Hey Guys! Well I was treated with true respect and courtesy! Today, I planned to pick up my 2003 MINI Cooper S from the shop after only 200 miles due to a defective flywheel in the clutch. I was thinking to myself if I bought a new car I feel I deserve a new car and asked FERMAN MINI of Tampa Bay for a new replacement vehicle. Well, then listened and delivered! I would like to thank Doug (sales manager), Aaron (sales representative, and the man that did all the talking and understanding my case Peter (finance representative). I would to tell you guys, Peter was truly a wonderful person and very down to earth. This guy is the most honest guy I have come across in car sales. Trust me I've been there with my dad buying Benzes, BMWs and Lexus' and this has been the best experience I have had when it comes to making a customer happy! I am happy but wish I could have gotten what I originally had a dark silver. What I got was a brand new with 14 miles on it pure silver Cooper S 2003/black roof/blue-black interior with premium, sport and parking assist. Anyway, if you plan to buy a MINI check out Ferman MINI and give Aaron and Peter a call. I am truly happy with the way things turned out and want to wish you all a wonderful and a safe happy new year! Also, any TIPS on breaking in the car? Is the parking assist a great help in parking? Till then thank you and hope to hear from you guys soon! Also, look for my post soon on a cd changer/XM unit integration via Sound gate’s OEM adapter tomorrow when I take my car in for an install at Sound Advice.

 

Hi AK, I'm glad it worked out so well for you. Sounds like you got a lemon originally. I suppose the dealer will use it as a demo. At any rate, I commend you for letting everyone know the dealer did right by you.

As far as breaking in the car, I suppose there are 2 schools of thought on that. One is baby the car for the first 300 and up to 1200 or so miles to break it in gradually. the other is to drive it the way you normally would (within reason). The rationale being 1. it will break in according to your driving style and everything will seat properly. 2. If anything fails as a result it's under warranty. I had a friend that insisted the only way to break in a car was to do it hard. (Too hard in my opinion)

For my part I do a little of both. For the first couple hundred miles I get the feel of the car and learn how it likes to be driven. By 1,000 miles I don't think it's a problem pushing 4-5 grand on the tach.

Well, enjoy your new MINI. Did you name it yet?

 

:smile:

Cheers!
Clover

 

Wow! Thanks for the helpful information and I will give Ferman a review soon! Again thank you. Also, another question: Have you guys looked under your front bumper and noticed a plastic piece that hangs toward the ground that looks like some sort of protection for the front wheels? I just went over a seed bump as slow as possible and it scraped the edge of that plastic piece. Yet I can't see it but feel the roughness wondering have you guys done the same and how do you work around it? Till then thank you and hope to hear from you soon.