer to you. For a while I commuted from Old Town to Dulles and it took me less than an hour using the Toll Road and it was under 30 miles.

You wanted a back-up plan; I'd think Sterling is a worthwhile choice.

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Learning to drive my MINI is most fun!

 

Thanks -- living in Old Town Alexandria makes us (Sparkles and coming-soon BVLGARI) absolutely equidistant between Sterling, VA and Annapolis, MD, both 46 miles from the doorstep. A MINI owner in town was the one who told me that MINI of Arlington was getting back up to speed, building a dealership building as required and aiming for Spring '03 (very soon) for action. Though I can't say for sure if they'll get my business...after the bratty service at BMW of Arlington (last time I was there, the service manager almost punched a customer out for throwing some newspapers on the floor next to his chair -- I had to calm everyone down. ).