[hotcoffee]

Anyone have stories to tell about any of the 3 Ohio dealerships? Gripes or accolades! I'm approximately number 70 on both the Classic MINI of Mentor list as well as the Midwestern MINI of Columbus list. Neither of them would commit to a statement on their MSRP policy, but Classic MINI indicated that they have to make a profit somewhere, given the modest price of the cars, low volume potential, and the showroom requirements placed on the dealerships by BMW. I got the impression that we're going to be forced to accept premium charges for dealer add-ons such as paint and fabric protection, etc. even if we choose to order our cars.

I had the chance to sit in a pre-production Cooper at an outdoor auto show in Columbus last July. I really need to take one for a spin before I know that I need the S!

I've offered to put down a deposit at these two dealerships and both said that they were not accepting deposits until they are able to order cars.

[minimott]

hotcoffee,
MAG in Columbus has an pretty good reputation and the salepeople are true car enthusiasts for the most part. They told me back in July of 2000 that they have a policy of not charging over MSRP. I believe this to be true because the same thing happened when my boyfriend got his TT. I wish I could put down a deposit also, but they say they can't take one until they have VIN numbers or production numbers for the cars.

I wish I had been smart like you and signed up on more than one dealership's list. Sigh.

minimott

[Alan Tois]

I stopped at Classic the other day, and talked to the new contact person, Jim Brown, Jr. The last one I talked to told me if I wanted to be on the list, they would call in January for deposits. When Jim asked me if I was on the list, I told him no because of the deposit deal. He informed me that there are NO deposits being taken, and he put me on the list. Guess I'm at the end.

They must make money on the sunroof option- he really wants me to get one. He did mention that they "need to pay for the new building somehow".

He also stated that they are looking at 22nd of April for opening.

late- al

[essjss]

Well, I have to say that my Ohio experience has been widely varied. First off, Midwest Auto Group (Audi, BMW, VW, Land Rover...) has quite a reputation around my office as being a bit "Snooty" (thats the nicest way to say it). I personally spoke with their MINI rep and was left with a very bad taste in my mouth. Mainly because I was told that the MSRP may or may not be the price you pay, but mostly because I was told that "Our Porsche and Ferrari customers will have priority over other customers on the list." I guess this statement just seemed to fly in the face of all that MINI seems to be trying to build.

Anyway, I have had good luck with the Cincinatti dealer. I recieved an invite to their "Meet the MINI" event and have recieved a couple of updates from them.

That said, I hope that we(myself included) can find a MINI for a reasonable price somehwhere nearby. Good luck.

[essjss]

Well, I guess I have to put a little better review in for MAG. I stopped in last night and they have 3 cars in the showroom, all under covers. I was a bit bummed they weren't uncovered but that comes friday right? Chad was the guy heading things up and he seemed like a nice guy that would be good to work with. They still had a bit to do on the showroom so he seemed a bit stressed but that is to be expected when launching a new line of cars. I didni't get into pricing because I am a ways down the list there and figured it would not be worth it to go down that road.

So anyway... First experience with Midwest MINI was a good one. Lets hope they all are.

[hotcoffee]

I have seen so many discussions about MSRP and unwanted options and have to say that I believe MINIUSA is making a big mistake if they sit idly by and allow the dealers to rip us off with unwanted fabric protection, paint sealant, rust proofing, etc. They don’t even know how well the new MINI will be received in the US beyond the minority that knows the history and has a strong interest to own one. If the dealerships develop a reputation for ripping off the first wave of MINI buyers, it is a safe bet that the second wave of buyers will be much harder to come buy, and will be less willing to do whatever it takes to drive a MINI home. They don’t have the “fan base” here like VW did with the new Beetle.

As I intend to order my MINI with the features I want and am prepared to wait several months for delivery, I am especially irritated at the prospect of the dealership charging me for unwanted junk. It’s different if you are willing to take one off of the lot. But when taking delivery of a car for which the dealership has done no work to sell, taken no risk to acquire, nor absorbed any costs on the lot, the price should not include unwanted options nor price gouging above MSRP. The MSRP of the baseline Cooper and Cooper S are approximately $1800 over invoice. That plus the difference for options is plenty of revenue for the dealers effort and overhead.

The behavior of the dealerships is as much in the hands of the initial buyers as it is in the dealerships themselves. If we let them get away with it, you can bet they will try. I’m taking and pushing the advice that I have heard elsewhere in this forum. Go to the grand openings and talk to the others on the lists and persuade them to also stand fast against such tactics. Remember, we’re the only customers they have right now, and if we stick together they have no choice but to back off on attempts to charge over MSRP and add unwanted dealer extras.

Don’t be afraid to speak your mind and encourage others on the dealers lists to stick to their guns as well. Let's make Ohio one state where the dealerships do not push the customers around.

[MiniCooperS2002]

We are number 69 on the list at Classic MINI in Mentor, and we are a whole two blocks away from it. We haven't gotten any calls, but we drive by every day and something has always been added to it. They kept saying that they would sell at MSRP, but I'll believe it when I see it.

[hotcoffee]

I spoke to Classic MINI on April 22 and they informed me that earlier in the day they received their official "license to sell". When I asked when they would be open for business they indicated tomorrow, April 23.

I have FAXed in my preferences and even though I am rather high on the list (approx. 75) they indicated that they would not be placing my order for a couple of weeks, and that in the meantime if a pre-speced Cooper arrived which matched my list and no one higher on the list wanted, I would have a shot at it.

