[Axtell]

So I've started my hunt for a dealer here in California for a mini convertible to take for a test drive....and ran into a horrible start.

I was curious if anyone here had any dealings with this shop? I went in there this evening (the 14th of August), and spent about 10 minutes looking at the mini's on the lot, not approached by anyone....went inside, looked around, again, no approach. I see a receptionist at the counter, and a salesman in the office. I ask her if she has any information about the convertible, and she looks back to the guy who says 'no, no we don't'. I inquire again 'not even a brochure?' He sighs and says 'yeah, I just have one, so I need it back.'

I spent about 15 minutes looking over the brochure (which was very nicely put together) and I didn't get a single question from the salesman. Not a 'how soon are you looking to buy?', nothing. I have to say I was seriously disappointed in the lack of salesmanship at this lot. And it's not like he had people on the lot, or even on the phone. He was in his office, checking out websites. When I asked if any of the cars on the lot were open for me to sit in (I am 6'5", and was concerned about how I'd fit), he said 'weren't any of the ones out front open?' I replied I wasn't about to open doors on a lot...he says 'yeah, that one's open'.

I really hope this isn't the norm...from the posts I've found here, it seems most dealerships are friendly, open, and inviting to their customers. From my experience here in Mountain View, I'd strongly recommend staying away!

[Kurtster]

And San Francisco MINI hosted a great car run from SF to Santa Cruz last weekend. All the people I met from SF were very kind, but I've never been to either lot.

[Enigma]

I had a very similar experience at the MINI Dealership in Irvine (Crevier). As the second largest BMW/MINI Dealership in California, I expected more than an empty showroom.

[MINIMALISTE]

... and by the way, don't worry, my son is 6' 8" and he fits perfectly in the MINI !

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by Axtell

I really hope this isn't the norm...from the posts I've found here, it seems most dealerships are friendly, open, and inviting to their customers!

Go to East Bay MINI in Pleasanton CA ... great people and the only dealer in NorCal selling at MSRP

[mlebeau]

I'll second what everyone is saying about East Bay MINI. I have actually ordered my MINI out of state because I didn't want to deal with long waits or markups, but if you have to buy in the Bay Area, East Bay MINI is the way to go - my brother just picked up an 04 MC off the lot and it was a great experience (I was there with him). However, if you're ordering one, be prepared to wait 6-12 months for it from East Bay MINI.

-mike

[afromanbob]

I'm ordering from East Bay. Great people there, however, it is a very long wait, especially for a Cooper S.

[Sejanus]

Another vote for East Bay if you can stand the wait.

[Axtell]

Thanks for all the feedback...I got (what I suppose) is the standard email reply from East Bay mini, stating that orders for mini s's are running 10-12 months out. Is this truly the case? Has anyone ordered from them and gotten a better time?

Thanks again for the feedback everyone!

[mlebeau]

Quote: Originally Posted by Axtell

Thanks for all the feedback...I got (what I suppose) is the standard email reply from East Bay mini, stating that orders for mini s's are running 10-12 months out. Is this truly the case? Has anyone ordered from them and gotten a better time?

Thanks again for the feedback everyone!

Yep, that's about right. Honestly, these are the exact reasons people end up ordering out of state a lot. If you want MSRP prices and immediate ordering (delivery in 2-3 months), then check out an out of state dealer. Classic MINI of Mentor, Ohio is very popular on the boards, and they're also who I've ordered from. They've been nothing short of spectacular throughout the entire process, and my Motoring Advisor Julie is great to work with. If you are willing to spend the $$ to have the car shipped from OH to CA, there's your best bet - if you're willing to fly out to OH and drive back, that's another great option. Otherwise, you may be able to find a dealer closer than OH. I know some have had luck with the dealer in Salt Lake City, but I preferred to go with the dealer who does this sort of out-of-state stuff day in and day out. PM me if you have any questions about the process with Julie at Classic.

-mike

[VZZ]

I like MV MINI. I think it's good if salepersones don' bothering me, when i'm looking for car. On another DS(Honda, Toyota etc...) they are terreble! "hi, buy this sh@#$y Civic, it's grey color, grey interior and resale value is hight." But if u ask them about weight, performance or some technical parameters they cant say anything....
Waiting for my YB Cooper S. X-mas time, I hope

[lionofpurity]

i bought my mini from Mt View mini and I loved the service. They were really atentive to me, so you may have gotten them on a bad day. I live in L.A and I hated the dealerships down here so much that I got my mini up north while I was on a business trip.
So I vote for them
-B

[Kellzir]

The Mountain View dealership was not friendly at all, to me anyways. I was never approached and I sat in the cars that were open on the lot and in the show room. You would think somebody was attmpt to talk to me, but it wasn't the case. So I gave up on that dealership. I have heard only positive things about the one in Pleasanton.