[benmcguire]

just wondering if anyone has had the same problem. I bought my mini in november and have been back to the dealer about 5 times with various problems, the mini garage where i got my car hasnt got a service dept. so i have to use the bmw one instead. They are so useless, i picked my car up today only to find it had about 3 deep scratches in the paintwork from where they had washed it and also the problem it went in for was still there!, This was the 3rd time back for the same problem , is there anyway i can give the car back (its on finance) and get a new one? the obviously cant fix it

[dietcokeplease]

First of all take your complaint up with the dealer principal - don't bother with the service manager. Then tell them that you will contact MINI UK and post on MINI2. You may have to try another dealer if the current dealer is as inept as you say.

Finally, try to get a refund in writing from the dealer. If they won't play ball, send a letter by recorded delivery to your finance company saying that you wish to reject the car under the Supply of Goods and Services Act. Don't forget to include reasonable compensation and expenses for your time and trouble.

[KenL]

What is the problem they can't fix Ben?

You can of course take your MINI to any dealer for warranty work.

[benmcguire]

it has a squeling noise coming from the engine, i posted a thread on it here i think. they just seem too stupid to fix it, the technician even said to me rather rudely "the only thing left to change is the engine" the fact they have scratched my car and the poor customer service really makes me angry. i booked the car in the other week after about 3 weeks of trying to get an answer about fixing it and when i turned up they knew nothing about it. i know is not a major mechanical problem but the fact ive paid out alot of money(money i didnt really have in the first place!) to get a nice car and its not 100% correct bugs me, i shouldnt have to just accept it(which is what the dealer is trying to make me do). if they cant sort it i want my money back or a new car.

[KenL]

Put this in writing to the dealer principle and copy it to MINI directly. Insist that they get a MINI technical specialist in to assist the numbnuts in the dealership on how to fix the fault.

If they give you grief tell them you will be officially rejecting the vehicle as it is faulty and they have had ample chances to fix it.

Oh, make sure you get the scratches repaired perfectly and I'd expect some compensation for your inconvenience. Why do BMW dealerships insist on washing cars anyway?

[benmcguire]

Thanks Ken,
i have called the dealership i got the car from and explained the situation highlighting the fact if its not sorted they will be getting the car back and they have rang the main bmw dealership, its booked in again for this thursday so fingers crossed. last chance for them to get it right..........ive no idea why if they insist on cleaning the cars after doing work on them they employ idiots to do it!!

[benmcguire]

thanks for all your help. Its seems to be fixed now, seems that saying you are going to take legal action gives them a kick up the . they polished my car too.

[KenL]

Good news Ben.

How did they fix it in the end, tighten the alternator belt or something?

[benmcguire]

they replaced the belt, alternator, and pulley. i think i complained so much they didnt want to chance it not working, im just a bit concerned that in 2 or 3 weeks it will come back (like it did the first time).

[benmcguire]

well what do you know the noise is back time to pay a visit to my dealer (again) something tells me i wont be coming back with my mini.