Dealer messed up my order -- suggestions?

Hello everyone,
I live in Los Angeles and ordered a Mini Cooper. I had to get on a list, fax in my order, and then get a production number etc.

Long story short -- the dealer did NOT put the Harmon Kardon 8-speaker upgrade on my Mini, and it's too late to fix. (I called them a few times and told them it wasn't right on "miniusa.com," but they kept saying it takes a few days to update).

So, now I can have them reorder a new Mini for me (and I'll have to wait an additional 6 weeks or so--plus I already sold my car, so I'm borrowing a buddy's car until the Coop arrives), or I can just take the Mini which is being made to my specs, minus the Harmon Kardon 8-speaker system.

Should I just go with the standard radio?

Can I just add more speakers down the road? I don't mind if it deletes the "radio" warning, I just want a nice sounding system. Not booming, but clear, crisp, nice sound.
I'm afraid of having some "installer" guy add new speakers and screw up the interior or mess up the system.

Can I add an amp and other things without losing the Multi-Function steering wheel controls?

Do you know of someone in Los Angeles who can do a nice upgrade job on the sound system?

If I decide to go with the standard radio, do you think the dealer should throw something in for free for their mix up?

I want to get the alarm, bonnet stripes, driving lights, and extra warranty. Which of these, if any, do you think would be a reasonable "freebie" to toss my way for their mistake?

Please tell me your ideas. I'm going to think about it over the weekend and then call the dealer and let them know what to do.

Thanks!

Info@FamilyStoriesOnDVD.com

 

I say go with the standard stereo, ask them to throw in a 6-disk changer, and put the $550 towards a system which would sound much better than the HK. For about $1K you can get a better head unit, an amp to drive it, Diamond Audio (or MBQ) front separates, and Diamond/MBQ coaxial rears, all of which will blow the HK system out of the water. (Plus, doing it this way allows for future addition of a subwoofer as you can either piggyback it off of the outputs from the 1st amp, or run it off of the 1st amp). Any reputable dealer shouldn't have a problem doing this.

-BFP

 

Just go for the Standard Radio. Like BFP said, upgrade later and put your money to a better use.

 

i was hesitant to get an MCS without the HK, but I brought a cd along for my test drive and was very impressed with the standard stereo. It's just fine for me.

 

I heard 'em both and didn't hear enough bang for the buck in the HK upgrade... I think you'll probably be happy with the default unit.

 

I have to agree with the other folks here. Take it and run!!

 

Ditto on the "don't bother" opinion- I find the regular CD boost system is quite nice. You don't have some of the sound imaging options of the HK, but clarity and bass response at loud volumes are plenty good enough, IMHO. If you're not sure, then do as sambusik did, and check out a regular system at the nearest dealership. Keep in mind that the MINI presents a smallish area for speaker coverage, kinda like a really large set of headphones

 

The standard stereo rocks. Okay, so it doesn't cause the car to bounce up and down from the force of the bass but it's good enough for good quality sound up to a level that will give you tinnitus in a year or two if you aren't careful. I'd invest in a decent MP3 player plus the geegaws to hook it in (there are threads on this subject in the archives if you're interested).

 

I don't know much about sound systems but the standard one is a-ok. As for dealer compensation -ask for all of those things!! Bottom line is that you are NOT getting the car you ordered so the dealer should make up for their own mistake by doing whatever it will take to make you happy. Be demanding!!!