[kfmuller]

Just checked the WW site and my DS MCS was loaded aboard the Fidelio late today. The sailing schedule has it reaching Charleston, S.C. on 11/14. I can't wait to get this car. Also, thanks to the individuals on this site that have made the wait so bearable as well as directing me to the correct sites to track all this activity.

Karl

[Miataman]

My DS/W MCS was also loaded today! Headed for Roadshow in Memphis and then home to Dallas.

What dealer are you going through?

-Eric

[CUTiger3]

I saw this thread and checked. Well, my DS/B MCS is sharing the ride

Guess I better go buy the "For Sale" sign for my truck

[kfmuller]

My DS/W is going to Roadshow, too and then home to Dallas. Look's like there will be twins headed back to Big D. I ordered premium, sport and cold with white wheels, anthracite interior and Lapis Leather. I like the fact that we're paying MSRP and not the $2,000 over that John Roberts wants for an early delivery.

Karl

[Miataman]

I ordered white roof and wheels, black leather and dark door panels, Prem and sport with NAV, black leather.

My only complaint with Roadshow is the $199 doc prep and the $149 Etching they required. Both are nothing but dealer profit.

They told me neither was negotiable. I offered to buy other dealer options and accesories in their place but was told no. So, I told them I will pay but I do not want the windows etched.

I will call several times between now and delivery to remind them. I hope they pay attention.

John Roberts does not have a good rep. I plan to go check out the service facility but I will probably check out Morritz for service unless John Roberts improves their rep.

Have you checked on flights yet? Looks like the cars may be ready the weekend of Thanksgiving.

[kfmuller]

Didn't know about the doc fee and the etching. I'm just going to take Southwest, since I've got some free tickets. I'm going to call Dorian, my salesperson, on Monday to get a clarification on that, since it hasn't been mentioned to me.

[Renaissance]

Looks like my EB MCS is sailing with you on the Fidelio after missing the Faust on 10/23. I've been passing the time by looking at accessories. Will probably order a set of PIAA lights today.

I noticed that two people in this thread were going through Roadshow in Memphis. Were you able to custom spec your car? I contacted them in April and was told I'd have to get on the waiting list for a maxed-out pre-spec car complete with $750 CD changer. I'd have the right to refuse delivery and only then could I custom order. Forget that! I'm halfway between Memphis and Nashville... MINI of Nashville let me custom spec at list price.

[Miataman]

I bought spot 68 on the list from a friend of mine who was able to get an earlier car in Baton Rouge. I was able to spec my car at MSRP + $199 doc prep + $149 "protection package" (which is nothing but window etching). Both are nothing more than disguised dealer mark-up.

They said it was non-negotiable even though I offered to buy other dealer sold accessories in its place. I finally had to agree to pay it but I told them not to etch the windows. We'll see if they pay attention.

It is interesting to note that John Roberts in Dallas told me that they bought some cars from Roadshow and had to pay MSRP AND the dealer adds they put on. Then he showed me where Roadshow etched the door windows and then John Roberts actually etched the back windows on the same car so they could charge again!

What happened to letting the customer buy the car they want without all the dealer add on crap?

[kfmuller]

Anybody's owner lounge profile updated to show that their car was loaded and on the way? Mine still shows waiting for transport (or whatever they call it), although the ship has left the port and my car shows to be loaded aboard. Called Mini today, and they said it was waiting for transport.

Karl

Also, when were you advised of the extra fees. I specifically told my salesperson, Dorian, that the reason I was doing business with Roadshow was because they were purported to be selling at MSRP without making you buy any dealer added accessories, etc. She told me that they were selling at MSRP without any of the other added fluff that now seems to be part of the deal.

[Miataman]

I understand that the Owner's lounge won't update again until it is near port. Mine still shows awaiting transport.
But, keep checking the WW web site. If the car was unloaded, it will tell you.

Dorian is my sales person also, I will be calling tomorrow. They sent a hand written purchase order over and it was on there that I first saw the $199 and the $149.

[kfmuller]

I know it's only roughly $350, but it's very annoying - especially since I spent 10 years in the car business dealing with the same unethical practices and tailored my dealings with Roadshow in order to avoid this type of situation. I know Dorian is not to blame, because I worked at dealerships that pulled the same nonsense and it was insisted upon by the management even though the salesperson didn't want to engage in the practice. Unfortunately, I want the car, and it's on its way. I still will want to talk to the sales manager to get an explanation of why they "neglected" to apprise me of these added charges when I was told I could buy the car for MSRP plus tax, title and license without anything added when I sent them my deposit. I hope they have a change of heart when they find out that I'm an attorney who specializes in deceptive trade practices litigation in Texas (the Tennessee statute is the mirror of ours).

