MINI of Alexandria

Update to earlier review — Thanks, Unilocal!After I posted and MINI Alexandria received my review, they contacted me to apologize and to refund the $ 195 charged for the (completely unnecessary) coolant flush. I’m not upgrading beyond two stars because it sounds like they will continue to recommend a coolant flush at the 3 – 4 year point, even though MINI never recommends a coolant flush. (And considering that MINI doesn’t hesitate to lay on the requirements …) But if you’re going to want one done in an abundance of caution, I recommend you demand one — at least from MINI Alexandria — when you take your MINI in for its last service before the three-​year service contract expires.

TLDR: Daniel (service manager) is great. They hire good people, so fewer headaches. Expensive, but you get what you pay for.
I purchased a used vehicle here in 2010, and a new vehicle in 2012. I’ve had several complications in my time at Mini, and even regretted purchasing a Mini after a couple of months in, but that’s mostly based on the model I purchased, and I’ve come around. Ultimately, Mini’s service has done an excellent job accommodating difficulties.
1) Yes, service takes time. More than you expect. BUT they have always given me a loaner, so I rarely spend more than 15 minutes waiting for drop-​off/​pick-​up. I personally would rather borrow a (brand new) vehicle for a couple of days and avoid waiting any length of time. (Read: I’m impatient).
2) I’ve only really worked with Frank and Daniel (manager) in service. Both have been great. Mistakes were made early on, and I was incredibly frustrated, but they’ve handled that very professionally and effectively.
3) You don’t get service done at a dealership to save money. They have service and parts standards and to comply with. One day I’ll be able to handle estimates better, but for now, I’m usually shell-​shocked. I know the service they provide is worth the price. Definitely a great example of «you get what you pay for.» I’m pretty sure it helps my re-​sale value to have all work done by dealership also.

I was in the process of buying a new mini from mini of Alexandria to replace the one I bought from them earlier. To be completely transparent, the salesman (David) and I completed negotiating the trade-​in value of the old mini and we were discussing the new car value. He stated a figure and when I informed him that I will not be interested if that is the price he slammed the phone down. I was disappointed not only as a human being that expect to be treated with professionalism and common courtesy but also as a client of the company. He should know better and should be held accountable for this behavior. I am writing this to inform management of this as well as to inform potential clients to expect such reaction even when you are using credible and legitimate proxies such as consumer report as a bench mark for market value. That is not too much to expect from a legitimate company.

Took my Countryman in for an oil change and got much more! Since this was my first visit; the service director, Daniel Rodriquez brought me into his office and explained my warranty, my car and what to expect from the service department. I purchased my MINI elsewhere, but if I’d met Daniel before my purchase I definitely would have bought a car from him! Daniel introduced me to Frank who will be working on my car. It’s good to put a face with the tech who works on your ride.
I had to go back a few days later to have some additional questions answered. Again Daniel made himself available to handle my needs and sent me away with a smile. In a nutshell, I had a great experience with Daniel Rodriquez and Alexandria MINI.

No, actually the WORST. Why?
1. I had to make 3 separate calls and speak with a chain of individuals to confirm the repair recommended by my neighborhood mechanic was indeed covered and available at the dealership.
2. After dropping off my Mini, I planned to wait at the dealership while the repair was made. I was told the repair would take 1 – 2 days. I spent an hour securing a rental car and another hour driving back to the District in traffic. Approximately 45 minutes after returning to work, I received a call that the repair was complete. Any props for the efficient work were overshadowed by the inconsistent communication.
3. Upon receiving said call, I was also told that I needed a new battery for $ 395, new brakes for $ 560, and a new vacuum pump for $ 600 – a total of $ 1,555. I immediately sought estimates from two other garages in the District, one of which quoted me $ 590 total and the other which told me it would beat whatever the other District garage charged.
4. After arriving at Mini of Alexandria to pick up my car, I was notified that there was a screw in my tire. I found it odd that a. I was not notified of this on the phone when discussing the other recommended work and b. that there was not a screw in my tire when I dropped my car off at Mini. When I asked Justin in the service department about this he said, «Well you said you were taking your car to another garage so I didn’t tell you.» The screw was in the side wall of my tire. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone at Mini intentionally put it there after my decision to take my car elsewhere as, again, my tire was fine when I dropped it off 4 hours earlier.
5. After begging a car hop to fill my now flat tire so I could get back to DC, my neighborhood mechanic performed another inspection. He said I will need new breaks in 1 – 2 oil changes and couldn’t find evidence of need for the other repairs recommended by Mini of Alexandria.

Every time I have come here the customer service is A+++. I emailed on Thursday
Saying my car needed new brakes, Frank Rivera replied immediately. I delivered my car Saturday and he walked me through the possible problems with my car. He organized a loaner vehicle and called me at 1030 to tell me what exactly needed to be done, including the cost. I then received a call from Frank at 1:30 saying the car had been done and he told me the cost of the repairs over the phone. Frank’s customer service truly couldn’t get any better!

