My daughter's Mini has been in the port for a month. The dealership says it is being rechecked (that it was randomly selected for a quality control recheck after it's initial one.) It's beginning to make me think it's probably a reassembly more than a recheck. Has anyone else had this happen? Supposedly only 4% of the cars get this done. It came in on 6/28.

 

I think you might be correct in this. Make sure you get a detailed damage report from your dealer, and let them know this could be a deal-breaker.

 

See
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...&highlight=VDC
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...&highlight=VDC

What are the options you ordered?

If there is any damage of significance that was fixed at the VDC they will have to disclose it to you (such as repainting or body damage).

July has a holiday in it.

Maybe BMW sales are up and things are busy.

Maybe employees are on summer vacations.

I'm tracking an MC right now that has been at the West coast VDC about 10 days plus and still there. Estimated delivery date 7/25/06

 

The car is very basic. The only option we got was cruise control and the controls on the steering wheel for the stereo.
Is it law or rumor that they have to disclose any damage? They aren't very forthcoming with information, and they aren't returning any of my calls. I think that a month on the east coast is a bit long, don't you? Do you think when it does come in that I should have them put it on the rack and let me inspect the undercarriage? It's black, so hopefully any repairs that may have been done will be easily seen.

P.S. How hard is it to get your deposit back?

 

In CA it's a law. You'll have to check with the DMV in MO.

 

Coop,

Yes, my MCS came in to Charleston ABOUT June 28 too, I think it was on the EMDEN... (tracking it on the Week 24 Support Group thread).

Now I don't know if it is sitting there because my salesperson knows I don't want to pick it up until the end of this month, or because the dealership is moving to a new place this month, OR because there is a problem.... I can't imagine what could go wrong in a little old ocean crossing, just sitting there calmly...

I'll be sure to let you know when it comes, as I too plan on "looking it over" extra... wait, I'll be too excited for that....

My delivery date from the Owner's lounge has always been July 31, it's been that status for a few weeks now.

Best of luck when yours comes in- your minor bugs should at least be worked out after two checkups!



Sir Mini

 

I hope you'll get your MINI soon...

I'd get the dealer to do a complete check-up on the car before taking delivery... And personally check it too.

 

I hope our cars didn't collide! What color is your car so I can check for swapped paint. It's reassuring that we're not the only one having this problem. The dealership had originally told us they would get it around July 12th or so and they haven't been returning any calls. Not good customer service. We'll be taking a magnet along to check for body putty. Let me know what excuse they use for your delay.

Has anyone else had a month's delay like this?

Our daughter needs the car to leave for school by the second week in August. If this mess isn't cleared-up before then, we'll be looking for another car. We really like the MINI, but are less than satisfied with the dealership.

 

No dealer can keep your deposit. They can kick and scream and jump up and down, but they can't make you buy their car and they can't keep your deposit. The deal, here in VA, is not complete until the new owner has taken delivery of the car. This means no deal until you actually drive it off the lot...no mater how many papers you sign. You have every right to look that car over by any means available before you agree to anything. If you choose to take a chance on it (as opposed to reordering), check it for over-spray. It's usually very easy to feel over-spray laying on the paint surface. Every car that I have ever had paint work done to has ended up with over-spray on it. Often it's laying right on the glass...easy to feel and see. The only way to get rid of it, is to CLAY it. It's also very easy to check paint "thickness" with a meter to see if panels have inconsistent paint depth. A repainted panel's paint will likely be thicker (that adjacent panels)...or have different thickness paint within that repaired panel. Dealers use these meters to check on vehicles that are to be taken in trade. Your Mini dealer likely has one...ask them to meter your paint. If they balk, they are hiding something. GL.[quote=P.S. How hard is it to get your deposit back?[/quote]

 

i recommend bringing someone who does bodywork with you when you pick up the car. He/she may spot things that you wouldnt be able to since this is their field of expertise. good luck