MINI2

lotatoys · Feb 17th, 2004, 03:37 PM

Actually, it was the "Tint Specialists" that installed my Clear Bra. Turned out it wasn't Clear Bra they installed, but another brand product. I don't think the brand name really makes a difference. Almost all brands use 3M materials in varying thickness for protection on different parts of the car (thicker on headlights, foglights, thinner on hood/bonnets, etc...).
The problem I encountered was the passenger headlight cover started to bubble along the edge, which let dirt in, causing it to yellow. This prevented the plastic from re-sticking to the headlight. No serious problem, except that it looked bad and would eventually lead to more peeling.
The Tint Specialists at first wanted me to bring the car back for replacement, but they are in SLC and I'm in California so I ended up sending them digital pics of the problem area. It took them a long time to finally send the replacement cover but it all worked out very well. Debbie was stuck in the middle but did a great job of sorting it all out.
So AKmini, enjoy whatever brand you get...the protection is worth it.

MinnieCooper · Feb 17th, 2004, 03:52 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by lespurgeon

AKmini -
any follow-up on your experience? I'm on NW mini's waitlist for a LONG time away - think I'll call Debie this week.

Maybe AKmini is still motoring back? I am also looking forward to the report. I'm from northern California and couldn't handle the long wait times (or markups), so I decided to order from Mini of Murray too. So far it's been a good experience, called them first week of January and was told they could get me a production number within a month. Sure enough, got my prod # on Feb. 6 and now my build is scheduled for mid-March. Hoping to have my MCS by May if all goes well (compared to December or later if I had waited it out locally). I'm also having fun planning the drive back!

lotatoys · Feb 19th, 2004, 02:56 PM

MinnieCooper...
Did you shop at Niello in Sacramento? Just curious, as I started the main thread about their business practices a long time ago. Will they be your servicing dealer or one of the Bay area dealers? I'm using Niello for all my warranty and and scheduled maintenance, as their service department is okay, but I won't be purchasing anything from them. If it costs me any money, I'll go to the Bay area.
You should have some good driving weather coming back from SLC in May. I made the trip in October, so the Clear Bra had it's work cut out.

MinnieCooper · Feb 19th, 2004, 06:42 PM

Based on the feedback I read in these forums, I didn't even bother with Niello. It's a bit out of my way regardless (like Utah isn't?), but I do get up to Sacramento a few times a year. I'll get my servicing done in either Mt. View or at East Bay MINI.

Quote: Originally Posted by lotatoys

MinnieCooper...
Did you shop at Niello in Sacramento? Just curious, as I started the main thread about their business practices a long time ago. Will they be your servicing dealer or one of the Bay area dealers? I'm using Niello for all my warranty and and scheduled maintenance, as their service department is okay, but I won't be purchasing anything from them. If it costs me any money, I'll go to the Bay area.
You should have some good driving weather coming back from SLC in May. I made the trip in October, so the Clear Bra had it's work cut out.

AKmini · Mar 2nd, 2004, 08:34 AM

Picked up my cooper February 12th. Debbie Linge picked us up at the airport in a BMW SUV and took us back to the dealership. Spent several hours going over the new mini, signing paper work, putting Alaska license plates on, loading luggage and taking pictures. Debbie did a great job for me.

Debbie took my cooper over to the tint specialist shop and had the clear bra installed for me. It looks great and had a work out on the trip to Seattle via California. Had 2200 miles on the odometer when we arrived in Seattle at the shipping terminal.

I got two key chains and a full tak of gas from Mini of Murray.

Debbie came through for me on everything she promised. When I called she always returned my calls the same day.

Here is a photo of my cooper the day I drove it home from Anchorage.

lotatoys · Mar 2nd, 2004, 02:35 PM

Cangratulations AKmini! Sounds like Debbie came through for you as she did for me. I had some beautiful scenery on my drive back to California but I think your picture is the winner. Enjoy your new car and don't forget to post some more pics. Do you have a gallery started yet?

