[ianwat]

Well.......finally got a call from the dealer on Monday, said that the cherished transfer was all through, so we called in to sign the forms, and arranged to pick the car up on Thursday. My wife got a phone call today - they'd picked the paperwork up from DVLA, only to find that DVLA had rejected the application, because:

1) The dealer hadn't put my wife's full name on the application form ,as it appears on the V5
2) The insurance certificate was out of date - which it wouldn't have been had they put the application in when they said they did..

Needless to say, not happy! I've now been to the DVLA local office and put in an application to put the plate on retention - but this will take about 7 days, so doesn't look like we'll be picking the car up Thursday . Would it have been to much to ask that a main dealer actually had some knowledge of the transfer process and therefore didn't make schoolboy mistakes like not filling in the form correctly????

My wife's phoned them and given an ultimatum - either get the car we're buying taxed for pickup on Thursday on the old registration, and take the p/x in without the documents, or give us our deposit back and cancel the order. Should be interesting............

Don't think I've mentioned the dealer's name yet - Scotthall.

[hyperbluejames]

Not impressed. They were very friendly when we bought the car. The offered to fill up the tank, so they gave us£40 off...and only half filled the tank!

Then when my handbrake failed, they didn't want to know, and they were very rude, not answering emails or calls. They told us they would give us a "favourable" quote for the small scratches on my bumper...and charged us £950!!! They must have been taking the proverbial.

Had test drives at Scothall Borehamwood, and Clare was extremely nice, helpful and genuine.

James

[Pentagon]

I give Mini Park Lane the thumbs up, both Carly and Lale are great, the car arrived before they said it would and even offered to order me a different one as I didnt like the Astro Black I'd ordered as it was rather blue..silly me...Carly has kept me in touch with me every week about the i pod software delays and they had a good launch party for the new car. Good food, lots of good looking people, Scalextric, Arcade Game Racing....

When I changed the exhaust they begged me to bring it round so they could have a go. Not sure I enjoyed watching my MCS screaming down park lane with the tyres smoking though.

Cool girls. Highly recommended.

[smartbomb]

Thumbs up to Elms Cambridge, great service and excellent and friendly staff.
Luckily they have bought out Sewells of Bishop's Stortford who have now become Elms of Stansted. As Sewells they were by a country mile the worst bunch of people I have ever had the misfortue to deal with. I hope they improve under the new ownership. Not taking any chances as will continue to go to Cambridge.

[Coilte]

Picked up my MINI last July from HR R Owen Holland Park Mini in London. Just went to check the tool kit in my car as i am having the tyres replaced tomorrow.

Guess what, the tool kit has no locking wheel nut adapter in it, WHY ME! nothing is ever straight forward!!!!!

[cpark]

Got my MCS from Niello Mini in Sacramento, and have come to regret it. I love the car and would not trade it for anything but I get chills anytime I set foot in the Dealership. In hindsight I wish I had dealt with South Bay Mini in Torrance or East Bay Mini in Pleasanton. I was able to whittle the Niello $2500 markup down to $750 but I still feel sick about it knowing that I could have had no markup at the other two dealerships noted.

The pain continues as I take the car in for service and am forced to deal with their condescending service manager. He talks to me like a child (which at 26 with an advanced degree and the cash to buy a MCS outright I figure is uncalled for), and put me down when I chose to schedule an early first oil change. I realize that many on this Blog find the early oil change to be a waste but it remains a superstitious habit from the engine building work I did on my first car. This behavior was not at least in my opinion uniquely dealt to me as the man sarcastically responded to questions from a number of customers while I waited for my service to be completed. I suppose I could drive to East Bay Mini for service but it just peeves me that I spent all this money with Niello and the customer service lacks.

I realize that many dealerships are full of shady characters, the used car salesman persona must not of materialized out of thin air I guess, but with $28k invested I figure that I should expect at least a hint of respect.

[Andyblizz]

Was very impressed with Rydale Central.

Have just purchased 05 MCS. From them and they were very helpful. It being connected to many other dealerships help as they had a massive selection of cars to choose from.