Karl

[Miataman]

I am like you. I wanted the car and did not want to wait until John Roberts' July 03 delivery date for an MSRP S model. I am still going to try and negotiate a swap for other accessories but you know how they "pac" these things. The "sales" department will not want to give up money to the "aftermarket" department. No one looks at it from the stand point that the "dealership" is making money.

Karl, you and I need to talk. I am in the auto finance business and run a branch office in Dallas for a California based bank. We handle sub-prime credit customers. I have been looking for a local attorney that is reasonable in fee structure for advice and minor things like demand letters. With fraud rampant in the Dallas dealer community, I would like to have a good attorney on our side. We have 3 local branches that could benefit.

-Eric

[kfmuller]

Call me at my office 214-939-4818 so that we can discuss your needs. I'm with Godwin Gruber in Dallas and like I said in my last post, I've got experience as a finance manager for a number of large dealer groups in the Dallas area.

Karl

[Renaissance]

Quote:

Originally posted by Miataman
I understand that the Owner's lounge won't update again until it is near port. Mine still shows awaiting transport.
But, keep checking the WW web site. If the car was unloaded, it will tell you.

Agreed... just ignore the Owner's Lounge. The OL still says mine is "awaiting transport", but the WW site clearly says it was "loaded on vessel" on 02/11/2002. I've been following the posts in here for months and am confident my car is on the way. The WW site showed me getting bumped off the Faust within a day of it leaving Southampton.

[Miataman]

Roadshow called today and said they inadvertantly forgot the stripes I very specifically discussed and ordered.

I asked them to put them on at the dealer and they said that would cost $300 as per their accessory list. I called AskMINI and they confirmed the stripes were not ordered but offered no help.

I will press the dealer to include the parts ($80) at no charge so I can install them myself. Or, tell them to make it a warranty claim. But, I want my stripes!

Sounds suspiciously like a ploy to get me to pay not only the $149 etching (I again told them not to touch the glass and they agreed but will still charge me the $149) and $199 processing fee, but also to get me to pay extra for what I ordered and should have gotten for no extra charge.

This whole situation is starting to sour.

My Mazda dealer still performs warranty work for me even though I am out of warranty and sells me parts at employee cost. They at least understand the power of a satisfied customer. These BMW types sure could learn from Mazda.

[Renaissance]

I'm doing my best to get through the days as Flik journeys across the Atlantic on the Fidelio. Flik? That's the small hero of the movie "A Bug's Life"

Can somebody post a map showing the progress of the Fidelio? I put my deposit down in early May and the anticipation is growing by the hour.

[Miataman]

http://www.oceanweather.com/data/

is the link for tracking the ship. It only checks in a couple of times a day so sometimes you can catch it and sometimes you can't. This is a cool site. The arrival has been delayed by 2 days (so far) due to the seas. It looks like it turned South just West of the Azores to avoid seas as high as 50 feet! I hope my MINI doesn't puke its fluids all over itself!

The call sign for the Fidelio is WQVY and should be at about 40W and 30N. Anticipated arrival in South Carolina is now the 16th.

[CUTiger3]

I stopped by my dealer (Century MINI) yesterday, and was told they expected my car to be delivered on 11/26/02.

I'm off work that week so...Let's Motor

[jaybrams]

My MCS is also on the Fidelio. According to the Wallenius Wilhemsen web site, the ship is now due in Baltimore on 11/13. Last week it indicated 11/14. In any case, my mini is getting off in Charleston and that is still scheduled for 11/16. My dealer, Lauderdale Mini, indicates a post-Thanksgiving availability.

[Renaissance]

Quote:

Originally posted by Miataman
http://www.oceanweather.com/data/

is the link for tracking the ship. It only checks in a couple of times a day so sometimes you can catch it and sometimes you can't.
The call sign for the Fidelio is WQVY

I can't seem to successfully post the entire link, but I've been watching the page at your link plus
/NATL-Southern/marine_text.html for three days with no sign of the Fidelio. The Faust has been there for the last two days on her return trip to Europe. I sure hope our MINIs are safe!