[Sir Mini]

Minniwannahave,


I'm on the Cooper list as of now. After I test drive the Cooper S, I may change my mind, but I don't think I NEED that extra horsepower.

I'm looking at a metallic blue Cooper with bonnet stripes, sport package, of course the cold weather package, and a union jack roof. I just may attempt to put on the decals myself, after reading about them and seeing some great aftermarket designs in this forum....

There was a blue one just like my dream car in the showroom last weekend, had the "driving lights"? which looked SUPER!

Can't wait til Friday, my OFFICIAL test drive, hope it doesn't get put off again.

How do you feel about getting the 2003 model MINI?



Sir Mini

[Wentworth]

I recently placed my Cooper order with the Minnesota dealer.

My main impression is that the people who work at the dealership don't know a lot about what is going on. You can find out a lot more information reading these forums then the sales people at the dealership know.

I believe that the Minnesota dealership is selling customer ordered cars for MSRP plus $199 for some additional clear coat they are claming to add. Patty was very straight forward with me about the clear coat, and that they are doing it to make some additional money. She also assured me that it comes with an additional 5-year warranty, so at least we know we are getting something for our money (I don’t know what the warranty covers).

As far as the pre-specd cars that they get in, I was told that dealer options we being added to all of those and the consumer would be forced to pay the price if they would rather get one of those then wait to order.

As far as waiting until September (2003 model) goes . . . . I have heard the rumor that the 2002 model year is being used like a teaser and to test the market. The cars are being sold near MSRP, but only 20,000 will be sold in the US. When the cars start showing up on the roads and whatnot more interest will grow and the 2003 model will have a higher MSRP. They will get people interested in the 2002 model, and then raise the price for the 2003.

[Sir Mini]

We DO get a lot of info here, don't we!

I had the same impression about the sales staff... guess with over a hundred on the waiting list you don't have to try too hard.

I am not really looking at the pre-spec'd cars because they are LOADED! I'm still 101 on the list, and hoping to get "my MINI" - I was told it's an 8 month wait- that means December- which means the 2003 model year and (gasp) rising MSRP sticker price....

Wentworth, I hope you're wrong about the "tease" aspect of this year's MINI. Having to wait should be enough price to pay! The salesperson who took me out for my test drive said something which sounded eerily similar- that they INTEND for the MINI to stay an exclusive, hard to get car.

Oh well, my money is down and I'm playing the waiting game. This forum sure helps the minutes and hours go by.

Continue to relate your Motorwerks info!

Sir M.

[Sir Mini]

Sorry to bring the topic up again, as it looks like there ARE NO OTHER buyers at Motorwerks....

But my position on the wait list has not changed in 3 weeks. What gives? Is there a slowdown or a complete stoppage of deliveries?

If you are out there, and are getting the MINI from Motorwerks, how are you handling this waiting? I am getting spooked by all the reports of problems, so this limbo is not helping!



Sir M.

[MINIsota_Cuke]

I'm on the S list and I started out at 132 when the list first came out in April. As of tonight, I am 87. I was told that I would probably be ordering my car in 2-3 months with delivery 8-10 weeks after that. Which means only another 5-6 months of waiting!!!!
This is both good and bad for me. Our baby is due about the same time and I didn't think I would get my MINI until March or April of '03. I'm not sure if I'm going to have enough for the kind of downpayment I wanted to make.
I think I'm having labor pains!!!!

[LIsaM]

Shawn,

Are you on the "S" list or the "Both" list?

The reason I ask is because I emailed Gretchen yesterday and found out that I have gone from #110 on the "S" list to #81. If you are also on the "S" list, I have some questions that I would like for Gretchen to answer...

To be honest, I am becoming very frustrated with their "lists". Every time I ask where I am I seem to lose ground. Now it appears that I have slipped another 17 spots... ARGG!! Gretchen indicated that I would not even be ordering the car until November or December.

Lisa
Depressed in Eagan

[MINIsota_Cuke]

Lisa,
On Wednesday July 3rd I went into the dealership and asked Patty a few questions. I also indicated that I had not specced out my car yet. She went back and found my sheet and was very eager to get it written up. She said mine would definately be a '03, but that I should be called sometime in August to do the final spec and order with delivery in Oct./Nov.
I'm not sure exactly what number I am now, but Patty said they had been getting in cars a lot faster than they thought they would. Did you get the email she sent out today? The one that said they are having trouble getting hold of 35 people to come in and place their orders? She said in the email that they have until Friday or they are going to move to the next people on the list.

[Wentworth]

I need to know ASAP, what make and model of tires came on peoples 16" wheels (also, what 16" design did you get?)!

