Sorry for the regional question everyone but I've been dealing with Assael BMW/Mini in Monrovia CA and I feel ignored. My salesman has been great and I'd love to give him the sale but everyone else there seem so stuck up. I'm afraid if I have problem or service with the mini I'd have a heck of a time getting it resolved satisfactorily.

I'm in my early 30's but look a little younger but that still shouldn't be an excuse to visit a dealership and be virtually ignored by everyone there. First time that has ever ever happened (including an Audi and porsche dealership) Sheesh.

 

I personally do not like asseal because they do have *** work. Took my boost gauge apart , cut wires and put it back not working. Took a bunch of tape of the engine wiring harness and left it like that.

Universal Mini has a bunch a young kids working on their cars who are rev happy and do not treat the cars really good.

Bob smith and alexander mini I got totally ingored when I walked in with a couple issues.

I persoanlly loved south bay , very proffesional and good cust serv. I am going there for my second time and know that they handle the car with good care.

-Arthur.

 

I've had very good luck with Long Beach MINI and have heard good things about Bob Smith. Hope that helps.

 

what the heck is going on with these dealerships? I'm not sure about elsewhere (us and canada) but I thought mini was a fun iconic car? What happened to the fun iconic people or at least someone who cares about repeat business. I want to buy my car where I can get it serviced as well and call that place home. If I wanted someone to act like a jerk or a dingus I'd go buy a bmw or mercedes

 

Assael is owned by Long Beach Mini

 

Since when? I've purchased two MINIs from Long Beach MINI since 2002. Their service department started out shakily, but once they separated it from the BMW service...gave MINI its own dedicated service department, it's been very good.

 

Southbay and Long Beach so far have the best reputation amongst my friends with minis. Sucks since I like 5 minutes away from Assael.

 

Of the few experiences I've had with Long Beach, ordering/purchasing/10k service, every time has been great. I will be having them install some Dinan parts pretty soon too.

 

I think it's just the LA basin!

 

Brecht MINI is AWESOME! Sales and Service/Parts are absolutely amazing...from Management down to front-level staffers.

Their Body Shop needs an overhaul IMO, but I don't plan to spend a lot of time in the body shop.

 

whatever happened to customer service. Is it the BMW influence? Did they see me pull up in my Honda Civic and pre-judge my finances (which would be misleading). Looks like I'm headed to Long Beach. Thanks everyone, I appreciate the feedback.

Summary:
Long Beach is good
Assael is only as good as their first three letters.

 

Brecht was AWFUL the first couple years, tigs. They were snooty as heck and marked their MINIs up by thousands! You're fortunate they cleaned up their act, but I don't think someone in the L.A. area will want to travel that far for service.

 

Maybe it's been my positive influence that's helped turn them around

 

You are such a newbie still, Tigs. Clo is right. They had a terrible reputation for the first few years. And we still use the expression, "I got Brecht'd" and not in a good way.

Things do seem to be improving. Now if they can manage CONSISTENTLY good service, they will have redeemed themselves.

 

I went to South Bay and had no issues, The service prices vary sometimes Southbay is cheaper, and sometimes Long Beach is cheaper, I think it depends on what is getting installed and the experience of the SA's *shrug*. But I purchased at South Bay, and the entire staff was great. I had to go back for a new tire after a week, stupid SoCal freeways. They treated me well. Other than installing the wrong tire, but they did get it resolved as soon as I noticed the problem. Eventhe BMW side when I paid for the tire was great, and the guys responsible for getting me a ride were very professional. I was trading in a Focus, and had a white mohawk at the time. Everyone there was willing to talk to me if they were not dealing with someone else already, and they didn't make me feel ignored.

 

Emil. I am a Factory Mini Tech For Long Beach BMW/MINI

assael does not own us. Its a new company that just took us over
called Sonic. So don't mix us up with other dealers.

I am very pasoniate about my work. Also I am a member of SCMM
and I own and drive a 06 COOPS.

Come see me or make a apointment.
I'll take care of all your needs.




Guido.

 

You got it Guido. That's what I was looking for in anyone I interact with: Passion and enthusiasm. It's one of the things I felt like I didn't receive or sense before. I appreciate your post and sorry about associating Long Beach Mini with Assael.

I'll certainly make the trip since you made the time to make a post here. I'll look you up or PM you when I make my way out there.

Valthoun... a White mohawk eh?, you must of looked awesome in a brand new mini and the mohawk. Must be the new "The eye-catching package"

 

Assael is owned by Dennis Assael. I believe the dealership was started by his father.
I bought my first MINI there, from Nick Armstrong. He was a great MA, and I'd recomend him in a heartbeat. The service dept. is BAD. I've had 3 horrible experiances there.
I bumped into Dennis Assael and his son-in-law at Fashion Island about 6 months back. I told him that Nick was great, but that the service there was total crap. He actually agreed.


Anyway, as for good dealerships, I've heard very good things about Long Beach. That's why I just ordered my R56 MCS through them.

 

I've got a MC and taken it twice to Bob Smith Mini in Calabasas for warranty items (oil change, etc.). Service there was first rate. I bought my car at Universal City Mini but Bob Smith is closer to where I live.

 

Wow Nick Armstrong was who helped me. He is gentleman. Probably the sincerest salesman I've ever encountered. He would be the only reason I would buy a mini at that terrible place. As much as I would love to give Nick a sale, the rest of those guys and Dennis Assael (probably) are, frankly, douche bags.

 

One thing I remember from my few trips to Long Beach before my order, I was told it didn't matter who I talked to when I came back since they share the commissions it's not on a per person basis. I don't know if all the dealers are the same, but that might be partly why they don't all pounce on you when pull into the parking lot.