[Bk MCS]

I'm about to get a MCS and wanted to know about anybody's dealings with Tom Bush MINI. I went in one day and they all seemed nice, but they are car dealers so you never know. I also e-mailed them about their wait before I could order, if any. They wrote back and said, "the cooper s usually has to be ordered but right now we can get one custom built in Oxford England and shipped here in just a few weeks!" end quote.

So let me know what your experience was with them, or if you would recomend another dealer somewhere close to the Jacksonville area. Thanks in advance.

[MiniBean]

and I would consider it a good experience. They gave me the best offer (and a fair one) on my trade and knocked off all but $450.00 of their required "accessory package" which is normally around $1400.00 (or close to that....don't remember the exact amount) b/c I was buying a 2002 model. They also threw in a few "extras" at my request such as a tshirt, etc.

So far I have had to take my Mini back for warranty service twice. Their service dept. is always busy as they service their BMW, Mazda, and VW lines as well as Mini, but they have been prompt, and for the most part, thorough. They are still working to fix a stubborn water leak in the boot area. They also provided me with a loaner as I live 2.5 hours away. Although I hate it that my Mini has already had to go back twice (I've only had it two months), at least their service personnel has been decent to deal with....they definately try their best to keep you happy.

I would definately recommend them....Good luck!

[Bk MCS]

Thanks for the help Mini Bean. I assume that you have to take the car back to the dealer you bought it from to get it serviced? Thats good for me then seeing as i live about 35 minutes from Tom Bush. Thanks again.

[MiniBean]

Just so you know, though, you can take your Mini to any dealer for warranty service...no matter which one you bought it from. Sounds like you are close enough to Tom Bush, though, so that really won't be a concern for you. The next closest dealer to me is Charleston...actually, it's a little closer than Tom Bush. But I decided to stick with the dealer I purchased it from...especially since the problem wasn't fixed the first time....at least they're familiar with the situation already.
If they don't get it right this time, though, I will probably head over to SC!

[minimotorin]

I don't know if I would recommend Tom Bush. they do try to stick you with $1400-1700 dollars worth of extras but talk them down from that! I had already ordered the cd changer and floor mats and that's what they finally settled for. They did not help me with trading in my lease car (which was a miata I leased from them)the way they handled that really turned me off. I never had any problems with their service with my Mazda so I'm hoping they do the same with the MINI. Go in and talk to them to see what kind of vibe you get, when I ordered mine back in March none of the sales people knew too much about the car (I knew more, never comforting to know). I've heard a lot of good things about Downtown MINI of Orlando if Tom Bush doesn't work out.

[Bk MCS]

minimotorin

When I was in there over the christmas holiday the guy on the lot fed me some bs about the car like it's top speed was 150mph and the cooper would do 140mph and other stuff. I too knew about it and just played dumb.

So far everywhere I've read about a dealer they try to stick you with $1000 in extra stuff. What's the deal with that. What if I say no and dont want any of it, will they not sell me a car. If I must I will convince my parents on the body kit, and get something I would want instead of a bunch of floor mats and other stuff.

[MiniBean]

Quote:

Originally posted by minimotorin
They did not help me with trading in my lease car (which was a miata I leased from them)the way they handled that really turned me off.

Interestingly enough, the car I traded for my Mini was also a Miata and they gave me the best trade price that I had gotten in the last year.....I had taken it to the local Honda and Toyota dealerships (earlier in the year before the Mini had made it's American debut) and had also gotten a quote from Mini of Charleston as well. Too, the salesman I had was really decent to deal with...didn't waste mine, or his time, with any BS...which I greatly appreciated.

It seems, from what I've read on the boards, that most of the Mini dealerships have a required accessory package...and I just don't understand that. I've read where some of the dealers require a ridiculous amount of extras...$2000 to $3000 or so in some cases.

[Bk MCS]

The BS wasnt bad, I'm just saying that he lied to me or didnt know the car, but whatever, I don't care, just an example.

Oh well guess I'll have to tell my dad about the mandatory dealer accessory charge and convince him on the aero kit or something else. Hopefully he doesn't become detered in getting one, fortunately he wants one just as bad and he turned me on to it in the first place.

[MiniBean]

...see this thread for further info:

Leaks