I completed my acquisition of a new MINI from Classic MINI of OH and I have nothing but good things to say about the whole process. Since I'm in MD the transaction was done via e-mail and phone, and it was as easy as going to a local lot...except without all the extras my local dealer throws on (at great expense).

Since Classic's web site doesn't have good descriptions of their cars (my only complaint, and surprising since they do a lot of out of state business) I sent an e-mail stating what I was looking for. Mike Kost replied, and thus began an exchange of many e-mails. I even got pictures of the car on the lot.

I was still contacting other dealers and I'd say about 1/2 were very responsive (responding in the same day) and the rest taking 2-3 days or not writing back at all.

Cool Blue was what I was looking for and Classic had one, with Premium, Sport, and Cold Weather packs. Perfect...except for the missing JCW. Once I decided to go ahead and buy the car I told Mike what I wanted (bonnet stripes, aux jack, JCW tuning), gave a deposit, and booked my flight.

Mike picked me up at the airport, bought me dinner at McD's (I flew in at the dinner hour and was hungry!), and gave me a tour of the interior as we drove back to Classic. The car was there on the showroom floor, shining like the star she is, with a "do not touch" sign on the window (see my gallery for a picture).

I had my own financing so I was out of the pretty quick...just long enough for Mike to show me how things work and give me a few freebies. Classic throws in a few things for NAM members too, like the glove box organizer and mats I believe (they're listed in another forum).

As I got into the car to head home (Mike pulled it out of the showroom fortunately) I realized something was missing. He hadn't given me the "give us 5 stars because 4 stars is failing" speech! I asked him about it and he said he doesn't like to pressure customers that way. For that he gets an extra star on top of the 5 stars I was going to give them anyway. I hate when dealers go over that form. Once I even had a dealer give me a sample form, filled out and highlighted! I complained to the manufacturer (Honda...wifey's car from back in the day), and I didn't give them 5 stars (not because of the form, but because they truly sucked).

I highly recommend Classic for your MINI shopping. Just fly in and enjoy the drive home

Paul

 

When purchasing a MINI, ain't is great to have options?!?! Glad your MINI-buying experience was a good one, Paul. Happy motoring!!!

 

Glad to hear about others that have had a great experience with Classic! Yes, they are really great to deal with, truly first class.

 

For the newer NAM members (in case you don't know) Classic also offers a 20% "NAM" discount on MINI parts and accessories and a 10% discount on JCW stuff.

Just purchased a set of R99 wheels from them (Jayson in parts is a great guy) and they arrived in perfect shape. Took me a while to open all the packaging though; I was like a little kid at Christmas

 

Hey dealers pay atention! That is the only way to get the fifth star is to not push it. I just don't give perfect ratings....but that interaction was right way to handle the customer and his satisfaction

 

Paul,

That is great about your new MINI and buying experience at Classic! I am getting my order ready now to give to Mike at the end of the month. I live in southern VA and will doing the same pick-up protocol as you.

I'm looking forward to a pleasant buying experience and a fun trip home!

. . . .by the way, how was your trip home and how long did it take you??

 

My only beef with that is: They won't let you pick up the items at the Parts Desk. I only live 8 miles away.

Mike is a family friend and a great guy. After I got my car, I found some RC cars that are a blast to run around on tile floors. I ended up buying one for them to run around in the showroom. I figured what goes around comes around.
I know I can call Mike up and he knows who I am for 2 reasons.
1--Not many other Hot Orange MINI's running around here.
2-- My father worked for his dad.