Sejanus · Mar 2nd, 2004, 06:40 PM

Very cool photo! Congrats.

Sejanus · Mar 2nd, 2004, 06:40 PM

Very cool photo! Congrats.

AKmini · Mar 3rd, 2004, 02:23 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by lotatoys

Cangratulations AKmini! Sounds like Debbie came through for you as she did for me. I had some beautiful scenery on my drive back to California but I think your picture is the winner. Enjoy your new car and don't forget to post some more pics. Do you have a gallery started yet?

Yes I started a personal gallery and have uploaded four or five photo's so far.

lespurgeon · Mar 4th, 2004, 04:07 PM

No photo on the ferry from B-ham to Alaska? Great to hear your experience - hope to pick up my S from Debbie early summer. Think I'll take the shorter route back to Seattle (1,000 miles or so). Nice photos

AKmini · Mar 5th, 2004, 05:07 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by lespurgeon

No photo on the ferry from B-ham to Alaska? Great to hear your experience - hope to pick up my S from Debbie early summer. Think I'll take the shorter route back to Seattle (1,000 miles or so). Nice photos

I flew home from Seattle via Alaska airlines. The cooper was shipped via Totem Ocean Express to Anchorage. I didn't have time to take the Alaska ferry.

I am sure you will have great trip also. I planned mine around fun things to do and visiting family and old friends. The most direct route would have been shorter but not nearly as enjoyable.

John in Vancouver · Jun 18th, 2004, 02:39 PM

I have dealt with two dealerships - Rasmussen BMW in Portland Or, (local) and Murray in UT. In both cases the folks were super. For me the prime factor was who has the shorter wait list, and that was Murray. Rasmussen told me about nine months to get a production number, and Murray told me about six months to get the car!

John

MiniMoons · Jul 2nd, 2004, 02:39 PM

John,
I'm getting ready to order an MCS. I talked to NW Mini a couple of weeks ago and they told me they wouldn't even take an order from me for six months! And they said it with a straight face if you can believe it . I wasn't very happy...the guy didn't even get me a tissue when I started to cry!
Rasmussen in Portland (Jarid) has been a little more attentive, although, like you, they told me it would be 9-12 months.

I've talked to Jerry of Mini of the Hamptons and he has been super...MSRP and the wait time (at least last week) was the build time - 8 weeks. Not sure about the ship home to Washington $1100 and 3 weeks in a car carrier???
I've also been in contact with Debbie L at Murray in UT. she told me 7 months. That would be driving home in February

Have you ordered your Mini? Are you driving it home or shipping it? I guess I could turn it into a ski trip like AKmini did

Just not sure...

John in Vancouver · Jul 2nd, 2004, 06:25 PM

MiniMoons,
What I have done is put down a deposit with Rasmussen (8-12 months) and Mini of Murray (6 months or so). The deposit at Rasmussen is refundable even after they get the car. At Murray it is refundable until you get a production date/number. I have every expectation I will hear from Murray first. I have a trade that I might try to sell privately up here once I know a delivery date, or if that does not work out, we will probably drive it to Utah to trade it in and drive the MCS back (hopefully in December). I suppose if we both do that we can write accuate reports here of the winter handling capabilities of the Cooper S!

We also looked at used cars and Park Lane Motors in Bellevue has quite a few used Minis. The 2003 MCS is selling for about 25K to 28K. They have a 2004 MCS with about 4K miles for about 30K. Of course you have to add 9.1% sales tax to the prices.

For what they want I can order a new 05 MCS Works if I am willing to wait!

John

MiniMoons · Jul 9th, 2004, 02:32 AM

Well I did it!

I finally ordered my MCS Dark Silver/Black with all the goodies today.

I decided to go East. Jerry at Mini of the Hamptons took care of me and all (except for a couple of confusing moments) went well. My (husband says our) car will be in the states late September?. We will more than likely ship it back here as a drive across the US doesn't sound very appealing.
Just wanted to let you know. "I'm so excited and I just can't hide it..."
Good Luck!

