MINI2

nfinity · Jul 18th, 2004, 12:16 AM

Realize I'm digging up an old thread but I thought it'd be worth it.

After having picked up my Mini after shopping around to MINI Woodbridge, MINI Downtown, and MINI Markham, I finally found the one I wanted at MINI Durham.

Woodbridge: My first test drive there - the salesman Bart was good in helping me out, and the dealer had a pretty astonishing amount of cars in at the time.

Downtown: Interesting dealership to say the least - I walked right past it without even noticing because it's basically in a building with the cars out the side in a pay parking lot. Charles was good in helping me out and almost had me on a black Cooper-classic they had in there.

Markham: Just had my car serviced today and was reasonably impressed with the service there. My xenon lights were misalinged and needed realignment - they couldn't see anything wrong. Kind of wish I would have heard something more concrete but oh well. They noted on the service receipt something I'm not sure was entirely necessary but anyway... the guy at the parts department (Dennis?) is really good in finding what you're looking for. I really like the service setup they have there how you can drive it right in the garage/showroom and have it checked out. Complimentary car wash is certainly appreciated too - but dry it properly next time, thx

Durham: Natasha was extremely helpful in sealing the deal. I love the secluded location of this dealership as it offers awesome test driving territory, and that was the first car purchase where I don't feel I was screwed over in some way.

Overall, from the four I visited I would be most likely return to Durham because of how courteous I was treated there. The Markham dealership left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth like I said about the note on the receipt about the car's condition. It should be noted however that Markham is one of the only dealerships open for service on Saturday, and this is a huge pain as I work downtown and it's impossible to get home before 5 (when the mechanics leave at every dealership).

Patryn · Jul 19th, 2004, 12:50 AM

I actually had a great experience with MINI RIchmond in BC. My 2004 MINI Cooper S was built in April 2004 and purchased in June 2004. It was on the lot, but just arrived. I informed them that I wanted it right away, so they had someone come in that afternoon for the PDI. I paid $31,500 for a Dark Grey Metallic MINI Cooper S with the body-color top and sunroof. Couple grand below what it was listed for on their system. They were very helpful and accomodating. They actually brought my car into the showroom and after showing me all of the features, they opened a gate which let me literally drive it out of the showroom!

1703 · Jul 21st, 2004, 01:07 AM

Hi all,

Mini Markham has the worst service ever. The service people are rude and have no workmanship. I have the rally lights installed last month and I have gone back there to adjust the light brackets already. To date, the lights are still not evenly lined up, when view from the side, one light is tilted forward a little. I am sick and tired of going back. Everytime I talked to them, they would say the lights were straight. When I went to pick up my car, no one would be there to explain the works or to show me what has done. I am going to wirte a letter of complain (although I know the letter will go straight to the garbage).

Any thoughts on that? What action should I take to rectify this issue?

Thanks.

nfinity · Jul 23rd, 2004, 04:45 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by 1703

Hi all,

Any thoughts on that? What action should I take to rectify this issue?

Thanks.

Go to another dealership. Although Markham is one of the (if not the) only dealer open on Saturdays in the GTA and past normal hours during the week, I believe all dealers have a drop-off system where you can leave your car with them the night before (regardless of time) and drop the key in their dropbox.

I'm doing that this coming week at another dealership, as it appears the problem that Markham couldn't spot has resurfaced the day of the previous "inspection." There's too many dealers around my house to give any service departments second chances at this point, so thanks boys but I'll pass.

nfinity · Jul 31st, 2004, 08:00 AM

Just another update with regards to my Xenon headlights getting fixed due to misalignment. As you might remember, I first took it to Markham and they couldn't find a problem with them. I took them to Durham earlier this week (Tuesday) and got the car back yesterday (Thursday). They said they had found a fault in the headlamp stepper motors and replaced them under warranty.

I take my car out tonight, to find out that the damn things are pointing at the road again!!!! Am I doing something wrong here?! As far as I knew, all you had to do to turn on the headlights was to switch the left stalk up two positions and switch on the foglights if desired. Yet mine STILL are not raising when the headlamps are activated as they should be. Seeing 15 feet in front of me on the 401 on a stormy night is NOT my idea of a good time.

Needless to say I'm more than a little irritated with the service, one way or another. They've treated me great, but this week will be the third time I'm having to bring my car in for the same problem and nothing has changed since before my first visit.

Any tips?

