I'm trying to decide where I should order my Mini from. The nearest dealers are Assael Mini, Long Beach Mini, & Nick Alexander Mini. It seems everyone is offering MSRP and free floor mats. So price-wise there is no difference. Is there any reason why I should choose one over the others? Perhap certain dealerships get a bigger allocation and therefore can get my Mini sooner? By the way I'm trying to order a 2008 Cooper S.

 

Ask around about the service departments or ask to meet the service advisors. These people are the ones who will make or break your experience!

 

I ordered from Kirk Larson down at Crevier. Smoothest automotive transaction I have ever experienced. I have never had an issue with the service there; except not being old enough to enjoy the available loaner cars.

 

But I'm free to go to any dealer's service department for service anyway right? So it should not affect my decision of where to purcahse from?

 

Yes you are free to go to any dealer for service. However, if you require a loaner car (while your car is in for service), some dealerships will only give you a free loaner car if you purchased your vehicle from them.

btw.. There's also South Bay MINI in Torrance.

 

Order from Long Beach MINI, you'll get a loaner car if you bought from them, check with them as when I purchased I was told i'd get loaners car when the car is in for service. So check if they still do this.

 

Actually I was going to ask Long Beach Mini the same question. I noticed that when I took my BMW to Assael service dept for service, there was a big sign saying that loaner car is only given to car purchased at Assael excluding Mini. I didn't directly ask someone about it though.

Hey, slowsti, there is no 2008 MCS for order yet, do you mean a 2007? I am in the process of finding a dealer to order either a MC or MCS also. I am going to try test driving a MC first. Let me know if you find any good deals.

 

SOUTH BAY MINI they dont treat you like the red headed step child if you bought your car somewhere else.

They always took great care of us even before we started working with them.

Talk to Amanda White she will take care of you!

 

I bought my 2006 MCS from Long Beach Mini and when I brought my car in for just a 2 hour Oil Change, they loaned me a Chrysler 300 because they were out of BMWs. Next time I will make an earlier appointment! I've had no problems with Long Beach so far. Happy Mini Shopping! Waiting is the hardest thing!

 

That's cool. I never had a loaner for oil change with my BMW at Assael. I think I may drop by Long Beach today to take a look there. Could you tell me how long did it take for Long Beach Mini to deliver your Mini from the day you ordered? Thanks!

 

Yes, make sure you request a loaner, they won't remind you that you can get one. . I waited approx... 3 months from the time I put my order in and the time I drove off the lot. Just keep in mind that this was for a New 2006 MCS. I'm not sure how long the wait can be for a 2007 and beyond. Make sure you schedule a test drive too!

Hope this helps.

 

I ordered my car from Crevier.

Kirk Larson worked his butt off to get the sale and it paid off.

Their level of service is excellent. I have been very happy with each service experience I have had there.

South Bay was my second choice. Brians recommendation is also a good one...

 

So far only Nick Alexander MINI is saying they have a list going on for 2008 and they can put me on it.....I'm really in no hurry in getting my MCS as my Sti is still serving me well (other than the punishing ride). Long Beach and Assael both said I won't get a 2008 until like Jan or Feb of 2008 and I suspect it is more of a tactic to get me into buying a 2007 than the truth.

And for those of you who are recommending Long Beach and Crevier, which one would you say is better? How is Nick Alexander compared to them? Seems like everyone says Assael is bad so I'm gonna stay away from them even though they're the closest to me.

 

Posted by Amanda's very proud papa!

I've purchased two MINIs from Long Beach MINI and been more than pleased with their sales and service departments. I agree that it's very important to check out the prospective dealers' service departments, as once you take delivery, that's who you'll be dealing with ever after...

 

From what I read here, it seems that Long Beach and Assael were giving you the correct info. If any dealer could start to order 08 MCS, I would think someone would post it here. Maybe Nick Alexander MINI just got a waiting list for 08 and not an actual order list? But if you want an 08 MCS, you will probably be paying the $3k markup at least for the first few months of 2008.

I went to Long Beach Mini and did a test drive. The people over there are nice. The average age there is about half that of Assael Mini, and instead of suits, they dress casual more like a buyer of the Mini than a person who's trying to sell one.

Overall they seem nice, but I am not sure I will order one from them. I wanted a JCW rear spoiler but they want to charge me installation on it. They said it is an one hour installation and wouldn't give me free labor if I buy a car from them. From another thread here it seems like the installation should really easy:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=103952

I am just not getting a good feeling from them if they are not willing give me a free installation on an easy install item.

On the other hand, I really like Long Beach BMW sales people. While waiting for Long Beach Mini to find out how much installation for the spoiler would be, I went over to take a look at the 328i sedan. One thing led to another, I ended up on the longest test drive I have ever had. If I wasn't looking at the Mini, I would have bought the BMW right there!

 

I took your advise and contacted Kirk Larson today. It was a totally different experience for me. I first asked for a quote, and I got back the quote for a MSRP + 2+K dealer package (lo-jack, etc..). I asked for MSRP without dealer package with free mats and free installation on a scoop and rear spoiler. I don't think I was asking for much. Everybody is giving away free mats with MSRP here in Los Angeles. Long Beach quoted me 1 hour labor for installation, that's $125 top.

This is what I got back:

"I would love to be able to order a car for you, but we have had no problem selling our cars over MSRP with products. I gave you a list of products we provide, but if you find no value in those, or in the fact that I was offering you the accessories and installation at my price, you may be better suited somewhere else."

I don't know how Crevier could become the number 1 dealer in the US, they must have an amazing Service Department.

 

That seems to be attitude most southern california dealers have unfortunately......I got my Lexus IS when it first came out and was hot in the market and yet I didn't get the same kind of attitude/treatment. Somehow MINI dealers think they're doing you a service just by selling you the car at MSRP. I really like the MINI but I will not be begging the dealers to sell me one if they act like jerk.

 

No I don't think you're asking much at all and you should order your car from another dealer and when you get the car send him a picture of it and tell him you thank his advise for getting the car somewhere else!