MINI2

snootsu · Apr 4th, 2005, 08:48 PM

Hi everyone,

Even after reading horror stories about Herb Chambers, I sitll decided to buy a car from them. Why? Because I'm a cheap sucker. Ms. Carrie Taylor from HC agreed to the following negotiations I made.

1. HC will match up prices on the dealer prep fees and the tire warrenty offered at Peobody
2. HC will give me free set of 4 floor matts. (I asked for rubber "S" matts)
3. On top of 1 and 2, HC will give me minus $300- adjustment from the total cost.

Hence I became a sucker and am already terrified what disaster may come to me in the future. I haven't placed an order yet, so please give me your advice on what best to deal with them (ex. how to prevent this and that from happening, etc...), and wish me good luck!!!

Aqualung · Apr 4th, 2005, 09:04 PM

well, they certainly *seem* to have improved, it will be interesting to see how you progress, thru to delivery and 1st service check...good luck!

Any sense of their delivery intervals vs. MoP?

snootsu · Apr 4th, 2005, 09:15 PM

Good question, I didn't check that. I know I was told "about a month" from MINI-P.

By the way, I will be dealing with this Motoring Advisor, Richard Tran guy. Does anyone know him? or had anyone dealt with him in the past?? He was introduced from Ms Carrie. I don't know why she did that..?

JR9907 · Apr 4th, 2005, 11:33 PM

I have been in the auto business for the past 30 years,that $300.00-$400.00 you are saving right now will cost you big time later.I have seen dealers loose a deal over a very small amount of money,then the customer comes back for service horrified with their experiance from the other dealer that they saved the money with.When I purchased my 2 MINI's from MoP it was the first time in 30 years I did'nt buy from the dealer I worked for.It was the best buying experiance I have ever had and best service I have ever had.
Just my .02. Good luck.

snek · Apr 5th, 2005, 01:02 AM

I've got the tire warranty from MoP and frankly, it was a waste of money. And Hrach threw in a set of mats for free...so it comes down to $300 bucks. Not worth it, if you ask me.

jwardell · Apr 5th, 2005, 01:36 AM

You got free mats? Darnit I tried as hard as I could for that!

I'm surprised you got HC to bend as well, I too was dealing with Carrie, and despite knowing someone who worked for HC could not get any bending. It took a long time before I even got a call back. She's the sales mgr, so she had to direct you to one of the advisors no matter what.

And here's an old quote from when I was buying almost exactly a year ago:

Quote: Originally Posted by Windshadow

After the way I was treated at HC I would not buy from them even if it could save me $2,000!!!!

snek · Apr 5th, 2005, 01:44 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell

You got free mats? Darnit I tried as hard as I could for that!

Now, you didn't buy from Hrach, did you..

jcsinnh · Apr 5th, 2005, 08:57 AM

Ivan got snookered. Had he been thinking right at the time, he would have opted for Armenian BBQ 6x per year for the life of his car. Forget the mats, get the eats.

You said you were going to Herbie's, why ask for reasons not to at this time? Post-negotiations. The way I see it, MINI has a whole system of customer support that works better than most. As long as you have your deal in writing, go for it.

snek · Apr 5th, 2005, 11:03 AM

Oh yea? An what about the test ride? The best time I had this of an amusment park ride. "Floorrr it!"

jcsinnh · Apr 5th, 2005, 11:19 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by snek

Oh yea? An what about the test ride? The best time I had this of an amusment park ride. "Floorrr it!"

Ah, the legendary Hrach test drive! Never had one myself but the tales are legion and Commonwealth Ave. still shudders. Maybe the man, the icon, the tales deserve a thread of their own....

Cape Cod MINI · Apr 5th, 2005, 12:35 PM

I'm hoping you have a great experience at HC MINI. In my conversations and emails with Carrie it seems that they are making great efforts at improving their customer service and the sales experience there. They are making efforts at joining the MINI community and we can only give them credit for that.
Let us know how it works out.

onasled · Apr 5th, 2005, 05:45 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Cape Cod MINI

I'm hoping you have a great experience at HC MINI. In my conversations and emails with Carrie it seems that they are making great efforts at improving their customer service and the sales experience there. They are making efforts at joining the MINI community and we can only give them credit for that.
Let us know how it works out.

Yea, ... but are they building a Twincharged S like M.o.P. is to take to the dragstip?!

