MINI2

ryanelp80 · Apr 28th, 2005, 04:01 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by am0eba

I'm just back from many days and nights of work-related travel, in places where internet access was not easy to acquire... Sorry to those who were waiting to hear from me, I'll be posting more when I get back into the right time zone. (I'm about 9 hours off right now!)

I had to respond to this: I did NOT purchase out of state... South Bay MINI is only about 20 minutes from my home, so I made a real nuisance of myself during the waiting period. I felt obliged to point out that yes, you can get a MINI at MSRP in Cali, without waitng forever. South Bay's wait for an MCS is up to about four months now (order to delivery), which is still a lot better than most places around here that don't jack up the price. (Mine was delivered in almost exactly two months! - Thanks Jamie!)

No worries, just wanted to clear the record. Please forgive lack of coherence... I can't remember when I slept last...

Good pics of Murray on the way!

Missed you all!
_Dave_

Awww, Jamie is the COOLEST!

I swear, she's got to be the MOST laid-back car salesperson I have ever met! My boyfriend bought his MCS from her off the lot after I ordered mine (but I ordered from Crevier)... Jamie is really, really a cool chick!

flibmeister · Apr 28th, 2005, 04:12 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Magictux

With regard to the window tints my last car had small bubbles in the tint and they all disappeared in about a week or two.

Thats good to know, thanks!

Quote: Originally Posted by Pamlico

This is something that NY state recently implemented as well, except it's $5 per tire, so we get nicked an additional $20.

Ouch! Okay, so maybe it's not a scam... like the $388 doc fee.

Denny

Mk2 Colonial Viper · Apr 28th, 2005, 05:23 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by flibmeister

I thought we did-- but we still missed something.

the "Passenger Airbag Off" light remained lit.

The plastic cover on the driver's side A-pillar has a crack in it!!!

Oh, and when I went over the financials after getting home, I found (in addition to the $388 doc fee) there's a preprinted $5 charge for "waste tire disposal". Since I didn't leave any tires there to be disposed of, that seems a bit gratuitous. I guess they had to recoup the cost of the two pens and package of mints

Denny

Good to hear it went ok

I waited for the January 05 to get the new air bag system (children here) and it's working fine.

I'll be curious to hear what they say about the A pillar crack.

I also thought the $5 charge was odd but knew to challenge would lead to disclaimers about state fees or a similar excuses that one can neither debate nor verify there, so I skipped the issue & paid.

No knowledge of tints and bubbles, though the tint material must be porous to a certain extent - so gas/air could escape.

When you get out to Yuma email

Johnny L · Apr 28th, 2005, 06:00 PM

Outstanding, Erick! I'm officially at the 24 hour countdown myself! In fact, I'm going to head to the Oakland Airport in less than two hours. The adventure is about to begin . . .

Quote: Originally Posted by erickvonzipper

T-minus 49 hours.

Zip

am0eba · Apr 28th, 2005, 06:00 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by flibmeister

I thought we did-- but we still missed something.

...Oh, and when I went over the financials after getting home, I found (in addition to the $388 doc fee) there's a preprinted $5 charge for "waste tire disposal". Since I didn't leave any tires there to be disposed of, that seems a bit gratuitous. I guess they had to recoup the cost of the two pens and package of mints

Denny

Nah, that's standard now. It's a recycling fee for the new tires on your car. It's supposed to help pay for them when you replace them later. I'm sure someone can explain it better, but it's mandatory in CA.

_Dave_

PS: Congrats!

am0eba · Apr 28th, 2005, 06:12 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Johnny L

Oops! Sorry, Dave. I realized soon after I posted my original message that you did, indeed, get you MINI in SoCal. Mea Culpa!

No prob... Like I said, just setting the record straight.

Good luck with your purchase experience, have a great trip, and watch out for the finance guy!

When they start offereing packages when you're trying to finalize the paperwork, just tell them if they have any legitimate offers, they can provide full details in writing, and give you a couple of weeks to review the info. If they're like mine, they'll back down immediately. I hate POS* offers!

