I have a 2011 Clubman S Auto on order. When I made a deposit 2 weeks ago , the scheduled arrival date at the dealer was June 15. Last week I found out it was in "Hold, Repair" status at the VDC.

I know, based on my short time here that could mean a scratched rear bumber all the way to a crushed hood. That I understand.

The frustrating point right now is that I cant get a straight answer from the dealership. I requested to be informed of the type of damage or repair to be made and the updated arrival date. All fair?

So far I have gotten no updates, but 4 days or "My manager is out", "I left a message for the Mini Rep and he is traveling" "The inventory manager is at a funeral".

I now am getting the no email, no return call business. Frustrating at the least and makes my more anxious.

Bad news is better than no news. Cmon, return my calls just to tell me you dont know anything.

The Mini Corporate customer service reps that I spoke to were courteous, informative and professional. They keep telling me to check with the deal. They will have status. According to them, once the vehicle leaves the port to the VDC that they lose sight of the up to date status. They only show the same "hold for repair"

Does is really take 4 days for a return call? In my business, you would be fired for such horrific follow up skills. I hope this is not an omen or a sign to come regarding my dealership relationship.

Maybe I can squeeze some soft dollar out of them when I see the F and I guy.

I assume they must disclose the issue?, no? Or do I have to go do a full Nascar tech inspection on my Clubbie once I see her ?

I am running up against the current Factory promotions and the Mini Rocks $1000 rebate time frames. So lets say I dont buy this car, then I risk either not getting the car I want and losing discount $$$

Thanks for letting me vent.

 

Oh man...that sucks! I would keep asking for a higher supervisor till I can talk to somebody.

 

Don't call, don't email...go to the dealership and ask for an answer and the GM.

 

 

According to posts here the dealer does not have to disclose damage unless it goes above 3% of the value of the car. I am guessing labor is not included in that number and the manufacture would quote parts at cost or below. So if that were true, then there could be quite a lot of damage before it has to be disclosed.
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I think your dealer either does not know the answer or does not want to say just yet.

 

+1 Go to the dealer.

BTW in many states they are not required to tell you what damage the car sustained in transport as they consider the car NEW.

 

Who is your dealer?

 

As a follow up, I went into the dealer and spoke with the sales manager. It took him about 30 seconds to provide something that the MA could not do in 4 days.

He showed me the repair order for "Scratches and Scores" on left front quarter panel.

The car is scheduled to be in the dealer late next week and has been released for shipping.

Obviously I will check out the repair work.

Frustrating that it took a drive to the dealer to get the answers.

 

Hopefully, the dealer will take better care of you once you take delivery of your MINI. Happy motoring!

 

Now you have leverage to get free mats or something....... Knowledge is power......... Must drive the stealerships crazy the way MINI buyers can root out shipment info and then go all **** tracking it every inch of the way.........

 

Glad you were able to get some answers. My dealer will barely return my calls. I would also be fired if I employed that type of customer service. I am not feeling very confident about service after the sale since I can't get any before the sale.

 

If the dealer is un-communicative, why do business with them? This is, after all, a $30,000 purchase, probably the 2nd largest purchase you will ever make. If they cannot be bothered with treating you with common decency and respect, you should definitely not spend your money with them...

 

Why would it drive them crazy? Wouldn't that make for a better buying experience?

I ordered a 2011 X5 back in January. I was going to take possession of it in mid march when my lease was due on another vehicle. By tracking the car I saw that it had been built in South Carolina very quickly, shipped up to NY and was on the dealers lot just sitting there at the beginning of February. I called my sales guy and said "hey, I see that my car was built and shipped to you. I want to pick it up now instead of having is sit on the lot over the course of the snowy and cold February and March months." He said "now how did you know it was here? Yes we have it. Let me have it prepped for delivery. You can pick it up in 2 days."

Now that is just all around good service if you ask me.