[erazo]

There are eight MINI dealers in Southern California: seven in the L.A. area, and one in Escondido, a city north of San Diego. This is over 10 percent of the entire USA dealership! I guess the MINI USA folks figured that over well over 2,000 MINIs could be sold in SOCAL alone.

As a San Diego resident, I first called the Escondido dealership, Brecht MINI, back in March, and asked for Don Heine. To put it bluntly, he blew me off. He explained that the dealership was not yet open (I already knew that – many of the selected BMW dealerships were still setting up their MINI operations, and so?), and that no vehicles had been delivered (I knew that too), and that he was still “in the process” of putting together an “interest list” from which buyers would be selected “by lottery.” It didn’t sound very encouraging, especially since he didn’t even offer to put my name on his list. I thanked him and called the next-closest dealer, 70 miles away in Irvine, Orange County.

At Irvine MINI, I spoke directly with the sales manager, Roger Fletcher, a polite gentleman with a clipped British accent. Mr. Fletcher asked me for my name and phone number, assuring me that Darnel Alexander of his “Motoring Advisor” team would be calling me back. Within an hour, I was shocked to receive the promised phone call from Darnel.

Darnel asked me for my configuration choices and took down relevant information. He said that as soon as he received more production and delivery information, he would be contacting me by phone and email, and that he subscribed me to their email newsletter. He assured me that he was definitely going to get me a Cooper S, which would arrive either in late spring (if a factory configuration matched my specs) or late summer (if a special order was required).

The regular newsletters kept me abreast of expected dates and quantities. But after a nervous month, when the first Coopers began to trickle in, I decided to make the trek to Irvine on a Monday evening to plunk down some deposit money, meet Darnel face-to-face, and conduct a test drive.

When my son-in-law and I arrived at the showroom (a mini-wing, appropriately, of the massive BMW showroom), we saw only three cars: a Yellow Cooper parked outside with a Dark Silver Cooper S, and a Chili Red Cooper (sold) inside the showroom. The two remaining showroom berths were bare.

Darnel was the only one on duty, sitting at his high-tech desk and workstation and speaking with a customer on the phone. Once he was free, he told me that he had found a car on his production list which matched all of my specs save one: it didn’t have the PDC. Deciding the PDC was a nice-to-have but not if it added two months, I put my deposit down on the factory-spec car.

I felt like a new dad.

Darnel then took us out for a spin in the Cooper S on the wide, curvy, rolling streets of the Irvine Center office park. We then switched seats and Darnel assumed the copilot role, encouraging us to challenge the car’s handling, acceleration, shifting, and braking. (Don’t ask what speeds we reached.) When we got back, our veins flushed with adrenalin, customers were waiting.

Maybe I’m just giddy with anticipation, but in my short relationship with Irvine MINI, I have nothing but praise for their professionalism and courtesy, especially that of Darnel Alexander.

[MINIAC]

But aren't they marking up their MINIs?

[~DJ]

Irvine MINI is just a block from my office, so I figured that's where I'd get my car. They wouldn't take a deposit, wouldn't let me order a car, but did offer to put my name on "the list" (which already had three hundred some-odd names). Darnell took me for a drive in the Cooper, then we'd drive the S. He drove it rather briskly, so I didn't think he'd mind if I gave it a good thrashing. We did two rather long laps of a nice test route (picked by me), getting a little quicker as we went. I switched off the DSC and put the car hard into a right-hander onto the freeway at about 70, getting quite the nice balanced drift on the exit. Darnell said, "You are NOT driving the S!"

I called Long Beach MINI, told them what I wanted (Red/White, Sport Package, no sunroof), and the nice lady said, "Sure, we've got one right here." Two hours later, I was driving home in my new Cooper.

[erazo]

Quote:

Originally posted by MINIAC
But aren't they marking up their MINIs?

No markup, but he did want me to purchase some "dealer extras" like undercoating and Lo-Jack.

Now, undercoating makes absolutely no sense in this climate, and I'm surprised BMW dealers would have the conscience to spray gunk on the undercarriage of their machines.

And at 20 miles from the border, Lo-Jack becomes just expensive theft insurance.

So I told him no to both. But I do plan to buy some useful extras (such as mats) that I would have purchased anyhow.

[PigLick]

I wish I was closer to Irvine and/or Long Beach, they seem to be two of the better so cal dealers. Unfortunately for me, who I am close to is Assael MINI in Monrovia, and they are definitely not one of the better dealers...