I wanted to use my Local Dealer Robert Stern, they were very helpful and tried to meet my needs but sadly they did not have the used stock to accommodate what i wanted.


It was Kerrie at Rydale Central who found the prefect car for me, far enough it was at there Sheffield dealership. But she arranged for the car to be brought down for me to look at.

The car had R99 Polished alloys but they had started to corrode, however within the week from me looking at it, to picking it up Kerrie had arranged for me to have brand new R99 polish to be replaced. And the new wheels look great.



So i would have to give rydale central 5 out of 5.


Regards

Andy

[118]

Quote: Originally Posted by TimCrighton (original)

CHANDLERS RUSTINGTON (WORTHING) - 9.5/10

Bought my car from them and had excellent service and customer care and would recommend them without doubt.

couldn't agree more - bought my car from them, and their service was absolutely faultless. the service dept were excellent when the car had to go in for any warrantly work and servicing

I'm now dealing with their Brighton branch, and again, so far they have been great - just waiting for the new S to arrive now

[BlinkyPinky]

Im new but i just had to put up a slight warning for anyone looking at buying a mini or dealing with Lind Chelmsford at all in fact.

In march i bought my mini from Vanessa Leland @ Lind Chelmsford and she was fantastic, the service i received was amazing- she sent me pictures of my car from her mobile before i picked it up and called me almost daily with updated info on my car- she was so good i sent her flowers after picking up my car!

so upon hearing of the new mini i didnt hesitate in going to Lind to get some figures, however i found that the whole sales team i had delt with was gone and i had a rather rude bloke who was very patronising, i may look 16 (am actually 22) but he repeatedly told me ' talk to your dad and do what daughters do best and wrap him round your little finger' and 'im sure we could organise a spin round the block for your dad'

Any one with good dealers in Essex i could go to?

A x

[devaisl]

Just noticed this thread - great idea!

On my second MINI from McKeons and very happy all in all. Any niggles I've had have been fixed each time with no quiffles - they dont treat you as if you're a moaner who does'nt know anything (like lots of other garages). Lots of follow up calls to make sure car is going ok after purchase. Salespeople all very enthusiastic. And they gave the best price both times (rang around all the dealers).

Martin O'Reilly, Sligo - found them to be very patronising. Gave the worst price of the lot. Service department is really dreadful - my dad bought a BMW from them and will never deal with them again, the worst ever!!!

[raiderz]

Quote: Originally Posted by C11 XFF (original)

I would recommend Elvet MINI to anybody who lives in the North East, they are by far the best MINI dealership.

Hmmm I went there last Saturday for a look at the new Cooper Diesel, no car to take a test drive had 2 salespeople trying to tell me why they used a different Glass's guide to everyone else, (coincidentally £500 less in price) also said that i'd looked up the wrong spec One D, then they upped the offer for mine by £250 when I held out for more. Wrote up the spec with GAP insurance, expensive alloys and finance on it that I didn't want, when I specifically said i'd be paying cash. Then because I still wouldn't bite, their top main man was called and he said he'd "possibly" offer me another £250 if I signed on the dotted line there and then, but would be subject to me being without a car for upto 4 weeks.

Went to Preston Hall, had a test drive, nothing on the spec I didn't want like Elvet, got £500 more for my car straightaway, was £1000 cheaper overall and I can keep my old car till its ready in 3 weeks, no hassle no pushing for sales. I'm not saying Preston Hall are the best MINI dealership but they definately better than Elvet for sales.

[yellow-160]

Llyods Of carlisle are a bunch of.... I purchased a Mini one 2002 plate and had it back 11 times in 9months! It was taken back for various differnt faults and everytime it came back nothing was sorted.. or if it was there would be another fault... It needed new brakes & clutch within 4mths of buying it! refused courtesy car as we are not 25!!!!!! Came back covered in oil inside twice and very rarly cleaned!

after clutch was fitted they damaged the earth on the car so kept cutting out... would never buy another car off them as ther attitude and warrenty is utter rubbish! only happy to sell you things... even when it came back from having work done they just drop the car off and never even mentioned what had been done... finally when the breaks were done they lost my locking wheel nut and refused to replace it!!

