Let me start off by saying A- This is only the second negative review I have ever left in my life and B- This is coming from someone who is in the service industry. I have worked in the service department for 7 different brands and currently I work for an independent shop. Typically, you want to make friends with all the local dealerships/ people in the industry rather than ruffle feathers. But in this case, a few feathers NEED to be ruffled. I purchased a 2018 mini cooper 2door hard top on October 14th, certified pre owned. For those that do not know, this means the vehicle is held to a higher standard and goes through a much more rigorous inspection that it must pass, vs the inspections and standards of a normal used vehicle. I test drove the vehicle with no issues, though it very clearly had been warmed up prior to me doing so, but again, certified pre owned, still under warranty, I wasn't too terribly worried about any issues with the vehicle. The very first time I drove the vehicle after bringing it home, I noticed a very noticeable shudder while the vehicle is in reverse on cold starts. Knowing I had an appointment already set up for tint the following week, I decided to mention it at said appointment. I was told there is a TSB out on this issue and that there was an update for this. This update was then scheduled for an other day. Shortly after dropping my car off for the update I was informed the updates were done and my vehicle was ready for pick up, when I asked what unit was updated and what the update solved, I was told all the units were updated as they were all out of date. This is incredibly uncommon, nor did it answer my question, but I figured I would get paperwork that would give me the answers I was seeking. However, I was told upon picking my vehicle up that my paperwork was not done and I would receive it via email. Fast forward to the following day, the shudder is still there. I set up another appointment to bring the vehicle in for a diagnostic. Upon dropping it off I made it very clear that there was a shudder in reverse that feels like broken motor mount. The following day, I am told that the cause was a broken ac clip. As I am aware a broken ac clip would make a rattling noise and not cause a full car shudder, I asked for clarification on the shudder in reverse being resolved by replacing this ac clip, I was assured it was. The following morning I picked the vehicle up and requested a test drive with the advisor. Upon reversing with the advisor in the vehicle with me, the shudder was still very much there. The advisor tried to explain it was likely my brakes, as it was the morning and they may be wet. I then hit the gas in reverse again, and showed I was not touching the brakes, and the car was still shuddering. The advisor then claimed that because the vehicle was pre owned, it was possible that the previous owner may have used regular grade gas vs premium and gave me 3 cans of BG 44k fuel system cleaner. For those at home, using regular grade gas vs premium WOULD cause a carbon build up over time, however, carbon build up would lead to a sluggish response time and eventually a rough idle.. NOT a full car shudder specifically in reverse. Fast forward to me making the best decision and bringing my vehicle to a different dealership, Momentum Mini in south Houston. It was indeed a broken motor mount AND stabilizer link. Worth mentioning, Momentum Mini also found the windshield washing pump was leaking. All of this, under warranty. It is absolutely ASTOUNDING that none of this was found simply on a multipoint inspection which SHOULD be done on each service visit, as standard in the industry. But even more astounding that Mini of The Woodlands is either so lazy or incompetent that they couldn't find a broken motor mount, which would be the FIRST suspect in a situation where a car has an extreme shudder when in a specific gear. Let’s also add insult to injury with the fact that I have asked multiple times for paperwork on what was “found” and “done” to my car while in their service department, weeks later I still have yet to receive it.. I can not state ENOUGH how much you should absolutely avoid this place for service at all costs.
Linakay Lindsey
Dec 2, 2020
AdChoices 