I purchased a Mini Cooper in 2010 and loved it. I had it serviced at Passport Mini of Alexandria several times and generally didn’t have an issue. Based on that when it was time to get my next Mini I went to Passport of Alexandria thinking that it would be worth while to look for a vehicle there. I ended up looking for a used vehicle since I didn’t like the 3^rd generation Mini’s and wanted a 2^nd Generation version. I meet Vinnie who was great. This review in no way shape for form reflects Vinnie’s service. The problem came after I bought the vehicle and was trying to get my plates. I had my temporary plates on for over 3 weeks and it was getting close to the time they were going to expire. I hadn’t gotten a call from the dealership about my new plates arriving. I called them and they said they were not there. I asked when they were expected to get there and they needed to look up my file and wanted my number to call me back. They never called back. 3 days later I called again, and still no plates. I explained that no one every called me back and they assured me they would get back to me once they found out what was going on. They told me it would be about 15 minutes. 2 hours later I called back, and they were not able to find out what was going on with my plates. The manager had left for the day, so I couldn’t talk to him, but they told me they would give him my number and he would call me in the morning. Needless to say I never got that phone call either. Finally on the day my temp plates were to expire, I called and asked to speak to the manager. They told me he was with a customer and I told him that I would wait on hold. They lady on the phone broke into the conversation with the manager and he told her as soon as he was done with the customers he would call me right back. After another 3 hours I called and got a different manager who again wanted my number to call me back. I told them I wasn’t getting off the phone until I talked to the manager. One I finally got him on the phone he told me he needed to look up the information and promised me he would return my call in 10 min. I told him I’ve heard that story too many times and I was holding on the phone. The person Jabron who deals with the plates was out for the day and at another dealership, he gave me his direct number to call him in the morning. I did this and he said my plates were there and I could come down and pick them up. Great finally! Well I went down to pick them up and they had no idea where the plates were. Finally they realized they were at the Nissan dealership and not the Mini dealership. They were going to send someone over while I waited, and I told them I would go over and pick them up because I was sick of all of the waiting. They told me I couldn’t do that because they were in a secure area and I needed to wait. Is there any way you could waste more of my time that you already did? I understand that nobody is perfect, and mistakes happen. But to have EVERY SINGLE PERSON that I talk to at that dealership (except Vinnie, he actually did call me back and was great) say they were going to call me back and NOT, it inexcusable customer service. Not having parts in stock, fine it happens. Getting a faulty part put on and having to go back and replace it, these things happen. Something as simple as calling someone back when you tell them you are going to call them back is something that is so easy to do, but you failed Passport Mini of Alexandria. The General Manager was on vacation until the 11^th of April, and it looks like the place went to hell in his absence, but I will find out when he gets back if he calls me back and see how high the problem goes.
If you want crappy customer service come see Passport Mini of Alexandria, otherwise I would recommend any other Mini dealership in the DMV.

If you are interested in a mini, any model or any car for that matter, I highly recommend checking out Mini of Alexandria. I leased a new 2016 Countryman S and my experience was phenomenal! I was only semi interested in looking into a mini but the sales and customer service was so outstanding that it turned out to feel right. My sales advisor, Andy Fortney was fantastic. Not pushy at all, super helpful, honest and actually hilarious. I will definitely purchase/​lease my next car from him. He made the experience. In general, this dealership is a class act. The sales manager, Ahmed, was also great and easy to work with (hilarious too). As well, Andy, the business manager is friendly and as well very helpful. This is just a very cool, relaxed dealership that is willing to go the extra mile for their customers, especially sales. Andy F went above and beyond to make sure my experience was seamless and not at all a burden for me. I am extremely thankful and really excited about my new mine! You have to check out Mini of Alexandria, ask for Andy… you wont be disappointed!

Dropped off my car last week for an appointment scheduled for Monday (14 March), just got it back, I believe the best response to the service as a whole is disappointing. My car sat, no car wash or the stated complimentary fluids topped off. When I went to the website to ask what was the standard top off fluids I was asked for my VIN number and the told someone would call me about the services provided… Bought my car in Germany (while there I could bring parts) and when you rate the prices of the parts to fix my car it’s no where near reasonable, I ask could I order my parts and supply them, a quick «no». Ignition coils cost 710 but on say Auto Zone, a set of 4 is 100… Highly disappointed is about all I can say. Fun part, just popped the hood of the car to see if anything was tipped off, lol, «NO»! I guess hooking up the machine for a diagnosis is worth the $ 135.00… That’s all I received after the car sat at Mini for over a week. Insult of the week with Mini was when I was asked to return the loaner vehicle that I never received. The positive side is that the cashier was friendly… smh.

Well, we are a year and a half into this relationship and its still a love affair! I absolutely love this car and dread when I have to take her in for service or maintenance. The loaners are nice but my Roxie is special. :)

Service was friendly, knowledgable, and for the most part, efficient. About a 2 hour wait for an oil change, air filter, and general inspection. The oil change is comparable in price to the Quick Jiffy’s or Valvoline quick change places, but normally doesn’t carry the oil filters.
Clean lobby area, showroom, and parking lots. Not too much to do in the area while you wait– the mall across the street is a joke. If you love Judge Judy– it’s been on the TV marathon style (I happen to love her– win).
Oh a wash and a vacuum on the house! Not bad. Would recommend.