Classic indicated that they would be "fair" when I inquired about MSRP and unwanted dealer add-ons. They indicated that I could get only what I wanted, but we'll have to wait and see if there is some sort of Dealer Prep charge.

My preferences are BRG Cooper with white roof, mirrors and wheels. Premium, Sport and Cold Weather packages. Black Panther Leatherette interior. Plus the chrome bumper inserts.

What do you think?

[OhioCowboy]

Stopped at Classic MINI Saturday, 4/27, all cars in showroom had paint sealant @ $500, 17" +Run flats @ $2,800. Typical window sticker was $22-23,000 for the Cooper.
I also put my name on the list with J. Brown Jr. last month. Saleswoman wouldn't check to see if I was on the list because they quit taking names. She it was too big to call everyone on the list. She told me to keep stopping in to check on inventory. I drove 1 hour drive each way to visit them, so I doubt I'll tkae her up on her offer. I don't mind driving a little further or waiting a little longer to deal with a dealer with integrity. I definately got the feeling they were not going by the list.

[Alan Tois]

If you can wait around, talk to Jim Brown Jr. He is usually running around doing something, but if you can talk to him you will get better answers. She gave me the same answer about list numbers. Deal with Jim and you should be OK.

I also drive 1 hour each way, although I do work about 10 minutes from Classic.

I was there Saturday afternoon hanging around. Didn't get to meet you, did I?

late- al

[OhioCowboy]

We were there at 4:00-5:00 pm.
Test drove the manual Cooper.
I have no complaints with the MINI. I offered to place my order for an S, but was told they couldn't take orders for the S yet. Where do you live? We are close to Wooster/Sterling...
Still holding out for an S-I've been thinking about it since the 60's so I'll wait .....
Paul

[TeamF1Jr]

My experience with Classic Mini in Mentor OH has been mixed. I put myself on the list over a year ago and stand currently #4 on the list for the S. The whole ordering process seems to change day to day. Its very, very frustrating. I live in Westlake, OH so its always a hassle to drive out there, but I have no choice because everytime I call the Jim and Julie of Classic they're either giving a test drive or out on the floor so I leave a voice mail that falls on deaf ears. I most recently (this past Sat. 4/27) got a call from the receptionist claiming I can spec a car, of course I get excited since I read on the Cooper S message board that people are doing this and already have a VIN number. I call Classic and they then tell me no!!! Then why did you call me then???????? I on the list at the Las Vegas dealership too. I guess whatever comes in first I'll take. I just don't want to drive the car back 2000 plus miles back to Ohio if Vegas comes through first. Feel free to email me if you are having the same experience.
Thanks,
Phil TeamF1Jr@aol.com

[hotcoffee]

I was really trying to work with Classic in Mentor, even though I was within the first 100 on both theirs and Midwestern's original lists. But, I came to the conclusion that Classic does not have their act together and intends to push unwanted stuff on every sale. First of all, if you ever try to call Jim Brown Jr. or Julie Saxa, 9 out of 10 times it cuts over to their voicemail which informs you that voicemail has not been set up for this subscriber. I can understand start-up pains but this has gone on for weeks. Then if you do happen to get to leave a message through their cell phone voicemail they will never return your call. At one point I had Jim Brown tell me he was going to place my Cooper order "right now" and call me right back. I waited about 90 minutes and then spent one week trying to get a hold of him again. When I finally gave up and asked to talk to Julie, she attempted to investigate whether an order had actually been placed and had trouble finding the FAX with my preferences because they had separated the cover sheet from the detail sheet and didn't know who the details belonged to. Finally when I asked again about MSRP, she indicated that my Cooper would have Simoniz paint sealant at $500. When I said I did not want it I was told that she was instructed by Jim Brown Jr. that every car that left their lot would have it. Curiously, Classic did not want a deposit for the order placement. I suspect that is because it would mean that they would be under an obligation to disclose their intentions and the final price, and they would rather spring the $500 paint sealant on you when you pick up your car.

So, even though Midwestern is 70 miles further away than Classic, I gave them a call and have been satisifed with their cooperation. When I informed them of my position on their list, they told me that I could go ahead and get them my prefernces and if they had nothing coming in that matched they would place my order. Well I'm happy to report that I sent them a $1000 deposit check and I now have a Production Number and a Build Date of June 21. Midwestern has told me that there will be no unwanted add-ons and no surprises. I really hope that is true.

I have since logged into the MINIUSA Owners Lounge and have seen my production number change from its original configuration to my preferences. What a great relief.

Here's what I am getting: British Racing Green Cooper with white roof, mirrors and wheels, Premium Package, Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, chrome bumpers, and black panther leatherette interior.

[minimott]

hot coffee,
Please post back with your stories of your dealings with MAG. I'm still waiting for my S and I'd be really interested in how they treat you.

minimott

[jcam711]

This past weekend I was driving down Central Ave in Toledo and noticed that the BMW dealer had two MINI's (blue, red) parked in the "used" section of their lot. I had to pull in and ask "what's up?"

They bought these cars at auction and are reselling. It turns out that they have already sold two, and the next time I drove by they had sold the third. It seemed they were getting quite a mark-up over the list price.

Alas, they will not be able to service my MINI.

[minimott]

I have also noticed people reselling Minis at a non-Mini dealership. There's a place in Columbus called the Toy Barn that specializes in fun automotive toys. But beware, they come at a premium price. They get the cars at the price any consumer would, then they mark them up. I'm glad I got on the list last summer so I don't have to resort to these tactics!

minimott