I just picked up my MINI last night from Checkered Flag, and I couldn't be happier. My MA, Ernest Criss, has done a terrific job. I was at sea for 3 weeks when the car came in, so they stored it until I returned (also saving it from Hurricane Isabel). While I was out, Ernest sent me digital pictures of the car, just to keep me totally excited. He knew it was my 40th BD so even though it was his day off, he came in so I could pick it up. He spent about 1-1/2 hours going through everything with us. He went into details about the service procedures, and I was tickled to find that they give you a loaner car every time, free! He topped it off by giving my 9 year old son (who's wanted one as badly as me!) a MINI hat.
So, if you're in the VA/NC area and need a MINI, I'd recommend calling Ernest at Checkered Flag - and I'll add that I never do these kind of testimonials!
Jim
- QUICKER - 2003 MC, CVT, CR/W, white bonnet stripes w/ black pinstripes and John Cooper sig, premium/cold weather package, sport seats, gauges, aux audio input
Nope - looks like it will be 1 November. I just went up to Checkered Flag BMW to get floor mats. First time I'd been there, boy, is it cramped!!! I can see why they want to move, and it will certainly improve things with MINI service.
Jim
- QUICKER - 2003 MC, CVT, CR/W, white bonnet stripes w/ black pinstripes and John Cooper sig, premium/cold weather package, sport seats, gauges, aux audio input
Obe,
I saw a BRG/W on S. Lynnhaven Road today and the plate looked very much like "OBH4VE"
-but it went by quick. Did you change MINIs? or did I see your parallel universe twin ?
P.S. I also was behind a Gold/Black Cooper on the way home- it had the black bumper inserts and that really set it off nicely- it looked really good. It had a new 8 inspection sticker, Check'd Flag dealer badge and looked brand new. Who just got Gold ?!??
I think I'm going to purchase a car at Checkered Flag as well. I'm in Raleigh, NC with no dealer and of the 3 dealers I have emailed and talked to , Graham at CF was the only person that actually seemed to want my business while at the same time not being too pushy.
Even though Ernest was my MA, Graham was always very helpful when I came in and Ernest wasn't around. I'm really happy with my buying experience, but euphoric over driving my MINI!!
Jim
- QUICKER - 2003 MC, CVT, CR/W, white bonnet stripes w/ black pinstripes and John Cooper sig, premium/cold weather package, sport seats, gauges, aux audio input
I was told it would be about 8-10 weeks from when I ordered it, and overall it ended up being 8 weeks. My production date was 22 August and it got to Checkered Flag around 15 Sep (the weekend before Isabel). I tracked mine a lot via the owner's lounge and the WW site.
Jim
- QUICKER - 2003 MC, CVT, CR/W, white bonnet stripes w/ black pinstripes and John Cooper sig, premium/cold weather package, sport seats, gauges, aux audio input
Yup, concur with that. For major purchases, I think my expectations have been too high. I figure that if I'm spending all that money (above like $1000), I should be completely overjoyed, and that never happens - until now. I ordered mine about 4 months ago, and have had not one single second of discontent. I know it hasn't gone that way for everyone, but it's been fabulous beyond words for me!
Jim
- QUICKER - 2003 MC, CVT, CR/W, white bonnet stripes w/ black pinstripes and John Cooper sig, premium/cold weather package, sport seats, gauges, aux audio input
I tried out the new service area today. It's really nice and clean, though there are a few things that still need to be finished. Biggest thing is there's lots of space, unlike the old place. Over there I was worried about getting squeezed, even in a tiny MINI! No worries like that in the new place. Tim hooked me up, even though I changed my mind at the last minute and told him I would wait for it vice get a loaner. BTW, I think they now have 2 MINI loaners - a blue and a gold CVT MC!!
I just had my aux audio input installed, so nothing extravagant. I was impressed that they covered the seat and the steering wheel and also used a paper on the floor. I was also grateful that they washed it when it was done - it was kinda dirty after the Rally this weekend Maybe they always wash them at BMW dealerships - it was my first time. At any rate, my first experience was a good one - hope it continues!
Jim
- QUICKER - 2003 MC, CVT, CR/W, white bonnet stripes w/ black pinstripes and John Cooper sig, premium/cold weather package, sport seats, gauges, aux audio input
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Checkered Flag MINI Virginia Beach 
so even though it was his day off, he came in so I could pick it up. He spent about 1-1/2 hours going through everything with us. He went into details about the service procedures, and I was tickled to find that they give you a loaner car every time, free! He topped it off by giving my 9 year old son (who's wanted one as badly as me!) a MINI hat.
- QUICKER - 2003 MC, CVT, CR/W, white bonnet stripes w/ black pinstripes and John Cooper sig, premium/cold weather package, sport seats, gauges, aux audio input 
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No worries like that in the new place. Tim hooked me up, even though I changed my mind at the last minute and told him I would wait for it vice get a loaner. BTW, I think they now have 2 MINI loaners - a blue and a gold CVT MC!! 
