[supa-dupa-cooper]

I have to say, I’ve got nothing but praise for them and I wanted to share my experiences with you lot Though I know of people who seem to have nothing but problems with them..(David )

I’ve dealt with them both at the old showroom (bought 2 cars from there) and at the new showroom (waiting to pick up the Dooper) over the course of just over 3 years now.

I first went to the old showroom on the Convertibles launch day, was only learning to drive at the time, but told them I’d be back Little did they know I’d still be backwards and forwards every couple of months to see what’s what in the world of MINI

In March 05 I went back having seen a MINI ONE on the cherished site, wasn’t quite in my price bracket, but they had knocked £500 off that by the time I left….The sales manager at the time let me take the car out for a test drive and I came back and signed the paperwork The following week I picked it up, having had a couple of bits fitted and everything was perfect!!

I then had my first dealings with the service dept. with a funny noise in the engine bay, a recall, the airbag light and a brake fluid change They were excellent on all occasions, couldn’t fault them at all!

It was then I bought my next MINI, and during the six weeks of waiting I was kept informed of anything I needed to know and when the car was going off to the body shop for the roof etc…again I was dealing with the then sales manager. I picked the car up, sparkling and shiny from the showroom, complete with a big red bow on top Fantastic service all round, not just from the manager but from the other sales guys too! Top job!

A couple of weeks later Specialist Cars moved to their new place, very snazzy and funky compared to the old section!!

I went in just after that to have a look around, as you do Soon after this though the sales manager left he’d been fantastic…funnily enough after a few months he was back and working in the BMW showroom, and he has also helped out with a couple of things relating to my car since Again top job!

My car went back for the side skirts to be fitted, and by now a couple of the guys in service dept knew me, again excellent service.

On the launch of the R56 in November 06, I was invited along to the preview night, and a couple of weeks later when my car was in having the CD changer looked at, I was given the keys to a new Cooper S for a test drive. At the time the new sales manager didn’t really know me, so I was very appreciative of being handed the keys

During 2007 I went in numerous times to have a look round, and my car went back for its first service, I was kept informed and called when the car was ready to collect, I think then was the first time I went to see about the R56

At the beginning of September I went back again, to have a serious talk about what I was going to do, I was handed the keys to a Cooper and 40 minutes later I returned after a good drive. The following week I did the same with the Dooper, and it was then that I placed my order. I didn’t have to pay much of a deposit as it was so far away that the car would arrive.

I went to the launch of the Clubman and took out a Dooper Clubman for a slightly longer test drive than I should of (sorry ) but no-one said anything when I went back in

In between time I’d been back in a couple of time to alter the spec of the new car, as the salesman knows only too well

In January this year I was allowed to take a Dooper for 24hrs for a ‘proper’ test drive, I even washed and refuelled it before I took it back!

I was called when my new car arrived and went to see it a few days later, everything was arranged for what I wanted done to it, and I was taken to see it again yesterday

Yesterday my car went back for a leaking engine mount, the receptionist was a bit rude to me when I originally called to book it and refused to believe I knew what was wrong with my own car Anyway I put it down to her just being a receptionist and left it be...
My courtesy car was waiting for me when I arrived and I was told I had it for 2 days while mine was sorted, and at no cost, she also walked around the car to show there was no damage.
I was called at 5.30 to say my car was fixed and ready and I could go and pick it up, I explained I was at work and couldn’t get there until after work the following day - not a problem.
Went to pick up my ickle MINI tonight, and hand back the loaner, everything had been sorted under warrenty and there was nothing to do except sign to say id handed back the other car
Again, I couldn’t fault them, great service, and kept informed with my car

Everytime I walk into the showroom, I’m always greeted and made to feel welcome, they all know me by now, and tend to know I’m a little on the ‘crazy’ side when it comes to my car

Doubt they will ever read this but wanted to say a big THANK YOU to everyone that I have dealt with at Specialist Cars Stevenage (both sales and service) over the years, you’ve been brilliant and I wouldnt go anywhere else.

Special thanks to Ian, Jason, David, Nigel and Darren who have all played a part in either the Dooper order or previous cars (only spoken to Dawn once) oh and Stacey for doing my new reg yesterday.

And thank you to the old sales manager, Manjit, who helped me get my hands on my first and second MINI’s and who has also helped me out with other things since


Sorry about the overly long post, but I felt they deserved a mention I know some of you may have had problems with them, but everyone has different experiences.

I’m picking up the Dooper in 16 days time, and cannot wait!

[bubblegoose]

Sounds like some dealers are actually doing a proper job & keeping some of their customers happy!

Glad you're happy Jo & roll on to DDD (Dooper Delivery Day!! )

[supa-dupa-cooper]

Quote: Originally Posted by bubblegoose (original)

Sounds like some dealers are actually doing a proper job & keeping some of their customers happy!

Glad you're happy Jo & roll on to DDD (Dooper Delivery Day!! )

Ooh I like that - DDD

[The Red Baron]

Quote: Originally Posted by supa-dupa-cooper (original)

I
Yesterday my car went back for a leaking engine mount, the receptionist was a bit rude to me when I originally called to book it and refused to believe I knew what was wrong with my own car Anyway I put it down to her just being a receptionist and left it be...

Don't worry it's not you, they're always like it!

[supa-dupa-cooper]

Quote: Originally Posted by chrisandjax (original)

Don't worry it's not you, they're always like it!