Jester's mom · Apr 5th, 2005, 11:29 PM

I bought my mini from HC last year and had no problems with the sale or sales staff. Did not get any good deals but I'm not a haggler. They told me at the time it would take 3 months to get my mini, ordered at the end of March to Jester home in May.

I have not been back for service due to horror stories. I have been going to MOP and have not had a problem.

sorlo · Apr 6th, 2005, 08:51 AM

Bought mine from Mini of Peabody and had a great experience there. Keith was my MA and he threw in a set of mat for free.

My girlfriend also got her Mini from Keith and she had an excellent buying experience there.

Oldpaint · Apr 6th, 2005, 09:13 PM

Last year I bought my MCS at HC. Anna was my MA. She was pleasant, quickly responded to my emails and phone calls. The car came as I specced it and the estimate of its arrival was accurate. They didn't stick a dealer logo on the car body, just a license plate frame which I quickly removed and replaced with another that I already owned.

A friend warned me that HC was famous for adding on extra charges, but that didn't happen so I bought from them. Also my old car was definitely past it, not very safe, the check engine light came on driving up to Boston during a snowstorm, so I didn't want to drive it further than Boston unless absolutely necessary.

When I went to pay for the car they had the usual hard sell from the finance guy for a fancy wax job, but I just pulled out a picture of my Lotus Super Seven and said that I had plenty of fancy wax for that, and I could do that myself. That actually ended the conversation quite pleasantly.

I haven't needed any service on the car yet- not a lot of miles on it - so no comment on that side of the business.

Of course your experience might vary!!

onasled · Apr 6th, 2005, 09:34 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by oldpaint1

...... but I just pulled out a picture of my Lotus Super Seven .......

Could you please drive this car down to the Providence pulley party this weekend .... please, lplease , please !!!!

I so badly want one of these. What make? Is it a real Lotus?

Oldpaint · Apr 7th, 2005, 07:47 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by onasled

CI so badly want one of these. What make? Is it a real Lotus?

Its a real one from 1965. Not very fast by today's standards, but its loud and corners wonderfully. See my gallery.

pezboy · Apr 7th, 2005, 09:19 PM

Wow...that car is awesome!!

Cape Cod MINI · Apr 8th, 2005, 12:01 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by oldpaint1

Its a real one from 1965. Not very fast by today's standards, but its loud and corners wonderfully. See my gallery.

Bob, that's a sweet ride. I'll bet it rides the cobble stones down town really well.

onasled · Apr 8th, 2005, 02:57 AM

Apr 4th, 2005, 08:48 PM	#1
snootsu MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2005 Local Time: 03:01 PM Posts: 20 Offline	I'm going to HC, wish me luck! Hi everyone, Even after reading horror stories about Herb Chambers, I sitll decided to buy a car from them. Why? Because I'm a cheap sucker. Ms. Carrie Taylor from HC agreed to the following negotiations I made. 1. HC will match up prices on the dealer prep fees and the tire warrenty offered at Peobody 2. HC will give me free set of 4 floor matts. (I asked for rubber "S" matts) 3. On top of 1 and 2, HC will give me minus $300- adjustment from the total cost. Hence I became a sucker and am already terrified what disaster may come to me in the future. I haven't placed an order yet, so please give me your advice on what best to deal with them (ex. how to prevent this and that from happening, etc...), and wish me good luck!!!

Apr 4th, 2005, 11:33 PM	#4 (permalink)
JR9907 MINI2 Senior Join Date: May 2003 Location: Brockton,Ma Local Time: 04:01 PM Posts: 654 Offline	I have been in the auto business for the past 30 years,that $300.00-$400.00 you are saving right now will cost you big time later.I have seen dealers loose a deal over a very small amount of money,then the customer comes back for service horrified with their experiance from the other dealer that they saved the money with.When I purchased my 2 MINI's from MoP it was the first time in 30 years I did'nt buy from the dealer I worked for.It was the best buying experiance I have ever had and best service I have ever had. Just my .02. Good luck. Just ZPINBY

Apr 5th, 2005, 01:02 AM	#5 (permalink)
snek MINI2 Master Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: out of nowhere... Local Time: 04:01 PM Posts: 2,170 Offline	I've got the tire warranty from MoP and frankly, it was a waste of money. And Hrach threw in a set of mats for free...so it comes down to $300 bucks. Not worth it, if you ask me. Know your rights. Support the NMA.

