[Damfino1920]

I'm still in the market for a MINI, and being in the boonies of central Vermont, I've got a choice of 2 dealers (we won't even consider Herb Chambers, apparently!). Peabody has gotten high marks, but I haven't heard any real feedback about Keeler in the Albany area. Has anybody bought their car from them and how's the service? Friendly? Helpful? I'm also wondering if they're not such high volume sellers (like Peabody) then perhaps I could get my car faster from Keeler when I order it?

[fstpitch]

Haven't bought yet, a on waiting list for cabrio. Generally they have a good customer service reputation and are knowledgeable. They are pricey tho.

[slotrod65]

I live in the Albany area, and I will be picking up my new Mini Cooper (Indi Blue/White) tonight or tomorrow from Keeler (Today is 04/27/04). I also bought my 1998 Honda Civic from them as a new car.

I always wanted a Mini and just stopped in on a lark last wek. The sales staff was very friendly, and did not at all act like traditional 'car sales' people. Greg, the sales manager took about 1/2 hour to explain all about Minis and the various options. I then took a test drive and was hooked!!

I am trading the Honda in on the Mini, and was pleased with the trade in value I received for it. (My Honda purchasing experience was excellent as well back in 1998). I have so far received more help in getting my insurance, registration, and loan paperwork completed than with any other car dealer that I have ever dealt with.

The facility is extremely clean and well appointed. Customer cars left for repairs are stored indoors, along with the BMWs.

The only negative that I have to report is that they only had two CVT equipped cars. I drive standard, but my wife does not. I simply cannot buy a car that she cannot drive.... Thank God they had an Indi blue/white Mini, as the other is silver and I just did not like that color.

As for manual shift cars, Keeler has about 3 Mini Coopers, 3 MCSes, and a black S equipped with the John Cooper Works package. This was as of last Friday.

Keeler has a good reputation in the community as a quality car dealer, and I have not heard anything bad about them from friends, neighbors, or co-workers, which is a pretty rare thing.

I believe that Keeler is worth the trip from Vermont. I would simply call ahead to be sure that they have a car in stock that you like.

Fred

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Thanks for the feedback, Fred. I was just popping in here to ask about Keeler, as they are the closest dealer to me as well (from the Syracuse, NY area.) I found this post and my question has been answered before I even typed it out!

Do you remember how the MCS's were equipped? It seems like most dealers only stock them with the Premium and Sport packages, neither of which I want. I'd like to avoid special-ordering a car, as I don't want to wait weeks or months.

[Tio Barry]

I had bought my used 2003 from a local (non MINI) dealer but when I brought it into Keeler MINI to see if anything was needed they acted as if I were one of their own customers and insisted od performimg a number of maintenance and warranty items at no charge. Very nice indeed.

[Boondox]

This is all great stuff! I too live in the boonies of Vermont (hence the name) and am trying to decide which Mini dealer to take my business to. I've been very impressed in Keeler's dealings with me over the phone -- much more polite and informative than my calls to dealers in MA and CT -- though I was concerned that might have more to do with the Vermonters' natural aversion to our neighbors to the south. Apparently not!

Pete in Brrrmont

[buggy]

Keeler of Latham are certifiable liers. I traded in a 03 full size pick up for a 05 MCS based solely on the fact of being able to tow a 700# ATV. EVERYONE there assured me it is no problem and went so far to show me the web site to order the parts and the parts manager made an apointment to have the wireing and tow hitch installed. By sheer luck I called Ask MINI to find out the towing rating. MINI USA stated it is rated for 0 pounds and if I set it up for towing and have a problem with the clutch or transmission, the warrenty WILL NOT BE HONERED! My jaw hit the floor. Everyone from the salesman, salesmanager, parts manager lied to my face. After meeting with the general manager, I gave him three options: 1) Give me back my money and take back the MINI. 2) I will keep the MINI and write me a check for $1000.00. 3) I will keep the MINI and give me a $1000.00 credit for accessories. They chose option 3. I wouldn't trust these jerks as far as I can spit. Everyone I have spoke to about this matter and did business with them said they are the cheapest people they have ever delt with. Anything for a sale should be their motto.

[handyguy38]

Picked up my Indy Blue MCS on a rainy day, only got to inspect it in the dimly lit dealer garage. When I washed it for the first time, I noticed fine scratches (like it had been buffed with steel wool) all over the right front fender, also noticed the plastic trim around the right front wheel well and the right side plastic cover for the fresh air intake appeared to have been "sanded". In addition there was white paint overspray on the windshield, hood and "A" pillar
Made an appointment with Keeler to get these and a couple other minor things taken care of. Took the day off work and headed out (2.5 hour drive to get there). Waited 3 hours for the work to be done. Everything was fixed but the scratches and overspray, the bodyshop manager told me they were short handed and I would have to come back...(Didn't I make an appointment and take a day off work for this?,,,did I also mention the 2.5 hour one way drive?).
I asked the manager "how could this damage happen?" to which he replied "We sometimes do bodywork in the parking lot, and some overspray must have blown onto your car"....So now I know how the scratches got there.
E-Mails to Keeler and MiniUSA have yielded zero response...I now make a point of telling every Mini owner I see to aviod Keeler, and If it needs work, well, I'll cross that bridge when I have to

[SaratogaMini]

I have to give Keeler Mini a good review. They offered me $2500 more on my trade in for my Toyota Highlander than the local Acura dealer did. I was considering a Acura TSX. I ordered my pepper white Mini with a $500 deposit and it arrived 5 weeks later. They prepped my Mini before I picked it up and all the ordered options were correct.

Also, when the radio on/off botton on the radio gave up the ghost at 6000 miles they told me to drop it off and they will put in a new radio. No charges, no hassles and they even washed the car.

Keeler has been very polite and professional. I would buy from them again.

[bonz]

I purchased my "S" from Keeler 3yrs ago and have not had a problem. There service department is excellent. As a matter of factory their service adviser, Kayla was in the top 5 of all Mini Advisors in the US and Keith the lead Mini tech has been the number 1 Mini tech in the US for the past 2 yrs. I would not hesitate purchasing another Mini from Keeler.

My father-in-law feels the same way about their Honda dealer. He has purchased 3 from them.

Hope this helps and I hope you have a similar experience.

NICE

[dracmanf]

I bought my '05 MCS from Keeler and I've got three dealers closer. Their sales is OK, they won't cut you any deals for a new mini but their service dept is worth the price. Kayla and her team got me in, out and listened to my issues (all minor) about my mini.

When the '07 wagons come out, I expect to be back at Keeler for another one.