She is the only one ive spoken to thats been rude though and when I phoned back the 2nd time she was perfectly ok

[The Red Baron]

Quote: Originally Posted by supa-dupa-cooper (original)

She is the only one ive spoken to thats been rude though and when I phoned back the 2nd time she was perfectly ok

Probably too busy the first time, filing her nails!

[ShaunSheep]

Quote: Originally Posted by chrisandjax (original)

Don't worry it's not you, they're always like it!

Couldn't agree more!! Can't fault the sales guys, especially Nigel, but speaking to anyone in Service is like pulling teeth

[supa-dupa-cooper]

Just had a courtesy call from Specialist Cars to check that everything was ok with my car since I picked it up on Wednesday

[David King]

Quote: Originally Posted by supa-dupa-cooper (original)

I have to say, I’ve got nothing but praise for them and I wanted to share my experiences with you lot Though I know of people who seem to have nothing but problems with them..(David )

oooo, just seen this thread. Ill save my comments till after my tea

[The Red Baron]

Quote: Originally Posted by David King (original)

oooo, just seen this thread. Ill save my comments till after my tea

I think this will be one long post!

[David King]

Quote: Originally Posted by chrisandjax (original)

I think this will be one long post!

Well it doesnt have to be. I could sum them up in a 4 letter word

[supa-dupa-cooper]

Im beginning to think its only me that actually gets on well with them and has no problems at all

[David King]

So, Specialist cars Stevenage.

So i booked my 2006 Cooper Park Lane in because of a coolant leak, a very clunky clutch and some streaky window rubbers. I took it in on Tuesday the 5th, and they said they would give me call back once someone had looked at the car.

I got a call about 4.30 telling me that they were going to replace the clutch and flywheel, replace the window rubbers, and that they had located the coolant leak - Brilliant!

So i went to collect the car on Thursday the 7th having had all the work completed, upon arriving and speaking to one of the service personnel i was told that the old clutch was completely knackered and that was the cause of the clunking clutch. I was then given a leacture by the service guy saying that i should go easy on this clutch or else it will burn out again (car has done 50,000 miles) and Mini will not replace the clutch again under warranty.

So when i got home after taking it easy to give the clutch chance to bed in, i checked the coolant level which was well below the minimum level which i was less than pleased about, but thought nothing more of it. So in the morning i checked it again and the coolant level had dropped to the bottom of the header tank.

Immediately i rang up SC and they said to bring the car back in ASAP and they would have another look at it for me. So within the hour i had dropped the car off, to then be told that the car may not be looked at until Monday. But i left the car there, calling every 30 mins or so to see if they were working on it yet

So i then got a phone call on the Monday to say that they couldnt find any leaks, so i could come and collect the car. So i got the car home and parked it on the driveway. The next morning i checked the coolant level again, and it had dropped about half an inch overnight.

At this point i was fed up, so my Dad called the next morning asking to speak to 'The leader of the Circus' After explaining the problem to the Manager i was told to bring the car over so he could have another look at it. So i took it over, and he asked everything they already knew about the problem.

I then got to speak to the technician who initially worked on the car (for the clutch swap etc) and he told me that the clutch was hardly worn, but that the flywheel had cracked (not what i was told on collection)

So whilst i was over a nice chap said he would put it up on his ramp and see if he could find anything - which he couldnt. He then asked if i would leave the car overnight, at which point i said No. I had already lost the car for nearly a week. and demanded a courteousy car, which they agreed to try and arrange , but i have to run it on my insurance.

Since then the car has left some lovely large puddles of coolant under the car.

So my car is going in on Saturday the 23rd, at which point they are going to hand me the keys to a 57 plate R56 Cooper .


Apparently they have booked it in for a week, so maybe they are finally learning that they need to fix this problem now.

If they had fixed the leak the first time i would have been pleased with the service (apart from them saying i couldnt have a courtesy car initally), but its gone down hill fast since. Although im getting to know everyone on the service department quite well now

Anyway everybody, my longest ever post on M2

[supa-dupa-cooper]

At least they are sorting (fingers crossed) it for you David and giving you a courtesy car (albeit on your own insurance)

[David King]

Quote: Originally Posted by supa-dupa-cooper (original)

At least they are sorting (fingers crossed) it for you David and giving you a courtesy car (albeit on your own insurance)

Yeap ,

Not at bad as Elms Bedford

I just thought it would be nice for them to do something without having to do so many trips/phone calls

Somethings good come of it though, i get to drive an R56 Cooper to see what they are like, for a few days atleast.

[David King]

Just rang SC after dropping my car off on Saturday and hearing nothing.

They havent been able to fix it yet, and im keeping their car over the weekend, yet failed to occur to them my cover note runs out on Saturday and the R56 was only booked with me until Friday.

When i reminded the woman about the insurance she replied ' o well you'll just have to extend it then'

Stupid people.

[supa-dupa-cooper]

I dont get it

I saw your baby today Ive been in the workshop you know

Lol, went to see Phil doing my roof this morning, was allowed to drive over in my car, go through the big gates, drive round the back, was amazed how big it is! I abandoned my car round the otherside and went in the workshop, the salesman let me stay there on my own and told me how to get out when I was ready to leave As far as I was aware customers arent allowed beyond the gates hehe

[David King]

How many pieces was it in?

I tried to have a look around the back and it doesnt look that big, but if you look along through the viewing window it goes along for ages.

Lets see some pics then

[supa-dupa-cooper]

It is big, you cant really tell from the window, basically the workshop runs the length of the building with ramps at the entrance end and then valeting bays at the other. Round the back they have more valeting areas and a car wash thing, its jam packed with brand new cars at the moment!