Joseph V

2 cars bought, 2 cars always failing

In 2015, I bought a Mini Cooper (LD61 NMW) from the dealership during the VIP event. loved the car in terms of looks and spent a hour customising with the sales team. I drove it for less than a week and the engine light came on and it started to sound like a tractor (not a good start), car returned to be looked at under warranty (Courtesy car given to me) 3 months later car not fixed (as the part was on back order) a month later car returned with a new thermostat fitted but engine noise remained so car returned back to them for further investigation. Fast forward 6 months car still not returned to me and no solution put in place. At this point, i demanded a new car or refund. Told i couldn't have either as this car didn't have an issue they could find and i'd driven it. Eventually they told me that I had to return the courtesy car and pick up the car (without any solution found) with 24 hours notice essentially leaving me with out a use-able car for commuting. After a conversation with Mini UK, they offered me an alternate car (newer but much lower spec (no leather seats, or added functionality) with my request of the run-flats being transferred from the old car to the new. Long story short 2 years later and over 10 trips to the dealership for crucial new parts to the car (Driveshaft, Gearbox, steering rack, aux belt, timing chain etc..) I can safely say that Ridgeway/Marshall Mini can't seem to provide a car fit for purpose to me! Some failures are to be expected on cars but this is above and beyond what is exceptable! Staff are also very rude, after being told that my brakes were getting low, I asked if they were still safe to drive? I was told that 'they would give the car back if they weren't' at which point i stopped a giggle in disbelief at the response i received. I was then shouted at and told to get out of the dealership. If you report an issue to them, they are very rude and unhelpful with comments like 'i know who you are', 'what is it this time'?. Not what you expect when buying from a premium brand and certainly not from a dealer that has provided a sub-par product to a customer!