MINIMALISTE · Aug 23rd, 2004, 02:20 AM

I should take delivery of my new Cooper S this week and up to now David at MINI Laval has been great. He knows his product inside out and he has been very accomodating. Also have a friend who has a 2002 and he says that the service is very good. Hope not to have to learn it by myself !!!

ScoobyInACooper · Aug 23rd, 2004, 11:44 PM

I looked at 2 places

Mini Waterloo: Little pushy and reluctant to give out information. The guy told a couple fibs which i wasn't thrilled with.

Mini St. Catharines: Just opened in Dec (I think) the Guy there (Anthony) was super helpful and eger to please. I got a better deal there and they were more upfront about what was available and what they could do for me.

5 weeks till Mini Time <GRIN>

British SD · May 8th, 2006, 09:28 PM

Never mind the dealers, what about MINI Canada being crooks? We have a 90 cent dollar at the moment which makes for about a $1.12 cdn to U.S. exchange rate.

Yet the price of popular R88, 16" rims retail MSRP are $177u.s. each at any U.S. MINI dealer yet the same rim is $330.50 in Canada. Or how about a JCW Tuning kit (#11120395128) cost is $4,775 u.s or $6,975.50 in Canada.

We are being ripped off boys!

spadsept · May 9th, 2006, 02:42 AM

Yeah, got a bit tired of mini quality, service and price after 3 years as owner,so i know the S by heart, nice car, but... got an Audi A3, all problems solve and i'll never go back to minis... Much more for the price with the A3, still very fun!

Mom's Mini · May 9th, 2006, 09:10 PM

Mini Yaletown

I just bought my Cooper S last month from Mini Yaletown and the automotive retailer was fantastic. David answered all of my many questions and was very supportive on the delivery day. I also really appreciate that they share in your enthusiasm.

Yesterday I took 'Basil' in for his first oil change and from the service manager to the mechanic, all were very pleasant and helpful.

I would buy another car from Mini Yaletown in a flash!

TrufflePig · May 10th, 2006, 03:22 AM

yes St. Catherine's is awesome.

Anthony is now in BMW sales but he can still help you out but he'll eventually direct you to Shaun. That's their MINI guy.

They're awesome there. Very honest and genuine. Upfront with everything and will help you out. They'll make a deal that's right for you the car owner and do what they can to make you happy and keep you happy.

cheers

YQTYYZ · May 23rd, 2006, 02:57 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by British SD

Never mind the dealers, what about MINI Canada being crooks? We have a 90 cent dollar at the moment which makes for about a $1.12 cdn to U.S. exchange rate.

Yet the price of popular R88, 16" rims retail MSRP are $177u.s. each at any U.S. MINI dealer yet the same rim is $330.50 in Canada. Or how about a JCW Tuning kit (#11120395128) cost is $4,775 u.s or $6,975.50 in Canada.

We are being ripped off boys!

Are we allowed to take our cars to an American dealership? I'm pretty much guessing due to legal and warranty concerns, the answer is no. The fact that it's a cross-border thing also leads to a no.

You're absolutely right about the exchange rate robbery in effect. Time should have evened out the retail concerns about the lopsided rates they paid for 6-8 months ago. It's now time to pass the savings onto the consumers.

faster,Tobias! · May 23rd, 2006, 04:50 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by British SD

Never mind the dealers, what about MINI Canada being crooks? We have a 90 cent dollar at the moment which makes for about a $1.12 cdn to U.S. exchange rate.

Yet the price of popular R88, 16" rims retail MSRP are $177u.s. each at any U.S. MINI dealer yet the same rim is $330.50 in Canada. Or how about a JCW Tuning kit (#11120395128) cost is $4,775 u.s or $6,975.50 in Canada.

We are being ripped off boys!

That same thought occurred to me about the exchange rate a couple of weeks ago; I sell Mini's, but when anyone asks about the price on the upgraded rims I get embarassed - and recommend Tirerack! (it's where I got mine).

Lizard King · May 31st, 2006, 08:05 PM

I had the chance to visit 3 dealership so far in Canada. (I currently live in New Brunswick)

MINI Ottawa East: where I bought my car, excellent service from the salesman (Keith), they usually don’t deliver cars on Saturday but since I had been waiting for a month to come in he call me one Saturday morning and told me they had receive my car and he was coming to pick me up, believe me I was so happy. Also every time I go to Ottawa and get a chance to visit the dealership he always come up to me and ask me how I am doing and how is the car, really friendly guy, also there service department is great, good and fast service.