POS = Point Of Sale = Piece Of S#!t... It's unscrupulous, and offensive to be subjected to it. I cannot for the life of me understand why these practices are still tolerated. (Yes, I'm still jet-lagged, but it's still true.)

Don't buy LoJack, extended warranties, tire service, or any of that other junk unless they provide written details and plenty of time for consideration - not while you're flushed with excitement and anxious to get the keys to your new investment.

_Dave_

am0eba · Apr 28th, 2005, 06:32 PM

Okay, these are all small, because I'm attaching them directly from my home PC - I'll repost larger versions of these and many others once I get some personal webspace or figure out the Gallery stuff here.

My darling wife Judy took all of them. (Thanks, hon!)

The first one shows the view out the windshield while motoring on the Palos Verde peninsula - you can just make out the LA Harbor and our "home town" of "Sam Pete" (aka: San Pedro, pronounced "pee-dro" by the locals, it's actually part of the City of Los Angeles.)

The next one shows off Murray's butt. Interested viewers may note the "www.MINI2.com" and "SCMM.ORG" stickers on the black trim under the valence panel. They aren't sticking too well - I'd appreciate any suggestions on how to make them more permanent.

The third one is a night shot under the Vincent Thomas Bridge, at the San Pedro Cruise Ship terminal. They're in the process of revitaling the entire San Pedro commercial waterfront area, and it's really nice there now. The little image size doesn't really do Judy's picture justice!

Next is a shot of the interior, looking toward the rear, with the wind deflector deployed.

The last shot is me driving Murray around near the wild Mustard that is everywhere around us this Spring!

All photos were taken at locations within 20 minute drives of our home. (I love LA!)

_Dave_

gaminicool · Apr 28th, 2005, 06:41 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by am0eba

Don't buy LoJack, extended warranties, tire service, or any of that other junk unless they provide written details and plenty of time for consideration - not while you're flushed with excitement and anxious to get the keys to your new investment.

_Dave_

I agree about the last minute sales pitch for extra stuff. But, I did get the Clear Bra and had plenty of time to consider its purchase. I also got the Lojack instead of the alarm, but again took plenty of time to consider the purchase. I was amazed at extended warrenties costing up to 2800 dollars

Congrats to those about to get their Minis - take it from me - the wait is really worth it.

Mike

gaminicool · Apr 28th, 2005, 06:44 PM

BTW - what ever happened to the March '05 T-shirts that were being considered? I still would like to get one

am0eba · Apr 28th, 2005, 07:00 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by gaminicool

I agree about the last minute sales pitch for extra stuff. But, I did get the Clear Bra and had plenty of time to consider its purchase. I also got the Lojack instead of the alarm, but again took plenty of time to consider the purchase. I was amazed at extended warrenties costing up to 2800 dollars

Congrats to those about to get their Minis - take it from me - the wait is really worth it.

Mike

Oh yeah, I agree! I personally don't like Lo-Jack anyway, but if you have time to make an intelligent choice and you decide you want it, that's fine. I'm just steamed about the sales tactics. The clear bra almost got me, but I had decided ahead of time not to go with it. I'm sure I could have gotten a "bargain" on it from the finance guy if I tried...

Here's some details about what I was offered, in case anyone is interested in getting any of the options (You can hold out for the "deal" prices I was offered as he started getting desperate...

)

Extended Warranty $3301 marked down to $2301
LoJack $1690 marked down to $1050
Appearance Protection Plus Package
$995 marked down to $629 marked down to $300 (he was about to make another offer when I hit him with my "POS" speech - see previous message for details...)
Gap Insurance $799
Excessive Wear & Tear (You have GOT to be kidding me!) $895
Tire & Wheel Warranty $1195 marked down to $629 marked down to $400
Star Shield Clear Bra $1195
MINI Full Maintenance Upgrade $895 marked down to $699
Voice-Command Phone $1795 (We never actually got this far, although he did keep jumping back and forth between the less tangible options like Appearance Protection, and the tire and wheel warranty)
Secure Etch $ 195 (Another one we never got to...)

