MINI Cooper: Problems & Solutions - READ ONLY

522 messages, Last post on Oct 13, 2006 at 8:27 AM

You are in the Hatchbacks - Archived Discussions Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer

This discussion is ARCHIVED. To reactivate the discussion, post a request in the Lost? Ask the Hatchbacks Host for directions! discussion.

What is this discussion about? MINI, Transmission, Convertible, Hatchback

Outline

Messages Page 51 of 53: 1; ...; 47; 48; 49; 50; 51; 52; 53; Prev; Next; Last

#496 of 522 MINI COOPER SERVICE by marty13 Sep 23, 2006 (3:41 pm)
From: Martin Farrell Date: 9/ 23/06 To: Mini Cooper CC: CONSUMER REPORTS Dear Sir, I am writing this letter to express my severe disenchantment with both Mini Cooper as a company and their dealership (Prestige Mini NJ, USA). I purchased my first Mini S (loaded) for $27,000, less then four months ago. On 8/24/06 (11:20 hrs) my Mini S struck a “CAT” on RT 6 in NY. The result was the following: 1- No alarm sounded indicating my engine was in trouble, or overheating. 2- After approximately 6 – 7 miles, the red light on the dash finally came on, and I stopped and requested an accident report from the NY State Police ( see report # SP2F88000115). 3- I drove home (4 miles) to my home, and called Prestige Mini immediately. 4- The vehicle was towed to Prestige Mini. I finally got my car back (28 days later). The following chain of events too place. 1- I called Prestige Mini, and they stated they had a great relationship with State Farm insurance. Two weeks later, I personally had to intercede, in an effort to get State Farm to pay what they described as an “outrageous labor rate”. Worse, once approved, the expert technicians fools you employ, who command this “outrageous labor rate” at Prestige Mini “failed “to check the car properly and totally missed the “warped head” on the vehicle. Had I not personally requested that they check the motor, no effort would have been made to ensure both my safety, and to prevent a second return to Mini. 2- Due to this incompetence, I was forced to wait again for the insurance adjuster from State Farm to arrive. While this transpired, my insurance co (like most) only allows $1,000 in rental fees. In view of the fact that there was an unreasonable delay, I requested a “loaner” from the service manager, who stated yes. When I called to come and pick up the loaner, the assistant service manager stated “no”? I guess $27,000 was not enough! 3- Two more weeks passed, as I waited for my car (needed to get to work), and I was finally advised (after I called approx: 10 times) it was done! Just one small problem, the car needed “just one more part” for the AC unit. I was advised the car would be finally ready this past Friday 9/22/06, but when I called to ensure it was done, I was advised the part did not come in. Until this point, I had remained polite, friendly and understanding, especially in view of the fact that the Mini Service Dept. could really put the screws to me. Having had enough, I called the service manager, who now advised me the “car was done”, and the “other guy had made a mistake”? Classic incompetence, no! In the 37 years I have been driving cars, I have never experienced such incompetence, wasted time, and have never been so inconvenienced by any car dealer, except yours. Worse, I have used State Farm for 28 yrs, and never, had any problem with them, until I had to deal with Mini Cooper. To compound matters, when I did go to get my car, I was left with the distinct impression that they were doing me a favor. PS: My wife advised me not to send this e-mail to Mini, because I still need to get the service dept. to sign a “co-pay check”. Don’t want to “piss off the service/billing dept”. In short, I paid on credit card, which I find odd? In view of the fact that State Farm authorized payment for the work. I guess Mini cash needs the cash, or being British/German does not “understand” that State Farm guaranteed their almighty dollar. All other dealers, I have dealt with, have just said, thank you and out the door I went. Needles to say, because I can not trust, or depend on Mini Cooper, I will no longer be “motoring”, or popping the “bonnet”, as Mini Cooper and its dealers have convinced me that their only interest is in selling cars, not customer support. Regardless of the fact that I was involved in an auto accident. Respectfully Yours Martin Farrell Warwick NY USA 10990 Replies to this message: minidivision (Sep 27, 2006 9:48 am) marty13 (Oct 07, 2006 1:30 am) marty13 (Oct 08, 2006 4:12 am) Mr_Shiftright (Oct 08, 2006 9:26 am) and 2 more...
#501 of 522 Re: Press request [KarenS] by sconant Sep 27, 2006 (12:48 am)
Replying to: KarenS (Sep 21, 2006 9:56 am) I recieved a reprimand yesterday about sending "contact" info on this site. I would love to "talk" Mini but I'm unable to due to this forums rules?! Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Sep 27, 2006 6:42 am)
#502 of 522 Re: Press request [sconant] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Sep 27, 2006 (6:42 am)
Replying to: sconant (Sep 27, 2006 12:48 am) You weren't "reprimanded". You were advised not to post your phone # and e-mail in a public message board because of threats by software "spiders" that collect e-mails and because of possible invasions to your privacy by telemarketers. I strongly advise everyone here to NEVER post your private information in a message box. This is why Edmunds created a "profile" for you, as well as the www.carspace.com website, which gives you your own mailbox and allows you to regulate whom you communicate with and vice-versa. You can consult your membership agreement or e-mail me if you need help with the rules about privacy or conduct issues. best MrShiftright Host