I purchased a 2005 MCS in February from Nick Alexander Imports in Los Angeles. The car did not have a rear fog light but I was told, at the time of purchase, that they would install one if / when a retofit kit became available.

Several months later Nick Alexander called to let me know that they had the fog light available and could install it while I waited. I spent several hours at the dealership before they told me that they had the wrong parts and would have to reorder.

About one week later I was told that all the necessary parts were available. I went to the dealership and they installed the rear fog light and switch-pack but informed me that they would have to order the wiring harness.

Last week I was called and told that the wiring harness was available and I should schedule an installation appointment. When I arrived for my appointment I was told that there would be a $450.00 charge!! They refused to honor the original commitment. Calls to management were not returned.

I have never owned a Mini Cooper before but have owned many BMWs since 1977. In my opinion Mini Usa and BMW offer different levels of service.

Nick can and DID SAY NO

 

Still Mad. Bump to top

 

Welcome to the plight of California MINI owners. Start with MiniUSA and go from there. If you search you can find many of us who have had to go through an appeals process with a California dealership. Good luck in your quest.

 

I guess they know that we will buy the cars anyway.

 

can you get them to give you the harness? i cannot believe the individual harness cost that much, and it cannot be that tough to install either.

 

Harness is only $17.50. I don't know it it's worth the drive however. Yesterday I spent over 3 hrs of driving time. I forgot to mention that my service invoice stated that I declined the rear fog light service. I think the dealer declined the service. I simply declined the $450.00 charge for what I was told would be free.

 

You'd think with the Markup that NA charges on MCS's that they would be a little more fair to the customers. I used to use NA for my servicing, but after they broke my battery cover (and wouldn't own up to it until I pressed them), I just gave up. It took months of waiting and phone calls trying to get it replaced, then one day they told me after calling them for like the 5th time, oh yeah it's here, but you need to make an appointment to have it installed!!! A freaking battery cover needs an appointment?? At that time appointments were running a month away, I said forget it.

I use SB MINI for all my servicing, and my next MINI if there is one, will definitely be from SB MINI and not NA.

 

I don't know if I'm happy or sad that I am not the only one. Has anyone else had problems at Nick Alexander in L.A??

 

!!

 

Nick is the worst mini dealer in southern California. He has the highest makrups and as your story told us, he is a theif. Call classic and they will give you the switches you need for somewhere around $50...

 

I guess "Nick can't say no" to overcharging his customers.

 

[rant]

Just be glad you don't own an Audi. They will screw you all the way from a corporate level!

[rant over]

 

please don't get me started!!! We bought ours from Universal mini and just took my car in for ipod installation and alarm....that was the last time they saw me there. I did several mods to the car but took care of them at Steve's auto clinic. (super good!!!)
**moved back to the east coast...only thing I miss is the perfect pavement**

 

Uhhh...what 10 foot section of road did you drive on in LA that was perfect?

 

We have had excellant results with Univesal Mini for anything that Steve can't take care of himself or is a warrenty problem. He has a very good relatonship and give him a call if you need factorey assistance. Steve's Auto Clinic number is 818 891 6109.

Randy
M7 Tuning

 

Hopefully by the time you are ready SB will be somewhat (more) professional. My buying experience in July was awful and a friend of mine hopes to pick his up from them this weekend but is already drafting letters of complaint at how terrible they are.

I think if you are close enough to go in and get in people's faces to get things done you are ok, but if you're remote, forget it.

 

Buy at Long Beach.

Service at Steves Auto Clinic. It's THAT simple.

Taking your car to any dealership will result in it getting proper pharked.