Apr 5th, 2005, 01:36 AM	#6 (permalink)
jwardell MINI2 Master Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Newton, MA Local Time: 04:01 PM Posts: 5,427 Offline	You got free mats? Darnit I tried as hard as I could for that! I'm surprised you got HC to bend as well, I too was dealing with Carrie, and despite knowing someone who worked for HC could not get any bending. It took a long time before I even got a call back. She's the sales mgr, so she had to direct you to one of the advisors no matter what. And here's an old quote from when I was buying almost exactly a year ago: Quote: Originally Posted by Windshadow After the way I was treated at HC I would not buy from them even if it could save me $2,000!!!! http://www.jwardell.com/mini/

Apr 5th, 2005, 01:44 AM	#7 (permalink)
snek MINI2 Master Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: out of nowhere... Local Time: 04:01 PM Posts: 2,170 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell You got free mats? Darnit I tried as hard as I could for that! Now, you didn't buy from Hrach, did you.. Know your rights. Support the NMA.

MINI2

Fuel for your MINI obsession

For meeting people,arranging events/activities and discussing issues in your local area!

Today
Sponsors	Sponsored Links Registered members do not see Google Ads posts, they can also post messages, pictures, and classified adverts. Register your free account today and become a member of MINI2 - MINI Forum

Apr 4th, 2005, 09:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
Aqualung Sitting on a park bench.. Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Bahstun, MA Local Time: 04:01 PM Posts: 1,188 Offline	well, they certainly seem to have improved, it will be interesting to see how you progress, thru to delivery and 1st service check...good luck! Any sense of their delivery intervals vs. MoP?

Apr 4th, 2005, 09:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
snootsu MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2005 Local Time: 03:01 PM Posts: 20 Offline	Good question, I didn't check that. I know I was told "about a month" from MINI-P. By the way, I will be dealing with this Motoring Advisor, Richard Tran guy. Does anyone know him? or had anyone dealt with him in the past?? He was introduced from Ms Carrie. I don't know why she did that..?

Apr 5th, 2005, 08:57 AM	#8 (permalink)
jcsinnh MINI2 Master Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: fools & tools proof Local Time: 03:01 PM Posts: 4,856 Offline	Ivan got snookered. Had he been thinking right at the time, he would have opted for Armenian BBQ 6x per year for the life of his car. Forget the mats, get the eats. You said you were going to Herbie's, why ask for reasons not to at this time? Post-negotiations. The way I see it, MINI has a whole system of customer support that works better than most. As long as you have your deal in writing, go for it. Lawdy, Lawdy, the Cross I bear.

Apr 5th, 2005, 11:03 AM	#9 (permalink)
snek MINI2 Master Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: out of nowhere... Local Time: 04:01 PM Posts: 2,170 Offline	Oh yea? An what about the test ride? The best time I had this of an amusment park ride. "Floorrr it!" Know your rights. Support the NMA.

Apr 5th, 2005, 11:19 AM	#10 (permalink)
jcsinnh MINI2 Master Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: fools & tools proof Local Time: 03:01 PM Posts: 4,856 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by snek Oh yea? An what about the test ride? The best time I had this of an amusment park ride. "Floorrr it!" Ah, the legendary Hrach test drive! Never had one myself but the tales are legion and Commonwealth Ave. still shudders. Maybe the man, the icon, the tales deserve a thread of their own.... Lawdy, Lawdy, the Cross I bear.

Apr 5th, 2005, 12:35 PM	#11 (permalink)
Cape Cod MINI Exposing the Beast Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Cape Cod, MA Local Time: 04:01 PM Posts: 5,354 Offline	I'm hoping you have a great experience at HC MINI. In my conversations and emails with Carrie it seems that they are making great efforts at improving their customer service and the sales experience there. They are making efforts at joining the MINI community and we can only give them credit for that. Let us know how it works out. Missing my buddies Dan and Ed but glad I have two angel buddies, And on a quest to Right Secco's Wrongs

Apr 5th, 2005, 05:45 PM	#12 (permalink)
onasled MINI2 Senior My Classifieds Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northeast, Ct Local Time: 04:01 PM Posts: 441 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Cape Cod MINI I'm hoping you have a great experience at HC MINI. In my conversations and emails with Carrie it seems that they are making great efforts at improving their customer service and the sales experience there. They are making efforts at joining the MINI community and we can only give them credit for that. Let us know how it works out. Yea, ... but are they building a Twincharged S like M.o.P. is to take to the dragstip?!

