Hello NAM'ers,

I've been lurking here for some time until joining the Board recently. I find the NAM community a delightfully congenial and knowledgable group, with a remarkable penchant for sharing useful information. Certainly an asset to the marque and to MINI owners!

I'm preparing to order an MCS and am debating the choice of dealers. A career diplomat, I will be returning to the US from an overseas assignment at the end of July. The Harrisburg, PA area will be my new zipcode. The MINI site lists Towson MINI as the closest dealer, with Otto's as next closest. I have contacted both dealers preliminarily, and Towson has been quite responsive, assigning me a helpful MA. Otto's has not replied and seems to have minimal interest in keeping up thier website.

It would be helpful if those who have dealt with these two MINI purveyors could comment on their respective merits - Otto's might prove much better in person than on the internet. I'm leaning towards Towson, but keeping an open mind. Would also appreciate hearing about other dealers with whom folks have had good experiences in the MD/PA area.

I would like to take delivery of the MCS around July 31. Based on experience to date, what would be the suggested ordering date?

I'm pleased to be a member of this group, and excited at the prospect of owning a MINI. I was hooked a couple of years ago when a diplomatic colleague in Paris lent me his MCS for the day - never had so much fun on four wheels!

Cheers,
Diploman

 

I always recommend Classic MINI in Cleveland, OH. They're fantastic to work with, and they'll tailor your order timing so you'll get your MINI exactly when you want it too.

 

Everyone at mini of Towson seems to be very nice, I've test driven a few minis' there.

 

Ditto on Towson! Talk to Tony. Tell'em Jason sent ya.

 

You should definitely inquire about wait times. I would do this as soon as possible. MINI quotes the minimum wait times to be in the neighborhood of six to seven weeks, but on the left coast it's closer to eleven weeks. I ordered my MCS on Feb 5 and received it on April 13. You should reward Towson and the MINI Advisor that has been communicating with you. In my experience, buying a MINI should be positive and rewarding.

 

I've been a BMW of Towson customer since the beginning. They are, in my experience, the best BMW dealer that I've encountered in my 35 years of owing BMW's. Their service dept. is top notch.

As I am about to order a MCS, I began dealing with Tony Roles, in the Mini division. Tony is a great guy, and knows what he is doing. Not having dealt with Towson's Mini service dept., I can only assume that they are just as good as Towson's BMW service dept.

 

My first post as well - I would call around to dealers in NY / NJ. Most are willing to go below sticker - there are a lot of R56's on their lots and I think they're trying to move them. Its worth a few phone calls to get a good deal. Wait time is about 6 - 8 weeks for a custom order.