John in Vancouver · Jul 9th, 2004, 03:48 AM

MiniMoons,
Congratulations on your order. Please let us know how things go with the build, boat ride, and how you like it when you get it.

John

lespurgeon · Aug 6th, 2004, 01:10 AM

Off to Murray saturday to pick up our MCS. Very professional experience so far, but use phone rather than e-mail to get in touch with them - don't know if it is their e-mail system or them, but phone is much more reliable. I'll update with my experience after we pick-up the car.

Feb 17th, 2004, 03:37 PM	#41
lotatoys MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Northern California Local Time: 12:45 PM Posts: 204 Offline	Actually, it was the "Tint Specialists" that installed my Clear Bra. Turned out it wasn't Clear Bra they installed, but another brand product. I don't think the brand name really makes a difference. Almost all brands use 3M materials in varying thickness for protection on different parts of the car (thicker on headlights, foglights, thinner on hood/bonnets, etc...). The problem I encountered was the passenger headlight cover started to bubble along the edge, which let dirt in, causing it to yellow. This prevented the plastic from re-sticking to the headlight. No serious problem, except that it looked bad and would eventually lead to more peeling. The Tint Specialists at first wanted me to bring the car back for replacement, but they are in SLC and I'm in California so I ended up sending them digital pics of the problem area. It took them a long time to finally send the replacement cover but it all worked out very well. Debbie was stuck in the middle but did a great job of sorting it all out. So AKmini, enjoy whatever brand you get...the protection is worth it. '03 "S" DS/DS. NAV, Sport, Cold & Premium packages. Love it!

Feb 19th, 2004, 02:56 PM	#43 (permalink)
lotatoys MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Northern California Local Time: 12:45 PM Posts: 204 Offline	MinnieCooper... Did you shop at Niello in Sacramento? Just curious, as I started the main thread about their business practices a long time ago. Will they be your servicing dealer or one of the Bay area dealers? I'm using Niello for all my warranty and and scheduled maintenance, as their service department is okay, but I won't be purchasing anything from them. If it costs me any money, I'll go to the Bay area. You should have some good driving weather coming back from SLC in May. I made the trip in October, so the Clear Bra had it's work cut out. '03 "S" DS/DS. NAV, Sport, Cold & Premium packages. Love it!

Mar 2nd, 2004, 08:34 AM	#45 (permalink)
AKmini MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Alaska Local Time: 11:45 AM Posts: 49 Offline	Picked up my Cooper Picked up my cooper February 12th. Debbie Linge picked us up at the airport in a BMW SUV and took us back to the dealership. Spent several hours going over the new mini, signing paper work, putting Alaska license plates on, loading luggage and taking pictures. Debbie did a great job for me. Debbie took my cooper over to the tint specialist shop and had the clear bra installed for me. It looks great and had a work out on the trip to Seattle via California. Had 2200 miles on the odometer when we arrived in Seattle at the shipping terminal. I got two key chains and a full tak of gas from Mini of Murray. Debbie came through for me on everything she promised. When I called she always returned my calls the same day. Here is a photo of my cooper the day I drove it home from Anchorage.

Mar 2nd, 2004, 02:35 PM	#46 (permalink)
lotatoys MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Northern California Local Time: 12:45 PM Posts: 204 Offline	Cangratulations AKmini! Sounds like Debbie came through for you as she did for me. I had some beautiful scenery on my drive back to California but I think your picture is the winner. Enjoy your new car and don't forget to post some more pics. Do you have a gallery started yet? '03 "S" DS/DS. NAV, Sport, Cold & Premium packages. Love it!