Bear in mind that all of this was after 7PM, I had an unbeatable guaranteed loan from my credit union, which he tried to make me think was unreliable at first, then tried to maneuver me into letting them (the deaer) get invoklved in the management of the credit union loan - WHAT?! - that really smelled like trouble..., and I showed him a photocopy of my paystub. I can't imagine how bad the pressure would have been if I was looking to the dealer to handle the financing for me! Ick!

Having said all that, overall I'm very happy with South Bay MINI - Jamie DeFrance was very patient and low-pressure as my MA, Jennifer (sales manager) was helpful and courteous and provided me with info when Jamie was unavailable, and I got my beautiful Murray sooner than they originally estimated, at list price.

_Dave_

am0eba · Apr 28th, 2005, 07:19 PM

Weird timing! I just finished a telephone satisfaction survey from MINIUSA!

I was frustrated by the limited rating system (1 to 5, 5 being best) and the grouping of questions (How would you rate your overall purchase experience?) The person conducting the survay was willing and able to write down additional comments for each question, so I really praised everything except my dealings with the finance department. I also commented that the most helpful resources were independent internet-based user groups. Hopefully, it will help. He seemed very serious about seeing that my MA got the praise she desrved (even asked me to spell her name) and the thfinance dept took the heat for my disatisfaction.

_Dave_

gaminicool · Apr 28th, 2005, 07:30 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by am0eba

Here's some details about what I was offered, in case anyone is interested in getting any of the options (You can hold out for the "deal" prices I was offered as he started getting desperate...

)

Extended Warranty $3301 marked down to $2301
LoJack $1690 marked down to $1050
Appearance Protection Plus Package
$995 marked down to $629 marked down to $300 (he was about to make another offer when I hit him with my "POS" speech - see previous message for details...)
Gap Insurance $799
Excessive Wear & Tear (You have GOT to be kidding me!) $895
Tire & Wheel Warranty $1195 marked down to $629 marked down to $400
Star Shield Clear Bra $1195
MINI Full Maintenance Upgrade $895 marked down to $699
Voice-Command Phone $1795 (We never actually got this far, although he did keep jumping back and forth between the less tangible options like Appearance Protection, and the tire and wheel warranty)
Secure Etch $ 195 (Another one we never got to...)

_Dave_

Wow - those are sky high prices

FYI - my dealer charges a falt 595 for the clear Bra
795-995 for the lojack. As for the other prices they were much cheaper on everything.

Still though I agree with you that this last minue sales tactic is inappropriate.

Wooo Hoo 200 posts. I feel like I've joined some exclusive club. Well - maybe not

am0eba · Apr 28th, 2005, 07:30 PM

Okay, I may be dumping on this thread, but I'm taking time off from work today and I've been deprived of my web access right when I needed to share...

Here's a list of the cool free junk I got during the pruchasing process from Jamie, my MA at South Bay MINI:
MINI Mavericks Trading Cards
Wheel Visualizer brochure
Paper punch and fold MINI models
Roof Design Generator brochure (Even has an Andre the Giant design - "Obey Giant")
Book of Maintenance, complete with self-adhesive mechanics nametages
Encyclopedia of Open Motoring
1-888-DO NOT CLOSE bumper sticker
Bug Bull's Eye Mirror Stickers
Paper Cones Brochure
Cool MINI shopping bag (Black outside, orange inside)
SMINTS in the cupholder
Sanitation Wrapper on the steering wheel (like a motel toilet!)
and the big freebie was an orange and grey MINI rugby shirt ($69 value) to help me get through the last couple of weeks waiting.

Thanks Jamie!!!

Oh yeah, I also got a creepy shiny South Bay BMW key fob from the finance guy.

_Dave_

erickvonzipper · Apr 28th, 2005, 07:45 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Johnny L

Outstanding, Erick! I'm officially at the 24 hour countdown myself! In fact, I'm going to head to the Oakland Airport in less than two hours. The adventure is about to begin . . .

You're probably already on a plane as I am typing this, but good luck!

Zip

SKINIMINI · Apr 28th, 2005, 10:13 PM

I just got "the call"---we pick up the car in 47 hours!!! The only bummer is that our chrome grill is on back order. Everything else is supposed to be in order. For those who have already picked up their babies, is there a delivery check list that folks are using?

