[chief]

I recently visited John Robert MINI in dallas to buy/order a Cooper S. I was told the Cooper S was 2k over MSRP. When I inquired about another dealer, they said the only others were in Houston and San Antonio(open in Feb.) A coworker thought Moritz in Arlington was going to sell MINIs. I found their # on MINIUSA and talked w/ Rob Jones. He informed me they were planning on opening Jan 1 2003 and as long as they opened on time Moritz would have 43 MINIs in stock (15 Cooper S). He also said Moritz does not charge over MSRP whether you buy or order. No additional accesories required either. This is the kind of dealership I want to motor with.

[Wynn]

I completely agree, regarding the sort of dealership from whom I'd like to buy.

MINI San Antonio has been wonderful, and they will begin selling MINIs when they open next month, at MSPR and without markups or add-ons. Momentum MINI in Houston is adding on THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS in required "dealer packages," but one insider there told me that they're apparently having to reconsider that strategy-- perhaps because folk like us are comparing notes, and simply willing to wait three weeks to buy from good people in San Antonio.

Thanks for not supporting the lousy dealerships demanding markups.

Peace,
wynn

[Yeagy]

john roberts will lose ALOT of business come Jan1. When we were buying my car my father (the one who did it all for me) found a car where he lives (indiana). He then calls John Roberts to see about what they have in stock and what is coming into stock soon. They find the same car coming in soon at JR. He ask how much it was, and it was the same cost, except it would be a $1000 more because of there mark up. He told them that he could buy it where he lives for MRSP and save his son (me!) the trouble of having to drive it home. They said sorry and that they had to mark them up because they think people are buying them just to resale them. So all in all we bought the car in indiana (where i am now), and i will be driving it back the 16 hours to dallas.
-yeagy

[Wynn]

Another victory for justice, and another dealer deprived of his greedy markup. That's a policy that's going to kill these guys, by driving business elsewhere and revealing them for the greedy men that they are.

As an added bonus, when you get home, you'll have almost finished breaking in your new car! Soon you'll be racing around in ecstasy. Hooray!

Giddily,
wynn

[Tbvf]

I have a mcs on order from momentum in Houston. It is due to come in any time now. I did call moritz in Arlington, and found out the same info three weeks ago. No push to buy extras, sales at msrp. Momentum, however is willing to sell me the car at msrp to keep me as a customer. I was shocked when this was offered. Of course my car isnt in yet, and if that isnt the case, Ive waited 3 mos now, Im pre approved for the car loan as of dec 1, and my cu would prefer I went to another dealer anyway, so I have nothing to lose with repect to baraining. My credit union told me the dealers are still getting 3k profit selling at msrp, (they received an invoice from mini stating such). So dont be fooled, or tricked into paying for things you dont want or need, or added costs. There is greed, but there is also supply and demand. As long as you are unwilling to wait or go elsewhere, then the dealers have a blank check at their disposal. The dealers arent themselves bad, they just know how to take advantage of the situation. Terry, Houston

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by Wynn
...MINI San Antonio has been wonderful, and they will begin selling MINIs when they open next month ...

Ummm.... MINI of San Antonio still doesn't have the slab poured for its showroom and last I heard they were due to open in about 4 or 5 weeks.

I haven't called them to confirm, but I have serious doubts on a January opening.

[smlawrence]

Today, I received the call I've been waiting to hear for almost 2 years..... "Sir, I have a production number for you".

It's almost funny that Moritz was the last dealer that I contacted about ordering my MCS. At least 2 others had my contact information for many months. In fact, I politely called to check on their dealership status and insured that they knew I was a serious buyer. They were not taking deposits yet (Take my money, please). The response was "Don't call us, we'll call you" every time.
Finally, it was time to broaden the scope. I called Moritz just to make life more interesting. Lo and behold I was on a real list! Within a few weeks, they were ready for the deposit. And now, only a couple of weeks since then.... a Production Number!
Since I don't live in the DFW area, all communication has been via phone or email. I've feel that been treated with respect and honesty. It would be very easy to blow-off someone who is from out of town.
Where's the humor? I still haven't heard from the guys who had my info since last spring.

[smlawrence]

Almost forgot.... my Moritz order is at MSRP.

[Wynn]

Quote:

Originally posted by BruceK


Ummm.... MINI of San Antonio still doesn't have the slab poured for its showroom and last I heard they were due to open in about 4 or 5 weeks.

I haven't called them to confirm, but I have serious doubts on a January opening.

*chuckle* Well, it's been about three weeks since they told me they still expected to open in January; the schedule could have slipped since then.

The point, of course, is that they're due to open very soon, in a matter of some weeks now, rather than many months; it's a short enough wait that if you were about to buy a car in Houston this month, you'd probably think the difference in time is worth a $3,400 savings.

Of course, it sounds as if Momentum is starting to sell cars without the markups, if you fight with them. But heck, even at the same price, I'd much rather buy from the folk in San Antonio; they've been fantastic to me. And honest.

I think that's characteristic of San Antonio in general.

