Praise for MINI of Peabody

[scooterboy]

They exceeded expectations again. I recently had repair work done by an autobody shop (recommended by MOP) which included replacing the windshield. I got the car back 4 days ago. Yesterday I started hearing a lot of wind noise and discovered that the upper windshield trim had come loose.

So on the way to work this morning I pop into MOP just to ask if it's a quick fix or not. I had no appointment. Gary says "we can fix you up in 15-20 minutes." I say "Great - here's the keys - it's the dirty Indi Blue outside the garage bays."

So 20 minutes later one of the service techs walks up to me, hands me my keys and an invoice, and says "you're all set - we replaced the trim under warrantee so there's no charge."

Remember, they didn't install the new windshield - someone else did. So I thank him and head out to my car, which is now washed and waiting for me outside the door!

So they fix someone else's work at no charge to me AND wash my car, and I didn't even have an appointment. Truly a class act.

[bedlngtn]

[b]MOP
So far Mini Of Peabody has been great. All of my e-mails have been answered very quickly and with good solid answers. I have been down twice for test drives and to have the car shown to me. I did not order a car on the spot. I am not an impulsive buyer/shopper. Joel, my sales rep even let me bring my jack russell terrier for a ride just to make sure he would like riding in the mini since he is my co-pilot!!!!!!!!!

I waited about a month to order my Mini. They didn't pressure me to order a car or buy a car that they had on the lot that I really didn't want (wrong color etc).

So far they have all been very, very nice and I look forward to getting my Mini. It will probably be here in 5 or 6 weeks. It is sitting on the docks trying to thumb a ride on some big boat. Hmmmm. I hope it is nice and warm over there. It could be a long wait!!!!!!!

[harveyjoseph]

I purchased my JCW MCS from Joel at MOP and I will say that it was the best car buying experience that I have ever had. Everything went so smooth and when I went to pick up my car I had floor mats in her!!! I would personally recomend MOP.

[Bad Ess]

MINI of Peabody

I left my MCS with them for a few days to get the window regulators replaced and the emissions software taken care of etc. They called me to give me a status report and seemed a bit nervous it wasn't done as fast as they had planned. I was not in hurry for the car. I told them to take their time. When I picked it up last night the car was ready to go, clean and vacuumed! The repair work was perfect. As I drove away I was reminded of the high quality of my car and how much MOP loves and supports the car and the customer.

Thanks MOP and MINI.

[Aqualung]

I'm here right now getting my wiper blades replaced under warranty and they're gonna wash the car! Sweet! After a week in Logan's Central Parking, it's dirty...and today it's 50°F and bright sun so it will be great to drive home! MoP is outstanding.

On a down note, I still see GBMINI #2 here...

[Luvmymini]

I took a spot delivery of my 06 Green MiniS from Joel last week. I love the car, it is my second one. Joel was great, very laid back, although I had to pay for my floor Mats! I took a beating on my trade: but I didn't really care. It was a Chevy HHR. My first American car in 25 years and it will be my last!

[Aqualung]

Quote: Originally Posted by Luvmymini

I took a spot delivery of my 06 Green MiniS from Joel last week. I love the car, it is my second one. Joel was great, very laid back, although I had to pay for my floor Mats! I took a beating on my trade: but I didn't really care. It was a Chevy HHR. My first American car in 25 years and it will be my last!

welcome to the clan! too late to get a spot to the top of the hill for www.minisontop.com but you should still check out other events coming up over the summer.

Yeah, I too had to pay for floormats, even after asking for 'em to be thrown in (hey, when ya pay list, gotta ask ) But they're definately a top notch dealership, especially noticeable (and appreciated) after you drive off the lot.

[Sheenabea]

MoP is great! I just ordered my Chili Red MCS through Joel there. I had gone in about a month and a half ago to test drive and then took my time to wait and decide to order one. My MINI is my graduation gift to myself! But, Joel was quite honest and diplomatic, even when I tried and failed to get some type of "bonus" thrown in. He wasn't pressuring at all, but very supportive. He even disconfirmed my dad's "accusation" when he asked if the MINI was seen as a chick car! :P

I look forward to having a long standing relationship with the MoP dealership!

[rbgoforit]

I posted this with the "Boston Herb Chambers MIni..." thread, then saw this thread and thought I would send much the of pervious remarks along for comments.

Background: I am looking to build/order my MCS from the factory fully loaded (cold weather, premium, sport and convenience packages, plus the JCW CAI), as well as adding several factory and dealer installed options/accessories (yes, I would love to do this myself but I am up to my eyeballs in my business). So, I would like a dealer/MA who won't gouge me, and will package and deliver what I want.