Thanks and happy motoring,

Ted

gaminicool · Apr 28th, 2005, 11:28 PM

Ted congrats on getting the call

Check this thread a few pages back as I posted an "over the top" comprehensive check list. Most of the stuff you don't need to worry about. But it's helpful.

Mike

Tom B · Apr 28th, 2005, 11:39 PM

Wow. These stories of last minute sales pitches are amazing. Nothing like that happened at my dealer, Prestige MINI in Mahwah, NJ. Dealing with my salesman, Tony and everyone else at the dealership was extremely pleasant. Possibly the difference is that Prestige is a stand-alone dealer and therefore allowed to develope their own laid-back personality rather than being attached to a BMW dealer and influenced by the wrong type of sales tactics?

Tom

Ken30307 · Apr 29th, 2005, 02:48 AM

Wow..you made out like a bandit! I got mints, and a key fob..wich I just got rid of..the MINI Key is Fobish enough by itself!

Quote: Originally Posted by am0eba

Okay, I may be dumping on this thread, but I'm taking time off from work today and I've been deprived of my web access right when I needed to share...

Here's a list of the cool free junk I got during the pruchasing process from Jamie, my MA at South Bay MINI:
MINI Mavericks Trading Cards
Wheel Visualizer brochure
Paper punch and fold MINI models
Roof Design Generator brochure (Even has an Andre the Giant design - "Obey Giant")
Book of Maintenance, complete with self-adhesive mechanics nametages
Encyclopedia of Open Motoring
1-888-DO NOT CLOSE bumper sticker
Bug Bull's Eye Mirror Stickers
Paper Cones Brochure
Cool MINI shopping bag (Black outside, orange inside)
SMINTS in the cupholder
Sanitation Wrapper on the steering wheel (like a motel toilet!)
and the big freebie was an orange and grey MINI rugby shirt ($69 value) to help me get through the last couple of weeks waiting.

Thanks Jamie!!!

Oh yeah, I also got a creepy shiny South Bay BMW key fob from the finance guy.

_Dave_

Kellzir · Apr 29th, 2005, 03:08 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by gaminicool

You have great taste

Although, I'm glad you're on the the other side of the country

I know that feeling of wanting to be unique. But hey it's alright that you are on the other side of the country because I did not order a convertible. Btw, your MINI still looks great.

Kellzir · Apr 29th, 2005, 03:13 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by gaminicool

BTW - what ever happened to the March '05 T-shirts that were being considered? I still would like to get one

Yea what happened to the shirts? I thought it is a cool idea and would love to have one!

Apr 28th, 2005, 05:23 PM	#1803 (permalink)
Mk2 Colonial Viper MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Arizona Local Time: 12:45 PM Posts: 50 Offline	$5 tire disposal fee Quote: Originally Posted by flibmeister I thought we did-- but we still missed something. the "Passenger Airbag Off" light remained lit. The plastic cover on the driver's side A-pillar has a crack in it!!! Oh, and when I went over the financials after getting home, I found (in addition to the $388 doc fee) there's a preprinted $5 charge for "waste tire disposal". Since I didn't leave any tires there to be disposed of, that seems a bit gratuitous. I guess they had to recoup the cost of the two pens and package of mints Denny Good to hear it went ok I waited for the January 05 to get the new air bag system (children here) and it's working fine. I'll be curious to hear what they say about the A pillar crack. I also thought the $5 charge was odd but knew to challenge would lead to disclaimers about state fees or a similar excuses that one can neither debate nor verify there, so I skipped the issue & paid. No knowledge of tints and bubbles, though the tint material must be porous to a certain extent - so gas/air could escape. When you get out to Yuma email

Apr 28th, 2005, 06:00 PM	#1804 (permalink)
Johnny L MINI2 Senior Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: S.F. Bay Area Local Time: 12:45 PM Posts: 404 Offline	Outstanding, Erick! I'm officially at the 24 hour countdown myself! In fact, I'm going to head to the Oakland Airport in less than two hours. The adventure is about to begin . . . Quote: Originally Posted by erickvonzipper T-minus 49 hours. Zip Hang up and drive! > Black Jack Pictures <