The llyods group in carlisle are rubbish through and through AVOID! crossflags in dumfries are much more friendly!

[CC07ERS]

DOUGLAS PARK GLASGOW

Well there so condrasending & look down there nose at you .They need to remember customer is king , or we will go else where. 4/10

[NeuroBeaker]

Quote: Originally Posted by CC07ERS (original)

DOUGLAS PARK GLASGOW

Well there so condrasending & look down there nose at you .They need to remember customer is king , or we will go else where. 4/10

I've also had some experience with Douglas Park in Glasgow. They used to be called Henry Brothers Glasgow and I found back then that they were somewhat condescending to Mini customers - it was certainly a dealership that very much thought of itself as a BMW dealership only and not a BMW/Mini dealership. I kept turning up with problems that required attention under my warranty and I was continually made to felt as though I was being a burdon and that they were doing me a favour.

Back when it was called Henry Brothers I had severe problems with the gearbox (which actually STARTED the day after I'd had the car put through the 25,000-mile service with them shortly after I moved to Glasgow) and the A, B, and C pillars were all rattling. Although the gearbox was suddenly crunchy in gears 1, 2, 3, and reverse, as well as jumping out of gears 1 and 2, and the gear selector suddenly felt 'loose' (no other way to describe it)... I managed to intercept the mechanic who had driven my car to try to diagnose it before he handed my keys back. He told me that it didn't feel "quite right" but that he couldn't figure out what was wrong. Then the service desk advisors (when handing my keys back) told me that they "couldn't fault the car" and proceeded to tell me that I needed to learn how to drive a manual car and to appreciate what I currently had. I pointed out that had driven my parent's Z4M and then their next car, an M3 convertible, cars that have a distinctly fiercer gear change than a Mini One. If I could drive those without problem, then I was reasonably confident I could handle a One. In retrospect, I should have gotten them to fetch the mechanic and tried to sort out the confusion on the spot. And the pillars DID rattle, even if they chose not to hear it.

I asked to elevate the claim to their regional service manager, who I was told was out of town and visited only rarely. Eventually, they called me about a month later to leave a message on my mobile at 3:30pm on a work day (mid-week) to say that their regional manager had popped down to see me and that if I could get the car in before 4:30pm he would examine my car with me - obviously (as I think they planned it) I missed him... nobody can suddenly leave work in the middle of the day with less than an hour's notice! Eventually I was able to speak to their regional manager and he authorised a new clutch (which was fitted) and a re-fit of all the interior pillar trim (which was not done).

Also at the time of my 25,000 mile service, I was told that my discs were completely shot. I had questioned what sounded like brake squeel at creeping speeds of about 5-10mph. The mechanic told me that it sounded like the calipers weren't releasing so I had expected a warranty fix. They ended up charging me for 4 new discs and new pads all round! The interesting thing is that I actually have a look at the pads through my alloys and the pads still had some thickness left in them. I can't understand how it is that I went through one set of discs with one set of pads (the mechanics actually told me it wasn't metal-on-metal but that everything needed replacing). In the end they charged me just under £400 to carry out the work to replace the brakes. I really wish I had actually asked to keep the old discs and pads after they were done so I could have had it independently confirmed that they were worn - but I got a bit flustered at the time and just dutifully paid them. In retrospect, I feel ripped-off. Nobody wears though one set of discs with one set of pads, right? Surely you'd go through more pads than discs - providing you didn't wear down to metal-on-metal!!

Anyway, some months down the line... some plonker runs into the back of me and totals his Peugeot on the backside of my Mini. The insurance company sends it to the Henry Brothers Body Shop, which repaired it for me in 3 weeks. They charge my insurance company a little over £2,000 for the fixes, and when I inspect the repairs, there's a heat shield that sits over the catalytic converter at the rear of the exhaust system... it looks completely crushed and like someone's tried to bend it out and force it back into place. I rejected the repair and told them to fit a new one of those because the old was split, crumpled, and completely unfit for any further use. I checked the job card and they had already billed my insurance company to fit a new one. On the second attempt I was satisfied with the repairs... but it should have been right the first time. They blamed a miscommunication/misunderstanding.

