Incompetent service department - LynnE
Buyer Beware. After buying a Mini Cooper from this dealer and spending thousands on repairs there, I wasn't aware that Global Imports Mini has an "F" rating with the Better Business Bureau. I wish I had known that. I bought my Mini Cooper brand new from Global Imports Mini several years ago. Starting at about 60,000 miles, I started experiencing major engine issues, despite having the car regularly serviced. I paid $3,000 for repair services last summer on my Mini Cooper, most of it to engine work.
Then in November, I took my car to Global Imports for an oil change before a trip, but was told that I was not due for an oil change yet. The service mgr. told me they would do a complementary 24 point inspection (which should include checking the oil level) and told me to only come in when the change oil light came on.
On December 10, my check engine light came on, so on (four months after engine repairs.) I took my car to Global Imports the next day to check out the problem. The service manager said the engine problem was caused by the oil being low, and that low oil jammed the solenoid valve which he recommended be replaced, along with an oil change. He said I would soon need a new oil pan seal, another $1,100 service. He estimated the day's charges would be about $500 and that would fix the engine problem for now. I told him to go ahead with the repair.
Thirty minutes later, the service mgr. called & said the car was ready. I paid $449.66 and started the car but before I left the parking lot, the Check Engine light came back on. I turned the car around and returned to service. About 2 hrs later, the service mgr. said the "low oil" warped the timing belt, which would be an additional $3k to repair. I reminded him that the $449.66 I just paid was supposed to fix the problem, so he said he would ask his manager about refunding at least part of the $449.66 I paid to fix problem. The next day, he called & said his manager will not return any portion of the $449.66. I wrote a letter to the dealership's general manager about what happened, but received no response. I contacted the national office & they responded, but, they were not able to resolve the issue with this dealer. After months of dealing with the complaint, the case worker called and said the Global Imports manager told them he tried to contact me several times and left voice mails. I told her this is not true--no one contacted me and my correct phone number was on all correspondence. She said the service mgr. was waiting for my call and gave me his direct number. I immediately called him, left a voice mail and he never returned my call. That was several weeks ago. I decided to check the Better Business Bureau on Global Imports Mini and discovered their rating is "F" the lowest rating. The reason for the rating? They do not respond to complaints. My exact problem.
If you buy a car or have it serviced at Global Imports Mini, and you have any sort of problem, they will not respond to your complaint.
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