There are two mini dealerships in the general area where I live (Brighton, MA):
1) Herb Chambers Mini of Boston
2) Mini of Peabody

As far as convenience, Herb Chambers is the slam dunk (less than 5 minutes away); however, I have heard great things about Mini of Peabody.

Questions:
1) Any further experiences with either one?
2) Any suggestions on a good MA at these dealerships? Sounds like Joel of MoP and Richard of HCI are thumbs up.
3) Would either of these dealers negotiate on installation cost of options/accessories?
4) Are there any recommendations on someone other than these dealers that may be able to offer more affordable accessory installations? If so, would the Mini warranty be in jeopardy?
5) While I will be lining up financing sources, do either of these two dealerships offer competitive financing terms?

Thanks for your help!

Robert

[AntiqueCarNut]

Robert:

See my comments, below...

Quote: Originally Posted by rbgoforit

As far as convenience, Herb Chambers is the slam dunk (less than 5 minutes away); however, I have heard great things about Mini of Peabody.

Questions:
1) Any further experiences with either one?

I've had my MCS for a couple of months now. I bought it at MOP and I have no experience with HC. I live about 54 miles from MOP, but work not far from there. Overall, my experience has been very positive at MOP. The place is essentially staffed by gearheads that love MINI's. I'm confident that you'll find the service and attention that you'll get there to be very satisfactory. I first visited MOP over a year ago. Had a good experience and there's no pressure to buy. I bought an Acura TL at the time and wasn't excited about it, and sold it after about 10 months. Went back to MOP.

Quote: Originally Posted by rbgoforit

2) Any suggestions on a good MA at these dealerships? Sounds like Joel of MoP and Richard of HCI are thumbs up.

I worked with two MA's there - Hrach and Steve; both good guys. Steve is an old-time car guy and has been selling cars for close to forty years. Get him going about any vintage American iron - he's very knowledgable. Hrach is MINI-obsessed. He's been into MINI's for decades, has raced them and has a stable full of Austin Mini's. Either of these MA's will treat you right - as will any of the others.

Quote: Originally Posted by rbgoforit

3) Would either of these dealers negotiate on installation cost of options/accessories?

Maybe - but I wouldn't expect too much of a 'discount' - if anything at all. The labor rate at MOP is $100/hour.

Quote: Originally Posted by rbgoforit

4) Are there any recommendations on someone other than these dealers that may be able to offer more affordable accessory installations? If so, would the Mini warranty be in jeopardy?

From what I see, MOP is pretty good about modified cars and warranty claims. Call Pete (bwroofchex) at DT Automotive in Worcester. He and his wife both own MINI's. He's sharp, proficient and his rates are more than reasonable. He installed a Webb rear sway bar on my MCS for $50 - can't beat that.

Quote: Originally Posted by rbgoforit

5) While I will be lining up financing sources, do either of these two dealerships offer competitive financing terms?

I financed thru MOP. They use a number of lenders. If you have good credit, they'll most likely use a local credit union. The rate was very competitive. The downside - and honestly I haven't had this issue when financing cars in the past, is the CU tacked on a charge for something called VSI - vendor single interest. It insures the loan for the credit union in case you default. Manufacturer sponsored financing does not have this VSI nonsense. In my case, if I were to keep the loan to the full-term, it essentially doubles the interest rate, as the additional monthly VSI charge, around $40, over five years adds up to about the total of the interest over that time. I suggest that you shop around for loan rates. Try eloan.com - it may be a better deal - and be aware of this VSI, which is a scam, IMO.

Hope that helps.

[MoPRep]

RBGOFORIT~
I work at MoP, if there is any way that I can help you out please do not hesitate to ask. We certainly do not gouge anyone, although we are firm with our prices. Due to the popularity of our product, and our reputation as an autogroup - everyone get's the same fair and equal treatment. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance. Everyone mentioned above is more then capable to help you out as well.
~Vinny

[Aqualung]

A couple of weeks ago I had my car in to get my new non RFs mounted and mentioned a very loud ticking noise at idle. It was diagnosed as a faulty component of the clutch and Chris told me they'd need it for a day.

So I dropped it off earlier this week and got an awesome bright red Neon from Enterprise to drive in the interim. Well, it took a bit longer than expected, but Chris was very nice about it....when I went to pick up the car I saw the report and I was extremely (and pleasantly) suprised to see that they had checked everything out, to the extent that they found a problem in the supercharger area, replaced things as well as another component.

And, they reported that the boot latch wasn't closing properly, and replaced the latch.

ALL under warranty, no cost to yours truly. The car is now as quiet at idle as when I picked it up.

MoP is a stellar dealership, they go above and beyond for their customers....Kudos to Chris & Gary..and the rest of the team there.