Jul 2nd, 2004, 06:25 PM	#54 (permalink)
John in Vancouver MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Vancouver, WA USA Local Time: 11:45 AM Posts: 150 Offline	MiniMoons, What I have done is put down a deposit with Rasmussen (8-12 months) and Mini of Murray (6 months or so). The deposit at Rasmussen is refundable even after they get the car. At Murray it is refundable until you get a production date/number. I have every expectation I will hear from Murray first. I have a trade that I might try to sell privately up here once I know a delivery date, or if that does not work out, we will probably drive it to Utah to trade it in and drive the MCS back (hopefully in December). I suppose if we both do that we can write accuate reports here of the winter handling capabilities of the Cooper S! We also looked at used cars and Park Lane Motors in Bellevue has quite a few used Minis. The 2003 MCS is selling for about 25K to 28K. They have a 2004 MCS with about 4K miles for about 30K. Of course you have to add 9.1% sales tax to the prices. For what they want I can order a new 05 MCS Works if I am willing to wait! John [color=Red]2005 Chilli red/red Cooper S with aero kit and anthracite interior.

MINI2

Fuel for your MINI obsession

Discuss your experiences with MINI dealers worldwide

Today
Sponsors	Sponsored Links Registered members do not see Google Ads posts, they can also post messages, pictures, and classified adverts. Register your free account today and become a member of MINI2 - MINI Forum

Feb 17th, 2004, 03:52 PM	#42 (permalink)
MinnieCooper Finally Motoring! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: SF Bay Area Local Time: 12:45 PM Posts: 37 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by lespurgeon AKmini - any follow-up on your experience? I'm on NW mini's waitlist for a LONG time away - think I'll call Debie this week. Maybe AKmini is still motoring back? I am also looking forward to the report. I'm from northern California and couldn't handle the long wait times (or markups), so I decided to order from Mini of Murray too. So far it's been a good experience, called them first week of January and was told they could get me a production number within a month. Sure enough, got my prod # on Feb. 6 and now my build is scheduled for mid-March. Hoping to have my MCS by May if all goes well (compared to December or later if I had waited it out locally). I'm also having fun planning the drive back!

Feb 19th, 2004, 06:42 PM	#44 (permalink)
MinnieCooper Finally Motoring! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: SF Bay Area Local Time: 12:45 PM Posts: 37 Offline	Based on the feedback I read in these forums, I didn't even bother with Niello. It's a bit out of my way regardless (like Utah isn't?), but I do get up to Sacramento a few times a year. I'll get my servicing done in either Mt. View or at East Bay MINI. Quote: Originally Posted by lotatoys MinnieCooper... Did you shop at Niello in Sacramento? Just curious, as I started the main thread about their business practices a long time ago. Will they be your servicing dealer or one of the Bay area dealers? I'm using Niello for all my warranty and and scheduled maintenance, as their service department is okay, but I won't be purchasing anything from them. If it costs me any money, I'll go to the Bay area. You should have some good driving weather coming back from SLC in May. I made the trip in October, so the Clear Bra had it's work cut out.

Mar 2nd, 2004, 06:40 PM	#47 (permalink)
Sejanus MINI2 Global Moderator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: West Sacramento Local Time: 12:45 PM Posts: 4,325 Offline	Very cool photo! Congrats.

Mar 2nd, 2004, 06:40 PM	#48 (permalink)
Sejanus MINI2 Global Moderator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: West Sacramento Local Time: 12:45 PM Posts: 4,325 Offline	Very cool photo! Congrats.

Mar 3rd, 2004, 02:23 AM	#49 (permalink)
AKmini MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Alaska Local Time: 11:45 AM Posts: 49 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by lotatoys Cangratulations AKmini! Sounds like Debbie came through for you as she did for me. I had some beautiful scenery on my drive back to California but I think your picture is the winner. Enjoy your new car and don't forget to post some more pics. Do you have a gallery started yet? Yes I started a personal gallery and have uploaded four or five photo's so far.

