I arrived at the dealer today to pick up my new Clubman S and it had some issues. Now these issues may have been minor for some but I didn't want to reject it and order another. Had I been choosing a car from dealer inventory on the lot I never would have gotten this one. Sheesh. Glue all over one wheel, (they removed the glue) the front black spoiler under the bumper had scuff marks and the bottom edge was roughed up. I want that replaced. Also on the part that the tail lights go through, the right one didnt line up with the rear quarter panel (or whatever u call it ) huge gap. Not another one with a gap like that on the lot. The pasenger seat material was a little bulgy on one of the side edges, like there was not enough foam on the inside. And I found 2 paint scuffs on the door which were buffed out for me. Oh and they didn't have the rubberized rear mat that was supposed to be free, and still think it will be. They will order it. I want my front black spoiler replaced and my leatherette made right along with the body panel fitted right. I was exhausted and a bit exasperated. i should have taken a thermous of coffee. The days events took the fun and excitement out of the whole thing. I was more excited when I bought my new 95 Celica. I felt not an inkling of what a new Mini owner feels. Is there supposed to be one ? (Week 37 build)

 

Sorry to hear about your experience. It's definitely not what we are looking to experience after much anticipation. Your dealer should fix everything and hopefully after some fun motoring all this will be behind you.

 

Are you using South Bay Mini? I got mine (SS/S) through them via a broker, and had none of the issues you describe. The VDC was supposed to catch these errors, and the dealer the remainders that were missed at VDC. In my case, my broker did a final once-over, so my clubbie got three separate inspections before I saw it. Let us know how you get resolution, and we empathize..it should have been overwhelmingly exciting, not underwhelming and tedious.

 

Wow...that's awful. Getting a new MINI should be a blast...especially when you go to the trouble to custom order one. Not sure, but it sounds like more MINIs are showing up w/ odd issues. If that's the case, MINI needs to get it's QC act together.

Hope all gets sorted and you can have some great motoring ahead. That would be the only thing that would make the hassle somewhat worth it.

 

Make sure all those problems are fixed ASAP, they owe you that much...

 

It certainlky was underwhelming and tedius. Took over 3 hours and was on the fence whether to get it. On the drive home I had a sinking feeling and felt well like i should not have gotten it. Still feel that way now. :(

 

Gosh that really just stinks.

I'm sorry you are not experiencing your well deserved MINI-high.

 

If your car had that many things visibly wrong, it would make me wonder how many internal things are also not quite right. Hope you get your "Mini High" soon enough!

 

Well, let me give you a little story about our pick up on our 07 MCS. Our dealer, Checkered Flag in VA Beach, VA has a nice little delivery bay in the dealership. There was our little Mellow Yellow MCS. He looked great. Being a body shop owner, I have a fairly critical eye. Upon inspection, I found a clear coat run on the inside of the right headlamp and a slight bend in the back edge of the bonnet. I pointed it out to the sales manager. He was clearly hesitant and I think he was thinking of an excuse or way out. I told him I own a body shop and I understand no car is EVER PERFECT. I didn't worry about those little imperfections I just waned them noted in case of any later warranty issues. Glad I didn't worry too much, since new years eve last year, a BIG piece of road debris took out the bonnet, left headlamp and bumper cover.

Now on you Clubbie, I'd get them to replace the the spoiler, find you a mat (maybe off one on the lot instead of ordering one). Check out the seat. It may work out. Personally, I'd have it noted and give it a month or so. The tail light/body panel issue should be an easy adjustment. Don't worry too much about wide gaps. Chances are you'll be tho only one that ever notices it. I'm glad they buffed out the scuff marks. But remember, out in the real world, there are hazards WAY worse than this! Door dings, rock chips, bird droppings, tree sap, acid rain, vandals, etc.

Not trying to trivialize your problems, just pointing out the old adage "DSTSS" (Don't Sweat The Small Stuff). Having said that, I'm still planning on giving my Clubman a good once over when it comes in!

 

thanks for the advice . I do very much appreciate it.

 

Sorry to hear of the bad experience. The VDC and the dealership let you down. If it was South Bay Mini, I'm a little surprised with all of the great reports the SCMM members report. Hold the dealership to getting everything cleared up and best of luck. Keep us posted.

 

That's downright awful! Your Clubbie should have been showroom perfect and nothing less. Please hold the dealer's feet to the fire and make them make you happy. I know it will be hard because all of the MINI dealers I have been to have not impressed me with her people skills.

 

I feel some of your grief. Took 5 days, you read it right, FIVE DAYS to replace a seat cushion because of a small pucker. The repair looked worse than the original. Going back to the dealership in hopes that this doesn't turn into a nightmare for my new ride.