Going back to the gearbox and the interior trim... After several attempts to get the interior trim put right, and continued gearbox problems (that they again said they could not fault), and trying to book it in for warranty work (they kept insisting they were busy and wanted to set a date for after my warranty expired - and furthermore that they needed to complete the fixes within warranty or it was a private job). I was referred to the Body Shop, who referred me to the Service Department, and neither could take responsibility for actually doing the fixes that had already been authorised by the regional service manager. I was assured that the cause behind all the delays was their recent take-over by Douglas Park and that they were having severe staffing difficulties, but were doing their best.

I eventually sent them a strongly worded letter detailing the faults and my attempts to report them. I sent this recorded delivery with my assurances that I would be tenacious in these claims and that their staffing difficulties would not deprive me of the fixes to which I was entitled under the terms and conditions of my warranty. This prompted an immediate response on their part, and my car was seen within the warranty period. Faults corrected were extensive and the most significant of these was the complete replacement of the gearbox. They also washed my car, although they put it though an automated carwash (something I would NEVER do because of the risks of damage) and not only did it do a crap job of getting it clean it also left a very fine scratch on the centreline of the car from the nose, all the way up the bonnet, over the roof, down the rear door, and over the bumper. Unfortunately, I didn't notice it until I washed the car myself (lovingly by hand) at home the next day - as I had driven away, I have no way of proving their carwash caused the damage. I was told that they put £70k M3's through there with no problems, so it would not have damaged my little Mini One.

There also seems to be no accountability for whatever staff tell customers (apart from the various departments not knowing who is responsible for what and which fixes can be accomplished at which site). If the service advisors get confused and tell the customer something on the telephone, by the time you drive there and say you were told something it is immediately denied as "nobody would ever tell a customer that", etc... there have been times when I've actually considered recording my telephone calls with them so I could PROVE I'm not making things up (like the times I've been told there would be a complementary courtesy car - when I wound up being forced to pay for one).

Having said that, they have been changing out a lot of their staff since they were bought by Douglas Park and there was a lot of confusion in the changeover - the integration of the Henry Brothers dealership into the Douglas Park group was extremely poorly managed. Their computer systems didn't match up, nobody knew how to process anything, and very few of the staff actually knew what was going on or what their job descriptions were anymore.

Whenever I'm back there (through both the Henry Brothers era and the new Douglas Park era), I try to be pleasant and give them every opportunity to shine - I don't go in guns blazing each time (only after they've already failed do the guns come out). There are one or two nice members of staff there who are helpful, but by and large there's a lot of work that needs to be done to haul their customer service into shape. Individual staff are no longer condescending to me, as I've learned to react quite swiftly and abruptly when they start, but as an organisation there are FAR to many screw-ups, misunderstandings, miscommunications, mistakes, etc...

Now that my total warranty has expired, the only reason I really feel inclined to go back is for the parts warranty on my new gearbox (fitted by them). I don't know whether things will improve after they get past their teething troubles following their Douglas Park takeover, but I'm a bit reluctant to give them any more chances - everything seems quite a struggle and requires multiple trips out to the dealer to get it right. They only seem to employ staff during 9:00am-4:30pm Monday-Friday, so I've got to take time off work to get the car in (other times they book me in for a Saturday but then aren't able to actually do the jobs they book because they "don't do jobs like that on a Saturday with only a skeleton staff about", etc...). This eats a lot of work time and quite frankly, that puts a lot of pressure on me as it looks like I'm just taking days off through laziness.

To be blunt, there is little consideration for the working days of their Mini customers and to be honest, there is little respect for us as genuine customers. Remember that regional service manager I was talking about earlier? The one who was out of town and visits quite rarely? Turns out he's actually based in Glasgow and spends most of his time in the area. Lies really tick me off.

