[roberts]

after researching the 4 closest dealers to me (I'm in NH) in CT & MA -- I feel that I must let New Englanders know that although I purchased my MCS elsewhere -- (from a pushy, unhelpful, intimidating salesman in Darien where they will charge you for programming options when you pick up your new car) , when I needed a fanbelt replaced and programming done -- Gary King at Mini of Peabody in MA was the most accommodating, wonderful service manager I've ever come across in my 48 years, and many many autos later. The sales manager there also seems most helpful. Their service dept. is right there on-sight too. It was soo fun to make the 1.5 hour drive there of course, esp. since I just went over 1,200 miles on the odo.

[binxy]

I had the very same experience. But let me elaborate:

Last Friday some idiot pried the rear MINI ensignia off my car. Attempts to get the part and have it installed by Herb Chambers begain on Monday. I won't explain the horrors I encountered step-by-step but it involved two days to speak to someone on the phone to simply ORDER the part, two supervisors, a guy who told me I had to COME DOWN there to pay for the part in person, an angry letter to the dealership and MINI and a service manager who returned my call three days later oblivious to all that had passed.

so....

Unrelated to the insignia mess, I went to MINI of Peabody to get on the list to order a new Cooper. In the tour of the service department (great guys!)I told a bit of the Chambers story to Gary King who replied "well, things are a little bit different here. To check on a part I yell: 'Hey,Paul! Do we have that part?" (laughter all around...)

"hmmm," he goes on, "I wonder if WE have that insignia..." a couple of minutes later, yup, they had the part and could have installed it in ten minutes right then.

Nice, well organized area, competent and attentive employees... I'm really looking forward to having them service my MINI well into the future.