My order is supposed to be sent this week, and I am trying to work out a tire swap with a tire dealer so that I can get good all season instead of the run-flats.

Thanks for your prompt responses.

[Brian G.]

Does anyone have any good bad stories or advice about Motorwerks Mini? Is there a good salesperson to work with?

Thanks,
Brian G.

[MINIsota_Cuke]

Quote: Originally Posted by Brian G.

Does anyone have any good bad stories or advice about Motorwerks Mini? Is there a good salesperson to work with?

Thanks,
Brian G.

Brian G.
I can't believe this thread is starting up again!!!

Just to let you know, I didn't end up ordering a MINI from Motorwerks. I had some financial difficulties that just wouldn't allow ordering new. However, at the end of this week I am picking up my used 2003 MINI with only 16k on it.

A few months ago I went into Motorwerks for drooling purposes. I quizzed the Motoring Advisor on a few questions I already knew the answers to thanks to MINI2. He was positively clueless. Sorry I didn't get his name.

If I were you, I would ask to work with Gretchen Tellock. She has been there since the dealership opened and is probably the most knowledgable MA. She has Mondays off.

Hope this helps.

[Wentworth]

I agree about Gretchen, she's probably the best. I ended up working with some self-important, british dude. He talked about himself in 3rd person and bragged about how rich his father is. I don't think he works for Mini anymore, but I don't know for sure.

[cory4281]

Whatever you do don't get stuck with Amy Marver. See my Thread here: http://www.mini2.com/forum/dealership-feedback/94596-problems-motorwerks-mini-minnesota.html

[minisoda]

I had the BEST experience with Amy. She is professional. very knowledgeable, genuinely caring, and will always go the extra mile for her customers. I know of many MINI owners who have worked with Amy, and all have enjoyed their experience with her.
Don't pay attention to those sour apples.

[Brian G.]

Does Motorwerks charge a premium, MSRP or can one negotiate a price closer to invoice?

Brian G.

[MINIsota_Cuke]

Quote: Originally Posted by Brian G.

Does Motorwerks charge a premium, MSRP or can one negotiate a price closer to invoice?

Brian G.

As far as I know, they are straight MSRP.

[Dave&Stacy]

We got straight MSRP when we bought ours. No way would I pay over MSRP for ANY car. Not even a MINI.

-Dave & Stacy
http://www.smsrallysport.com/

[The Silver Bullet]

I live in Los Angeles, but ordered my MCSa through Amy Marver and she's been nothing but a dream. She told me she could deliver a MINI in five weeks and it's going to be a close race to the finish line. But since the experience has been hassle free and enjoyable, I'd gladly give her an extra week or two. I was actually amazed that my car was finished production within two weeks or ordering.

She's a straight shooter and has made this experience a joy so far.

[Brian G.]

Well I recently ordered my Mini from Motorwerks. I saw some mention of some "automatic" dealer adds like under-coating (or laser security etching or whatever).

Am I going to have a problem if I won't pay for any of these, including any documentation fees? I'll pay around $30 for filing the paperwork with DMV, but not much more than that, and I definitely don't need any pure profit dealer adds.

Brian G.
On Order: Royal Grey MCS, Silver Roof, Silver Bonnet Strips

[Brian G.]

Well, I have finally concluded my transaction with Motorwerks MINI/BMW in Minneapolis MN, USA. Overall, I'm mostly satisfied. I believe that they did an acceptable job of serving my needs.

Positive:

• Found me a good rate on financing after nixing my plans to use eLoan.com
• Floor mats
• MSRP
• Only 2 months between order and delivery

Slightly negative:

• Would not accept my initial financing from eLoan.com
• Charged me a $50 "documentation fee".
• Required me to pay taxes and registration up front rather than allowing me to do it. My goal was to avoid the documentation fee by filing the paperwork myself. I live in ND and the DMV is on my way to work.
• Long wait between car delivered to dealer and delivered to me (over a week).
• Seemed a bit snippy at times, especially when asking why it took so long to deliver my car once it was at the dealership.
• Implied that it was state law to collect taxes and registration, when in fact it was only the dealership policy.
• Initially miscalculated my state's title and registration fees.

I guess in many ways, I still have not found a car dealer that meets my expectations. I keep hoping to find a truly honest dealer that thinks that MSRP is enough and they don't need do nickel and dime you for everything.

What is important is that I have my MINI and I love it. It is a very nice car and I am glad I purchased it. I mostly am posting this for other who may have slightly naive assumptions about this dealership.

Brian G.
2006 MCS Royal Grey/Silver

[s1500]

(reviving a dead thread)

Gretechen was my MA in '03. She was great, and thus 5-worthy.