Douglas Park in Glasgow before I knew they lied: 4/10
Douglas Park in Glasgow after I knew they lied: 0/10

If you decide to use this dealer, you must be VERY assertive and already know exactly what the car needs before it goes in. You must stay on top of them and monitor what's going on. If you receive conflicting advice or reports, you must be prepared to challenge that on the spot - otherwise you'll end up in a big mess like I did.

So, for me, it looks as though I might set out on a bit of a road trip when it comes time to do my 50,000-mile service (the last free one under TLC) and find a highly-rated dealer somewhere. I simply can't cope with any more of the hassle I've already had. Any suggestions as to where to go anyone (preferably somewhere not too far away from Glasgow)?

I really do miss Preston Hall BMW/Mini in Stockton-on-Tees (Cleveland). Although a 5-6 hour drive from Glasgow is a bit far even for such a great dealer. If anyone's within a reasonable commute, I do suggest you check them out. I bought my car from them and would still be servicing it with them today if I had not moved away. They gave a truly excellent service, and if anything, I'd say we got equal if not PREFERENTIAL treatment over the BMW customers! Just as I was leaving the area they built a brand new showroom for their Mini department (which actually almost operates as it's own stand-alone dealership from the BMW department). They even have a plaque on their wall from BMW Headquarters commending them for being the top-rated Mini dealer in the country for both sales and servicing - it's an honour they genuinely deserve.

The only thing they lost marks on was actually between the date I paid my deposit for my order and the deadline for me adding on any more options on the car before the build was finalized and unable to be modified. I placed a call to add heated mirrors, but it wasn't returned and the next day I drove down in person to make sure they put it on the car (as that was the last day it could be modified). They actually apologised for that with a bouquet of flowers on delivery day and assured me I was a valued customer.

Preston Hall in Stockton-on-Tees: 9.5/10

[CC07ERS]

Thats Douglsa Park for ya ill never be back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[3rdpillar]

ARC thats one well put together document of damnation. noted for "look down at MINI" attitude.

Prestons of Colne Lancashire, didn't even get as far as look down at me. I was completely ignored TWICE!

Too many fur coats around BMW's at the time, but no excuse. few weeks later I placed by order at Woodmans in Blackpool , so far they live up to their billing.

[NeuroBeaker]

Thanks 3rdpillar.

I should probably mention that I have absolutely no problem at all with BMW customers. In fact, my parents have owned quite a few over the years: 520iSE (UK), Z4M (USA), M3 convertible (UK), 330iSE convertible (Current, USA). And when growing up, I had always aspired to someday own a BMW of my own - incidently, this was what first got me through the doors of a Mini dealership (although I purchased my Mini for much better reasons).

I just believe that dealerships should not try to make Mini customers feel inferior simply because we didn't drop £40k into their accounts in exchange for a BMW. This won't encourage an influx of Mini drivers into the seats of BMWs (as I think they are hoping), it will instead encourage us to find dealerships who treat us as equal customers.

Anyway, I dare say I've rambled on for long enough.

All the best,
Andrew.

[J1JPE]

Sales:
LISTER PARK BRADFORD 10/10 - GO TO SEE DEBBIE

Williams Manchester / Liverpool & Haliwell J Warrington seem pretty average

Williams Bolton are ok

David Holmes Stockport have a new guy called Craig who's helpful

Knights Newc Staffs give LOW PXs & overprice their cherished cars

SERVICE:
Wills Manchester are average to poor - Nicola & John & Service Manager Mike try but over charge (coffee machine doesnt even work)

[NeuroBeaker]

Quote: Originally Posted by J1JPE (original)

SERVICE:
Wills Manchester are average to poor - Nicola & John & Service Manager Mike try but over charge (coffee machine doesnt even work)

LOL! I just love that last bit about the coffee machine - a great criticism in my book! Coffee is very important.

[J1JPE]

Sales Service from Darren @ SANDAL in Wakefield has been excellent, very professional, helpful, patient

- loss of the 1/2 point is because the valeters are a bit 'average' ;}

You also get 10% off parts if you quote 'The Full Ponte' MINI Club !!