[simonjessop]

Dear All,

Firstly can i say thank you to Paul. I know i requested my account be closed etc, but thanks for not doing so. Its so good to be back. I'd missed this place!

Secondly... this is a probably going to be a long thread, and a long first message so bare with me.

Ok, i first came on MINI2.com way back in August last year. I was wanting to sell my dated Seat Arosa for something a bit more beefy and was contemplating a few vehicles, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Golf GTi and of course Mini ONE/Cooper.

I got a bit of a shock from my insurance company with regard to the Mini, and so had to plump for the Golf. Thinking I had bought well, ya know, Volkswagen - well built german car... blah blah, however the grapes soon turned sour.

It is now January. The car has had a recorded 24 different faults in 3 months since i picked up the 2 1/2 year old car. It has been back to the dealership 4 or 5 times.

I have written 4 letters of complaint and have dealt with everyone Sales Manager, Service Manager, Dealer Principle, Deputy Chairman and the latest guy is the Operations Director, Sam David. Hi Sam if your reading this.

He is investigating my complaint. Which i am sure will enlighten him as to why I am requesting my £10,190 back in a full refund.

I have threatened them with legal action and trading standards and now have my insurance company fighting my case through a company known as "Motor Legal Protection". This is something i have included in my premium.

I am expecting to hear back from them in the next 48 hours with their proposal.

Can't wait personally.

Any messages of help, would be most gratefully recieved.

Thank you.

Simon J

[simonjessop]

Quick update:

Just spoke to Tesco my insurance company and they have given me the contact number for Motor Legal Protection.

According to them I have been paying for it for ages, and is part of my annual premium.

Motor Legal Protection is usually used by people making a claim for accidents where they weren't the one responsible for the accident and this company legally fights for you on your behalf.

I'm going to get in touch with them later this week if my Volkswagen dealer *Rawsons of Tonbridge* fail to deliver the goods before their deadline of Monday 13th January.

Simon.

(Soon to become Mini Owener!)

[KenL]

Do you mean that a ONE was more expensive for insurance than a Golf GTI? Thats's weird as the ONE is only group 5. The Cooper is only 8. I thought any Golf GTI (they make about 10 variations don't they ) would be higher than 8.

Good luck with your fight. I'd bin in and get a MINI - much better build obviously

[simonjessop]

I'd got a quote on a Cooper and at the time, they wanted more than my Group 10 Golf GTi. I know its strange, but its because the Cooper is quicker, because its lighter (although has same bhp - 115), and so more of an insurance risk. Also on the Golf i have CAT1 alarm and immobiliser, plus deadlocks and locking wheel nuts.

I am sure these are available for Mini though. I didn't get a quote on a One as i fancied something with a bit more poke. Might go and have a look at a ONE again though.

My Golf is the 2.0 litre, which is a slight monster. Its also a complete Fuel Addict and i'm hoping to improve on the current 23.3mpg when i purchase my MINI.

I know the Cooper Vs One rant goes on forever so i'm going for long test drives in both

Simon

[zzz]

if you haven't already done so, get an online quote for the mini from elephant insurance . they were way, way cheaper than anyone else when i was getting quotes for my s (£585 for 31 yr old with 0 yrs ncb). several insurance companies would not quote me without 2 or 4 years ncb and some quoted over £2000.

[KenL]

Directline are ALWAYS cheapest for me.

[simonjessop]

Ooh thanks. I'll be sure to take a look at them.

Do you think my local dealer would be tempted to offer discounts on used Minis with just over 10 grand in my pocket - cash that is? :S

A little bit of finance for the difference and i'm home dry. No Problemo.

[dinger]

Who's your local dealer or should I say who are you going to use.

[simonjessop]

I will most likely to be using "L&C BMW" of Tunbridge Wells. I've known all the staff, first name terms, for over a year or so and they are all very enthusiastic and fun people.

They also have a nice selection of used MINI's on the forecourt! YEY!

Is there a recommendation on a specific dealer in West Kent to use? I've looked through the delear section and there wasn't anything much on their about my area.