Always been impressed by the friendliness and efficiency of this MINI dealer and auto-​shop, can’t fault them in any way really!

5 stars as everybody here has been great to work with.
I purchased a pre-​owned Mini and my salesman, Yves, was fantastic. He was honest, professional and helpful and not pushy in any way.
There was a minor issue with my car’s interior and I had to take it back for service after ~10 days of ownership. While I wasn’t thrilled to go back to the dealer, things happen and Jeremy and the service department minimized my wait time and kept me very well-​updated.
Despite the above hiccup, I’m erring on the side of giving 5 stars instead of 4.
If you’re looking for a Mini, check these guys out.

Had a problem with my 2002 Mini. Engine seized up. All the oil burned up due to the antifreeze/​coolant empty. They couldn’t tell me how it happened. For someone who checks fluids at EVERY gas fill up, how does the antifreeze/​coolant get empty. No signs of leaks leading up to this problem. All I wanted to know was, How could this have happened??? They kept telling me the results of what happened. I could have told them that. How could this have happened? Guess, the world will never know.

I actually bought a Fiat today from a Mini dealership. And I bought it from the nicest, most honest car dealer I have ever met. Love the car. Love the dealership. When I am ready to upgrade to a Mini, I’ll go back to Mini Alexandria and buy a car from BLAKE. Seriously, I trust this guy to even watch my kids. :)

I feel like there should be a separate listing for the service and repair area. I have been coming to get my Mini serviced here for several years. The old manager, David Rockwell, was always extremely nice and made me feel like they were taking good care of me. If I came back to fix something back to back he would always bring the cost down just a touch. I also did the test where they gave me an estimate, and I would bring my car to a trusted smaller repair shop. The prices were always comparable when he was in charge.
I just went back recently and the oil change took well over two hours, and it was scheduled early in the morning too. That’s almost double from before. Afterwards I had to replace a tire and a headlight plus do another repair. The tire had a nail in it; nothing they could do apparently, but it was a new tire I had bought from them a year before. No price break or anything. Very costly considering it’s a run-​flat. But something I had to do at the moment so I did.
The headlight replacement estimated price was odd to say the least. So I took it to another place. They replaced it in 15 minutes for half the price. That shouldn’t happen, but my guess is they know people won’t take the time to do what I did. The other issue with the car was something they had «fixed» a couple of years prior. Tried to mention that fact but the guy didn’t seem to understand or care. Very frustrating to say the least. Previously the service team knew what I had done in the past and worked with me.
I don’t know what’s going on but the new service manager lost my business. Too much time out of my day, and they always seem to find something else to fix.

I’ve been coming here for service for my Mini for about five years now. I used to hate this place with the fire of a thousand suns, but I have to say my last few experiences with their service center have been much better. Previously, even when I made an appointment, I’d still have to wait several hours before they even got to my car, and it was always a whole day affair, with a 4 – 6 hour wait total for simple maintenance or an oil change. It made me regret buying the maintenance plan, because it would have been much easier to go elsewhere. They’d always try to upsell me things I didn’t need, and would tell me I needed things without telling me the cost.
Something seems to have changed here, because it was totally different the last few times I went there. When I make an appointment, I’m usually in and out of there within two hours, and they’ve been a lot more transparent about what I need and don’t need, and how much things will cost. The service advisors have always been pretty nice, and they have a good waiting area, with free wifi, coffee, and bottled water, and they bring in free sandwiches during lunchtime. You can also walk across the street and wander around the pathetic shell of a mall that is Landmark mall to kill time.

I called this afternoon… Not only was I able to get an appointment but they offered me a late drop off & the ability to utilize a loaner vehicle… I think I’m in
(only setback is traveling here during heavy traffic major discouragement when you are coming from MD)

I have had my MINI for 3 years now and I love love love my car and this dealership. Each time I walk in to get my car serviced, David Rockwell greets me with a smile, ensures my car is well taken care of and in a timely fashion.
Due to the wonderful customer service provided dealership wide and the stability of the car, MINI is my brand of choice. When I wear this one out, I’m totally buying another one.

As soon as we landed in Ronald Reagan Airport, my sister Anny wanted to go get a car. She has been wanting to get a fun and sexy car for her everyday use. So she picked a sexy red countryman model of the mini to match her personality and spunk.
Word from the wisdom: If you reside in VA, MD, or DC this is the best location of mini to go to. They have been truly patient with my sissy and her questions and concerns over the phone etc. James Rost made sure my sister didn’t lose any time because of our time dilemma and being there with her kids who really wanted to open each car up while they waited.
Buying a car is a big decision no matter if it’s your first time or 100^th. And you want to be happy afterwards, my sister had a big smile driving her new car. She loves everything about it. So thank you Mini of Alexandria for making her a proud owner of her mini effortlessly. ~