[keysman]

What are the good dealerships in Nor Cal?

I have a delima and I am hoping some of the owners out there can help me out. I live in Nothern California, in the Sacramento area and I'm am seriously thinking about buying a MCS based on my test drive this past weekend. The problem is, my only local dealer is Neillo MINI. The same dealership that was given the "Bad Dealer" award by this site. The dealership that had the most negative feedback worldwide. So back to my delmia, I want a MINI but I don't think I want to buy it from Neillo. My only option is to drive to the Bay Area to get one. I'm thinking about East Bay MINI in Plesanton and Concord MINI. Does anyone have any feedback about these dealerships?

I will actually go to any dealership in the Bay Area. I just don't want to get ripped off. I know a lot about the car business since my father sold cars for over 15 years, but I still don't want to buy from a dealership that already has a bad rep.

I am also concerned about the quality of service. I have read a lot of reports that the service centers are really just BMW techs and many of them don't know a thing about the MINI or there is a very few techs that can work on MINIs and simple services take way to long to complete. Anyone have any information about this, what have your experiences been like?

Finally, I am a little concerned about the reliability of the MINI. I have read some reports of things breaking. We are a two Honda household and while my 94 Civic has been a lot of fun, it's got nothing on the new MINI. I'm a huge gadget freak and the MINI has all the toys. The good thing about the Honda is reliablity. I have not had any big problems with either of my Hondas. I just don't want to buy a headache.

Thanks in advance for any input you can provide.

[Sejanus]

East Bay MINI probably has the best reputation of any of the NorCal dealers. I'm up in Sac as well and that's where I ended up going and I was very happy with them. I heartily endorse them as will I think many other local area members of MINI2. Check out the thread on their dealership in the feedback forum. They sell strictly at MSRP, but on the downside there may be a lengthy waiting period, especially for an MCS. I've heard good things about both Concord and Mountain View, although they both can charge over MSRP. SF MINI has been accused by some of lacking in customer service and having an attitude problem (as well as charging over MSRP).

Its probably a bit early to tell about service issues. Various reports do seem to indicate some trial and error episodes on the part of mechanics, but I haven't heard of any real horror stories at any of the local dealerships (except for one owner who had a ski rack installation screwed up by Concord).

As to MINI reliability, well there's tons of stuff on that in any number of threads here on MINI2. For my part I'll say I've had no need to take my car in since I got it 8,000 miles ago and that most of the serious and/or annoying service issues that people experienced seemed primarily to have plagued the earlier production cars and been cleared up.

Personally I'm extremely happy with my MINI and quite satisfied with the purchasing process at East Bay MINI.

[dldds]

I would have to agree. East Bay Mini is where I picked up my MCS and they are great! Not only do you get great and friendly service from the sales as well as the technicians, but you don't get price gouged. They only sell by the MSRP. I hear bad things about Concord BMW so I'm not sure about their MINI dealership, since they are sort of related. Good Luck!

[MINIAC]

Quote:

Originally posted by keysman

What are the good dealerships in Nor Cal?

I'm thinking about East Bay MINI in Plesanton and Concord MINI. Does anyone have any feedback about these dealerships?

East Bay MINI is great ... if you don't believe me and the previous two posters, click the button at the top of the page and do a Search titles only for east bay


BTW welcome to MINI2

[minirossa]

East Bay MINI is very good.

I bought my Cooper there & have recommended them to many people. At least 3 of the folks I sent to them have bought MINIs and are also pleased with the dealership.

They stick to a waiting list policy so sign up ASAP.

[spoon]

over 5000 miles and no problems with my mini. good luck on your decision, hope you join the growing number of mini owners in the sacramento area (i'm starting to see one a week the last few months).

[mixdman]

Do not even consider getting your MINI from Niello in Sacramento one second longer. Go to East Bay MINI and experience REAL customer service AND get the car YOU WANT and at the price it should be sold at without all the overpriced dealer add-ons. Sure, Niello has a flashy web site wtih all the inventory and you can get a car right away. But pay over $25,000 for it? Not me!

[retroom]

East Bay MINI for sure, that's where I bought mine.

retroom

[mudshark]

I just noticed that Mini of Pittsburgh Pa (on the dealer locater of official Mini site) is listing their inventory at dealer list AND dealer invoice. I would try calling them to negotiate a price and then have the car shipped for between $800-$1300.

[SeeYa]

I bought my MCS from Neilo and had an all around good experience, not sure of the sales person’s name (Lady).
At the time I bought I even was able to may an offer and it was excepted. I use EastBay for service and warranty work. I first looked at buying at East Bay, they have a very limited selection and all most felt forced to buy what was on the lot. Neilo had a larger selection and where very easy to work with.

Good luck

[SeeYa]

Sorry about the spelling...Niello

[Sejanus]

Quote:

Originally posted by SeeYa
I bought my MCS from Neilo and had an all around good experience, not sure of the sales person’s name (Lady).
At the time I bought I even was able to may an offer and it was excepted. I use EastBay for service and warranty work. I first looked at buying at East Bay, they have a very limited selection and all most felt forced to buy what was on the lot. Neilo had a larger selection and where very easy to work with.

If you don't mind me asking was your offer below or above MSRP?

[SeeYa]

Just over

[philipv]

I agree. I heard horrible things about Niello, so I never considered them. I went to MINI of San Francisco. I was VERY well taken care of. Prompt response to all my email and phone questions. Great sales person (Carol Koback),and great intro to car when I picked it up (Ted). Very nice people. I recommend it highly.

I've had my Cooper S now for two months. I tell everybody "it exceeds my wildest dreams and expectations." I love this car.

Philip

[keysman]

Does anyone know if the Mini delarships offer loaners when you car is in for service? Do you know if Niello offers this? Even if I don't buy my Mini from Niello I think I'm going to have to have it serviced there. It's that or drive 200 miles round trip everytime I need work done.

[Sejanus]

Quote:

Originally posted by keysman
Does anyone know if the Mini delarships offer loaners when you car is in for service? Do you know if Niello offers this? Even if I don't buy my Mini from Niello I think I'm going to have to have it serviced there. It's that or drive 200 miles round trip everytime I need work done.

Yeah, that's a dilemma I'm facing as well, especially as I'm only 1000 miles away from my first service check. I don't know of any MINI dealership in Northern California that offers loaners.

[dldds]

I know that East Bay MINI does not offer one. Oh well, too bad.

[fishie <///><]

hmm... no one has mentioned MINI of Mountain View yet. I bought my MINI there, and i was very well taken care of. though they still have the $1000 dealer markup, AND they didn't throw in the floor mats for me. the up side is the wait is relatively shorter, and the motoring advisors there are very helpful and knowledgeable.

[minimao]

What about the dealerships of Mountain View? Do they offer loaners when a MINI is in service? BTW, I will meet my MC at the East Bay MINI this month. So excited!

[fishie <///><]

hmm... that i'd have to find out from the dealer. i just picked up my MINI on saturday so there'll be some ways to go before i have to take her in for service... at least i hope.