Apr 28th, 2005, 06:00 PM	#1805 (permalink)
am0eba the ZERO is silent! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Pedro, CA Local Time: 12:45 PM Posts: 256 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by flibmeister I thought we did-- but we still missed something. ...Oh, and when I went over the financials after getting home, I found (in addition to the $388 doc fee) there's a preprinted $5 charge for "waste tire disposal". Since I didn't leave any tires there to be disposed of, that seems a bit gratuitous. I guess they had to recoup the cost of the two pens and package of mints Denny Nah, that's standard now. It's a recycling fee for the new tires on your car. It's supposed to help pay for them when you replace them later. I'm sure someone can explain it better, but it's mandatory in CA. _Dave_ PS: Congrats! "Murray" 2005 MCSC (click here for more) "F" the ineffable!

Apr 28th, 2005, 06:12 PM	#1806 (permalink)
am0eba the ZERO is silent! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Pedro, CA Local Time: 12:45 PM Posts: 256 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Johnny L Oops! Sorry, Dave. I realized soon after I posted my original message that you did, indeed, get you MINI in SoCal. Mea Culpa! No prob... Like I said, just setting the record straight. Good luck with your purchase experience, have a great trip, and watch out for the finance guy! When they start offereing packages when you're trying to finalize the paperwork, just tell them if they have any legitimate offers, they can provide full details in writing, and give you a couple of weeks to review the info. If they're like mine, they'll back down immediately. I hate POS* offers! POS = Point Of Sale = Piece Of S#!t... It's unscrupulous, and offensive to be subjected to it. I cannot for the life of me understand why these practices are still tolerated. (Yes, I'm still jet-lagged, but it's still true.) Don't buy LoJack, extended warranties, tire service, or any of that other junk unless they provide written details and plenty of time for consideration - not while you're flushed with excitement and anxious to get the keys to your new investment. _Dave_ "Murray" 2005 MCSC (click here for more) "F" the ineffable! Last edited by am0eba : Apr 28th, 2005 at 06:14 PM. Reason: incoherent ranting was hard to follow...

Apr 28th, 2005, 06:32 PM	#1807 (permalink)
am0eba the ZERO is silent! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Pedro, CA Local Time: 12:45 PM Posts: 256 Offline	Pic Time! Okay, these are all small, because I'm attaching them directly from my home PC - I'll repost larger versions of these and many others once I get some personal webspace or figure out the Gallery stuff here. My darling wife Judy took all of them. (Thanks, hon!) The first one shows the view out the windshield while motoring on the Palos Verde peninsula - you can just make out the LA Harbor and our "home town" of "Sam Pete" (aka: San Pedro, pronounced "pee-dro" by the locals, it's actually part of the City of Los Angeles.) The next one shows off Murray's butt. Interested viewers may note the "www.MINI2.com" and "SCMM.ORG" stickers on the black trim under the valence panel. They aren't sticking too well - I'd appreciate any suggestions on how to make them more permanent. The third one is a night shot under the Vincent Thomas Bridge, at the San Pedro Cruise Ship terminal. They're in the process of revitaling the entire San Pedro commercial waterfront area, and it's really nice there now. The little image size doesn't really do Judy's picture justice! Next is a shot of the interior, looking toward the rear, with the wind deflector deployed. The last shot is me driving Murray around near the wild Mustard that is everywhere around us this Spring! All photos were taken at locations within 20 minute drives of our home. (I love LA!) _Dave_ Attached Thumbnails "Murray" 2005 MCSC (click here for more) "F" the ineffable! Last edited by am0eba : Apr 28th, 2005 at 06:45 PM. Reason: Photo Credits and info!