 

That's the problem with dealers. They trivialize issues and say oh that's ok. it's small. You'll get over it. And yes, many times the repair is worse than the original problem. After waking up this morning I will most likely sell it ASAP. To me, it is not worth it because I believe their gonna force me to live with the problems or the repair will be just as bad or worse. We all make mistakes in life and this is one of mine. i felt so bad last night and still do today. any Californian's that need a Clubman now, feel free to contact me. I just drove it home from the dealer and that is it. I only drive 8.5 miles to work.

 

With all those aesthetic problems I hope your car runs well (just teasing).

Your car is perfect as delivered... Just take an extended drive and enjoy it. No scuffs or interior imperfections is going to affect the MINIness of the drive. It's a fantastic machine. Put some rock chips in the paint and forget it.

Please don't feel bad!

P.S. The seat issue is due to the side airbag installation. Mine looks like uneven cushioning too.

 

To the regular Joe who is parting with several thousand dollars, these are not small things. They may be to a dealer, worth, perhaps, millions, but to us they matter. I understand how you feel... cheated, and you just want it made right.
These businesses don't understand that if enough of their customers are disappointed they'll soon be out of business.

 

Therein lies the problem. These cars are in such demand and such limited supply that they won't be out of business any time soon. Shoot, they pretty much sell themselves so they don't even have to work that hard. Include the lack of competition in most markets and they have a lock.

Repeat customers may be a problem though. They are selling buying experience and the service as well as the car. Things that are not provided until after the deposit is down.

Speaking as a QA guy I am shocked that it got to you with all those minor problems still evident. Tell us your dealer so we can avoid them.

 

Sorry to hear about your troubles but I am with PepperSClubman above.
If the dealer dealt with the issues you pointed out, I think you should be good to go. Go out and drive the heck out of it ... you will love it.
All MINI's have some idiosyncracies and imperfections, but to most that's part of the whole experience. But I have a feeling this goes beyond these small issues you had at delivery.

You mentioned the Celica above ... you might be used to the perfection and sterility of a Japanese car. There is nothing wrong with that, but if somewhat minor issues like the above are making you sell the car ... my suggestion is do it then, because MINI's could be quirky little buggers sometimes.

 

I agree that it sounds as though your car wasn't properly prepared for you when you arrived to pick it up, it should certainly have been pristine.

Perhaps part of the more important problem is that you just don't care for the particular car? Not that particular MINI Clubman, but just the Clubman in general? I mean if the issues were addressed properly and quickly, would you still not want the car?

It's OK not to like the MINI Clubman, we won't stone you for changing your mind.

I'm on my 3rd MINI right now and about to take delivery of my 4th - even though I prefer to call it my "exchange" MINI - so, there will always be a number of us who enjoy these strange little cars...

If you decide to sell it, that's OK but you might want to go out and drive around some beautiful countryside before you make that decision.

 

At the very least I hope you have taken the issues to the dealership's general manager. If so, then you need to contact BMW MINI. Your satisfaction is what counts and don't let anyone trivialize it.

 

Just an aside here - I meant what I said about the car being in perfect shape upon taking delivery, and of course hope Skye2 does get everything fixed to her/his satisfaction. That said, it had begun to "sound" as though he/she was feeling that the purchase had been a mistake.

 

Yes, it is OK to take it back to the dealer and insist on things being fixed. Not sure about CA, but, some states have a time period in which you can take the car back and get at least most of your money back if it is not as promised.

For any situation like this. If you drive away it becomes your problem to get the dealer/mfg to recognize the problems and fix them. If you leave it there then it is up to them to fix them before they get paid. Some dealers are good at working with you, some aren't. Depends on the service manager, not, the sales person.

Keep in mind that the sales person is out to get you sign the bottom line no matter what. It is the service manager who will fix things that are wrong. The two are rarely working in unison.

 

Work with your dealer, it'll all work out as long as you both remain positive!!! Sorry that your initial expectations were not met, but it does happen. If both parties are willing to listen and talk you'll both be happy in the end!

 

I think the big picture is being missed here. Don't get me wrong, I hope my Clubman comes in perfect, but having been in the car business for 30 years, I know it probably won't be. If it's major, I'll demand it gets fixed. If it's minor, it's no big deal.

I can only imagine what some people will do when they get that first rock chip or door ding, or God forbid, THEY actually spill something on the seat! They'll need therapy for years!

Seriously, you paid your money and you deserve a car as close to perfect as humans can make it. But you didn't buy a 100K Ferarri. Though their build quality ain't all that either.

My suggestion, Hop in the car a drive the heck outta it. And if that doesn't truly put a smile on your face maybe selling it is the answer.

 

If it makes you feel any better, please take and post pics of your issues, let us comment on them, and then use our comments when taking the clubbie back in for it's repairs. The dealer may be more likely to be cooperative when the audience is large..there's power in numbers. South Bay has a stellar reputation that deserves a chance to remain intact, but they must act, as it's their duty to deliver a car in new condition. We're with you!