[chaincooperS]

As most of the threads in here typically rail the dealers, especially Herb Chambers in Boston (I've read the odd one or two positives for Chambers), I thought I'd put my good experience with Herb Chambers up on the boards.

I placed my order at Herb Chambers over the phone on January 19 with my MA, Norm. My MINI order was received at the factory one week later, and I got a production number a few weeks after that (ok, for the record, I did have to call the dealer twice and email a lot to get the number - I guess the place is big enough that my call slipped through the cracks).

Norm was always good about getting back to me over email, and the whole process of my order was done without setting foot in the showroom until paperwork day and then delivery day.

Paperwork day was easy (3/15) - the car arrived at the dealer, so I went down to sign all the paperwork for the finances, registration, etc. Norm sat with me for as much time as I wanted, we talked about the dealer options I wanted done (aero kit, ipod adapter, mats, etc), and we set everything up. The finance manager was really cool (Azi), and talked more with me about the whole car, Boston, our abysmal snow record this year, and we basically shot the breeze while he worked up the papers.

The aero kit took a few days to get done (painting, etc), which was agony, but not unexpected. I recommend it by the way. And the ipod adapter is one of the greatest ideas BMW has had and was good enough to make it for the MINI.

Delivery day was easy (3/23 - so total elapsed time between order and delivery - about 3 months) - I took the T, got to the showroom, was greated warmly and Norm was ready to go over the car in detail with me. The car is great (pic), the aero kit was done beautifully, the matts I wanted were in, the car was detailed, it was awesome. Norm introduced me to the parts people and the service people (Mark Ravin I believe, who was really cool - he takes the brunt of the abuse on the boards, but I guess if you have to see Mark a lot, that will happen. Poor service guys...)

So overall, a nice experience with them. They are knowledgable about the car, will go over every detail with you, and will chit chat about anything while you wait. The techs really liked dark silver with the aero kit and there were lots of smiles as I left the delivery bay.

So there you have it - a positive review for Herb Chambers for those of you considering that dealer. Am I saying don't go to Peabody? - NO - I'm saying if you're in Boston, Herb is worth your time for a look and possibly an order if you're in the market. I may drive up to Peabody just to pop in and see that dealer too. We're all MINI fanatics right!?

[MINImeBoston]

ChaincooperS,

Thanks for the kind words! Slowly, but surely, the changes made here at Herb Chambers are filtering their way through the system. Very happy to see your post !

Be sure to keep in touch and watch for our first (of many) MINI event planned for 2005, coming later this month. And if you didn't get a copy of our monthly newsletter upon delivery, e-mail norm and he'll send you one.

HAPPY MOTORING.

[Cape Cod MINI]

That's good to hear.
Tell us more about this upcoming MINI event at HC please.

[sorlo]

I didn't get my car from Herb Chamber so there isn't much that I can comment on the dealership. But my service experiences with Mark was nothing but great! I brought my car there a several times. Mark would try his best to understand my problems and then got everything straightened out at the end. He's the best service advisor I've met!

[chaincooperS]

Quote: Originally Posted by sorlo

I didn't get my car from Herb Chamber so there isn't much that I can comment on the dealership. But my service experiences with Mark was nothing but great! I brought my car there a several times. Mark would try his best to understand my problems and then got everything straightened out at the end. He's the best service advisor I've met!

I gotta give another shout out for HC, specifically all the guys in service - awesome job, great turnaround, the shuttle guys are great - they'll get you anywhere you need to go and pick you up when your car is ready. Mark is the MAN.

[MINImeBoston]

Quote: Originally Posted by Cape Cod MINI

That's good to hear.
Tell us more about this upcoming MINI event at HC please.

I will be making another post in the events section, mark your calenders for Sunday, May 1st at Herb Chambers MINI for "MOTORart, Herb Chambers MINI of Boston Celebrates the Art of Motoring".

Come Join In The FUN!

We are proud to announce our first official event for 2005, and it's all about you ... the MINI owner! On Sunday, May 1st, from 12noon - 4PM, we invite you to join us at the dealership where we will showcase MINIs that have been enhanced with your personal touch. Here is an opportunity to show off your MINI or simply check out what other owners have done to personalize their MINI! In addition, there will be food, fun, door prizes, raffle prizes and "people's choice" awards, as well as a Classic MINI on display.

Enter Your MINI Today!

If you wish to enter your MINI, please send a "MINI resume" to Carrie ctaylor@herbchambers.com or Steve scarrabis@herbchambers.com, and tell them why your MINI should be center stage*. Please RSVP to one of the e-mail addresses above by April 24th.

*We can fit 12 MINIs in our showroom and we will notify those selected by April 27th.

[Cape Cod MINI]

May 1st Bummer. We have tickets to take my son to Smokey Joe's Cafe in Providence that day. He's been anticipating this since christmas.
I would have loved to show off my new turbokompressor.

[Bonnie Blue]

Yep, I agree with you! Norm is a very nice guy and made sure my husband and I could read his lips as we are deaf. It took us 7 months to get our car after we ordered in November of 2002. The service people are pleasant and Mark Ravin is great. Our car has had service a few times. Two recalls that was free. Also to replace a rear fun-flat tire that got a screw in it. The tire wasn't installed properly and tended to lose air fast, so Mark had to get that corrected as well as the rear fog light that didn't work again.

[Carnut17]

I am picking up my new MCSC from HC today!!!

I ordered on 5/15, and they told me 3-4 months, which was correct, and it even came a bit early. Everyone has been very nice and extremely helpful. I thought they would try to hard-sell like every other car dealer I've dealt with, but it was the exact opposite. There were the usual add-on sales, but they did not push it when I declined. Even the finance stuff was easy, and they beat the best interest rate that I found. I pick up the car this afternoon, and I anticipate it will be just as painless as the rest of the process.

I have dealt with their service department in the past, but only for a recall on my previous out-of-warranty BMW, but they were fine as well.

Other BMW CCA members cringed when I told them where I bought it, but their concerns are unfounded. If you live in Boston, I doubt it would be worth driving anywhere else.

[GBMINI]

It would seem that there is a real desire to be a great MINI dealership at Herb Chambers now, led by enthusiastic employees ... there was a "first of its kind" (?) gathering there yesterday and all involved had a great time ...

[lucypope]

Bought a car today from IAN and Kerry at HC....after my dream mini ordered from MOP came in WRONG (Roof AND Dash) MOP offerered me NOTHING as compensation for my time and aggravation; I was free to reorder if I were to be crazy enough to give these rude incompetents my $ after the way they bungled the order. Thanks to HC for helping to salvage the situation.

[MoPRep]

As much as we all hate mistakes happening - it upsets me to see our whole dealership labeled as rude incompetents. The overwhelming sentiment on all online MINI forums is extremely positive for MOP and it's employee's. That is why no other dealership has sold more MINI's in the US then MOP since 2002. Three years in a row we attained #1 MINI Dealer in the US, and #2 globally. I am glad that you had a great experience with HC - I know a few of the guys there myself. In fact, I had training with Ian in St. Louis and I'm glad he was able to help you out. Lucy, I wish you all the best in your ownership experience with your MINI.

Stay Classy!