Does anyone know if MINI has any plans to expand the number of dealers in the US?

 

I think they were, did U check the MINI-USA website? But given the current economic crisis perhaps they are rethinking this. Personally, I think they should expand the service network first, somehow someway...

 

I've said all along that they should at the least train and authorize BMW dealerships to do some of the standard maintenance stuff on our cars - oil and filter changes, tires and other minor repairs. There are about ten BMW dealerships between my house and my MINI dealership 75 miles away.

 

That would be a great idea.

 

Florida gets another MINI dealer.

http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/12/...ida/#more-7725

 

yeah like FL needs another one... how about more in the Pac NW or Intermountain W?

 

I heard that MINIUSA was going to add 15 more dealers. MY dealer said that they would all be on the coasts where the sales are greater. Meanwhile it's a 3 hour drive to KC for service.

 

There are slowly more and more. In the meantime if you're looking for someone competant to work on your out-of-warranty MINI or just do an oil change check with your local BMW dealer. My favorite MINI Mechanic was working on MINIs at a BMW dealer for years before he was officially MINI-trained and moved over to the brand new MINI side of the dealership. I'm sure they aren't all as good as he is, but he already had quite the collection of MINI-sized tools and R50/R53 know-how from all of the locals who brought their cars there for repair instead of all the way to the other side of the state. BMW dealers may not have all of the dealer tools for MINIs, but they can order parts and access shop manuals, etc.

 

Please say one in Anchorage Alaska... please. The BMW shop here is not authorized for Mini and I really want a new 2009 JCW (I already have a 2002 MC), but with the nearest Mini authorized dealer in Washington (2500 miles one way). Making me hesitant to purchase one that needs warranty work. That's a long way to go if your ride is broken.

 

Call Ask MINI and see if roadside will tow that far. They claim to tow to the nearest dealer.

 

Spring 2009 a new NW MINI dealer will be located in Seattle -- just 1 mile from my house. Whoot! They have started fencing off the area and I can't wait to see the beginnings (and ending) of the construction.

 

My local BMW dealership here in Austin, TX is now the proud owner of a MINI franchise. Supposedly they're going to break ground this month and the new place will open early next year. Of course, this is a "rolling" ground breaking as it was due to start a few months ago, but there's always hope. It'll be nice to not have to drive 90 miles to San Antonio, but then again, that was a once-a-year trip for my trusty '06 MCS. Let's hope that my new '09 MCS will be as reliable, but if not, there's always the new MINI dealer opening soon

 

Not exactly a new MINI dealership but Ferman (Tampa Bay area) is building a new BMW showroom and moving their MINI franchise into the old BMW building. Added convenience of having the service and parts dept attached to the main building and not in some shack of a warehouse out back. Ground has been broken on the new building but I was told it was on hold for the time being. I Assume that is related to the current downturn in sales.

 

I also live about 3 hours away from my closest MINI dealer, Jackie Cooper MINI in OKC, but there is a BMW dealer 10 minutes away. The last time I went by the BMW dealer there were several used MINIs on the lot. It would make so much sense for them to at least be allowed to do service. I have friends and family in OKC so the routine service isn't to bad to arrange to go over on a weekend, but I worry about if something breaks down unexpectedly. The MA who sold us the car claimed that they would do pick up and reunites for people even as far away as we are, but I will not hold my breath for that.

 

Thanks for the Austin info! My sister-in-law [2008 MC owner] lives in Elgin, TX. So, an Austin Mini Center will be much better for her.

Luckily, I live about a 15 min. drive from the Mini Center of SA.

 

They really need one is Spokane, Washington or Boise, Idaho. That would put my nearest dealer only 3 1/2 hours away instead of 8 (Seattle).

 

My "local" Mini store is about 65 miles away. When asked why there are so few dealers throughout the US the sales manager said because there is only one factory, running at full capacity and if there were more dealerships each one of them would be crying about not having enough cars. Until production capacity increases there will be few new dealerships according to him. And needless to say existing dealers don't want new ones opened up because they'll lose business. It sure doesn't make some of us happy, especially those who have to drive hundreds of miles for service.

 

lets hope so
i'll be driving down to ohio for my next one.
motorcitymini probably wont get our business again.

 

I take it you're in Michigan? There's a new dealer in GR: MINI of Grand Rapids. I've had Lewis there for service a couple times and they're great. Several club members have purchased there also and have had nothing but rave reviews. Might be another option depending where you're driving from. Their shop rate for non-warranty work is also cheaper.

 

Get your camera out and start posting those pics. We want to see the birth of a MINI Dealership...it's just like anxiously awaiting the arrival of our MINIs!!

 

thanks im in waterford so i'll have to see whos closer its nice to have options.
i really hope motorcitymini is better with service than their sales staff is friendly.
they still owe me my roof stripes so
we will see how attentive they are in that aspect.

by the way love your color choice and lightning bolts

 

Thanks. Love yours, too.

As long as you deal with Tiffany you should be ok. I had a bad experience last year, but it sounds like maybe things there are getting a little better. I'm quite happy driving to GR for anything I need, but my family is over there, too, so I have other reasons to make the trip.

Check out www.michiganmini.org if you haven't - there's lots of us around.

 

thanks i have to make the appt with Britney fingers crossed
i found michiganmini.org about a month ago nice site im loud9266 there too
yeah cliff had a bad day and snapped at my wife
i thought he was descent people until that happend.
oh well

 

lack of stealers stops my purchase, 98 miles one way, while BMW dealers are in the 60 mile range their labor was $98 hr several years ago in reading pa, mini is a great little car that can be purchased at a fair price without any options, regular stealers are bad $$$$ let alone BMW$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

I heard through the grapevine that 11 additional dealers are planned for the US in 2009. Where they will be located in the country I have no idea. Obviously info this is subject to change based on current economic situations.