MINI Halifax: had my car tow there twice on warranty work, I know that not really nice to hear but I am always bad lucky with stuff, for some reason stuff always seems to break when they are next to me, but that’s another story, as for the service excellent service the service manager Chess Miller is great, had to rent a car for a week because the transmission when out, (don’t wash your car in the winter and not letting it dry then -40 the next day, breaks the seal) anyway since roadside only pays up to 500$ the cover the rest of the payment which came to a little more then 200$, but since I had to do a oil service they didn’t charge me for it, which the oil service (service II I think) cost more then what the own me they told me not to worry about it, so hence really nice people.

MINI Mont Royal: I have had many trip to this dealership at the service department, I have read that some people didn’t get good service, but I can swear I had never had bad service from them, they have always been so friendly and helpful, I have dealt with only Jamil (not too sure of the spelling) so maybe everyone should deal with him when they go for service, he is the best service guys, really friendly and explained everything very clearly. (the only issue I had with them was that they didn’t get to complete some work one day (car staling sometime on cold start if the engine is not rev up) and I have to drive back up there for it but my warranty will be over, but Jamil told me he will work that out so really it shouldn’t be a problem). So overall excellent service.

Jul 19th, 2004, 12:50 AM	#42 (permalink)
Patryn Charitable Voleur Join Date: Jul 2004 Local Time: 07:12 PM Posts: 20 Offline	I actually had a great experience with MINI RIchmond in BC. My 2004 MINI Cooper S was built in April 2004 and purchased in June 2004. It was on the lot, but just arrived. I informed them that I wanted it right away, so they had someone come in that afternoon for the PDI. I paid $31,500 for a Dark Grey Metallic MINI Cooper S with the body-color top and sunroof. Couple grand below what it was listed for on their system. They were very helpful and accomodating. They actually brought my car into the showroom and after showing me all of the features, they opened a gate which let me literally drive it out of the showroom! nemo mortalium omnibus horis sapit

May 9th, 2006, 02:42 AM	#49 (permalink)
spadsept MINI2 Regular Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Montreal, Canada Local Time: 07:12 PM Posts: 98 Offline	Yeah, got a bit tired of mini quality, service and price after 3 years as owner,so i know the S by heart, nice car, but... got an Audi A3, all problems solve and i'll never go back to minis... Much more for the price with the A3, still very fun! Spadsept MiniCooper S '02,DS/DS (sold) - Volks Bus "Camper" '67 Mustang GT convertible '66 - Jeep Cj-7, '79 Audi A3, '06

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MINI2

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Discuss your experiences with MINI dealers worldwide

Jul 18th, 2004, 12:16 AM	#41
nfinity MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2004 Local Time: 03:12 PM Posts: 43 Offline	Realize I'm digging up an old thread but I thought it'd be worth it. After having picked up my Mini after shopping around to MINI Woodbridge, MINI Downtown, and MINI Markham, I finally found the one I wanted at MINI Durham. Woodbridge: My first test drive there - the salesman Bart was good in helping me out, and the dealer had a pretty astonishing amount of cars in at the time. Downtown: Interesting dealership to say the least - I walked right past it without even noticing because it's basically in a building with the cars out the side in a pay parking lot. Charles was good in helping me out and almost had me on a black Cooper-classic they had in there. Markham: Just had my car serviced today and was reasonably impressed with the service there. My xenon lights were misalinged and needed realignment - they couldn't see anything wrong. Kind of wish I would have heard something more concrete but oh well. They noted on the service receipt something I'm not sure was entirely necessary but anyway... the guy at the parts department (Dennis?) is really good in finding what you're looking for. I really like the service setup they have there how you can drive it right in the garage/showroom and have it checked out. Complimentary car wash is certainly appreciated too - but dry it properly next time, thx Durham: Natasha was extremely helpful in sealing the deal. I love the secluded location of this dealership as it offers awesome test driving territory, and that was the first car purchase where I don't feel I was screwed over in some way. Overall, from the four I visited I would be most likely return to Durham because of how courteous I was treated there. The Markham dealership left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth like I said about the note on the receipt about the car's condition. It should be noted however that Markham is one of the only dealerships open for service on Saturday, and this is a huge pain as I work downtown and it's impossible to get home before 5 (when the mechanics leave at every dealership).