-wynn

[BJA]

I called the MINI Center in San Antonio yesterday and I was told end of Feb was a good estimate as to when it would open. Cara Thirsk was out of her office so I didn't get the chance to ask her if she had a waiting list or not. I figure it's about 6-8 weeks from opening so I have pleanty of time to get on any list they may have.

I am in no hurry because 1) Mini is still working the bugs out of their first year production cars, 2)My current lease is not up until later in the year and most important 3) I can't decide on the color I want! If I could decide on the color I'd probably not worry about being upside down on the lease, if you know what I mean!

[Yeagy]

Quote:

Originally posted by BJA

I am in no hurry because 1) Mini is still working the bugs out of their first year production cars, 3) I can't decide on the color I want! If I could decide on the color

easy, get a 2003...i got mine dec 23...it now has 1190 miles, and not a problem at all...my sales girl said that all the recalls were performed at the factory..so i dont think you should have a problem getting a mini that has no flaws when the time comes...
2. Pure Silver/Silver...easy again

[Deuce Coop]

Has anyone heard of Moritz updated oppening date? I went by yesterday (Jan 1st) and they aren't open yet. The building is complete, interior is mostly finished, banners hung inside, walls painted, but no sign out front, and no cars.

ps- anyone see the MINI bilboard on I-20 westbound between Mesquite and Cedar Hill. Lots of wording, too much to read at 70MPH.

[BJA]

I had a meeting in San Antonio today so I stopped by the BMW Center. I asked for Cara Thrist the MINI salesperson and was told she is no longer employed there ! DUGH! and so I met the man who has replaced her as the Mini Sales person --- Richard Gutin. He is a very nice man and very into the MINI! He said he reads the MINI sites on the internet! He is currently working from a wait list. He has been given his number allotment and is calling the people and placing orders! He hopes for a February Grand Opening. Call him Toll Free 1 866-269-2368 (866 BMW-CENT).

[duck]

Did you order through Moritz already? They told me a while back they couldn't take orders till around Jan. They called me back a few months ago, but I had already ordered from John Roberts. It arrived on Jan, 1st at MSRP. They spoke of a premium for those who wanted the car early, but they waived it, and will probably waive it for future orders.

Take business away from John Roberts? I think not. The market is huge in North Texas, but the majority of the boom is being filled by JR since Moritz can't get the showroom built. I have a friend who lives close to the cadilac/bmw Moritz and I pass by from time to time. They seem to be still building on the showroom off the Lamar St side. I'm not sure if this is where MINI will be placed, but it's a likely location.

[Lizard]

BJA

Glad to hear that S.A.M. is calling folks on the list! I've been on it for a while. As of today still no call from Richard... Hopefully soon!

[Lazarus18]

We recently ordered our S from JR MINI. Put down our $1K (Jan) and unless I misunderstood the guy we can expect the car May, June-ish. But the confusing part was I thought he said it would be ordered about 2 months before that. Does that mean they sit on it for 4 months? Are dealers limited to a certain allotment per month or something?

I guess it's too late to think of going to Moritz, but does this seem normal?

-Rob

[BJA]

Lizard -
Call and talk to Richard Gutin 1 866 269-2368 ! Many times when a person quits working somewhere or people change jobs, all of their records come up missing. I'd call just to be sure Richard knows you are wanting to order. He told me that his allotment was large enough that he could order for everyone and have a couple left over. Now those may be Coopers and not the Cooper S, but he seemed pleased over the number of cars he was allowed to order. Call him just to be sure he has your name.

[BJA]

Rob,
as I understand it they are allowed a certain number of Coopers and Cooper S each month. Some months more than others. They use the list to be sure they are going in first come first served order. My last payment on my lease is in December, so the man in San Antonio said for me to get on his list about June. Then he would call me when I got to be the next person who can order. We agreed that I'd want to order in Oct or Nov for delivery in January, so if I get to the top of his list in Sept I'll have him skip past me until October. It seemed he was giving 3 months on the list and 3 months to deliver, then If it goes faster because of large order allotments then the customer would be pleased.

I have a friend who lives in Flower Mound and each time I go up I stop by the JR and look at the MINIs! I had intended to order from them until I heard that the San Antonio BMW Center was handling the MINI!

[Lizard]

BJA,

Good advice. I ordered from Richard - so he knows I'm on the list. I also follow up every couple of weeks.

I'm on the list for the 2nd allocation (for an S). I got the impression that the 1st allocation was ordered last year, but I may be wrong. I'll probably pulse him again next week (or maybe today.)

Its a rainy day in Austin and I had a very MINI day at the Golds Gymn South. There was a CR/W S (purchased in Tennesee) and an IB/W S (purchased in Minnisota) in the parking lot.

This is exciting - as although I have ordered an S - these are the 1st ones that I have actually ever seen! Yup - They look good!

Regards,

Lizard

[BJA]

Lizard -
I live in Austin and have only seen the Cooper, I've never seen a Cooper S! My house is off West Gave Blvd and W Stassney, down from the Central Market, so if I'm lucky I'll see those 2 MINIs driving around S Austin!

OK, Give up the facts... What color did you order? Bonnet stripes? SunRoof? Tell All ! ! !