I just got a call from them today. I went in and test drove a Cooper back in March, and they took my name. When the salesperson started asking me what options and colors I would be interested in, I told him that I wasn't quite ready to buy yet, but that when I was I'd probably want to custom-spec my MINI. He told me "they are doing that yet," and then when I told him I was looking at the CVT, he said they wouldn't have any for about another year. I know for a fact (thanks to these wonderful boards) that people in the So Cal area have been able to both custom-spec their MINIs and have been sold CVTs. So ASSAEL MINI is either completely ignorant of the MINI ordering process (higly unlikely), or they are lying to their customers and making it sound like they have no choice whatsoever in the cars they receive from MINI. Why they are doing this I have no idea, but I would imagine its easier for them to just order batches of cars with the same specs and then try and sell them, assuming that their customers won't know that they *should* have the option of being able to custom-spec their cars. On top of all of that, they are one of the dealers that are adding on several thousands of dollars worth of dealer-installed extras. Needelss to say, I won't be buying from Assael, despite that they are the closest to me.

PigLick

[erazo]

Quote:

Originally posted by PigLick
...or they are lying to their customers and making it sound like they have no choice whatsoever in the cars they receive from MINI. Why they are doing this I have no idea, but I would imagine its easier for them to just order batches of cars with the same specs and then try and sell them, assuming that their customers won't know that they *should* have the option of being able to custom-spec their cars.

It puzzles me, too. It's understandable that dealers would want to move their pre-spec cars first, but in this case the MINI isn't exacly hogging up real estate. Maybe it's their mindset. I was not discouraged from ordering a custom-spec, only told that it would take a month or two longer.

It may have something to do with their allotment. Until the Oxford plant ramps up, the dealers will have to rationed in some way. Putting aside the few certifiable boneheads, the behavior of the rest may be geared toward gaining favor with BMW for an increased allotment.

[minimienymo]

Just in case anyone's interested. There are several Mini Cooper S models with sport pkg. and other options available now at Crevier Mini. All you have to do is pay $26-30K.

OR if your prefer - go to miniusa.com and spec one out and then just add $3,000.00 more to the MSRP. Who said living in Southern California was expensive?

And by the way, I have been on the list for a year just to get this opportunity.

Enjoy

[PigLick]

Yeop, Crevier is definitely one of the bad ones. It is second closest to me, but I haven't even bothered contacting them since release after reading these boards and hearing about the prices they were charging. Assael is closest to me, and though I did go there the Sunday after they opened for a test drive, I would never buy from them at this point because they too are doing some serious gouging.

PigLick

[LindaG]

I was allowed to pick a pre-spec about 2 or 3 months ago that will be arriving in mid-June. The salesmen are wonderful and the dealer charges MSRP and requires you to buy nothing extra--no lo-jack, vehicle theft. Originally I was going to buy from Las Vegas because I was pretty high up on their list, but I will not pay $3000 for extras that I didn't want or need (window tinting, chrome wheels, vehicle theft, loan doc fees). I don't think it's necessary to go to the closest dealer. You're better off going to the best. My bonus was that Long Beach is the closest dealer. I really lucked out.

[sixfoot6]

Linda.

I've got money down at Irvine and a promised July Production on an S. That's good, but that's still a while to wait. I see you on the other boards often, always touting Long Beach's service. I called recently, and while the salesperson was nice enough, I had trouble getting any real individual attention. I've been on *all* the local lists since last January, so I believe I have 'some clout' over the average caller. I think I'd like to try them again, with regards to claiming a pre-spec S. I've seen you recommend someone there in particular, who should I speak to?

To the original poster.

I too have had decent dealings with Irvine. I've been trying to throw money at them for 5 months now to get some sort of 'dibs' on an early S. It really hasn't worked till recently, and the best I can get is a promised July Production (which isn't all that bad, of course). I've been dealing with Courtney, who is very nice. Perhaps I should get Darnell involved too? Did he actually get you a production number on an incoming S? And were you able to dodge the 1700 dollars (lojack, mats, and permacoat)? I also offered to buy 'other' extras of choice, rather than those, but haven't recieved feedback on the idea.

As for Crevier. They tried to sell me the demo S last Friday. Flogged to hell, priced at MSRP with like 6k in extras I don't want. Pre-specs will be available this summer with massive mandatory extras, or you can order sometime in the future at a premium. Avoid this dealership, please.