Today
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Jul 21st, 2004, 01:07 AM	#43 (permalink)
1703 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jan 2004 Local Time: 07:12 PM Posts: 14 Offline	Hi all, Mini Markham has the worst service ever. The service people are rude and have no workmanship. I have the rally lights installed last month and I have gone back there to adjust the light brackets already. To date, the lights are still not evenly lined up, when view from the side, one light is tilted forward a little. I am sick and tired of going back. Everytime I talked to them, they would say the lights were straight. When I went to pick up my car, no one would be there to explain the works or to show me what has done. I am going to wirte a letter of complain (although I know the letter will go straight to the garbage). Any thoughts on that? What action should I take to rectify this issue? Thanks.

Jul 23rd, 2004, 04:45 AM	#44 (permalink)
nfinity MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2004 Local Time: 03:12 PM Posts: 43 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by 1703 Hi all, Any thoughts on that? What action should I take to rectify this issue? Thanks. Go to another dealership. Although Markham is one of the (if not the) only dealer open on Saturdays in the GTA and past normal hours during the week, I believe all dealers have a drop-off system where you can leave your car with them the night before (regardless of time) and drop the key in their dropbox. I'm doing that this coming week at another dealership, as it appears the problem that Markham couldn't spot has resurfaced the day of the previous "inspection." There's too many dealers around my house to give any service departments second chances at this point, so thanks boys but I'll pass.

Jul 31st, 2004, 08:00 AM	#45 (permalink)
nfinity MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2004 Local Time: 03:12 PM Posts: 43 Offline	Just another update with regards to my Xenon headlights getting fixed due to misalignment. As you might remember, I first took it to Markham and they couldn't find a problem with them. I took them to Durham earlier this week (Tuesday) and got the car back yesterday (Thursday). They said they had found a fault in the headlamp stepper motors and replaced them under warranty. I take my car out tonight, to find out that the damn things are pointing at the road again!!!! Am I doing something wrong here?! As far as I knew, all you had to do to turn on the headlights was to switch the left stalk up two positions and switch on the foglights if desired. Yet mine STILL are not raising when the headlamps are activated as they should be. Seeing 15 feet in front of me on the 401 on a stormy night is NOT my idea of a good time. Needless to say I'm more than a little irritated with the service, one way or another. They've treated me great, but this week will be the third time I'm having to bring my car in for the same problem and nothing has changed since before my first visit. Any tips?

Aug 23rd, 2004, 02:20 AM	#46 (permalink)
MINIMALISTE MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Montréal, Québec Local Time: 03:12 PM Posts: 54 Offline	I should take delivery of my new Cooper S this week and up to now David at MINI Laval has been great. He knows his product inside out and he has been very accomodating. Also have a friend who has a 2002 and he says that the service is very good. Hope not to have to learn it by myself !!!

Aug 23rd, 2004, 11:44 PM	#47 (permalink)
ScoobyInACooper MINI2 Regular Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Waterloo, Ontario Local Time: 02:12 PM Posts: 118 Offline	I looked at 2 places Mini Waterloo: Little pushy and reluctant to give out information. The guy told a couple fibs which i wasn't thrilled with. Mini St. Catharines: Just opened in Dec (I think) the Guy there (Anthony) was super helpful and eger to please. I got a better deal there and they were more upfront about what was available and what they could do for me. 5 weeks till Mini Time <GRIN>

May 8th, 2006, 09:28 PM	#48 (permalink)
British SD Northern Monkey! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: In a Van by da river Local Time: 12:12 PM Posts: 367 Offline	Never mind the dealers, what about MINI Canada being crooks? We have a 90 cent dollar at the moment which makes for about a $1.12 cdn to U.S. exchange rate. Yet the price of popular R88, 16" rims retail MSRP are $177u.s. each at any U.S. MINI dealer yet the same rim is $330.50 in Canada. Or how about a JCW Tuning kit (#11120395128) cost is $4,775 u.s or $6,975.50 in Canada. We are being ripped off boys!

May 9th, 2006, 09:10 PM	#50 (permalink)
Mom's Mini MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Vancouver Local Time: 12:12 PM Posts: 74 Offline	Mini Yaletown I just bought my Cooper S last month from Mini Yaletown and the automotive retailer was fantastic. David answered all of my many questions and was very supportive on the delivery day. I also really appreciate that they share in your enthusiasm. Yesterday I took 'Basil' in for his first oil change and from the service manager to the mechanic, all were very pleasant and helpful. I would buy another car from Mini Yaletown in a flash!

