Stratstone Windsor (Greater London) - absolutely highly recommended!!

[BRG/Blk Cooper S]

HI all,
Just thought I would give Ridwan and Stewart who head up Mini sales at Stratstone Windsor a plug as my experience with these guys has been absolutely first rate.
Stewart originally spec’d my car (2005 Cooper with all the options, used for showroom display); the negotiation for the sale was with Ridwan.
At no time was there any element of the "Car Shark"; I was fully indulged in terms of time spent testing the vehicle asking questions etc over the course of an entire afternoon and about 12 cups of coffee.

I was very demanding with the sale terms in regards to price, extras thrown in and little things here and there on the car (cosmetic) that I wanted replaced - we had an enjoyably argumentative negotiation and I got the deal I wanted.

There has been no "lack of interest" since the sale was finalised in fact the complete opposite - and I must also say the service department are exceptional.

The Cooper just went back for a JCW kit, Oil service (paid for by me but at a discount) and a list of warranty issues that I had noted since owning the car - some trim issues, wheel alignment, slightly leaky seal on drivers door, manufacturing defect on heated windscreen etc.
All work was carried out without any problems, the technician even provided a document detailing everything he had done and the procedure i.e. "passenger side chrome trim, replaced all clips and trim" etc.
Realising I’m mechanically minded and obviously very fussy he also took the time to talk with me about all the work carried out and we discussed the slightly noisy clutch/gearbox issue and the PUMA reports the service department have been sending to BMW in order to get them moving on providing a permanent fix.
The Cooper had also been valeted and they did a good job of it.

It takes me about 45 mins to drive there but it's well worth it and I’m looking forward to stress free ownership with good resale value of my Mini in 3 or 4 years time having been supplied and serviced by the same dealership since new - and hopefully even the same technician. (I was advised I could request the same technician).

Anyone looking for a Mini dealership that will really provide a positive experience should give these guys a shot even if it is a bit out of your way.

Cheers, Geoff.

[vickietots]

I agree about the service department, I have nothing but praise for the way my dash rattles were dealt with, easily identified and fixed straight away, was able to get a loan car as well. As for the sales side of things that didn't go as smoothly as it should have. But I do like the dealership and would definitely go back there to get my next MINI!!

[newblueminicoop]

Hi there - I'm in the local area of Windsor but have been talking to a Reading dealer about a brand new (06 plate) mini cooper conv. Was interested in any discounts you managed to get (recognising that mine will be off the production line). All we were offered was free TLC and about 30 quid off the dealer preparation (which he costed at about 600 quid - from which I can ascertain that about 100 is for them to remove the plastic covers from the seats). Would like to know if you're willing to share the pieces you got discounts or thrown in. I may well try the Windsor dealer if you recommend them.

[vickietots]

Quote: Originally Posted by newblueminicoop

Hi there - I'm in the local area of Windsor but have been talking to a Reading dealer about a brand new (06 plate) mini cooper conv. Was interested in any discounts you managed to get (recognising that mine will be off the production line). All we were offered was free TLC and about 30 quid off the dealer preparation (which he costed at about 600 quid - from which I can ascertain that about 100 is for them to remove the plastic covers from the seats). Would like to know if you're willing to share the pieces you got discounts or thrown in. I may well try the Windsor dealer if you recommend them.

Well I didn't manage to get any discounts!! They did chuck in the rubber mats (front and rear), but only after they had registered my car in my sister's name (don't ask!!) and I complained. But I do recommend them.

[wildchild jules]

Interesting to here this as Stratstone - or Altwood as they previously were - of Taplow weren't great when it came to servicing my Cooper and as such when I bought my MCS last year, I didn't even contemplate buying it from them. But when the MCS is due a service, I will give them a try.

[Mini Moo]

newblueminicoop,

PM me, I may know a man who may be able to help you. . .

MM

[BRG/Blk Cooper S]

HI..
Few months down the line now with Mini ownership and have had 1st TLC service as well as a bunch of warranty issues sorted.
Stratsone Windsor have been superb to deal with, never have to wait long for a booking and always have the same tech working on the Cooper - he always makes time to discuss everything that was done to the car.

In contrast I had to have a windscreen replacement over the Xmas break and used the BMW dealership in Bonn (Germany) - what a nightmare, incompetent diagnosis, rude and shoddy workmanship. It took a call to BMW customer services in Munich to get the job sorted out (overcharged because the "head" technician didn't realise the heated screen had a rain sensor and they tried to bill me for the mistake, all trim around the windscreen was damaged).

The dealers don't get huge margins on cars and the Mini doesn't dump it's value as soon as you drive away like most other small cars - so don't worry so much about the purchase.
The most important thing is the after-sales service - who wants the headache of a rubbish service department!!
A car purchased and then always serviced at the same dealership will surely look more temping to the discriminating buyer (the ones prepared to pay top dollar for your pampered Mini) when the time comes to sell.

Cheers, Geoff.