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Use this area to discuss your MINI's delivery

Apr 28th, 2005, 04:01 PM	#1801
ryanelp80 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2005 Local Time: 12:45 PM Posts: 107 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by am0eba I'm just back from many days and nights of work-related travel, in places where internet access was not easy to acquire... Sorry to those who were waiting to hear from me, I'll be posting more when I get back into the right time zone. (I'm about 9 hours off right now!) I *had* to respond to this: I did NOT purchase out of state... South Bay MINI is only about 20 minutes from my home, so I made a real nuisance of myself during the waiting period. I felt obliged to point out that yes, you can get a MINI at MSRP in Cali, without waitng forever. South Bay's wait for an MCS is up to about four months now (order to delivery), which is still a lot better than most places around here that don't jack up the price. (Mine was delivered in almost exactly two months! - Thanks Jamie!) No worries, just wanted to clear the record. Please forgive lack of coherence... I can't remember when I slept last... Good pics of Murray on the way! Missed you all! _Dave_ Awww, Jamie is the COOLEST! I swear, she's got to be the MOST laid-back car salesperson I have ever met! My boyfriend bought his MCS from her off the lot after I ordered mine (but I ordered from Crevier)... Jamie is really, really a cool chick!

Today
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Apr 28th, 2005, 04:12 PM	#1802 (permalink)
flibmeister MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jan 2005 Local Time: 12:45 PM Posts: 84 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Magictux With regard to the window tints my last car had small bubbles in the tint and they all disappeared in about a week or two. Thats good to know, thanks! Quote: Originally Posted by Pamlico This is something that NY state recently implemented as well, except it's $5 per tire, so we get nicked an additional $20. Ouch! Okay, so maybe it's not a scam... like the $388 doc fee. Denny

Apr 28th, 2005, 06:41 PM	#1808 (permalink)
gaminicool What's this red line for? Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Atlanta Local Time: 02:45 PM Posts: 326 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by am0eba Don't buy LoJack, extended warranties, tire service, or any of that other junk unless they provide written details and plenty of time for consideration - not while you're flushed with excitement and anxious to get the keys to your new investment. _Dave_ I agree about the last minute sales pitch for extra stuff. But, I did get the Clear Bra and had plenty of time to consider its purchase. I also got the Lojack instead of the alarm, but again took plenty of time to consider the purchase. I was amazed at extended warrenties costing up to 2800 dollars Congrats to those about to get their Minis - take it from me - the wait is really worth it. Mike

Apr 28th, 2005, 06:44 PM	#1809 (permalink)
gaminicool What's this red line for? Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Atlanta Local Time: 02:45 PM Posts: 326 Offline	T-shirts BTW - what ever happened to the March '05 T-shirts that were being considered? I still would like to get one

Apr 28th, 2005, 07:00 PM	#1810 (permalink)
am0eba the ZERO is silent! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Pedro, CA Local Time: 12:45 PM Posts: 256 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by gaminicool I agree about the last minute sales pitch for extra stuff. But, I did get the Clear Bra and had plenty of time to consider its purchase. I also got the Lojack instead of the alarm, but again took plenty of time to consider the purchase. I was amazed at extended warrenties costing up to 2800 dollars Congrats to those about to get their Minis - take it from me - the wait is really worth it. Mike Oh yeah, I agree! I personally don't like Lo-Jack anyway, but if you have time to make an intelligent choice and you decide you want it, that's fine. I'm just steamed about the sales tactics. The clear bra almost got me, but I had decided ahead of time not to go with it. I'm sure I could have gotten a "bargain" on it from the finance guy if I tried... Here's some details about what I was offered, in case anyone is interested in getting any of the options (You can hold out for the "deal" prices I was offered as he started getting desperate... ) Extended Warranty $3301 marked down to $2301 LoJack $1690 marked down to $1050 Appearance Protection Plus Package $995 marked down to $629 marked down to $300 (he was about to make another offer when I hit him with my "POS" speech - see previous message for details...) Gap Insurance $799 Excessive Wear & Tear (You have GOT to be kidding me!) $895 Tire & Wheel Warranty $1195 marked down to $629 marked down to $400 Star Shield Clear Bra $1195 MINI Full Maintenance Upgrade $895 marked down to $699 Voice-Command Phone $1795 (We never actually got this far, although he did keep jumping back and forth between the less tangible options like Appearance Protection, and the tire and wheel warranty) Secure Etch $ 195 (Another one we never got to...) Bear in mind that all of this was after 7PM, I had an unbeatable guaranteed loan from my credit union, which he tried to make me think was unreliable at first, then tried to maneuver me into letting them (the deaer) get invoklved in the management of the credit union loan - WHAT?! - that really smelled like trouble..., and I showed him a photocopy of my paystub. I can't imagine how bad the pressure would have been if I was looking to the dealer to handle the financing for me! Ick! Having said all that, overall I'm very happy with South Bay MINI - Jamie DeFrance was very patient and low-pressure as my MA, Jennifer (sales manager) was helpful and courteous and provided me with info when Jamie was unavailable, and I got my beautiful Murray sooner than they originally estimated, at list price. _Dave_ "Murray" 2005 MCSC (click here for more) "F" the ineffable!