May 10th, 2006, 03:22 AM	#51 (permalink)
TrufflePig MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2006 Local Time: 11:12 AM Posts: 92 Offline	yes St. Catherine's is awesome. Anthony is now in BMW sales but he can still help you out but he'll eventually direct you to Shaun. That's their MINI guy. They're awesome there. Very honest and genuine. Upfront with everything and will help you out. They'll make a deal that's right for you the car owner and do what they can to make you happy and keep you happy. cheers

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May 23rd, 2006, 02:57 AM	#52 (permalink)
YQTYYZ MINI2 Regular Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Local Time: 03:12 PM Posts: 195 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by British SD Never mind the dealers, what about MINI Canada being crooks? We have a 90 cent dollar at the moment which makes for about a $1.12 cdn to U.S. exchange rate. Yet the price of popular R88, 16" rims retail MSRP are $177u.s. each at any U.S. MINI dealer yet the same rim is $330.50 in Canada. Or how about a JCW Tuning kit (#11120395128) cost is $4,775 u.s or $6,975.50 in Canada. We are being ripped off boys! Are we allowed to take our cars to an American dealership? I'm pretty much guessing due to legal and warranty concerns, the answer is no. The fact that it's a cross-border thing also leads to a no. You're absolutely right about the exchange rate robbery in effect. Time should have evened out the retail concerns about the lopsided rates they paid for 6-8 months ago. It's now time to pass the savings onto the consumers.

May 23rd, 2006, 04:50 AM	#53 (permalink)
faster,Tobias! Fanatically Enthiusiastic Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Calgary, Alberta Local Time: 12:12 PM Posts: 1,165 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by British SD Never mind the dealers, what about MINI Canada being crooks? We have a 90 cent dollar at the moment which makes for about a $1.12 cdn to U.S. exchange rate. Yet the price of popular R88, 16" rims retail MSRP are $177u.s. each at any U.S. MINI dealer yet the same rim is $330.50 in Canada. Or how about a JCW Tuning kit (#11120395128) cost is $4,775 u.s or $6,975.50 in Canada. We are being ripped off boys! That same thought occurred to me about the exchange rate a couple of weeks ago; I sell Mini's, but when anyone asks about the price on the upgraded rims I get embarassed - and recommend Tirerack! (it's where I got mine).

May 31st, 2006, 08:05 PM	#54 (permalink)
Lizard King MINI2 Newbie Join Date: May 2006 Location: Grand Falls, NB Local Time: 03:12 PM Posts: 15 Offline	I had the chance to visit 3 dealership so far in Canada. (I currently live in New Brunswick) MINI Ottawa East: where I bought my car, excellent service from the salesman (Keith), they usually don’t deliver cars on Saturday but since I had been waiting for a month to come in he call me one Saturday morning and told me they had receive my car and he was coming to pick me up, believe me I was so happy. Also every time I go to Ottawa and get a chance to visit the dealership he always come up to me and ask me how I am doing and how is the car, really friendly guy, also there service department is great, good and fast service. MINI Halifax: had my car tow there twice on warranty work, I know that not really nice to hear but I am always bad lucky with stuff, for some reason stuff always seems to break when they are next to me, but that’s another story, as for the service excellent service the service manager Chess Miller is great, had to rent a car for a week because the transmission when out, (don’t wash your car in the winter and not letting it dry then -40 the next day, breaks the seal) anyway since roadside only pays up to 500$ the cover the rest of the payment which came to a little more then 200$, but since I had to do a oil service they didn’t charge me for it, which the oil service (service II I think) cost more then what the own me they told me not to worry about it, so hence really nice people. MINI Mont Royal: I have had many trip to this dealership at the service department, I have read that some people didn’t get good service, but I can swear I had never had bad service from them, they have always been so friendly and helpful, I have dealt with only Jamil (not too sure of the spelling) so maybe everyone should deal with him when they go for service, he is the best service guys, really friendly and explained everything very clearly. (the only issue I had with them was that they didn’t get to complete some work one day (car staling sometime on cold start if the engine is not rev up) and I have to drive back up there for it but my warranty will be over, but Jamil told me he will work that out so really it shouldn’t be a problem). So overall excellent service.