I purchased a 2016 MINI Cooper S from Honda of Downtown - motley.rebecca
I purchased a 2016 MINI Cooper S from Honda of Downtown Chicago in May 2026 and, based on my experience, I cannot recommend this dealership.
When I test-drove the vehicle on May 15, I noticed that the check-engine light was on. I agreed to purchase the car at the full asking price, but specifically requested that the check-engine issue be addressed before I took delivery. When I picked up the MINI on May 21, I was told the check-engine light had been cleared and the issue addressed.
Less than a month later, on June 19, the check-engine light came back on.
After contacting Honda of Downtown Chicago, I brought the vehicle back for service on June 28. Following multiple calls over several days, the dealership ultimately arranged to have the car taken to a MINI dealer. The MINI dealer diagnosed a faulty component related to the fuel system and provided a repair estimate of more than $700.
What makes this experience particularly frustrating is that the check-engine warning existed before I purchased the vehicle. I specifically raised the issue and relied on the dealership to address it before delivery. Had I known the underlying problem remained, I would have handled the purchase very differently.
I have made multiple efforts to resolve this matter directly with Honda of Downtown Chicago. The experience has required an unreasonable amount of my time and follow-up for a problem that was apparent before the sale.
I am documenting my experience so other used-car buyers know to ask questions, obtain documentation of any promised repairs, and consider having a vehicle independently inspected before accepting delivery.
Based on my experience with the sale and the dealership's handling of the subsequent problem, I would not purchase another vehicle from Honda of Downtown Chicago and cannot recommend the dealership.
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