Does anyone know anything about my situation legally with VW and Rawsons and whether i'm on stable legal turf etc? I don't want to go in over my head and have the rug pulled from under my feet - so to speak. A full list of faults can be provided to anyone!

Interestingly it makes interesting reading - but tends to cause nightmares for those who do it before sleeping!

Simon

[dinger]

I would'nt touch L&C with a barge pole IMO.

Lind at maidstone are pants as well I'm afraid to say.

HOWEVER

Try MINI at Ruxley in Sidcup very nice people and very helpful as well and ask for Lee.

[simonjessop]

Have you heard personal experiences with them? What happened?

[simonjessop]

Interestingly my gripe with VW Rawsons could change at this point.

You see, Rawsons are owned by the Whitehouse Group - which is the owner of the dealershsip you mentioned. I could do a deal with Rawsons/Whitehouse.

That way they don't have to part with any £££££

Hmmmm - gonna have a think about this. obviosuly i won't tell them i'm interested.

[dinger]

To cut a long storey short about L&C there service is terrible to say the least.

And Lind wanted me to place a deposit on a cooper S before they would allow me to have a test drive.

[simonjessop]

Right - one bad comment is enough to put me off!

I'm going to look round to see whats available. I quite like the new Mini One in black with the union jack roof and bonnet stripes in silver. Looks really really smart. PLus it only about £12,400 with a host of extras!

Si,

[dinger]

Let us know how you get on.

[KenL]

MINI ONE - good choice

You should get plenty extra for £12400 - £2100 worth to be exact.

Not sure how easy it is to do a UJ on a Black roof. They usually go on red, white or blue roofs which forms the base colour - I think

[simonjessop]

Ken,

I know its weird but I have seen it with my own eyes. A Mini One with a silver/grey union jack with siler/grey bonnet stripes. Evidently this is a new option available and L&C Tunbridge Wells had/have one in the show room. I saw this in oooh, Late Decmeber, so i'm sure i could get it on mine. The car had 5 spoke 16" alloys with run-flats and look the part. Was about £12,400 including some other extras.

No news from VW yet. Will keep you all posted. I am hoping they will call me tomorrow. Their deadline is monday. I have my salary review at work tomorrow so, we may be looking at Mini sooner rather than later if the gods are looking down on me!

Si.

[KenL]

OK, now I see.

I was thinking R-W-B Union Flag not the Black/Silver one. Think that would look pretty smart.

Silver bonnet stripes will look nice on a black car. Have you seen the Viper Stripes? They look excellent and are now being done by dealers as well.

I think MINI should introduce more colours options from the factory like a silver roof option as well as black or white. A black or Indi Blue car with Pure Silver Roof would look great.

Ken.

[Racer]

Quote:

Originally posted by simonjessop
Right - one bad comment is enough to put me off!

It shouldn't be its one persons personal opinion (although there are undoubtley those who agree with dinger) however I have never found Lind to be anything but helpful and efficient and nice people with it - as for L and C again I have never had a problem although I have only dealt on the BMW side (I lie I once turned up for a test drive and the salesman had the day off! - but the DP kindly took me in his car)

Other's experience with dealers allows you to be wary of certain aspects of their service which ultimately probably makes them a better dealer (better the devil you know)

R

[dinger]

Quote:

Originally posted by Racer
It shouldn't be its one persons personal opinion (although there are undoubtley those who agree with dinger) however I have never found Lind to be anything but helpful and efficient and nice people with it - as for L and C again I have never had a problem although I have only dealt on the BMW side (I lie I once turned up for a test drive and the salesman had the day off! - but the DP kindly took me in his car)

Other's experience with dealers allows you to be wary of certain aspects of their service which ultimately probably makes them a better dealer (better the devil you know)

R

Hi Racer,The MINI sales are pretty damm good at L&C TBH its the service side that leave a lot to be desired .EXAMPLE FROM THEM IS ..When we were have steering problems with the cooper and I asked if it was safe for Anne and children to use the guys reply on the service desk was it does have airbags does'nt it.....well that comment was NOT said in jest and its not I would expect to hear from a dealership like L&C TBH. However that is one of many I could give about L&C.

You never know they might have changed.