Would not recommend this place to anyone. Came there from out of town on very limited time looking to buy their 07 Mini Cooper S from them. Edward showed me the car, and at first I was pleased. Nice interior, exterior is beautiful. Things are looking good.
Within first few minutes of looking at the car noticed oil leakage - he seemed to act as if he didn't know about it and went on to say how gasket wear is normal. Was told I could take for an inspection, but must be within city limits where there are conveniently no BMW/Mini dealers(they're one city away), no exception. Being not from the area, I asked if there is a shop he could recommend to me - his response was "Ha, you really want me to recommend a place for you?" and every time I seemed to question something about the car he didn't even try to convince me it was okay, would just say that I don't have to buy the car if I don't want to. I should have stopped there.
Took me to the closest mechanic who is probably his good friend, spoke amongst themselves in a different language. Although they seemed kind of shady to me, I gave the car a good look myself and from my basic knowledge the suspension, undercarriage, interior and just about everything seemed fine on the car. I just saw some oil leakage and figured maybe it'll just be a valve cover or something. Also I'm on a time crunch and budget renting a car for the past few weeks, and really wanted to purchase based on the very good looks of the car I observed. I was convinced the only thing I would need to do is fix an oil leak - Edward agreed with me and even brought the price down $200 for this. He told me several times that the car is well maintained, serviced, and the previous owner must have babied it.
Keep in mind - I am VERY aware that buying a car used, as is, is agreeing to purchase it just like that....as is. But you'd expect some type of honesty when dealing with a professional business.
Come to find out after purchasing the car - the 2 or 3 hundred dollar oil leak turns into over $2,000 in repairs. Have been going to a trusted mechanic for 6+ years who specializes in European cars, and the price quoted for the amount of repairs/labor was actually very reasonable. I also asked for some detailing work and other extra things for my own satisfaction, such bringing me to about $2800. But expecting not much to be wrong with this car but a small leak, you can understand my frustration. I was so happy that I was under my 10k budget walking out of this dealership, only to hear bad news a few days later.
Car needs new brake fluid, has a leaking oil pump and oil pan (these two cost most of the repair), 1 bad motor mount that was vibrating, needs a new drive belt (probably the sound I was hearing that they assured me is normal), spark plugs need replacing, cabin and air filter are filthy, and battery is low on charge. Being as I'm very limited on time, I had my mechanic fixing the issues next day so I can get to work and ditch the rental car. Edward says only way they can compensate me in any way is go to their mechanic and they will maybe pay a portion of the cost....not an option since I'm 50+ miles away with a full time job and don't necessarily trust them already. Tries to say none of these problems are that bad and that none of them are necessary repairs, even though engine bay has plenty oil leak visible. Edward says then that there's absolutely nothing they can do for me since I'm already having it worked on by someone else. Should have gone with my girlfriend and I's gut instinct - we were getting weird vibes from Edward from the beginning and now we know why. So the list price $7,600 Mini I bought which was "discounted", is now costing about $10,000. For that amount I could have gone elsewhere, where they'd be honest and actually let me take to a Mini/BMW certified mechanic to look at it. Don't go to this shop - they just want someone who will pay and not argue with them. If you bring up any concerns, they basically don't care to answer them. Luckily besides the engine - shape of the car was excellent. Interior is almost like new, paint and body are perfect. Hopefully when I get my car back tomorrow it will be in tip top shape, and I can maintain better than the previous owners. Thanks again Edward, not very happy but I appreciate your time. read more