Apr 28th, 2005, 07:19 PM	#1811 (permalink)
am0eba the ZERO is silent! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Pedro, CA Local Time: 12:45 PM Posts: 256 Offline	Weird timing! I just finished a telephone satisfaction survey from MINIUSA! I was frustrated by the limited rating system (1 to 5, 5 being best) and the grouping of questions (How would you rate your overall purchase experience?) The person conducting the survay was willing and able to write down additional comments for each question, so I really praised everything except my dealings with the finance department. I also commented that the most helpful resources were independent internet-based user groups. Hopefully, it will help. He seemed very serious about seeing that my MA got the praise she desrved (even asked me to spell her name) and the thfinance dept took the heat for my disatisfaction. _Dave_ "Murray" 2005 MCSC (click here for more) "F" the ineffable!

Apr 28th, 2005, 07:30 PM	#1812 (permalink)
gaminicool What's this red line for? Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Atlanta Local Time: 02:45 PM Posts: 326 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by am0eba Here's some details about what I was offered, in case anyone is interested in getting any of the options (You can hold out for the "deal" prices I was offered as he started getting desperate... ) Extended Warranty $3301 marked down to $2301 LoJack $1690 marked down to $1050 Appearance Protection Plus Package $995 marked down to $629 marked down to $300 (he was about to make another offer when I hit him with my "POS" speech - see previous message for details...) Gap Insurance $799 Excessive Wear & Tear (You have GOT to be kidding me!) $895 Tire & Wheel Warranty $1195 marked down to $629 marked down to $400 Star Shield Clear Bra $1195 MINI Full Maintenance Upgrade $895 marked down to $699 Voice-Command Phone $1795 (We never actually got this far, although he did keep jumping back and forth between the less tangible options like Appearance Protection, and the tire and wheel warranty) Secure Etch $ 195 (Another one we never got to...) _Dave_ Wow - those are sky high prices FYI - my dealer charges a falt 595 for the clear Bra 795-995 for the lojack. As for the other prices they were much cheaper on everything. Still though I agree with you that this last minue sales tactic is inappropriate. Wooo Hoo 200 posts. I feel like I've joined some exclusive club. Well - maybe not

Apr 28th, 2005, 07:30 PM	#1813 (permalink)
am0eba the ZERO is silent! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Pedro, CA Local Time: 12:45 PM Posts: 256 Offline	Free Goodies! Okay, I may be dumping on this thread, but I'm taking time off from work today and I've been deprived of my web access right when I needed to share... Here's a list of the cool free junk I got during the pruchasing process from Jamie, my MA at South Bay MINI: MINI Mavericks Trading Cards Wheel Visualizer brochure Paper punch and fold MINI models Roof Design Generator brochure (Even has an Andre the Giant design - "Obey Giant") Book of Maintenance, complete with self-adhesive mechanics nametages Encyclopedia of Open Motoring 1-888-DO NOT CLOSE bumper sticker Bug Bull's Eye Mirror Stickers Paper Cones Brochure Cool MINI shopping bag (Black outside, orange inside) SMINTS in the cupholder Sanitation Wrapper on the steering wheel (like a motel toilet!) and the big freebie was an orange and grey MINI rugby shirt ($69 value) to help me get through the last couple of weeks waiting. Thanks Jamie!!! Oh yeah, I also got a creepy shiny South Bay BMW key fob from the finance guy. _Dave_ "Murray" 2005 MCSC (click here for more) "F" the ineffable!