Assael. My girlfriend has met him at her work, where he's a customer. His every conversation regarding the Cooper and Cooper S has centered around how much money his dealership is going to make on premiums derived from demand. Avoid this dealership, please.

sixfoot6

[LindaG]

Call Long Beach and ask for Matt. Tell him that Linda Simmons sent you. He will not take deposits until he can allow you to order or to choose a pre-spec. I have been told that if you are willing to take a pre-spec (from another person I sent) that it will be relatively quick--a matter of a few months before you get a production and vin number. If you want to have it built to your specifications, it will be 6-8 months before he will take the deposit and 2-1/2 months to build. I am taking a pre-spec MCS. Other than not getting leather, it had everything that I wanted. Actually, it had the sport package which I am really thrilled about getting. I had my choice of 4 colors with different packages.

Good luck and let me know how you do.

[erazo]

Quote:

Originally posted by sixfoot6
I too have had decent dealings with Irvine. I've been trying to throw money at them for 5 months now to get some sort of 'dibs' on an early S. It really hasn't worked till recently, and the best I can get is a promised July Production (which isn't all that bad, of course). I've been dealing with Courtney, who is very nice. Perhaps I should get Darnell involved too? Did he actually get you a production number on an incoming S? And were you able to dodge the 1700 dollars (lojack, mats, and permacoat)? I also offered to buy 'other' extras of choice, rather than those, but haven't recieved feedback on the idea.

Ahem...I thought he said undercoat, not permacoat. Permacoat makes more sense. Anyhow, I said no thanks to those, but would be willing to discuss others.

You get a production number only after placing a deposit. No sense placing a deposit otherwise. Are dealers actually taking your money without providing (or promising) a production number in return?

I've been sending Darnel emails, the last one asking to discuss delivery options. No answer yet. I have a feeling he spends more time on the phone and in the demo car than at his computer.

[LindaG]

Long Beach doesn't expect you to purchase lo-jack, mats, coating, tinting or anything you don't want. Send me an e-mai at linda@onecardonline.com and we'll "talk" more.

[sixfoot6]

Linda.

I'll shoot you an email this afternoon. Direct experience speaks volumes, I'd like to hear how it worked for you before I contact Matt. Thanks so much.

Erazo.

I put down a deposit as well. No production number could be given, I understand they haven't gotten their July Production allotment yet.

I also sent Courtney and email Tuesday afternoon, with quite a number of questions, and have recieved no reply yet. I'm going to get on the horn this hour and attempt to get some answers. I was hoping the email route would be more convenient, with the salesman less rushed I had hoped for more detailed answers.

I've had a *very* difficult time at *every* Southern California dealership simply getting noticed. I'm a young professional. I dress well. I always bring my spec sheet and checkbook. I'm on each interest list since January. I know more about the MINI's and current happenings than any salesperson I've spoken with. Yet I always get canned responses and no individual attention. At least I've finally got money down and a promised production month this summer. Now as long as MINIUSA can hold up their side of the bargain, and produce the car I want, this could actually all work out...

sixfoot6

[Coati1]

Quote:

Originally posted by sixfoot6
I've had a *very* difficult time at *every* Southern California dealership simply getting noticed. I'm a young professional. I dress well. I always bring my spec sheet and checkbook. I'm on each interest list since January. I know more about the MINI's and current happenings than any salesperson I've spoken with. Yet I always get canned responses and no individual attention.

Story of my car-buying life. Such is the existence of the car enthusiast.

[MINIAC]

Pre-spec 'S' models up for grabs?

http://forums.roadfly.org/mini/forum...=443805&page=1

[erazo]

Quote:

Originally posted by sixfoot6
I put down a deposit as well. No production number could be given, I understand they haven't gotten their July Production allotment yet.

I really sense your frustration. They must be frustrated too, trying to satisfy so many customers with a trickling allotment. With your deposit in their hands, you are promoted from "interest list" to "commit", and should feel no qualms about being a squeaky wheel to get that number.

If you live nearby, nothing's more effective than visiting the showroom some weekday (when they're least apt to be busy). They may have some uncommitted vehicles on their allotment list that come close to meeting your specs.

[sixfoot6]

I took one poster's advice and used my lunch break to trek on down to Irvine MINI. It was DEAD quiet, which was great. I saw Darnel there and gave him big props for his high marks here on the forums. He hadn't seen the thread, but he was all grins.

Courtney was in as well, and the two of us sat down for a good half hour and just went through the process. My faith in the dealership is very much improved. They're definitely doing what they can to get the cars to the people who deserve them.

My money's in, I'm slated for a July Production, and now I just have to wait. It's gonna be tough

sixfoot6

[erazo]

Quote:

He hadn't seen the thread, but he was all grins.

Hmmm...a MINI dealer unaware of this forum? Can it be? Hard to fathom. He must really be busy. Or when he gets home he puts cars out of his mind (I wish I could).

[LindaG]

Considering the waits, this is as fast as you will get it anywhere. Congratulations.
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EB/white with sports package