Mar 4th, 2004, 04:07 PM	#50 (permalink)
lespurgeon Off changing a nappy... Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: HI, USA Local Time: 09:45 AM Posts: 1,093 Offline	No photo on the ferry from B-ham to Alaska? Great to hear your experience - hope to pick up my S from Debbie early summer. Think I'll take the shorter route back to Seattle (1,000 miles or so). Nice photos

Mar 5th, 2004, 05:07 AM	#51 (permalink)
AKmini MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Alaska Local Time: 11:45 AM Posts: 49 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by lespurgeon No photo on the ferry from B-ham to Alaska? Great to hear your experience - hope to pick up my S from Debbie early summer. Think I'll take the shorter route back to Seattle (1,000 miles or so). Nice photos I flew home from Seattle via Alaska airlines. The cooper was shipped via Totem Ocean Express to Anchorage. I didn't have time to take the Alaska ferry. I am sure you will have great trip also. I planned mine around fun things to do and visiting family and old friends. The most direct route would have been shorter but not nearly as enjoyable.

Jun 18th, 2004, 02:39 PM	#52 (permalink)
John in Vancouver MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Vancouver, WA USA Local Time: 11:45 AM Posts: 150 Offline	I have dealt with two dealerships - Rasmussen BMW in Portland Or, (local) and Murray in UT. In both cases the folks were super. For me the prime factor was who has the shorter wait list, and that was Murray. Rasmussen told me about nine months to get a production number, and Murray told me about six months to get the car! John

Jul 2nd, 2004, 02:39 PM	#53 (permalink)
MiniMoons MINI2 Newbie Join Date: May 2004 Local Time: 11:45 AM Posts: 12 Offline	John, I'm getting ready to order an MCS. I talked to NW Mini a couple of weeks ago and they told me they wouldn't even take an order from me for six months! And they said it with a straight face if you can believe it . I wasn't very happy...the guy didn't even get me a tissue when I started to cry! Rasmussen in Portland (Jarid) has been a little more attentive, although, like you, they told me it would be 9-12 months. I've talked to Jerry of Mini of the Hamptons and he has been super...MSRP and the wait time (at least last week) was the build time - 8 weeks. Not sure about the ship home to Washington $1100 and 3 weeks in a car carrier??? I've also been in contact with Debbie L at Murray in UT. she told me 7 months. That would be driving home in February Have you ordered your Mini? Are you driving it home or shipping it? I guess I could turn it into a ski trip like AKmini did Just not sure...

Jul 9th, 2004, 02:32 AM	#55 (permalink)
MiniMoons MINI2 Newbie Join Date: May 2004 Local Time: 11:45 AM Posts: 12 Offline	Well I did it! I finally ordered my MCS Dark Silver/Black with all the goodies today. I decided to go East. Jerry at Mini of the Hamptons took care of me and all (except for a couple of confusing moments) went well. My (husband says our) car will be in the states late September?. We will more than likely ship it back here as a drive across the US doesn't sound very appealing. Just wanted to let you know. "I'm so excited and I just can't hide it..." Good Luck!

Jul 9th, 2004, 03:48 AM	#56 (permalink)
John in Vancouver MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Vancouver, WA USA Local Time: 11:45 AM Posts: 150 Offline	MiniMoons, Congratulations on your order. Please let us know how things go with the build, boat ride, and how you like it when you get it. John [color=Red]2005 Chilli red/red Cooper S with aero kit and anthracite interior.

Aug 6th, 2004, 01:10 AM	#57 (permalink)
lespurgeon Off changing a nappy... Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: HI, USA Local Time: 09:45 AM Posts: 1,093 Offline	Off to Murray saturday to pick up our MCS. Very professional experience so far, but use phone rather than e-mail to get in touch with them - don't know if it is their e-mail system or them, but phone is much more reliable. I'll update with my experience after we pick-up the car.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
long wait from Mini of Murray!	teich	Dealership Feedback	25	Feb 6th, 2003 07:23 PM
Mini of Murray in Salt Lake City and their deposit	Canyonlands	Dealership Feedback	4	Aug 2nd, 2002 12:05 PM