Apr 5th, 2005, 11:29 PM	#13 (permalink)
Jester's mom MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Warren, RI Local Time: 04:01 PM Posts: 424 Offline	I bought my mini from HC last year and had no problems with the sale or sales staff. Did not get any good deals but I'm not a haggler. They told me at the time it would take 3 months to get my mini, ordered at the end of March to Jester home in May. I have not been back for service due to horror stories. I have been going to MOP and have not had a problem. Jester' s Mom Pat's Progress

Apr 6th, 2005, 08:51 AM	#14 (permalink)
sorlo Car enthusiast Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Hong Kong/Boston, MA Local Time: 04:01 PM Posts: 220 Offline	Bought mine from Mini of Peabody and had a great experience there. Keith was my MA and he threw in a set of mat for free. My girlfriend also got her Mini from Keith and she had an excellent buying experience there. Boston - 03 JCW MCS (S1274) - DS/B, Bonnet Stripes (Sold) HK - 05 MCS - HB/W (It's finally here!) Pix of my car http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/13158/50935.jpg

Apr 7th, 2005, 09:19 PM	#18 (permalink)
pezboy heh...lame Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Boston, MA Local Time: 04:01 PM Posts: 2,335 Offline	Wow...that car is awesome!! "Just keep heading into the wind. Don't let anything blow you over." Ed Smith / MaxaMini 6/14/05

Apr 6th, 2005, 09:13 PM	#15 (permalink)
Oldpaint Domestic Motor Pool Chief Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Tralfamadore Local Time: 04:01 PM Posts: 1,009 Offline	Last year I bought my MCS at HC. Anna was my MA. She was pleasant, quickly responded to my emails and phone calls. The car came as I specced it and the estimate of its arrival was accurate. They didn't stick a dealer logo on the car body, just a license plate frame which I quickly removed and replaced with another that I already owned. A friend warned me that HC was famous for adding on extra charges, but that didn't happen so I bought from them. Also my old car was definitely past it, not very safe, the check engine light came on driving up to Boston during a snowstorm, so I didn't want to drive it further than Boston unless absolutely necessary. When I went to pay for the car they had the usual hard sell from the finance guy for a fancy wax job, but I just pulled out a picture of my Lotus Super Seven and said that I had plenty of fancy wax for that, and I could do that myself. That actually ended the conversation quite pleasantly. I haven't needed any service on the car yet- not a lot of miles on it - so no comment on that side of the business. Of course your experience might vary!! everything you know is wrong gnorw si wonk uoy gnihtyreve Last edited by Oldpaint : Apr 6th, 2005 at 09:14 PM. Reason: grammer

Apr 6th, 2005, 09:34 PM	#16 (permalink)
onasled MINI2 Senior My Classifieds Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northeast, Ct Local Time: 04:01 PM Posts: 441 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by oldpaint1 ...... but I just pulled out a picture of my Lotus Super Seven ....... Could you please drive this car down to the Providence pulley party this weekend .... please, lplease , please !!!! I so badly want one of these. What make? Is it a real Lotus?

Apr 7th, 2005, 07:47 PM	#17 (permalink)
Oldpaint Domestic Motor Pool Chief Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Tralfamadore Local Time: 04:01 PM Posts: 1,009 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by onasled CI so badly want one of these. What make? Is it a real Lotus? Its a real one from 1965. Not very fast by today's standards, but its loud and corners wonderfully. See my gallery. everything you know is wrong gnorw si wonk uoy gnihtyreve

Apr 8th, 2005, 12:01 AM	#19 (permalink)
Cape Cod MINI Exposing the Beast Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Cape Cod, MA Local Time: 04:01 PM Posts: 5,354 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by oldpaint1 Its a real one from 1965. Not very fast by today's standards, but its loud and corners wonderfully. See my gallery. Bob, that's a sweet ride. I'll bet it rides the cobble stones down town really well. Missing my buddies Dan and Ed but glad I have two angel buddies, And on a quest to Right Secco's Wrongs

Apr 8th, 2005, 02:57 AM	#20 (permalink)
onasled MINI2 Senior My Classifieds Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northeast, Ct Local Time: 04:01 PM Posts: 441 Offline

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Wish me luck!	Paul_Ward	General Discussion	9	Aug 15th, 2003 01:27 PM
As Luck would have it :)	toombs	Dealership Feedback	3	Mar 23rd, 2002 08:29 AM