Apr 28th, 2005, 07:45 PM	#1814 (permalink)
erickvonzipper MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2005 Local Time: 02:45 PM Posts: 137 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Johnny L Outstanding, Erick! I'm officially at the 24 hour countdown myself! In fact, I'm going to head to the Oakland Airport in less than two hours. The adventure is about to begin . . . You're probably already on a plane as I am typing this, but good luck! Zip

Apr 28th, 2005, 10:13 PM	#1815 (permalink)
SKINIMINI MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: No. County San Diego Local Time: 12:45 PM Posts: 5 Offline	I just got "the call"---we pick up the car in 47 hours!!! The only bummer is that our chrome grill is on back order. Everything else is supposed to be in order. For those who have already picked up their babies, is there a delivery check list that folks are using? Thanks and happy motoring, Ted

Apr 28th, 2005, 11:28 PM	#1816 (permalink)
gaminicool What's this red line for? Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Atlanta Local Time: 02:45 PM Posts: 326 Offline	Ted congrats on getting the call Check this thread a few pages back as I posted an "over the top" comprehensive check list. Most of the stuff you don't need to worry about. But it's helpful. Mike

Apr 28th, 2005, 11:39 PM	#1817 (permalink)
Tom B I am not in compliance. Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Orange County, NY Local Time: 02:45 PM Posts: 308 Offline	Wow. These stories of last minute sales pitches are amazing. Nothing like that happened at my dealer, Prestige MINI in Mahwah, NJ. Dealing with my salesman, Tony and everyone else at the dealership was extremely pleasant. Possibly the difference is that Prestige is a stand-alone dealer and therefore allowed to develope their own laid-back personality rather than being attached to a BMW dealer and influenced by the wrong type of sales tactics? Tom [

Apr 29th, 2005, 02:48 AM	#1818 (permalink)
Ken30307 mini mini mini.....MINI Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta GA Local Time: 03:45 PM Posts: 180 Offline	Wow..you made out like a bandit! I got mints, and a key fob..wich I just got rid of..the MINI Key is Fobish enough by itself! Quote: Originally Posted by am0eba Okay, I may be dumping on this thread, but I'm taking time off from work today and I've been deprived of my web access right when I needed to share... Here's a list of the cool free junk I got during the pruchasing process from Jamie, my MA at South Bay MINI: MINI Mavericks Trading Cards Wheel Visualizer brochure Paper punch and fold MINI models Roof Design Generator brochure (Even has an Andre the Giant design - "Obey Giant") Book of Maintenance, complete with self-adhesive mechanics nametages Encyclopedia of Open Motoring 1-888-DO NOT CLOSE bumper sticker Bug Bull's Eye Mirror Stickers Paper Cones Brochure Cool MINI shopping bag (Black outside, orange inside) SMINTS in the cupholder Sanitation Wrapper on the steering wheel (like a motel toilet!) and the big freebie was an orange and grey MINI rugby shirt ($69 value) to help me get through the last couple of weeks waiting. Thanks Jamie!!! Oh yeah, I also got a creepy shiny South Bay BMW key fob from the finance guy. _Dave_

Apr 29th, 2005, 03:08 AM	#1819 (permalink)
Kellzir MINI2 Regular Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bay Area, CA Local Time: 11:45 AM Posts: 256 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by gaminicool You have great taste Although, I'm glad you're on the the other side of the country I know that feeling of wanting to be unique. But hey it's alright that you are on the other side of the country because I did not order a convertible. Btw, your MINI still looks great.

Apr 29th, 2005, 03:13 AM	#1820 (permalink)
Kellzir MINI2 Regular Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bay Area, CA Local Time: 11:45 AM Posts: 256 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by gaminicool BTW - what ever happened to the March '05 T-shirts that were being considered? I still would like to get one Yea what happened to the shirts? I thought it is a cool idea and would love to have one!

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